Washington School House Hotel Wedding // Park City Utah

Mr & Mrs Mike and Erin Spaulding 

Mr & Mrs Mike and Erin Spaulding 

Life is all about stories, and the mantra we like to live by. When we were thinking about what to do, we wanted to create amazing memories for not only us but our friends and family also. Since we never did an engagement reveal, we thought why not surprise people with an engagement and wedding in the same weekend. As we talked more, we decided to try and pull off the ultimate surprise and throw a full-blown surprise wedding. We didn't know anyone that had done it, and figured if we can pull this off it would be the BEST STORY EVER! Once the decision was made, we started planning - working backward to ensure we didn't slip up on any of the details. While planning, we had to make sure all communication flowed through Mike, and no one knew I was working behind the scenes on all the planning as well. We pulled in my best friend as cover to help weave the story together, with a girls weekend in PC (also a total surprise to her). From there, we just kept planning, and viola it unfolded exactly to plan. :) 

* Erin-Bride

The gorgeous HOTEL was an old school house tucked up a steep Park City road, tastefully remodeled into a 12 room boutique luxury hotel. White walls, gorgeous finishes, tall ceilings, old wood floors, gorgeous chandeliers...such a gorgeous setting. The stay included your breakfast menu every morning along with anything you need. Since the hotel has limited rooms, they had the whole hotel to themselves. Can you imagine your closest friends and family all walking down to have breakfast together each morning?

Erin and Mike had hoped for snow for their wedding weekend but instead, they had a beautiful brisk day with the sun shining- a perfect day for everyone to venture out and enjoy the town. They were told to meet back at the Hotel at 4pm sharp to witness, what they thought was a "Suprise Engagement" for Erin. 

Erin and Mike had kept this secret wedding from both their parents but early that afternoon Erin and Mike told Erin's parents the good news that way her mom could help her get ready. Erin had a few wedding dresses in the closet to choose from...what a dream right? She also had a few wedding shoes and some Ugg slippers to wear. I was squeeling inside over the beautiful details. She also gave her mom a peek at the wedding ring to which her mom's jaw hit the floor. The hair and makeup artist arrived and they all got ready. When it was time, Erin came down the stairs, her dad took her hand while the secret was told. Everyone turned around to see Erin in a beautiful wedding dress, everyone was floored, Mike's mom cried and the surprise was on them!!! The day couldn't have been any better.

I cannot thank Erin and Mike enough for treating me to this much-needed getaway weekend! Being a part of something this secretive and exciting was SO fun!!

Planner - Bride and Groom

Hair/makeup - Jessica Grambau http://www.jessicagrambau.com/

Videographer - ByDesign Flims http://bydesignfilms.com/

Photography - Let it Shine Photography

DJ - Amplify Entertainment http://amplifymyevent.com/

Food, Cake, Drinks - washington school house - Executive Chef Ernesto Rocha, Pastry Chef Callie Mundy,  Sous Chef Gina Gardner and Bartender Tess Wyatt

Decor - A unique mix of new and old - Pottery Barn/Restoration Hardware silver candle holders, Pottery Barn candles and Pottery Barn napkins. The tall set of silver square candle stick holders were purchased from my favorite antique store in Chelan, WA. Waterford crystal toasting glasses, sourced from etsy and ebay.  Silver chargers and Wexford glassware were found from endless weekends searching local thrift stores, Mike's favorite weekend activity. I loved how each charger was from a different pattern/design and I proudly polished them all. Finally simple preserved boxwood garlands purchased from BHLDN, tied it all together. We paired these items with the hotels while dishware and silver flatware. In my mind it was such a beautiful mix, and pulled off an environment for a simply elegant dinner. No bright in colors, overdone florals or centerpieces you can't see around. Rather an event that felt like we were at home with our closest family and friends, sharing stories over good food and wine. 

Day of Planner - Taylor from the school house

Location Selection - While living in the area, we were walking around looking at houses, and literally stumbled upon the school house. The moment we walked in, we just knew, and I said to Mike "If we ever get married it will be HERE, it's literally perfect." 

Dresses - Ceremony: Justin Alexander, Reception: BHLDN, fur wrap from Something Old, Something New in Eagle http://www.sosnboutique.com/  -- Dresses not worn: Jenny Yoo from Nordstrom, cashmere sweater/skirt also from BHLDN, and short long sleeve dress from Banana Republic. (had to have options!)

Jewelry - From my personal collection, all estate pieces purchased from Goldsmith Lucerne in Chelan, WA.

Mike's suit - JCrew, shoes - Macys, belt Nordstrom, watch - burberry from Nordstroms (let me know if you need specific brands on shoes and belt, can get those for you if so.

Dinner Menu Selection - We modeled the menu off one of our favorites we had at the Waldorf Astoria in Park City a few months prior. We then paired with wines specifically picked for the night, such as good in bed sparkling brut and about last night