Take My Breath Away

This fall wedding in Park City has us trying to coordinate every event with the colorful leaves on the mountain.

Some love stories span decades, continents, and even high-altitude adventures. For Kayla and Patrick, it’s all of the above. Their journey to “I do” began 16 years ago in flight school, but life had different plans for them before their paths crossed once again. This time, forever.

Kayla and Patrick first met as young military officers in Florida; he was in the Marine Corps, and she was in the Navy. Kayla became a Naval Flight Officer, while Patrick soared the skies as an F-18 pilot. They were later stationed far apart, but their story was far from over.

Fast forward to four years ago, when Kayla’s brother planned a ski trip to Park City, where Patrick was living. On a whim, she reached out, and what began as casual texting soon became something much deeper.

“It was pretty much a love at first sight type of situation. We just kind of clicked. And I honestly think it’s because when you know somebody from so long ago in your past, there’s this initial trust, that feeling of initial foundations already there because we already went through the same kind of paths in life. We had the same kind of history there.”

A French Twist

Their love story took an enchanting turn a few weeks later when Kayla found herself on another ski trip…this time to Chamonix, France. Coincidentally, Patrick was there at the same time. It was a dream scenario, except for one major hiccup: on the first day of the trip, Kayla took a fall that tore her ACL. “I called Pat and told him what happened, and he didn’t hesitate. He drove two hours through the Alps to take care of me.”

“That’s when I knew like he was very special.” He spent the week by her side, turning what could have been a disastrous vacation into an incredibly romantic one. “It ended up being more magical than a ski trip ever could have been.” They explored the French countryside, savoring intimate dinners and picturesque scenery. Who wouldn’t want to fall in love in France?

Three years later, they returned to Chamonix. This time, Patrick had a surprise in store. On the highest point of the mountain (the same place they had visited on that ski trip), Patrick proposed. His parents were there to witness the moment, making it even more unforgettable. “It was such a beautiful full-circle moment.” This romantic engagement is right out of a movie.

After a French engagement in January 2023, and with just nine months to plan, they quickly set their sights on a fall wedding in Park City, Utah.

Intimate Fall Wedding in Park City

Kayla and Patrick’s wedding was a stunning mix of tradition and personal touches, with only 19 guests in attendance. The intimate setting allowed them to focus on what truly mattered: being surrounded by their closest family and friends in the beautiful fall colors for their Park City wedding. “We wanted a small, stress-free day with just our family and closest friends. It was perfect,” Kayla says.

Their inspiration was the famous fall foliage of Utah’s mountains; they wanted to capture the transition from summer to fall in their colors and flowers, and the floral arch that served as the backdrop to their “I do” was the perfect way to do it.

“It ended up being the most beautiful part of the wedding. The flower arch, and doing the wedding ceremony under that arch, is what truly transformed that rooftop.”

And who doesn’t love scenic fall colors in the background of any Utah wedding? “I ended up moving to Utah in 2022. When I saw the fall colors and how they change in Park City during that time, I knew we had to do it in the fall, because it’s just so beautiful there. And the weather is just perfect that time of year.”

They chose Pendry Park City as their venue, taking advantage of the hotel’s scenic rooftop. “We’re very outdoorsy, and we loved the idea of being surrounded by nature.” Everyone who’s been in Utah knows that timing is crucial! Just days after their wedding, the first snowfall of the season arrived, blanketing the vibrant leaves in white. Their wedding date was meant to be, just like the rest of their love story.

Making Tracks

One of the most special elements of their wedding day was their vows. While the ceremony took place on the rooftop of the Pendry, the couple snuck away after the ceremony to say their personal vows at a nearby art installation called Making Tracks, a sculpture commemorating the 2002 Winter Olympics. “Our theme with our vows was all about making our own tracks in life.”

“Pat and I really believe in making your own tracks and kind of pioneering your own path, being trailblazers. It was really special that we got to do it there, and it was also a really picturesque moment.

In another break from tradition, Kayla allowed her bridal party to wear whatever made them feel beautiful, resulting in a joyful, colorful palette that complemented the fall setting.

The rooftop reception was filled with laughter, music, and heartfelt speeches from their fathers and bridal party members, bringing tears to many eyes, including Kayla’s. “The speeches were one of my favorite parts of the day. Those were so special to us.”

Movie Music and Pug Partying

Music played a big role in their celebration. The couple curated their own playlist, featuring songs that were special to them and their families. “I think those were also really special because they just bring back memories, and we love music in general. So getting to play really fun music and dancing on the rooftop of the Pendry was pretty cool because it was such a fun night.”

And as a nod to their shared background in aviation, Kayla walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of Take My Breath Away from Top Gun. Someone grab our aviator sunglasses!

And, of course, no celebration would be complete without family members of the four-legged variety. Kayla’s two beloved pugs made a surprise appearance at the after-party, running around the rooftop and adding even more joy to the day.

Kayla’s advice for couples planning their wedding is to start early and plan with flexibility. “Have a plan B in your pocket just in case something falls through. You can’t always predict what’s going to happen, but if you can try to have a little bit of buffer, that’s always helpful.”

She also encourages couples to focus on what’s important to them. “Less is more. Our small wedding allowed it to be more intimate and unique, and I could have my own personal flair to it. It was really special and made it memorable. Once again, make your own tracks, and have fun with it!”

Kayla and Patrick’s fall wedding in Park City was a beautiful reflection of their adventurous spirits and the love they built over time. From the intimate rooftop ceremony to the personal vows at Making Tracks, their day was as unique and special as their love story—a true celebration of creating their own path together.