A Colorful Southern Wedding at River Bottoms Ranch | Michelle Leo Events
Destination charm meets vibrant summer design in this joyful celebration
Katherine and Edward hosted a wedding that was nothing short of unforgettable. Set against the picturesque backdrop of River Bottoms Ranch, their July destination celebration blended refined design with Southern flair—bringing vibrant color, high energy, and a sense of joyful hospitality to the heart of the Utah mountains.
Guests traveled from all over the country to celebrate the couple in one of Utah’s most scenic venues, where every detail was thoughtfully curated to reflect Katherine and Edward’s personalities and heritage. From the first moments of the ceremony to the final streamer send-off, the day was filled with personal touches and intentional design choices.
Outdoor Ceremony with Views of Mount Timpanogos
The ceremony took place on the west lawn, where guests were greeted with sweeping views of Mount Timpanogos and vibrant florals in a cascading ombré palette. As Katherine made her way down the aisle in a custom embroidered gown, she passed color-blocked floral installations in soft yellows, peach, coral, and hot pink—each grouping artfully arranged to highlight the natural beauty of the landscape.
Wooden chairs and parasols brought a touch of Southern charm to the mountain setting, and the tranquil pond just beyond the altar reflected the blue sky above. It was a peaceful, joyful moment filled with personal vows and surrounded by nature.
INCORPORATING Southern Charm
Katherine and Edward wanted their wedding to feel like a true reflection of who they are, not just as a couple, but as individuals shaped by family, tradition, and the places that hold meaning to them. For Edward, that meant honoring his New Orleans roots in a way that felt joyful, celebratory, and unmistakably Southern.
One of the most memorable nods to the South came just after the ceremony, when guests were invited to join a second line—a high-energy New Orleans tradition typically seen at weddings and parades. With parasols in hand and a brass band leading the way, guests danced their way across the lawn from the ceremony site to cocktail hour under the pavilion. It was festive, unexpected, and absolutely unforgettable—setting the tone for an evening full of personality and connection.
Outdoor Cocktail Hour Under the Pavilion
The open-air pavilion at River Bottoms Ranch offered the perfect summer setting, for post-ceremony cocktails. Signature cocktails were served alongside passed hors d'oeuvres as guests mingled beneath the wood-beamed structure. A custom escort card display added a personal touch, while lounge vignettes allowed guests to take in the surrounding landscape in comfort.
Outdoor Dinner on the Lawn
Dinner was hosted al fresco on the lawn, where the vibrant design story continued through thoughtfully color-blocked tablescapes. The open sky and surrounding mountain views made for a breathtaking setting, as guests dined on seasonal cuisine while enjoying the golden hour light. With every detail—down to the carefully selected napkins and custom menu cards—Katherine and Edward’s dinner felt equal parts elegant and inviting, perfectly suited for a colorful summer night in the Utah countryside.
Ombré Florals, Bold Linens, and Intentional Color-Blocking
To capture Katherine’s love of color and honor Edward’s Southern roots, we crafted a layered floral and linen story that celebrated vibrancy and movement. Ombré tones transitioned seamlessly across the event spaces, with bright blooms in saturated shades of pink, orange, coral, yellow, and fuchsia creating a rich, visual progression.
Custom color-blocked tablescapes brought depth and dimension to the design, as bold linens were paired with tonal floral groupings and colored tapered candles that complemented the palette, creating a dynamic and immersive guest experience.
Cake Cutting, Dancing, and a Streamer-Filled Farewell
Once dinner concluded, guests made their way into the barn where Katherine and Edward cut their cake and shared a celebratory toast before hitting the dance floor. A live band kept the energy high all night long, culminating in a joyful grand exit through a flurry of colorful streamers.
Designing a Celebration That Felt Entirely Their Own
From the vibrant florals and bold linens to the unexpected second line and emotional ceremony, every detail of Katherine and Edward’s wedding was intentional. It was a true expression of their story—playful yet elegant, relaxed yet refined.
We were honored to help bring their vision to life and design a destination wedding experience their guests will never forget.
Planning a destination wedding that reflects your personality and celebrates your story is all about thoughtful design and intentional details. Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant color palettes, cultural traditions, or a breathtaking Utah backdrop like River Bottoms Ranch, our team at Michelle Leo Events is here to bring your vision to life. Connect with us to start planning a wedding experience that’s as meaningful as it is unforgettable.
