All posts by Wendy Pettit

Beautiful Celebrations, Real events, Receptions

Utah Wedding Venues Give Bride’s Choices

November 30, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Lexi and Connor had had their gorgeous wedding reception at one of Western Garden’s Utah wedding venues, Ivy House Weddings. Their base linens were Ivory topped with a navy topper linen. Atop this, the bride chose the reception center’s standard candle with their vibrant boxwood green wreath. This set a happy yet cozy mood reflecting the couple’s zest for life. Their guests were invited to put on fun attire and take memorable photos in the groom’s changing room where a photo booth was set up. The groomsmen were in charge of this activity and they had a blast doing it.

Ivy House is one of the reception centers Salt Lake City offers that has Cold Stone Creamery (Draper store) as one of their preferred caterers. Lexi chose to use them rather than self-cater, which is allowed by Ivy House. Along with the high quality ice-cream, the family provided several sheet cakes to serve the guests. A family friend created the masterpiece wedding cake which was displayed in the cake nook upon the Ivy House cake pedestal which is available if the bride is bringing her own cake rather than use one of our recommended cake designers.

Lexi and Connor hired Chelsey Rae Photography as their photographer who took beautiful photos of the couple outside before dark and of their special first dance as husband and wife in front of the romantic fireplace. Their evening culminated with the traditional Ivy House sparkler send off and with such a big crowd of family and friends, extra sparklers were brought in. The wedding venues Salt Lake City brings to our Utah brides are many, but few are as classic and easy to work with as Ivy House. As you view the many happy faces of the guests, you can see that Salt Lake City wedding venues like Ivy House are happy places to be.

Beautiful Celebrations, Real events

Special Guests at Wedding Venues in Utah

October 9, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

It’s not every day that wedding venues in Utah can enjoy the appearance of a very special guest who comes to honor a beautiful bride and groom. We have photos to prove the visit of Elvis to Lara and Korey on May 10, 2014. He attended their romantic Utah wedding reception celebration at Ivy House Weddings and played a significant role in their farewell from the event.

This couple chose to have a simple ceremony with about 25 guests followed by a small reception for the closest of family and friends. Lara chose the stylish black and white Damask linen table toppers and runners over a hot pink base linen. These were included in her venue rental price. These colors set off the green boxwood wreath topped with hot pink rose petals with the classical tall silver candlestick centerpiece. With real candlelight and the fireplace, the ambiance was romantic and intimate. She used the Ivy House table ware package and self-catered with sandwiches and salads made by dear family and friends. Utah weddings can be affordable when the wedding venue allows the bride to make choices like these for her celebration.

Lara and Korey’s beautiful three-tiered cake was created by Granite bakery. The middle tier was lined with fully opened roses. The base tier was lined with seemingly perfect rose petals each delicately cascading over the one below it. Again the cake was in shades of pinks and whites set upon the black and white table linens.

Skyline Flowers created the bride’s bouquets, the boutonnieres, corsages, and simple rose petals for the tables. With close friends taking all the photos to document this momentous occasion, the wedding party of about 150 enjoyed simple socializing and the traditional bouquet and garter toss along with the bride and groom cutting the cake.

After a dazzling sparkler send-off, Elvis was their chauffeur driving the newlyweds away in his vintage pink cruiser! What an enjoyable and one of the most memorable departures from Utah reception centers!

Planning your event, Real events

Reception Centers in Utah and Clever Love Story Display – 2.21.2014

July 19, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Wedding reception centers in Utah typically don’t have wedding celebrations quite like the one that Ivy House experienced on February 21, 2014. This wedding reception was completely and solely about honoring the bride and the groom. Many very clever and unique ideas were shared with their guests that must be mentioned here.

First of all, above their beautiful cake (created by a dear friend), the couple had strung ribbons with photos and short synopsis explaining each step of their romantic beginning and the fun along the way. Everyone that waited in line to wish them well, was entertained by not only admiring their three-tiered simple elegant cake, but also could see the fun and love Erika and Jonathan already share.

Learning about the bride and groom at reception centers in utah — Things You May Not Know About Him or Her

Another unique idea that I have not seen before were two 8×10 frames containing “Things You May Not Know About Him” and “Things You May Not Know About Her”. They were fascinating to read, and I don’t even know these two lovebirds! Again, it was all about honoring the highlighting this beautiful new union!

