Written By Blakely Page
In this special section, we highlight Utah’s most talented wedding professionals and showcase their creative insights on the evolving wedding landscape. From breathtaking venues and artistic floral designs to full-service event planners, these experts offer inspiration and fresh ideas for crafting an unforgettable, personalized celebration.
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1344 S. 2100 East, SLC | 801-521-4773
everybloomingthing.com | IG @everybloomingthingslc
FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, Every Blooming Thing has transformed floral design into an art of storytelling. Owner Robert Upwall believes that flowers should do more than decorate a space; they should reflect who a couple truly is.
When helping couples explore their floral direction, Upwall begins by learning their story. He enjoys discovering a shared interest or meaningful detail about the couple, and designs from there. “I like to find out what makes them tick and then I design around that,” he explains. His process is grounded in curiosity and connection, resulting in arrangements that feel deeply personal.
Unlike many florists that chase trends, Upwall’s creative philosophy remains rooted in authenticity. He focuses on each couple’s vision, helping them discover
what they’re drawn to even if they can’t quite put it into words. His work, which he describes as eclectic, blends refined artistry with nature’s spontaneity.
Upwall’s approach to design is immersive. “To me, it’s about a couple’s body language,” he says. “I like to see what they’re responding to and connecting to in person. When you come in person, you get everything to help you choose and I get to know your comfort level.” That connection becomes the foundation of each floral story he builds. Drawing inspiration from nature and using locally grown blooms whenever possible, Upwall often incorporates meaningful flowers, such as those that carry sentimental or symbolic value. The result is a floral design that goes beyond beauty, creating an experience as distinctive as the couple themselves.
WHAT’S AHEAD:
In 2026 we’re tackling larger events on a much higher scale.
EXCITED ABOUT:
It’s honestly the work. I’ve been doing this since I was twelve and I still have the same level of excitement as I did when I began. I find the work meaningful and incredibly rewarding.
We forage for products more than ever! Whether it’s branches, twigs, or something else specific, we like to incorporate touches of nature in our designs, especially if they come from the area surrounding the venue.
SARAH O’DONNELL FOUNDER
WHAT’S AHEAD:
We’re thrilled about our new brick-and-mortar location, giving the community a chance to experience the crossroads between coffee, tea and mixology creations in a space reflecting Mecca’s signature aesthetic of greenery, natural textures and sustainability.
EXCITED ABOUT:
I’m excited about more coffee shops taking on a mixology approach to coffee. We’re just starting to see this in Utah!
FRESH IDEAS:
It’s no secret we’re seeing a decline in alcohol consumption. People are being more mindful of their consumption and I totally support this! Coffee and matcha bars are starting to become more popular at weddings.
650 S. 500 West, SLC | 801-449-0182
meccabarco.com | IG @meccabarco
WHEN SARAH O’DONNELL FOUNDED
MECCA BAR CO., her goal wasn’t only to serve drinks but to create moments worth remembering. Inspired by the word Mecca, meaning a “place to gather”, she built her business focusing on connection through handcrafted beverages.
Mecca’s hand-built bars are filled with garden-grown herbs and fresh mixers in recycled glass bottles, setting the stage for drinks as beautiful as they are intentional. Each cocktail is made with organic, fresh-pressed juice and natural ingredients, offering a taste that feels both artful and authentic.
Mecca Bar Co. brings more to the table than just cocktails. Mecca’s espresso and matcha setups have become a popular choice for weddings, festivals, and office dropins, offering an elevated, mindful take on a classic ritual.
What sets Mecca apart is Sarah’s ability to create signature drinks that blend styles and influences into something entirely her own. Beyond weddings and private events, Mecca has become a local favorite at Wheeler’s Farmers Market, where visitors gather each week for seasonal concoctions and warm hospitality.
Among Mecca’s most striking elements are the custom gondola bar and photo booth, where refurbished ski gondolas have been reimagined as mobile bars that bring character and charm to any event.
For Sarah, Mecca is more than a beverage catering company. It’s a place where creativity and connection meet, and where every glass raised, whether filled with espresso or a handcrafted cocktail, is a celebration of the moment.
