Zoe and Bradley Get Hitched
The first day back to school is always the most exciting. Few people could agree more than Zoe Howe and Bradley Gray, who met on their first day of classes at the University of Texas School of Law. After dating for three years, the couple tied the knot on August 18th, 2012, in the enchanting mountain ranges of Park City, Utah, not far from Zoe's hometown of Salt Lake City.
The Invitation
The natural tones of the invitation suite were a harbinger of the big day's color palette.
DIY Programs
Taking design cues from old episodes of Martha Stewart shows, Zoe and her mother created the programs using cardstock, a leaf stamp, and a few yards of ribbon.
Untamed Florals
Sarah Winward crafted a bouquet that would embody the idyllic, pastoral landscape of the English countryside that Zoe visited earlier in the year. Eucalyptus branches were paired with pink and peach garden roses and dahlias for a romantic, loose look.
Girlfriends and Gondolas
To get to the mid-mountain lodge at the Canyons Resort, guests took a gondola ride with sweeping views of the entire Park City valley. Zoe and her bridesmaids rode in a separate gondola and Zoe recalls, "It was a great way to take a deep breath before the ceremony began, and to thank my bridesmaids for being there with me."
An Unforgettable Ceremony
A great concept for a potential ceremony site is finding a location that you can revisit time and time again. Zoe and Bradley kept this in mind when scouting their perfect spot, and finally decided on a bridge nestled in the Park City mountains. Soaring pine trees created a natural enclosure for Zoe and Bradley's idyllic nuptials.
Bridal Fashions
Zoe looked chic in Amy Kuschel's silk taffeta "Fillmore" gown and Bradley looked equally polished in a black Hugo Boss suit.
Countryside Inspiration
At the suggestion of her florist, Zoe used vintage teapots in lieu of traditional vases. It looked like something out of a Jane Austen novel.
Custom Backdrop
Sarah Winward added an ethereal touch with this ceremony backdrop of ribbons in shades of cream and pastel greens which fluttered slightly in the breeze.
A Last-Minute Accessory
Following her last-minute intuition, Zoe says, "I was adamant that I didn't want a veil, but changed my mind a week before the wedding. I'm so glad I did!"
Something New, Something Borrowed
Zoe, sticking loosely to the old adage, kept a handkerchief from her grandmother close. Her engagement ring was from Blue Nile, and her drop earrings were purchased at Nordstrom.
Shades of Gray
Zoe let her bridesmaids take the reins on their attire, only requiring that the dress be a shade of gray and knee-length. The groomsmen were clad in gray vests from Men's Warehouse.
The Guestbook
Leslie, the maid of honor, made the guest book. "We lived in London together in college and shared a love for the city, so she made our guest book out of a map of the subway system," says Zoe. "Several of my friends who lived with us in London were at the wedding, and they all signed their names by the tube stops they lived next to while they were there."
Escort Cards
In true DIY style, Zoe's mother made the escort cards calligraphing paper tags, embellished with ribbon and stamping them to match the ceremony programs. Guests were assigned to tables organized by a specific year and adorned with pictures of the couple from the corresponding date.
Local Flavors
Dinner was served buffet-style, with a mouthwatering locavore entrée: almond-crusted Utah trout.
A Slice of Heaven
This four-tiered cheesecake was swathed in buttercream frosting and feathered with coconut flakes. It was garnished with ranunculus, larkspur, boronia, and mini variegated leaves to give it an English garden look.
The First Dance
Zoe and Bradley danced together as newlyweds to "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz.
Getaway Gondola
"What a great way to end the wedding!" Zoe says. "We had our own gondola car decorated with pillows, lanterns, and a 'Just Married' banner. It was pitch black going down, until we came over a rise and saw all the lights of Park City laid out in front of us. It was magical."
Sources
Photography: Erin Kate Photography
Location and Catering: Red Pine Lodge at the Canyons Resort
Day-Of Wedding Coordination: Harvest Moon Events
Flowers: Sarah Winward of Honey of a Thousand Flowers
Officiant: Catherine Putnam of Wasatch Presbyterian Church
Stationery: Tabula Rasa
Cake: Carrie's Cakes
Music: DJ Jake Russell
Hair: Enizio Hair Studio
Makeup: Heidi Johnson (801-898-3553)