Warner Trabert and Kate Van Wagoner
June 3, 2023
THE COUPLE
Entrepreneurs Kate and Warner first met in high school, where Warner was friends with Kate’s older brother. After a few years of adult life away, the pair reconnected, dating for two years before getting engaged in late 2022. To pop the question, Warner waited until a birthday trip for Kate to New York City, and proposed in Central Park.
THE WEDDING
The couple tied the knot in the White Memorial Chapel on 300 N in Salt Lake City. A string quartet played Kate down the aisle, adorned in a structured strapless gown from Alta Moda Bridal and a light tulle veil. After the vows, the bride also donned a white top hat reminiscent of “The Parent Trap,” a gift from a friend, and had a movie moment with her new stepdaughter.
The bridal party included Kate’s younger sister as the maid of honor, and Warner’s three children, sharply dressed in suits and a fluttering white dress. “I loved having Warner’s kids walk down the aisle, and be a part of our ceremony,” shares Kate. The ceremony was performed by Kirk Schneider, a dear family friend, in front hundreds of the couple’s favorite people.
For the afterparty and reception, the couple and their guests moved to the Salt Lake Country Club, a venue full of familial wedding tradition. Kate’s parents and all her siblings had their wedding celebrations at the venue, as did Warner’s grandparents: Tennis Star Tony Trabert and his bride Miss Utah, Shauna (Wood) Trabert.
Keeping with tradition, Kate and Warner opted for a classic black-tie reception. “Our goal was to create an upscale party where guests could indulge in a night dedicated to celebrating friendships love and our marriage,” says Kate. “My preference was for only white flowers, aiming for a more refined, sophisticated and elegant look.”
And elegance they did achieve, from every simply stunning arrangement to the daintily frosted wedding cake, featuring small blossoms and birds in homage to the bride’s childhood nickname, “Kate Bird.” For added nostalgia, the couple included a display of their parents’ and grandparents’ wedding photos, a favorite feature of all the guests.
THE PARTY
On the rest of the menu, the Country Club provided a gourmet buffet including a raw bar, fresh seasonal produce, beef tenderloin, chicken piccata and artisanal breads. Alongside the cake, Tulie olive oil cake and an ice cream sundae bar awaited guests after their meal.
Firing up the dance floor, Joe Muscolino’s 10-member band brought a host of tunes to the evening, including a daddy-daughter dance to “What a Wonderful World,” and a first dance to “Still the One,” a Shania Twain cover. After the wedding, (and a swanky Bentley getaway) the couple enjoyed a Costa Rica Honeymoon.
VENDORS
Venue and Catering – Salt Lake Country Club, https://www.saltlakecountryclub.com
Photographer – Mikki Platt, https://mikkiplatt.com
Florist – May Flowers, https://mayflowersutah.com
Bride’s Attire – Alta Moda, https://www.altamodabridal.com
Groom’s Attire – True Gentleman, https://truegentlemansupply.com
Rentals – Diamond Event and Tent, https://diamondeventandtent.com
Hair & Makeup – Danielle Estrada (makeup) and Asheley Steed (hair)
Videographer – Ryan Winterton
Cake – Ally Carter and Tulie Bakery, https://tuliebakery.com
DJ/Band – Joe Muscolino Band, https://muscolinomusic.com
Transportation – Bentley