1749 S. State Street, SLC | 801-891-6242
sheerambrosiabakery.com | IG @sheerambrosia
FOR RITA MAGALDE, OWNER AND OPERATOR AT SHEER AMBROSIA, baking has always been more than a recipe. It began in her mother’s kitchen, where dough met the season’s harvest, and became a lifelong devotion to creating something both timeless and new.
Her baklava unfolds in 45 golden layers brushed with care and tasting of memory. In Rita’s eyes, baklava is more than dessert; it’s a connection.
She’s refined her recipe over the years, layering delicate sheets of thin dough, using a little less sugar and creating a pastry that’s crisp, fragrant and beautifully light, yet still moist.
Her mother’s influence runs deep. A Southern baker who used what was in season—blackberries in summer, pecans in fall—she taught Rita to bake with intuition and care. That legacy inspired a
Greek-Southern fusion that is now Sheer Ambrosia’s signature, from classic honey walnut baklava to inventive variations featuring fruit and other varieties of nuts. When working with couples, Rita treats tastings as both a collaboration and celebration. “Taste brings back memories,” she explains, “and each dessert tells a story.” Many couples choose her old-world style baklava as a way to thank guests for celebrating with them. And because the baklava often disappears before the couple gets a bite, she now crafts a small nuptial cake just for them, a sweet thoughtful touch that reflects her philosophy: desserts should be personal, delicious and unforgettable. At the heart of Sheer Ambrosia is Rita’s belief that every dessert should feel like a celebration, a memory and a gift all at once.
RITA MAGALDE OWNER & OPERATOR
WHAT’S AHEAD:
The future of Sheer Ambrosia is as golden and promising as the layers of its signature baklava. I’m exploring new ways to connect people through dessert with a focus on expanded online offerings, curated gift collections and custom creations for weddings and special events.
EXCITED ABOUT:
I’ve always been a romantic at heart—I truly love, love. Being part of someone’s wedding day feels like such an honor, and I pour my heart into making it as special as possible. Many of my clients naturally become friends along the way, but whether we stay in touch or not, I always go above and beyond to make their celebration something they’ll never forget.
FRESH IDEAS:
We want to help our couples create an event that is uniquely them. We have endless ideas on how to capture your vision to make your event extraordinary.
107 E. Fort Union Blvd., Murray | 801-900-6093 hoopesevents.com | IG @hoopesevents
TONYA HOOPES, OWNER OF HOOPES EVENTS, knows every great celebration begins with a vision. Known for her friendly, approachable nature, Hoopes has built her reputation on understanding each couple’s story and translating it into a beautifully orchestrated, personalized event.
Hoopes spends time getting to know her clients, ensuring she understands not only what they want their wedding to look like but how they want it to feel. By tackling the most stressful elements early on, she gives couples the freedom to enjoy the planning process, focusing on what truly matters.
With years of experience planning weddings across Utah and around the world, Hoopes specializes in creating multi-day celebrations that go beyond the tradition. Her destination weddings often span several days, transforming
into immersive experiences that reflect each couple’s unique story. Hoopes also brings a special understanding of family dynamics and helps couples navigate what’s most important to both sides while keeping harmony at the center of every decision.
And while Hoopes Events is known for its luxurious aesthetic, Hoopes is equally skilled at maximizing every budget. Her philosophy is simple: thoughtful planning and creative problem-solving can make any celebration extraordinary. Her advice to couples? Choose the right venue, understand what’s included and ask questions up front to avoid surprises later.
Under Hoopes’ guidance, Hoopes Events continues to redefine what wedding planning can be—personal, polished and effortlessly elegant.
TONYA HOOPES OWNER
WHAT’S AHEAD:
We are seeing an increase in international weddings. We are currently collaborating with a few companies to develop luxury experiences for clients and their guests.
EXCITED ABOUT:
I’m most excited about working with clients who are eager to create an event that authentically represents them. They value unique details and elements that reflect their personalities, and they prioritize spending quality time with their guests.
FRESH IDEAS:
Smaller, more intimate weddings are rising in popularity. Couples are still investing significantly in details but are opting for a more curated guest list. There’s a strong focus on personalizing aspects that are most important to them.