Listen to this articleSupporting local, queer and allied is important for everyday life for many Utahns. But can be even more important when it comes to gay weddings, ceremonies and other important life events. We’ve collected a list of companies and individuals who are actively seeking to assist gay couples tie the knot and have a perfect day.
Caterers & Cakes
Le Croissant Catering
lecroissantcatering.com
For nearly two decades, Le Croissant Catering has been a Utah staple. More than just fantastic food with only the freshest of ingredients and a fantastic presentation, the company focuses on outstanding customer service, said owner and manager Kelly Lake.
“Our first and most important priority is to give our clients an event that they can be proud of,” Lake said. “We want them to be excited about the event even years after it happens.”
But Le Croissant does much more than just weddings. The company has provided catering services to more than 1,000 different events. Some of the events are for small company gatherings. Others are for thousands of guests attending a week-long conference.
Brown Brothers Catering
brownbrotherscatering.com
Brown Brothers Catering offers five-star catering services at realistic prices. The food quality and presentation are among the top in the industry. The menus are filled with exquisite entrees for all tastes. The catering business has been in the family for more than 40 years and Brown Brothers have extensive experience in catering all occasions from large corporate events and wedding receptions to small intimate engagements.
Chef James E
Facebook.com/ChefJamesE
Chef James has been in food service ever since he could see over a table by making soups standing on a stool in front of the stove. Message him for pricing and other details.
Carrie’s Cakes
carriescakes.com
Carrie’s Cakes are more than just the top-of-the-line, highest-recommended award-winning and visually stunning cakes. These wedding cakes actually taste phenomenal. Carrie’s Cakes focuses on high-end cakes and provides only the best service and quality products, Biggers said. The company specializes in butter cream and fondant cakes.
Photographers
David Daniels Photography
DavidDanielsPhotography.com, DavidWeddingPhotography.com
Most photographers learn to take photos and then editing them is somewhat of an afterthought. While editing is important to some photographers, it definitely takes a back seat to the art of taking the photo. For David Daniels, his photography emerges from his extensive background in photo editing and design.
Pumps and Pants Photography
pumpsandpants.com
Pumps and Pants offers a photo studio and traveling services for all the diverse photography needs. From family portraits to wedding and commitment ceremonies, owner Sasha Polak is an experienced and creative photographer who caters to a queer clientele. Gays and lesbians can rest assured walking into the studio knowing they’re in the capable and friendly hands of a true “family” member.
All Occasions PhotoBooths
alloccasionsphotobooths.com
Since 2008, All Occasions PhotoBooths, has been livening up weddings, birthday parties, family reunions and many other parties. The traveling photo booth company will go to just about any event and will help entertain guests and make memories.
The photo booth operation is most popular at weddings, said Diane Busteed, who owns and operates the company with her husband. All Occasions PhotoBooths helped sponsor the QSaltLake wedding giveaway.
The guests of the wedding can receive a copy of the photos that were taken and leave another copy for the hosts. Often times, these photos are put in a guestbook next to the note and signature, Busteed said.
Rockmelon Wedding Videos
Rockmelon.net
Most people don’t know what they want to be when they grow up. For Leyda Cordova, that was only partially true.
She has been filming and editing wedding videos for more 10 years, and while most weddings have similarities, there are always individual moments that can be highlighted in each wedding, she said.
The videos will include the marriage ceremony in its entirety as well as the speeches. However, after that, every video is individualized. The music included on each video is different and used to reflect the personality and style of the couple, she said. The wedding attendees will never be asked to pose for a shot or manufacture any situation, she said.
Florists
Twigs Flower Company
TwigsFlowerCo.net
For more than 20 years, Raymond King has been creating outstanding floral arrangements for every occasion imaginable. He started Twigs Flower Company and has focused on delivering only the highest-quality products to his customers.
While delivering some of the most beautiful flower arrangements available in Utah, King said he focuses on providing locally grown and organic flowers. On the occasion that he needs to order flowers from out of the country, he will only purchase fair-trade flowers.
Sax-Romney Floral
801- 487-2179
From the everyday flower occasions, to weddings and corporate events, Sax-Romney Floral Design is a full-service company that can tailor orders to the needs of each customer. The mission statement is to deliver an excellent customer experience, and help the client deliver a beautiful and unique flower arrangement, said Edward Kubicek, owner and operator.
Sax-Romney opened more than a decade ago and has been providing flowers for every occasion including holidays, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, Kubicek said.
The Window Box
thewindowbox.com
As Northern Utah’s premier florist, the Window Box has just the right flowers and gifts to make any day special. With complete floral services for every occasion, featuring the designs of Tracy Barlow, Davis County’s only AIFD accredited designer, they look forward to an opportunity to be of service.
