Real Weddings

Real Utah Wedding: Ashlyn Spillman & Jonathan Owens at Aspen Meadows

With twoolf December 12, 2016 Published in the Summer/Fall 2016 issue of Park City Magazine

NAMES Ashlyn Spillman and Jonathan Owens LIVE IN 9th & 9th OCCUPATIONS She’s a registered nurse; he’s a commercial real estate agent. WHERE THEY MET In a college class 8 years ago WHERE HE PROPOSED At Pineview Lake on their four-year anniversary; a whirlwind of parties, planning, and craziness ensued BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTIES He and his friends rented a cabin at Lake Tahoe; she and her friends spent a long weekend in Cancun, Mexico. NUMBER OF GUESTS 125 WEDDING STYLE Elegant and classic, inspired by the bride’s gown THEIR APPROACH TO WEDDING PLANNING Fall is their favorite season, so they knew an autumn celebration was a must COLORS Plum, navy, and neutrals WARDROBE DETAILS He surprised her with his navy blue suit and plum tie; she surprised him with her dream gown: long lace sleeves with a low illusion back and a long veil. Bridesmaids and groomsmen wore dresses and suits in various styles; immediate family wore shades of gray and navy. FAVORITE CEREMONY MOMENT When they first saw each other; the wind was blowing her veil as her dad walked her down the aisle, and it was all very peaceful. DÉCOR DETAILS Flowers were a big part of their décor; the floral arbor was one of their favorite details. Their florist, the groom’s sister, used seasonal blooms such as hydrangea, dahlias, and fall branches with berries; she arranged plums and grapes between the florals on the head table. FAMILY-STYLE RECEPTION MENU Baby arugula salad, roasted chicken quarters, citrus-soy flank steak, Red Bicycle Breadworks bread, twice-baked baby red potatoes, grilled veggie platter DRINKS Beer, wine, and Moscow Mules; the copper mugs had their initials and wedding date printed on the bottom and doubled as favors. CAKE Two tiers decorated with subtle plum and navy watercolor detailing and gold flakes; one tier was citrus-rosemary with blackberries, the other was vanilla with earl-grey buttercream. FIRST DANCE “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Greene; they took lessons and performed a fun dance. FAVORITE RECEPTION MOMENT The dance party; every single guest was on the dance floor the entire night. THE MOST UNEXPECTED ELEMENT The weather; it was rainy and windy until two hours before the ceremony when the sun came out. ADVICE TO OTHER COUPLES Don’t sweat the small stuff and let other people help you. THE DAY IN THREE WORDS Elegant, joyful, classic HONEYMOON Tulum, Mexico

The floral palette added a romantic, rich feeling to the venue. Because the location was so beautiful on its own, I really wanted to accentuate the nature of the environment but also incorporate the deep plums and navy hues that reflected the wedding palette.”—Madisson Owens, florist