When I was first introduced to Sooj and Michael to capture their traditional-meets-modern wedding in Park City, I knew it was going to be an incredibly special event. Their entire wedding weekend featured some of my favorite Park City venues and vendors but even more exciting was the celebration they were planning that highlighted the blending of their beautiful cultures. And the timeless and elegant decor and aesthetic they were planning was just the cherry on top of this absolutely stunning wedding. I once again teamed up with my friends over at Michelle Leo Events to capture every moment, from the joyous rehearsal dinner full of heartfelt speeches to the traditional Paebaek unification ceremony to their epic reception complete with dancing and cowboy hats. Every moment was perfection and I’m so excited to share all the details!
The Couple
It always makes for a special experience when clients become friends, and that was exactly what happened when I met Sooj and Michael. We immediately clicked when it came to the vision for their wedding day and I was lucky enough to get to know these two better before capturing their big day. One part of the day I was really looking forward to was the different ceremonies they had planned. First came their traditional ceremony with vows exchanged under the most beautiful chuppah full of bright summer blooms designed by the super talented Amber Reverie Design. Once they said “I do”, guests moved to the Grand Lawn to grab a cocktail while Sooj and Michael prepared for the Paebaek Tea Ceremony. This Korean tradition is performed as a way for the newly married couple to pay their respects to both sides of their families. It consists of a ceremonial table adorned with various treats and teas, each one symbolizing a part of the new couple’s lifelong union. Sooj and Michael wore ceremonial Korean wedding attire and served their relatives who offered blessings and words of wisdom. The ceremony ended with Michael carrying Sooj around the table to conclude the ceremony as their guests cheered. It was truly a highlight of the day and set the tone for a fun and joyous reception where everyone danced the night away together. It was incredible to see both of their cultures and traditions reflected in their own special way and was truly a moment that I will never forget.
The Venue
When it comes to planning a wedding with multiple celebrations and special moments, you need a versatile venue that can accommodate your unique timeline. In Sooj and Michael’s case, Montage Deer Valley in Park City was the perfect choice. Montage Deer Valley is one of my favorite Park City resorts and wedding venues tucked right into the rugged Wasatch Mountains and located just five minutes from Main Street. It’s one of my most recommended venues for couples planning destination weddings because there are endless options in terms of guest experiences no matter what time of year. Plus, there are so many options when it comes to indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception so you can really customize the space and make it your own. And no matter what you decide, you’re guaranteed to have unparalleled views of the Utah mountains. For their celebration, Sooj and Michael had their ceremony outside on the Mountain Lawn followed by a beautiful tented reception on the Grand Lawn and we truly had the perfect late summer day. Later in the evening, they hosted an afterparty for drinks and dancing in the Empire Room. If you have the opportunity to take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor spaces at Montage, I highly recommend it!
The Vibe
I’m always blown away by the magic that Michelle Leo and her talented team create and Sooj and Michael’s wedding day design was no exception. Every detail felt so stylish yet simplistic and designed with intention. For the tented reception, glowing bistro lights were strung throughout the entire tent, making for such an ethereal atmosphere. The florals by Amber Reverie were an eclectic mix of classic white blooms for the bridal bouquet, soft pink flowers lining the aisle and chuppah for the reception, and a modern mix of minimalist yellow and orange arrangements for the reception. Eclectic yet timeless details were sprinkled throughout the day including the bridesmaids mismatched gowns and the incredible floral inspired seating chart. Everything managed to come together so cohesively while still injecting the couple’s style and personality into every detail. I also have to give a moment to Sooj’s stunning bridal looks throughout the day that complimented the vibe perfectly. Her mock neck lace gown felt timeless, romantic and modern all at once. Add her traditional attire for the Paebaek ceremony and her chic outfit change for the reception, and you have the perfect wedding day ensemble. She truly nailed every look!
If you want everything to come together seamlessly on your wedding day, it’s truly all about selecting the right crew of vendors to bring your vision to life. I often stress this in my posts and it’s because it’s so true- trust your team! Luckily if you’re getting married in Park City, there’s so many talented wedding creatives who have worked together for many years and are pros at crafting your dream wedding day. Need some recommendations? Check out the rest of my journal to see all my favorite Utah wedding venues and explore the work of the amazing fellow creatives who I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with- linked here. And as always, if you have any questions, I’m just a message away!
