Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings This Couple Mixed the Mountains with Elegant Glamour at Their Micro Wedding in Utah By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on March 12, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Ryan Ray Every summer for four years, Leanne Massey and Steven White enjoyed a trip to Italy, falling deeper in awe with its landscapes, people, and culture each time. "We knew that when we did eventually marry, it would be in northern Italy," says Leanne. After a romantic proposal atop a snowy Aspen mountain was joyfully accepted, the couple started researching villas, vendors, and itineraries for a wedding in Lake Como. "But right as we were about to dive in deep, Italy went into a complete shutdown—and then the world as we knew it fell upside down," says Leanne of the onset of the pandemic. The couple switched gears, planning an alternate event stateside, but it eventually became clear that a large celebration was not to be. "As much as we wanted the big party we had envisioned with 120 of our family members and friends, we knew it was more important for us to start our life together as a family," says the bride. Pivoting to a micro wedding, the pair hired event planner and designer Beth Helmstetter ("Best decision ever!" says Leanne). Together, they toured different venues across California, Wyoming, and South Carolina before circling back to a property in Utah the couple had visited the year before. "We'd stayed at The Lodge at Blue Sky when it first opened in July 2019, and it was so majestic and serene to us," Leanne says. "While we were having dinner the last night of that first visit, I told Steven I envisioned us getting married there, even though we still had Italy stamped in our minds. It was like it was written in the stars for us." Likening their vision to a cozy, romantic dinner party filled with warmth, the pair sent an inspiration board over to Beth and her team and let the professionals' creativity run. "Putting it together in such a short amount of time and seeing it come to life better than we could have ever imagined was nothing short of magic!" enthuses the bride of the beautiful wedding that was planned and executed in just seven weeks. A close friend agreed to officiate the ceremony, and a small group of 21 guests welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the couple on their big day. Even the weather cooperated. "It rained all morning before clearing up around 30 minutes before our first look, which we pushed back until right before the ceremony," says Leanne. "Then the clouds literally parted and completely disappeared for the remainder of the day." The alpine overlook—where the vow exchange took place—was perfectly dry when the bride walked down the aisle, and the scenery was stunning after the refreshing rainfall. The bride admits that wedding planning can be stressful if you let it—"and adding a pandemic into the mix amplifies that stress tenfold," she says. "Stay focused on the fact that you are marrying the love of your life. At the end of the day, what really matters is the sacred bond of choosing to spend your lives together." 01 of 24 You're Invited Ryan Ray Wedding planner and event designer Beth Helmstetter and her team designed and printed a keepsake invitation suite (a paper memento that Leanne and Steven could save) in-house, complete with neutral cardstock and a botanical motif. 02 of 24 Casual Elegance Ryan Ray For their al fresco rehearsal dinner, held the night before the big day, Leanne wore a chic sleeveless jumpsuit from NBD; Steven donned a handsome sport coat. How to Throw an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner 03 of 24 Dining in Style Ryan Ray A floral-patterned tablecloth set the scene for a delightful gathering for the couple and their guests. Plush monogrammed blankets draped over chair backs and strings of warm lighting overhead added a sense of coziness. 04 of 24 Light and Airy Ryan Ray Small bowls of fresh figs were strategically placed in between the airy floral arrangements that ran the length of the dinner table. 05 of 24 Simply Stunning Ryan Ray Leanne's big-day jewelry from Ring Concierge was utterly timeless, from the classic round stone of her engagement ring to the solitaire settings of her sparkling diamond earrings—which were on display, thanks to a textural ponytail arranged by Stephanie Brinkerhoff. 27 Unique Engagement Rings You'll Love 06 of 24 At First Sight Ryan Ray Embroidered with three-dimensional flowers in pale shades of blush and ivory, Leanne's wedding dress spoke to the natural surroundings. "I had been eyeing it for a while after seeing it on Galia Lahav's Instagram," she says. "Then there was a trunk show, so I went with my sister Lea. She had seen me try on at least a dozen other dresses, but when I put on this one, she instantly started crying. It felt like 'the one' the moment I put it on, and my sister's tears only further solidified it." 07 of 24 A Beautiful Surprise Ryan Ray Leanne gave her floral designer, Sarah Winward, carte blanche with her bouquet, a lovely mix of neutral florals and interesting textures. "She most certainly did not disappoint!" says the bride. "I would describe the composition as romantic, wild, and free." A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Bouquet Shapes 08 of 24 A Modern Look Ryan Ray Steven ventured beyond classic black with a Tom Ford shawl-collared tuxedo in midnight-blue. White gold cuff links coordinated perfectly with his Rolex timepiece, and black patent Christian Louboutin loafers rounded out his ensemble. 