The Art Floral
theartfloral.com
For that last minute need, special request, custom design just that extra-special human touch, The Art Floral just can’t be beat. The Salt Lake City floral company is full-service with same-day deliveries. For weddings, birthdays, special occasions or just to have that extra pizzazz, The Art Floral is a queer-friendly and inclusive shop to help say, “Thanks,” “I love you,” or “I’m sorry.”
Liquor
Brown-Forman
Brown-Forman.com
Since 1870, Brown-Forman has grown to be one of the largest liquor retailers in the United States. The company markets and sells a large variety of different well-known brands including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka and Korbel California Champagnes.
Brown-Forman is one of the two wine and spirits companies listed on the Human Rights Commission equality index. The HRC gave the company a perfect 100 on the Corporate Equality Index.
Bacchus Event Services
bacchuseventservices.com
Bacchus Event Service provides bar services and rentals of bar-related furnishings including tables, tents, chairs, stemware and silverware for events held throughout Northern Utah.
Bacchus has staffed events of all sizes, from parties at the Sundance Film Festival with thousands of attendees to the smallest party in the group’s history — a gathering of eight friends.
Tuxedos/Dresses
Tuxedos by Lee
tuxedosbylee.com
Tuxedos by Lee offers much more than the equivalent to renting your dad’s tuxedo. Every five years, these locally owned and operated stores replace their entire inventory said Meghan Roberts, the general manager.
The selection of tuxedos is enormous. With just about every color and style imaginable, there are options for everyone’s taste, Roberts said.
The Ritz Tuxedos
theritztuxedos.com
With more than 20 tuxedo styles and more than 50 vest colors and patterns, The Ritz Tuxedos is perfect for weddings and other formal events. With same-day service and pick-up the evening before the event, the service is unbeatable.
Plus Size Consignment
plussizeconsignmentofslc.com
Now women in Salt Lake City can recycle their wardrobes by buying, selling and trading plus size clothing. Until now, the large size customer has been the “forgotten woman” in the world of consignment but the average American woman is size 14. As owner of the Greater Salt Lake Woman, Pam Scarpelli introduced fashion to the “curvy woman.” Now as the baby boomers change their life style, she brings recession proof, new and nearly new, ego-friendly recyclable alternatives to the retail clothing market. Consignment jewelry and accessories and new active wear are also featured.
Just Girl Stuff
justigirlstuff.com
Specializing in prom and wedding dresses, Just Girl Stuff, has more than 600 dresses in stock and available for fitting. From bridesmaids to flower girls, this beautiful and queer-friendly store in Riverdale, Utah, is a must-visit for anyone, gay or straight, planning a wedding or any other special event.
Just Girl Stuff is donating two wedding dresses for the QSaltLake Wedding Giveaway. For more information, go to justgirlstuff.com.
“Here at Just Girl Stuff we make your special occasion our number one priority.”
Fairy Godmother’s Bridal
fairygodmothersbridal.com
Seasonal collections and the latest in styles make Fairy Godmother’s Bridal a perfect stop. Dress sizes vary from petite to plus-sized. With more than two decades of experience, the Fairy Godmother knows how to stay relevant.
Jewelers
Charley-Hafen Jewelers
charleyhafen.com
From humble beginnings more than 20 years ago in a hotel-lobby jewelry shop to being one of Utah’s premier jewelers, Charley Hafen Jewelers established a legacy of fantastic customer service, competitive prices and phenomenal pieces.
With an enormous inventory of everything from diamond necklaces and earrings to antique 7th century beads, the store is quite literally a work of art. And aside from the collection of pieces already in the store, Hafen will help design a piece to fit a customer’s taste.
Bart Russon Jewelers
bartrussonjewelers.com
The family-owned jewelry store specializes in gold, silver and equally beautiful metals like titanium and tungsten. From customized works of art to an impressive array of the latest and classic styles, Bart Russon is a must-see for a discerning shopper.
Linens
Specialty Linens
SpecialtyLinens.us
With more than 50,000 pieces of linen available in 60 different colors, Specialty Linens has one of Utah’s largest selections available for rental. From weddings to small family gatherings, Specialty Linens has all the different colors and sizes necessary.
Disc Jockeys
Soundwrite LLC
rogerlcox@gmail.com
A newcomer to the wedding and disc jockey scene, Roger Cox got his business off the ground in December of 2011. With an education in Spanish and music, Cox has used his talents hosting a program on KCPW, but has wanted to take his work directly to the community.
“Everything in my life has to do with music,” Cox said. “It is so important to me.”
His new company, Soundwrite LLC, is just starting and he offers DJ and other emcee and hosting services for weddings, events, parties and dances. While music is his passion, being involved with the community is also very important, he said.