Erika’s favorite book is “Gone With the Wind”. On display was a copy of the classic opened up with a photo of Jona and Erika on a romantic candlelit park bench. It could be where he proposed to her. With their names written in the book, it was another beautiful statement highlighting this couple at one of our Utah wedding venues.

The table centerpieces consisted of red roses with blue delphiniums and white baby’s breath in simple vases. These were arranged by the groom’s father. These sat atop a stack of books wrapped in book covers of bright red, white, and blue. A few red rose petals were scattered across the blue tablecloths and among the several votive canoes. It was simple and again reflected the fun spirit of this beautiful couple.

Beautiful Celebrations, Ceremonies, Real events, Receptions

Real Wedding at Utah Wedding Venues – April 4, 2014

July 16, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

On April 4, 2014, Ashley and Andy were the honored wedding couple at Ivy House Wedding reception center, one of Western Gardens Utah wedding venues. What an absolute gorgeous couple and beautiful ceremony and celebration.

Andy and Ashley chose to have their ceremony in a traditional chapel style set up. With 125 guest witnesses, their officiator Brian Arnett gave some beautiful advice to the couple soon followed by beautiful vows and pronouncement of man and wife.

While the newlyweds were congratulated and then enjoyed their photography session with Cody Moffat Photography, Ivy House staff made the quick change from ceremony to reception table configuration. Ashley chose a maize yellow base linen for her tables topped with silver pin tuck toppers. The Ivy House tall silver candlestick centerpiece added that final touch of class and style. Wedding venues in Utah that offer stylish and chic centerpieces as part of their package, are something to consider.

The family chose to self-cater with a beautiful collection of tasty desserts. About 400 guests enjoyed the dessert buffet of everything from chocolate mousse, lemon tarts, eclairs, dipped strawberries., and the list could go on. Now most Utah Weddings include the newest fad of a candy bar for the youngsters. Ashley and Andy were no exception. Lemon drops, candy necklaces, gummy bears, and lollipops made the favorite list!

As part of the decorations that evening, but actually as a wedding gift to the new couple, the groom’s father presented one of his original oil paintings to the couple for the beginning of their new life together. It was on display for all to admire as a symbol of his love for his son and new daughter.

Ashley’s cake was created by Jill Taylor with Sprinkle Belle Cakes. It was a three-tier masterpiece. The florist was Skyline floral and their photographer was Cody Moffat. They had hired a D.J. named Tommy with “Complete Music”. Wedding reception centers with tall vaulted ceilings like Ivy House create big sound that resonates beautifully and makes and atmosphere that is a lot of fun for everyone, whether you are dancing or just watching!

Beautiful Celebrations, Planning your event, Real events, Receptions

Wedding Venues in Utah with Real Events – December 12, 2013

July 12, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Wedding venues in Utah host fun couples like this beautiful couple at Ivy House wedding reception center at Western Gardens Downtown. The fun personalities of this couple Genevieve and Robert were on display with their cake topper – a bride and groom “packing heat”! They obviously are jovial but at the same time have a classical taste. The bride chose black base linens with white damask toppers. A simple calla lily with a touch of green accented as centerpieces.

wedding-venues-salt-lake-city-ivy-house-12-30-2013 4 — One of our recommended cake designers – Carrie’s Cakes

We allow our families to self-cater if they choose, but Genevieve chose to utilize our highly recommended vendors for catering and cake design. Utah Celebrations catered with fresh fruit, appetizers and hot drinks for the cold wintery yet romantic day! One of our favorite cake designers created her wedding cake. Carrie’s Cakes does beautiful and delicious work. They are truly works of art! Bacchus was their certified bartender for light alcohol service. Flowers were provided by Flowerama. Beautiful Utah wedding locations like Atrium Weddings, are reasonably priced wedding venues that allow your wedding celebration reflect your personality!

Utah Celebrations at wedding reception utah catering 12-30-2013 6 — Utah Celebrations is one of our preferred caterers!

So many guests said how much they liked the venue. Thank you so much! ~ Peggy, Mother of the Bride.

Beautiful Celebrations, Real events, Receptions

Real Events at Wedding Reception Venues in Utah – February 15, 2014

July 10, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

The mother of this bride deserves to be awarded this year’s most dedicated mother of the bride award at all wedding reception venues in utah. Not only did support her daughter in all the stress and details of planning her daughter’s wedding, but she also dealt with the stress and time to make the wedding cake. That in and of itself is enough to make any mother have her nerves completely frazzled and ready for a day at the spa.

