In an extraordinary floral feat, Utah-based florist Shelby Shepherd transported wedding arrangements to a mountaintop venue via ski lift at Sundance Mountain Resort. The event took place on Sunday, 2 August, and for Shepherd, it was a dream come true. This picturesque location had long been on her list of coveted venues to work at, thanks to its stunning views and enchanting ambience.
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Shepherd, who runs Shelby Floral, began discussions with the couple back in January and was aware that using a ski lift for transportation was a possibility. However, until she arrived at the resort, she was uncertain whether this method would be necessary. “We had hoped there would be alternative routes available, as we had seen other vendors successfully transport items this way,” she noted. Unfortunately, the path became clear only upon reaching the lodge; the option she desired was not feasible.
When faced with the reality of the situation, Shepherd and her team were undeterred. “We were ready for the challenge,” she recalled. With the help of five assistants, each member carried three floral pieces during the 20-minute ride up the mountain. She described the experience as “elegantly chaotic,” with some of them having their faces obscured by bouquets throughout the ascent.
Once off the ski lift, the team encountered a steep dirt hike that caught them by surprise. “That was something we hadn’t anticipated,” Shepherd explained. Two of the arrangements included hefty 85-pound cement urns filled with water and blossoms, which she and her personal assistant managed to carry up the rugged terrain.
The floral designs primarily featured light pink peonies, and Shepherd had planned for a full floral arch that the couple hoped to repurpose for their reception down at the base. However, given the unusual logistical requirements of the mountaintop venue, this idea was ultimately deemed impractical. “We had to be honest with the bride about what could realistically be achieved,” she acknowledged. In its place, they settled on a ground meadow arrangement that could be disassembled for easier transport later in the day.
The effort involved in transporting the arrangements and setting up the wedding was significant, and Shepherd took to social media to share her experience. “I knew people would be surprised at the amount of work floral professionals put in,” she commented. There is a common misconception that florists simply play with flowers all day, but in reality, the task is far more demanding.
“The designing process is only about ten percent of our job,” she explained. The responsibilities extend far beyond mere aesthetics. Florists carry heavy buckets filled with water and flowers, clean and prepare every piece of equipment, and even source flowers from multiple locations. Shepherd spent the morning of the wedding travelling to four different sites across Utah to gather locally grown flowers, culminating in a collection that included blooms from three countries and three states.
Despite the extensive labour that went into the day’s work, Shepherd felt a strong sense of satisfaction and accomplishment once everything was set up. “Seeing it all come together against that stunning backdrop was immensely rewarding,” she remarked. She expressed her gratitude for being part of such a beautiful occasion and reiterated her commitment to ensuring every couple receives the most perfect floral arrangements for their special day.
The mountaintop wedding not only presented logistical challenges but also highlighted the dedication and expertise that florists like Shepherd bring to the industry. It serves as a reminder that behind every beautiful wedding display lies a story of hard work, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the day came to a close, Shepherd reflected on the experience with a smile, thankful for the opportunity to transform a challenging situation into a memorable moment for the couple and their guests.