Amy & Michael
Highland Gardens, May 24th
Photography by Pepper Nix
HOW THEY MET
Amy and Michael are Utah natives—she grew up living in various cities throughout the state and he hails from Alpine. But rather than meeting by in-person happenstance, their first encounter came with a little help from the internet. “We met where everyone else meets—on Bumble,” Michael says with a laugh. But after they’d had a few dates, Amy stopped returning Michael’s texts. He was persistent, however, and used Amy’s former job in fitness consulting as an excuse to keep the conversation going.
THE PROPOSAL
After wooing Amy for nine months, Michael decided it was time to take their coupling to the next level. With the ruse of spending a family day at Sundance Mountain Resort (both have children from previous relationships), Michael waited until they were out on the mountain to pop the big question. Once she said yes, their kids came running down carrying congratulatory bouquets for Amy.
THE WEDDING
Apropos to Michael’s proposal, Amy and Michael wanted to host a wedding and reception at a venue with a strong focus on flowers. “We considered other venues like La Caille,” Amy says, “but ultimately landed on Highland Gardens for how well it fit into our design.” With Highland Gardens’ lush greenhouse as a backdrop, Amy and Michael went for a theme best described as a traditional riff on boho, featuring a dreamy color palette of mauve, ivory and sage green with hints of dusty blue. Amy wore a stunning, light cappuccino-hued mermaid-style gown with an illusion bodice, plunge neckline, 3D floral appliques and a horse-hair-trim hem. Her shoes were hand-covered with Swarovski crystals. Michael’s tuxedo was custom-made and embroidered on the inside pocket with his and Amy’s wedding date. Jory Woodis officiated their simple ceremony in front of 150 guests. The reception dinner was served at long tables overflowing with flowers, candles and romantic mauve table runners. The menu included a sweet summer mixed green salad, steak and chicken combo entrée, chicken fingers for the children, mocktails and, along with a coconut-flavored wedding cake, a donut and flambé dessert station.
THE DANCE PARTY
Michael is both a Jazz musician and owner of multiple Utah event companies, so live and energetic music and dancing as part of the reception was a must. Instead of just one band, however, the couple contracted four—String Love, The Gabe Redondo Trio, The Groove Merchants and The Roadside Ramblers—to play throughout the reception. Amy changed into a fabulous fit-and-flare cocktail dress for the couple’s first dance to “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke. The bands kept the vibes high until the newlyweds made their exit under an arch of sparklers kept aloft by their guests.
THE HONEYMOON
After their wedding, Amy and Michael departed for the Ladera Resort in St. Lucia, known for its open-to-nature lodging concept. There they spent a week hiking, swimming, taking mud baths and eating at celebrated restaurants.
THE PLAYERS
Wedding Planning & Design: Michelle Leo Events
Photography: Pepper Nix
Venue: Highland Gardens
Invitations & Signage: Twelve30 Creative
Floral: Artisan Bloom
Bridal Gown and Headpiece: ‘Donata’ dress, Innocentia by Julie Vino, Versailles Atelier Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: custom-designed by Mickelle Tuke, @mickelletuke
Bride’s Dancing Dress: David’s Bridal
Hair: Kali Chris Hair & Makeup
Makeup: Kristen Packard Artistry
Groom’s Tuxedo: Leone’s Custom Made
Catering: Magleby’s
Cake: Cake. by Alessandra
Entertainment: Utah Live Bands
Rentals: Diamond Event & Tent
Videography: Ryan Hinman
Honeymoon Resort: Ladera Suites at Paradise Ridge
See more delightfully bright spring weddings here.