The cake is a solid four tiers of exquisite unique decoration styles on each level. It appears to have a fifth tier made up of gorgeous coral & white roses and blue chrysanthemums. She created a beautiful masterpiece that was the envy of any of any Utah wedding venues.

The couple enjoyed a beautiful sit down dinner for about 100 guests of family and friends that was hosted by Utah Celebrations. Their photographer was the wonderful local professional Margaret Evans.

Comments from Kate, the Maid of Honor, included “Everything was wonderful and everyone was very helpful. The facilities are absolutely beautiful too.” We invite you to check out wedding places in Utah like Ivy House Weddings for a stress free beautiful wedding celebration!

wedding reception mantel decorations

Beautiful Celebrations, Real events, Receptions

Real Utah Weddings – May 9, 2014

July 4, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Some Utah weddings are simple yet just as special and beautiful as those Utah reception centers that are extravagant. That is one of the beautiful aspects about Ivy House. A bride can dress is way up, or simply enjoy it as it is because it already has a stunning simple beauty and charm.

This event in May was a beautiful gathering with little fanfare but with a ton of love and happiness for this newly united couple. Victoria and Christian celebrated their marriage with about 350 family and friends at Ivy House. Our preferred caterers Utah Celebrations catered the event with delicious appetizers, sandwiches, and tarts. Cheers’n Swizzles was the alcohol provider and everyone sat back, relaxed and chitchatted the evening away. Victoria chose a beautiful Royal blue base linen with an elegant black topper. Along with our Chic mirror centerpiece with base candle, everyone was comfortable and enjoyed themselves. Their photographer was Manuel Rascon who kindly shared photos with us and you can see that he does beautiful work. This is his second time shooting at Western Garden’s wedding reception venues in Utah. He has been at our sister wedding venue Atrium Weddings in Sandy.

Beautiful Celebrations, Real events, Receptions

Real Events at Wedding Venues in Utah 02-22-2014

July 1, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Today I’d like to share about this wedding celebration that took place in the cold of winter, but you’d never guess it. Liz and Matt added their touch of style and personality to the classic lines of Ivy House, one of our wedding venues in Utah; thus creating a Utah wedding reception with simple elegance that reflected the love they share together.

Liz chose beautiful pastel peaches and pinks and accented with golds, silvers, and ivory including a touch of lace. It was elegant, warm, and inviting. Not only was this Utah wedding reception a beautiful site, but even the sounds were elegant. Liz and Matt invited a friend to come play the harp as background music before the dancing began with their iPod music. The string instrument definitely added some class to the event that matched the classic charm of the style of this wedding venue.

The tables were covered with ivory base linens and topped with gold pin tucked toppers. Atop this was the centerpiece option of our tall Silver candlestick centerpiece to which Liz accents with color coordinated ribbons, a touch of mirrors, votive candles, and photos of her and Matt within beautiful silver frames. Again, it was absolute simple elegance as you will see in the photos.

Table Centerpiece at wedding reception places in Utah

We are one of the Utah reception centers that allow for self-catering and that is what Liz and Matt opted to do. They brought in a variety of scrumptious desserts and platters of fresh fruit. Loving neighbors kept the serving tables full for the guests.

Simple elegance can include a lot of fun too. They created their own photo booth with streamers in their wedding colors hanging from a garden harbor as the background and a few fun props. These photos were glued into the guest book and signed by all their fun family and friends.

Liz hired Natalie Gray of The Cake Market to create her exquisite cake. It was a unique two tiered ruffly and pearled masterpiece with a beautiful rose bouquet on top. The flowers were done by First Blossom, and her videographer was Dan Kettle with Elements in Motion.

Utah wedding venues are fortunate to have photographers like Lori Romney Photography and we were pleased to have her photograph Liz and Matt at Ivy House. As you can tell, her work is beautiful and we hope she returns with another bride and groom to our reception
centers in Salt Lake City.

Liz’s mother wrote: “Wonderful venue! It was beautiful. All the staff was so helpful. So glad we had it here!”