09 of 24 Just Joy Ryan Ray The pair shared their first look surrounded by autumn foliage on one of The Lodge at Blue Sky's picturesque pathways. "The moment leading up to it was filled with so much emotion and butterflies," says Leanne, "but the minute we locked eyes a sense of calmness and overwhelming joy took over. We both had to try hard to hold back the waterworks—I was an inch away from having a total makeup malfunction!" 10 of 24 A Floral Fantasy Ryan Ray A magnificent hydrangea-dotted arch was the focal point of the mountaintop ceremony. Wedding Arch Inspiration We Love for Your Ceremony 11 of 24 Lined with Blooms Ryan Ray Wooden benches, which served as seating, were lined with a lush installation of flowers in soft shades of blush, butter, and white. 12 of 24 Natural Beauty Ryan Ray Leanne and Steven exchanged traditional vows against a scenic backdrop of hills and valleys. "The emotion and elation we both felt immediately after was one of the highlights of the day," says Leanne. 13 of 24 An Ecstatic Exit Ryan Ray The couple joyfully recessed up the aisle to the sounds of a string trio. 14 of 24 A Stolen Moment Ryan Ray While their guests enjoyed hot toddies and light bites at the cocktail hour, the pair took some time alone to drink in their new status as husband and wife. Martha's Favorite Drinks and Bites for a Summer Cocktail Hour 15 of 24 An Elegant Entryway Ryan Ray The entrance to the couple's tented reception was embellished with candles, flowers, and two tall, graceful trees. Here's What Every Type of Wedding Tent Looks Like 16 of 24 A Delightful Sight Ryan Ray Inside, attendees were greeted with tables draped in embroidered linens; they coordinated flawlessly with cushioned chairs constructed of pale wood. Garlands of greenery added a touch of freshness overhead while delicate strands of lights infused the space with a subtle glow. 17 of 24 Tabletop Style Ryan Ray Bowls of deep purple figs dotted the tablescape—a nod to the rehearsal dinner's décor—where place settings of two-toned china were topped with linen napkins and sophisticated menu cards. Colorful roses and ranunculus blossoms composed the floral arrangements, introducing richer hues to the event design. 18 of 24 On the Bar Ryan Ray An explosion of pink blooms brought a cheerful pop of color to the bar. 11 Cool Wedding Bars That Served It Up Big 19 of 24 Sweet Details Ryan Ray The couple's buttercream-frosted wedding cake featured pretty flecks of gold and fresh roses. 20 of 24 A Sentimental Song Choice Ryan Ray Leanne and Steven chose "Prayed for You" by country music artist Matt Stell for their first dance. "We both loved the song, and for me it felt very on the dial," says the bride. "I spent years praying I'd meet someone I felt confident I wanted to create a family with and grow old alongside." 21 of 24 A Spectacular Surprise Ryan Ray Wanting to do something special for her groom, Leanne arranged to have Matt himself—in the flesh!—appear in the middle of their song. "They played our song for 30 seconds and then it stopped," says the bride, "and Matt immediately came in. It was perfect and Steven was blown-away surprised! Seeing his excitement, joy, and emotions take hold was a special moment I will cherish forever." 22 of 24 A Special Serenade Ryan Ray Matt took his commitment to perform for the couple seriously, going to great lengths to make it to the reception. "He was flying in that day from Aspen, Colorado," explains Leanne, "and his flight ended up getting repeatedly delayed before being cancelled. He left the airport where his luggage was still being held and rented a car to drive six-plus hours to arrive in time." A member of Beth's team drove to Park City to buy an outfit for the artist, and his performance was an absolute highpoint of the night. How to Hire a Celebrity Musician to Perform at Your Wedding 23 of 24 A Celebratory Concert Ryan Ray After the surprise, Matt led everyone out of the tent to a charming gathering area outside of The Tavern, the vintage cabin that serves as an outpost saloon on Blue Sky's property. "He performed a few more songs and then [country music artist] Tyler Rich came out to perform for 45 minutes," says Leanne. "It was a perfect, intimate concert filled with laughs, love, way too much whiskey, and incredible music." 24 of 24 Sources Ryan Ray Photography, Ryan RayVenue and Catering, The Lodge at Blue SkyWedding Planning and Event Design, Beth Helmstetter EventsVideography, Ryan HinmanFlowers, Sarah WinwardOfficiant, Miles McMullinBride's Rehearsal Dinner Jumpsuit, NBDBride's Gown, Galia LahavVeil, Galia LahavJewelry, Ring ConciergeShoes, AquazzuraHair, Stephanie BrinkerhoffMakeup, CherisaGroom's Attire, Tom FordGroom's Shoes, Christian LouboutinEngagement Ring and Wedding Bands, Ring ConciergeMusic, Tribeca Ensemble (ceremony); Matt Stell (reception and concert); Tyler Rich (concert) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit