Alexandria and Ryan’s destination wedding at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah was such a beautiful combination of rustic elegance. With a setting that would make any future bride dream of saying their own “I Do’s” there, we are loving the fun pops of color and mountain-inspired decor. With gorgeous photos by Angela Howard Photography, read more about the wedding day details below from the bride, below:
On how they met:
We met in college at Texas A&M University in our business school student organization. He was the president and I was a pledge. It was forbidden love, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Ryan proposed marriage on the ski slopes of Deer Valley Ski Resort. We were in the trees and Ryan faked a sore knee so he could stop and “rest.” He had been carrying the ring around in his Camelbak all day while we were skiing.
On her wedding dress:
My dress was purchased in Kansas, where I am from originally. I had always thought I would go with a more form-fitting, “sheath” style, but once I tried on the ball gown I was sold. I would tell any bride to try on several different silhouettes. Even if you think you know, you may change your mind!
On whether to have a “first look”:
We did not do a first look. First of all, because our wedding ceremony started at 11 a.m. and we did not have time. Second of all, I am a traditionalist. Even if we had all the time in the world before the ceremony, I would never have done the first look. I think it would have taken away that genuine shock on Ryan’s face when the church doors opened. However, I did do a first look with my dad. It was so sweet. It was exciting for him to see me and me to see him before we walked down the aisle together.
On the wedding theme:
The theme was to stay true to Park City and being in the Wasatch Mountains. We traveled all the way to to Park City just to have our wedding there and we wanted to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and the mountain-feel as much as possible. We worked very closely with the floral team to make our vision come to life. The words we kept using were wildflowers, mountains, rustic and unique. I specifically didn’t not want the decor to be white and “bridal.” That sounds silly, because after all, it is a wedding! For the color palette, I began with the bridesmaids’ dresses. I thought of coral/bright pink because I knew the Wasatch Mountains would be beautifully green in July and those colors compliment each other. From there, we put touches of coral in the bouquets, centerpieces, tea-light ribbons and programs, but were careful to not over-do it. We were so fortunate that St. Mary’s and Stein Eriksen are both such beautiful venues, because we wanted to play up their natural decor and just add our personal touches. It was ideal. The ceremony decor had the Aspen poles (which I knew I wanted from the beginning. I think Aspen trees when I think Park City!) with the beautiful ivory drapery and the natural green and wood vines climbing up the pews.
Moments you loved, hated, cried, laughed or giggled at:
I loved getting ready with my mom, sisters and all my best friends. I loved the dance party! After the first song when everyone was dancing jumping up and down like crazy I yelled in Ryan’s ear (over the music) “This is my dream!” I got teary-eyed when my dad gave his toast. I laughed when we were in the party bus dancing with the bridal party! I didn’t hate anything!
On what she would have done differently, if anything:
I would have spent more time with the bridal party during the wedding weekend. Our friends are so generous, but the weekend flew by and I felt that I hardly got to spend quality time with them.
On her advice to future brides:
Keep the focus on you and your future spouse. Remember that your marriage and your upcoming life together is the most important thing. If you focus on that instead of stressing about trivial details, you will be the happiest bride!
Photographer: Angela Howard Photography//Tuxedo and Mens Attire: BLACK by Vera Wang//Shoes: Christian Louboutin//Band: Green Light Booking//Cinema and Video: Ryan Hinman Films//Floral Designer: Silver Cricket Floral Atelier//Ceremony Location: St. Mary of the Assumption//Reception Venue: Stein Eriksen Lodge//
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