About Our Venue, Beautiful Celebrations, Planning your event, Receptions

Utah Wedding Venues Near Salt Lake LDS Temple

June 28, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

If you are one of those beautiful couples who are coming to the Salt Lake LDS Temple to be married according to your faith and beliefs, you may be wondering what Utah wedding venues are close to the Salt Lake LDS Temple and won’t break the budget. Discover one of the newest most chic wedding venues Salt Lake City now offers to Mormon newlyweds! Discover Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown. We are located 1.8 miles or 7 minutes away from the Salt Lake Temple, making less than a handful of turns depending on where you exit temple parking.

Road map Salt Lake Temple to Ivy House — A short 1.8 miles from the Salt Lake Temple to your relaxing beautiful wedding venue Ivy House Weddings – a simple 7 minute drive. Easy access to I-15 freeway too.

Discover inexpensive elegance at our venue. Not all Salt Lake wedding reception venues allow self-catering, but we do. This is usually a big hit with the large but creative & helpful Mormon families that join in with the celebrations. Parking is plentiful and our space is intimate for “family”. We even think of the little people involved providing a children’s room that has a dvd player and large TV on the wall to aid those parents with their tiny tots.

wedding reception centers with children's room — Little people enjoy their own little room with chairs their size and TV/dvd. Parents like it too!

Our old world charm and cozy warm fireplace make it almost a home away from home. Beautiful original artwork by local Utah artists adorn the walls and our warm and friendly wedding planner and event hosts will help as though they were welcomed relatives. Families have gathered around the baby grand piano for sing-a-longs, invited friends to play string instruments, or even hired a jazz band. But many brides and grooms simply enjoy their personal playlist from their iPad or smart phone played on our wonderful sound system. Any music you choose for your celebration sounds incredible in this high-vaulted stunning reception hall.

utah reception centers with family — Professional and kind staff are very helpful additions to help your day run smooth and peaceful!

Utah weddings at the Salt Lake Mormon Temple must consider wedding reception centers in Salt Lake City like Ivy House Weddings at Western Gardens Downtown.

bride on balcony at salt lake city wedding venues ready to throw bouquet — Bride ready to throw the traditional bridal bouquet from the top of the balcony to her family and guests below!

celebration of the union of two families at wedding reception places in utah — This was a beautiful celebration of the union of a couple that made two families one!

Beautiful Celebrations, Ceremonies, How-To Tips, Planning your event, Receptions

Tuesday’s Tip – Utah Weddings Wise to Heed Mother Nature

June 25, 2014 Wendy Pettit Leave a comment

Utah is known for its fickle spring and fall weather phenomenons that can change hour by hour. Utah also can have very hot summers. Knowing this, brides planning Utah weddings would be wise to listen to Mother Nature if they want to optimize their success and pleasantness for all attending their special celebration. Heeding weather warnings and planning ahead will help avoid potential annoyances.

Weddings in Utah weather planner Many guests have been known to leave early from hot tent gatherings or wedding venues in Utah that don’t have good air conditioning. Bugs at certain times of the year can also pose a problem if not attended to by the hosting venue. Spring cloud bursts always seem to catch the unprepared wedding party at Utah weddings, especially those that think they can simply use their backyard garden. Consider wedding venues that will give you a garden feel but you don’t have to worry about getting those emergency tents or canopies from neighbors and friends, or purchase lots of umbrellas and hire lots of neighbor boys to walk your guests from their cars to your home with umbrellas. Wedding reception centers have done it all before and can alleviate your worries and actually can be more cost effective.

Reception centers in Utah with air conditioning for guests — In the well air conditioned Ivy House, the Groom and all the guests won’t be over heated as the party rages on during the heat of the summer!

A great tip is to check out the local news weather forecast history for your area. Utah’s local KSL has a great service where you simply submit the date for which you are planning your event and up pops the information of the chance of precipitation for your given day, the average temperatures for that day, even average hourly temperatures. You can also check out the sunrise and sunset so you can time saying your wedding vows at that perfect photo shot moment with a sunset behind the bride and groom. It is KSL’s “Wasatch Front Outdoor Weather Planner” found on their website.

So remember when planning Utah wedding receptions, listen to Mother Nature and heed her weather tendencies by planning accordingly. Utah weddings are so much more pleasant for everyone involved when this tip is followed!

Utah wedding venues for cool as cucumber couples — The climate is just right inside Ivy House while it can be storming a spring thunder burst outside! Peace and calm inside!