As their moms have been best friends for years, Bliss Mosley and Griffin Smith have known each other since they were infants. “We had grown up going to the lake together, spending fun holidays with our families, and just being around each other all the time,” shares Griffin. 

While they were always good friends, their relationship didn’t become romantic until their final years attending the University of Arkansas. “My family was at the lake with her family, and something just clicked,” reminisces Griffin, who asked Bliss on a date a few days later. “I just remember how genuinely happy I was. We had the most perfect dinner… Neither of us wanted the night to end.” 

When the time was right, Griffin asked for the blessings of Bliss’ parents, and since they had plans to go on a family ski trip to Deer Valley, Utah, he knew it would be the perfect opportunity to propose in her favorite place. “He got down on one knee on the large deck of the Stein Eriksen Lodge overlooking the beautiful snowy mountains,” describes the bride of the surprise. “A year and a half later, we got married in the exact same spot.” 

While they initially considered exchanging vows at Bliss’ family home, the couple instead chose to share the place that is so near and dear to their hearts with 100 of their friends and family throughout a destination-wedding weekend. They worked closely with their families, as well as their wedding-planning team, to organize the dream wedding. “I work for a wedding publication, so I was pretty aware of the process when it comes to planning, but I really didn’t ‘get it’ until it was time to plan my own,” affirms Bliss. 

When determining their vision for the day, Bliss and Griffin knew they didn’t want a neutral design scheme. “I absolutely love color!” exclaims the bride, who even selected their floral designer since she’s known for doing color so well. “We wanted it to look almost like the flowers grew there, like The Sound of Music ‘the hills are alive’ vibes,” notes the bride of the overarching theme for their summer nuptials. “It was incredible.” 

Guests walked beneath a vibrant arch of fragrant florals and fresh greenery to find their seats atop wooden chairs with ivory cushions facing the impeccable mountain landscape. The ceremony deck was adorned with bright blooms in tones of ivory, apricot, pink, and periwinkle that lined a custom monogrammed aisle runner designed by The Original Runner Company. 

Bliss and Griffin took their places for the vow exchange, which was officiated by the preacher from their hometown, in front of whimsical ground florals in lively hues that was designed to wow, yet not obstruct any views. 

“Our wedding weekend was so magical. It seriously felt like a dream! I kept having to pinch myself to know it was real.”

During an alfresco cocktail hour, guests enjoyed the pair’s signature drinks named after their beloved pups – “Frank’s Old Fashioned” and “Mabel’s Ranch Water” – as well as light bites and additional libations. In lieu of a traditional guest book, attendees were invited to walk up to an old-school dial phone and leave a voicemail. “We got the recordings back several weeks later, and it was really sweet to hear all our friends and relatives say the nicest things about us and wish us well in the future,” says Griffin. 

Friends and family made their way inside the cozy reception space, which had been transformed into a floral-filled setting. “I wanted it to feel as if you were walking through a fairy-tale garden,” smiles the bride. Crystal chandeliers embellished with cascading verdure and colorful blooms complemented the centerpieces down below. 

Guest tables were adorned with textured linens featuring three-dimensional petal detailing, tall taper candles, and elegant place settings topped with individually written letters from the couple expressing their appreciation for each guest traveling to Utah for their special day. 

Following a sit-down dinner of steak and lobster, as well as slices of a four-layer cake dotted with peach-toned sugar flowers, attendees hit the dance floor for the rest of the night. As the day went by so quickly, the groom urges couples to cherish every moment. “Make sure you take in all the feelings of spending that incredible experience with your wife,” he suggests. His bride confirms: “Our wedding weekend was so magical. It seriously felt like a dream! I kept having to pinch myself to know it was real.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Summer 2023 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Summer 2023 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings back issues available for purchase.

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