It’s Magazine Monday! And on this Fourth of July week, we can’t think of a better inspiration to share than this Americana rehearsal dinner from our glossy pages. It was put together by the literal dream team — Michelle Leo Events + River Bottoms Ranch + Culinary Crafts — and we are smitten with every last detail. So sit back, enjoy, and take a closer look at this amazing spread!
Practice makes perfect.
Family is everything. And what better way to celebrate your new family union than with a relaxed gathering full of greetings, games and glorious eats.
THE WHY. There’s nothing quite like a rehearsal dinner. Typically held an evening or two before the wedding, it’s a beautiful way to come together without the intense timeline of a wedding day. “There’s an energy in the air as friends and family gather with anticipation of what’s to come at the wedding celebration,” says Michelle Cousins, owner of Michelle Leo Events and the designer behind this impeccable inspiration. “It’s a time for storytelling, reminiscing, laughing, and breaking the ice as extended families and friends meet for the first time. It will be cherished by all.”
THE MENU. When the word “dinner” is in the event title, you know you’ve got to deliver the goods. Which is why Michelle Leo Events called on Culinary Crafts to create a masterful menu that complemented this relaxing — but elevated — celebration. Butlers passed around delicious drinks (including a Mint Julep cocktail and the cutest mini Diet Cokes), as well as hors d’oeurves of grilled watermelon with goat cheese and mini baked potatoes with sour cream and chives. In addition to a Bourbon Tasting Station, there was a Charcutarie and Utah soda tasting station filled with beautiful meats, chocolates, and local, luscious cheeses. The main course included a beef brisket BBQ sandwich, portobello fries with chipolte aioli (served on cooling racks — how cool is that?), and homemade tater tots with bone marrow and pickled onions. Guests finished the evening on a sweet note with housemade gelato and macaron sandwiches, gourmet popsicles, and a caramelized vanilla naked cake with a honeycomb on top! For. The. LOVE.
THE VIBE. It’s East Coast prep meets Utah mountains. Inspiration for this rehearsal dinner began with River Bottoms Ranch — an unforgettable new modern farmhouse venue in Midway. Not only is the building a one-of-a-kind beauty, its glorious grounds include a lush lawn, stunning views, and the most perfect pond. The Michelle Leo Events team perfectly captured the essence of this space in the summer. Their color palette was rich in Americana, and those shades were brought to life through fresh fruits, foods, fabrics, and fabulously funky furniture from Eclectic Hive. Together with Twelve 30 Creative, Michelle incorporated luxurious leather details into the invitation suite, the drink stations, the tablescape, and the lawn games. The result? Playful elegance.
THE GAMES. Game ON! You know guests will be charmed by oversized games like croquet, cornhole, Connect 4, and more. Engaging activities help set the tone and inspire the loveliest laughter. The rehearsal dinner is also a wonderful opportunity to include kids in the celebration. If your wedding day is a more formal, less child-friendly affair, use this event as a way to honor the littlest loves of your life.
SOURCES
Planning + Design Michelle Leo Events (a #UVBvendor!)
Photography Heather Nan Photography
Venue River Bottoms Ranch (a #UVBvendor!)
Catering Culinary Crafts (a #UVBvendor!)
Videography Ryan Hinman Films
Table Rentals Diamond Event & Tent (a #UVBvendor!)
Paper Suite Twelve 30 Creative
Floral Five Penny Floral
Linens + Chargers Michelle Leo Events (a #UVBvendor!)
Furniture Rentals Eclectic Hive
Model Styling Stay Co + Michelle Leo Events (a #UVBvendor!)
Hair Kali Chris Hair
Makeup Kristen Packard Artistry
Horses Rocky Mountain Outfitters
Lawn Games Michelle Leo Events (a #UVBvendor!)
Bride + Groom Rachel + Tanner Brockbank
Partygoers Bryce Jepperson + Derek Deitsch + Jake Coburn + Troy Bytendorp + Tyler Sebahar + Francis Sebahar + Monique Gee + Cali Holcombe + Jordan Lewis + Hailey Horner
