Game of Hearts

And we’re back with the best part of Mondays — Magazine Mondays! Today we’re sharing a closer look into our cover bride Abby’s gorgeous wedding from our glossy pages. Scroll (and squee) at will …

August 5, 2016 // Abby + Alex

When Provo’s Abby Payton met Alex Larsen, she was preparing to serve an LDS mission — but a game of sardines changed her plans. After eating at Bombay House with a group of friends, Alex and Abby ended up squished in a cabinet for a solid half hour. “That’s when I started to crush on him,” Abby says. Abby loves Alex’s drive and determination, and one of her favorite dates was when they went to Utah Lake and released Chinese lanterns with their goals written on them. The couple’s proposal also happened at the lake where Alex set the mood with tiki torches, candles, and family and friends hiding in the trees. Abby enlisted Jana Lynn Kofford from The Flower Affair to plan her wedding. “I feel so lucky I had Jana every step of the way,” Abby says. The big day included the sealing at the Payson LDS temple, a ring ceremony, dinner and a dreamy reception at a park just across the street from where Alex grew up in Pleasant Grove. “It was surrounded by trees and a total hidden gem,” Abby says. Nothing could rain on Abby and Alex’s parade — not even rain. “I downloaded every weather app in the app store because I was so stressed it might rain,” Abby says. “It only rained for 25 minutes during the ring ceremony, and then the rest of the evening was perfect weather.”

GET THE PICTURE Abby and Alex’s August nuptials had it all — from good grub (Marley’s sliders and fries) to delightful decor (floral table runners) to decked out groomsmen and bridesmaids. Abby’s dress? Amazing lace, people! When Abby first slipped on her Alta Moda gown, she thought she wasn’t going to love it. But as soon as they pulled it tight, she was in love. Abby picked excellent vendors and then let them do their thang, while adding personal touches like her own collection of turquoise rings. The couple’s first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was one of Abby’s favorite moments. After dancing the night away and cutting that #amaze wedding cake, Abby and Alex exited with a sparkler send-off.