Some couples may scurry at the thought of hosting a toasty, midsummer fling in Salt Lake City, but others revel in it—take the Fuse Weddings & Events team, for example. Teaming with photographer Elisha Braithwaite, Fuse planners Mara Marian and Kandace Reader take inspiration from the hot style and luxury of Palm Springs.
Book a Hot Spot
Say ‘I do’ to poolside glamour. Here, Grand America Hotel’s pool courtyard beams with grandiose luxury. A contemporary backyard or country club can offer the same manicured elegance. Ready-made décor including chaise lounges and patio umbrellas create at-ease spots for sipping iced cocktails.
Tap Into Old Hollywood
Palm Springs’ claim to fame began in the 1960s as a getaway for Hollywood A-listers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Marilyn Monroe. This influenced the resort town’s now-famous botanical greens and patio glamour (think Slim Aarons’ “Poolside Gossip”). Here Kartell-style ghost chairs, vintage jewelry and gold-star invitations tap into the same retro luxury.
Turn Over a New Leaf
Palm paradise in Utah? Why not? The banana leaf pattern became a Hollywood icon in the 1940s when it wallpapered the interior of The Beverly Hills Hotel. Naturally, its influence in interior design, fashion and accessories traveled with Hollywood celebs to Palm Springs. How to use this green-leafed pattern in weddings? “If you incorporate any really literal element—in our case the table linen—keep everything else cohesive, but less literal,” says Mara Marian of Fuse. “For instance, I wouldn’t want to have the bride holding a palm-leaf bouquet or add a palm-leaf menu to the table design.”
Make it Modern
Throwbacks are okay for Thursdays, but not for wedding fashion. Give retro an updated and upscale look with a modern head-to-toe look. A two-piece halter-top gown, floral crown, and sensuous hair and makeup bring a city-chic vibe.
Keep It Balanced
“I love that Amanda with Decoration Inc. opted to mix the palm and tropical blooms with more traditional blooms for a softer, less-themed feel,” says Marian, referencing vibrant orchids and punchy pink garden roses. Flamingo pink linen napkins visually connect with the table’s exotic flower lineup of gloriosa lilies, roses, orchids and dahlias.
See more inside the
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Venue: Grand America Hotel, SLC
Planning and design: FUSE Weddings & Events, SLC
Photographer: Elisha Braithwaite, SLC
Hair and makeup: Lesley Lind, SLC
Florals and chair rentals: Decoration Inc., SLC
Table rentals: Diamond Rental, Murray
Paper goods: Ann Elizabeth, SLC
Gown: Harlow Brides, SLC
Linens: Creative Coverings
Model: Sierra Dawn Thomas, Black Crown Models Agency, Midvale