DJ Pauly
DJPaulyWeddings.com
For Paul Helms, being a disc jockey is much more than a hobby. The St. Louis native has been honing his craft since 1989 when he began working as a professional deejay.
“We have an advantage over other companies,” Helms said. “We’ve performed at weddings all over the nation. We don’t do cookie-cutter receptions. We help create a great experience, not just for the couple, but for everyone there that night.”
Event Centers/Planners
Premier Corporate Events
pierpontplace.com
Stylish and upscale Pierpont Place can be rented for weddings, corporate events, parties or any other occasion.
However, if the customer does not want to hold the event at Pierpont Place, the Premier Corporate Events offers catering, planning and bar services.
“We not only help our clients find other venues, we will help them plan the events, bring all the necessary tables, chairs and tablecloths and provide all the food and drink services necessary,” Boes said.
Memorial House
utahheritagefoundation.com
Nestled in the beautiful and serene backdrop of Memory Grove Park, the Memorial House is the perfect location for any special day. The historic charm of Memorial House, coupled with the amazing elegance and beauty of Memory Grove Park make this an ideal year-round choice for weddings and other ceremonies. Memorial House provides the perfect ambiance for an elegant dinner or reception. Guests will feel right at home with the warm wood floors, large fireplace and open layout. During the summer months, the charming French doors open to the patio, where guests are invited to take in the sweeping views of the park and to relax under the shade of large umbrellas. In the colder months, the fireplace provides guests with a cozy atmosphere on your perfect winter night.
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts
umfa.utah.edu
While many in Salt Lake City know the Utah Museum of Fine Arts as a place to see a wide-ranging collection of art from around the globe and a number of outstanding traveling exhibits, fewer likely know that it is also an excellent venue for receptions
Riehl Events
riehlevents.com
As an event planner, Jacque Riehl offers her clients four different services: planning, production, décor and design. In the planning stage, Riehl will meet with a client and work out a detailed budget plan.
“Literally we become the client’s personal assistant, available to them 24-7 so everything and anything they need we’re onboard to do,” Riehl said.
First Baptist Church of Salt Lake
firstbaptist-slc.org
First Baptist Church is a loving, growing, queer-friendly congregation whose arms are open to embrace everyone, just as God embraces us all without distinction. There are two chapels – one large and one small – which can be used as a beautiful setting for a gorgeous traditional wedding.
Cards and Invitations
C3 Design
c-3design.com
C3 Design is a full design company with expertise in an eclectic mix of fields including stationary and site décor for any occasion.
“The whole idea is that your event should be all tied together [design-wise],” said co-owner Colby D. Su. But clients, she added, can pick any service they want for their events, from a full interior design consultation, to event planning, to place settings, to unique cards and invitations.
Attorneys
Chris Wharton Law, LLC
chriswhartonlaw.com
Chris Wharton is a Utah attorney focusing on family law, criminal defense, and LGBT legal issues.
Jim Harris, Attorney
jlharris65@q.com
Jim Harris is a family law attorney with more than 10 years experience in estate planning, small business consultations and assisting same-sex couples with legal advice.
Ford & Huff, LC
801-407-8555
Ford & Huff, LC is a full service law firm dedicated to equality under the law.
James L. Harris
jlharris65@q.com
James L. Harris is dedicated to helping the little guy and specializes in family law.
Lauren R. Barros, P.C.
laurenbarroslaw.com
Lauren Barros offers reasonable solutions and litigation services for complicated family law issues.
Laura Milliken Gray, P.C
801-983-3309
Laura Milliken Gray, P.C. is a specialty law firm providing expert, comprehensive and caring legal services.
Salons
Cherry Bomb Salon
cherrybombsalon.com
The Cherry Bomb Salon is led by Nickole Hogan. Along with fabulous cuts, styling and colors, she is an educator with Pravana Natureceuticals and is experienced in current advanced hair coloring, hair cutting and straightening techniques for all hair types. Hogan also specializes in MAC makeup and is a certified MAC Pro Makeup artist. Her creative passions include beauty transformations, weddings, photo shoots and special events.
Dolce Hair
801231-7776
Visit Dolce Hair before the big day to make it the most fabulous event possible. You’ll find queer-friendly stylists in an urban-chic atmosphere.
Claudio’s Hair Salon
801-236-7992
Perfect stop for men or women to have the cut, shave or styling before the big day.
Ministers
Interfaith Celebrations — Rev. Leesa Myers
leesa@leesamyers.com
Serving the queer community is more than just a business decision for Leesa Myers said. But offering to help work with gay and lesbian couples is a personal decision to make Utah a more welcoming place, she said.
“I love working with gay couples. It is absolutely my passion,” she said. “Even when it’s going to possibly affect my sales, I always advertize that I work with gay couples. I want them to know that they can feel comfortable with me.”
