Emily and Andrew embrace classic style as a backdrop for their celebration full of new traditions.
THE COUPLE
Private pilot Andrew first met his future wife in a bold introduction at a sunset market in California. Emily, a video game designer, was walking the pier when Andrew approached with a casual “Hey, What’s Up?”
The pair walked the entire market talking the night away. At the end of the night, they exchanged numbers (and a cheeky kiss), and the rest was history.
A few years of love later, the couple had rented a small plane to do some exploring on vacation in Midway, Utah. While making their final lap, Andrew gave Emily specific instructions on where to turn. To her surprise upon landing, she had created a heart with their flight path, which invited her beau to pop the question. She said yes!
THE WEDDING
A focal point of that fateful flight was a sprawling white barn property in Midway. When browsing Utah-based venues, Emily and Andrew were delighted to discover that the barn they circled was the stunning River Bottoms Ranch venue. “It was truly fate,” Emily says.
The couple planned a laid-back, family-centered celebration with elegant blues and greens to accent the beautiful setting.
The big day began with a sunny ceremony, flanked by arches of brilliant white florals. Emily walked the aisle in a flowing floral ballgown from Alta Moda Bridal, accented with pearls and a gemstone brooch. Her mother composed the ceremony music, playing an arrangement of “Ave Maria” and “Married Life.” Drawing from traditional vow exchanges and hand-tying, Emily and Andrew added their own spin by making a ceremonial PB&J to seal the deal—a nod to their favorite adventure snack. The pair also exchanged hand-written vows, penned on sticky notes in homage to a love-note tradition in their home.
The ceremony was full of family blessings, including a few moments shared with the couple’s dog Nalu, who also made an appearance in effigy on the groom’s cufflinks.
THE PARTY
Elegant blues and greens were the focal point of the reception within RBR’s barn space. Powder-blue linens stood beneath an impressive chandelier of greenery, peppered with white florals for texture throughout.
Self-proclaimed foodies, the couple were very intentional with their reception menu. Coconut shrimp, bao buns, focaccia and caprese skewer appetizers honored the couple’s love of travel. For the main course, guests chose between teriyaki glazed salmon, a flame seared beef tenderloin with an herb compound butter, or butternut squash ravioli with browned sage butter.
Fun-filled extras also popped up throughout the party, including a gelato cart, pretzel samplers, and traditional Ukrainian wedding bread. In Ukrainian tradition, presenting the bride and groom with bread and salt is a symbolic gesture that signifies hospitality, abundance, and the welcoming of the newlyweds into their new life together. During this ceremony, Emily’s parents offered bread and salt to us while her mother, Michelle, spoke the following words in Ukrainian: “With bread and salt, we place great hope in your future. May the Lord bless you, grant you health, happiness, and a long life, and may your love be as strong as this bread and salt.”
Two custom-crafted cocktails set the mood in high spirits, showcased on a menu hand-painted by the groom. Dancing commenced, with a first dance to Allen Shore, a bridal party choreography extravaganza and various other performances from family.
At the end of the evening, per Italian tradition, Andrew’s grandmother put together a sweet bag of 5 colored chocolate covered almonds to signify five wishes for a future together- health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.
After the celebrations and send off parties, Emily and Andrew embarked on a month-long honeymoon on Kauai.
