With recreation options aplenty, friends in vacation mode and outdoor party spaces readily available, summer is the hottest time to get married. But, desert heat comes with a downside. There are a few ways to beat the heat, and photographer Jacque Lynn and Tinge Floral’s Ashley Beyer join forces to show us how.
PICK A DATE
Thrive on desert heat? Fortunately for you, Utah has plenty of it. If you desire a July or August wedding, Northern Utah offers desert-inspired venues like Red Butte Garden and the sand-saturated shorelines at Conestoga Ranch in Bear Lake. Here, photographer Jacque Lynn and her team hit up Little Sahara Sand Dunes for a sunset bridal session. If a June or September wedding is more your thing, head to Southern Utah where The Ledges in Saint George, Desert Pearl in Springdale or Sorrel River Ranch in Moab offer cool hot spots.
PICK DROUGHT-TOLERANT FLOWERS
Few blooms survive out of water in 90-degree dry weather. Maybe you pinned hundreds of wedding blooms, but experienced florists like Tinge Floral’s Ashley Beyer urge brides to consider blooms that won’t droop in these desert temps. Pick blooms like strawflower, cottage yarrow, sumac, blushing bride protea, brown lisianthus and foraged Utah grasses. Distant Drum and Honey Dijon roses add softness to the desert blooms.
GET IN TOUCH
When it comes to summertime wedding fashion, cool textiles—plus a steady stream of sunlight—are a must. Create a tactile experience by choosing sheaths made with embroidered lace, breathable fabrics (hello, chiffon and silk) and flowy silhouettes for chic comfort. Orem’s Pritchett Bridal suggests fit-and-flare shapes with cap sleeves, lace netting or deep V-necks enhanced with delicate floral appliques.
THINK WITH YOUR HEAD
Steven Robertson—owner of 1 Salon (Millcreek’s newest beauty go-to) and creator of the funniest hair Instagram feed @stevenrobertsonhair—likes to think out of the proverbial wedding box when it comes to hair. His desert-hair recipe? Beach waves, warm highlights and desert breeze tolerance. A lacy head cap adds a little Southwest flair.
PACK LIGHT
Go easy on accessories and keep beauty pure. Bare feet (or simple sandals, if you must) and fine-layered jewelry from Katie Waltman don’t distract. Meanwhile, Kristen Packard’s makeup palette keeps desert brides clean and slightly sun-kissed. And because we’re in nature, sunscreen and water should also be on the checklist.
Vendors
Photography: Jacque Lynn Photography, SLC
Hair: Steven Robertson, SLC
Makeup: Kristen Packard, SLC
Floral: Tinge, SLC
Gowns: Pritchett Bridal, Orem; BHLDN, bhldn.com
Jewelry: Katie Waltman, Millcreek
Model: Kennedy Shaver, McCarty
