1. Real Weddings

A Modern, Minimalist Wedding at the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah

Marie DeFurio (34 and a quality assurance manager) met Chase Idleman (35 and a sales manager for medical robotics) through a common friend in Minneapo

Marie DeFurio (34 and a quality assurance manager) met Chase Idleman (35 and a sales manager for medical robotics) through a common friend in Minneapolis. And even though sparks flew, they spent a year as friends before becoming a couple. “I made him work for it,” Marie says. After relocating to Texas together and getting engaged, Marie and Chase wanted to wed in a central place (for family and friends) that captured their personal styles and interests. “We are active, outdoorsy nerds with an appreciation for minimalism—which best sums up why the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City was the perfect choice.” For their intimate wedding and indoor reception, the aesthetic guideline was simple, elegant, naturalistic and understated. “What attracted us to the museum were the clean lines, modern architecture and emphasis on natural beauty. The architecture and angles in the building are stunning,” Marie says. While there was no set palette, dusty green succulents, eucalyptus, ivory blossoms and touches of gold brought natural warmth to the outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. After exchanging vows outside, with the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop, Marie and Chase served their 86 guests fare sourced from local farms—including Rocky Mountain red trout and cabernet-braised short ribs. “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” Chase says. “If something isn't exactly how you imagined it, no one else will know. Smile, have fun, and focus on the moment.” —Carolyn Meers

Benold's Jewelry in Austin, Texas, helped design Marie's and Chase's rings. "We liked the details of many vintages rings but were seeking something a bit more simple and modernized," says Chase, who had Marie's rose gold ring engraved with "Amore Mio," a "tip of the hat to her Italian side." The groom’s wedding band was white gold and rose gold and engraved with “My love. My life. My husband” on the inside.
"Our invitations were from Minted.com," Marie says. "They had a gold foil-pressed mountain scape on the front and wood-grain on the back. They were stuffed into Speckletone kraft paper envelopes. The best part were the stamps! We used retro critter and succulent stamps, which were actually in circulation back in 1979 and '81." The stamps were sourced from several vendors on the web.
Marie's bouquet was crafted by Orchid Dynasty and consisted of succulents, eucalyptus, white hydrangeas and garden roses. "I was so excited to not go with traditional flowers for our wedding," Marie says. "We both love succulents, and I don’t think it’s because we live in Texas. They are just gorgeous flowers with so much variety. "
Marie requested only that her two bridesmaids choose short dresses in warm, neural tones that complemented her gown's lace texture.
“What attracted us to the museum were the clean lines, modern architecture and emphasis on natural beauty. The architecture and angles in the building are stunning,” Marie says.
Chase donned a dark charcoal tuxedo and Marie wore a hand-embroidered halter gown by Rue de Seine with intricate vine detailing, front seam split, back keyhole, full train and godet inserts.
Minted.com, which made Marie and Chase's invites, also crafted their simple, minimalistic programs.
Maintaining focus on Utah's natural beauty, the only decor at the outdoor ceremony was a pair of rectangular wire frames, which held about a dozen test tubes stocked with a variety of succulents and flowers.
Marie and Chase exchanged vows just outside the Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City, with the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop.
Minimalism was key for Marie and Chase's escort cards, which were made by Fuse Wedding and Events and featured a simple table number and the guest's name.
"We are both minimalists at heart," Marie says. "What attracted us to the Natural History Museum were the clean lines, modern architecture and emphasis on natural beauty. We tried to keep everything simple and focused on the natural aspect of the environment we were around."
“We are active, outdoorsy nerds with an appreciation for minimalism—which best sums up why the Natural History Museum of Utah was the perfect choice for us," Marie says of their venue in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Copper chargers added warmth to each dining table, which was topped with succulents and some crisp white blossoms—hydrangeas and garden roses.
For the cocktail hour, guests picked up playful napkins printed with the phrase "I'll Drink to That," sourced by Fuse Wedding and Events.
Tulie Bakery in Salt Lake City, Utah, crafted a gold and ivory almond cake, which was topped with the bride and groom's initials and eucalyptus leaves.