written by Val Rasmussen
photos by Pepper Nix and Logan Walker
There’s a new group of wedding professionals polishing off their resumes. Engaged couples, say hello to WIPA-Utah.
Why do you need to know about WIPA-Utah? Well, dear brides and grooms, they are the year-and-half old Utah chapter of the Wedding Industry Professionals of America, a national organization that began in 2008. Noting the lack of formal certification or degree to qualify vendors to run a wedding, WIPA founders saw a need to protect the consumer—yeah, that’s you—and elevate the industry.
All members are vetted, requiring at least three years of wedding industry experience and proof of liability insurance. Once they become WIPA members, the individual must maintain a membership in good standing by paying their dues and offering the highest standards of service.
Need proof of these high standards? Look no further than WIPA-Utah’s first annual Gala at Kimball Terrace on Park City’s Main Street. This Gala showcased hearty cuisine, action-packed entertainment and mountain-elegant decor, all by the best in the biz.
So, if you’re looking to add swanky-mountain-party wow-factor to your wedding festivities, here’s your checklist.
A swanky wedding venue: Kimball Terrace’s floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Park City’s Main Street from its second-story locale.
Places to hang: Lounge seating by Diamond Event & Tent offers rooftop enjoyment of Park City.
A spectacular cocktail bar: Stein Eriksen Lodge’s Tracy Friedman Selman enjoys a custom ice luge.
A killer tablescape and fresh floral canopy: The Artisan Bloom team displays luxury linens, ghost chairs, floating candles, tapered candles and hundreds of bud vases filled with peonies, astilbe and garden roses.
Themed table numbers and menus: Ann Elizabeth’s custom design—and famed printing press—provides mountain-elegant displays.
Flavorful of-the-season cuisine: Culinary Crafts delights every taste bud with Truffle vichyssoise, butter dipped radish; Snuck Farm rainbow chard, roasted delicata squash, apple, toasted hazelnut, burrata, and Slide Ridge honey citrus vinaigrette; sear-roasted pork tenderloin, pumpkin risotto, crispy Brussel sprouts with fried shallots, pomegranate gastrique; and salted caramel choux au craquelin.
Ample entertainment: Gold Standard Music plays jazzy tunes and Clementine Photo Booths lures guests into their slow-motion photo booth.
Don’t forget the after-party: Hairstylist Kali Chris and LaFete’s Allison Baddley enjoy some after-party dancing at Downstairs Park City.
Specify a gala-worthy dress code: The “black-tie invited” memo produced formal attire from all guests.
WIPA Utah Gala Partners
Host: @wipautah @wipa_org
Speaker: @kathyromero
Venue: @kimballterrace
Caterer: @culinarycrafts
Florist and Design: @artisanbloom
Rentals: @diamondeventandtent
Linens: @bbjlinen
Videographer: @jaredwortleyfilms
Photographer: @loganwalkerphoto @peppernix
MC: @Robferre
DJ: @lifeofthepartyDJ
Cocktail hour music: @goldstandardmusic
Photobooth: @ClementinePhotoBooths
Invitations/ Menus/ Signage: @annelizabethprintstudio
Lighting: @moonlightutah
Bartender service: @topshelfutah
After party location: @downstairsparkcity
Ice sculpture: Chadtheiceguy
Host lodging: @stregisdv
Four Seasons Concierge Transportation: @fsparkcity
