When our couple asked us to design a wedding weekend that was adventurous, beautifully designed and needed to include a helicopter at Under Canvas Zion, we knew we were the perfect wedding planners for them. With 35 of their closest friends and family, the weekend became less about “just a wedding” and more about an immersive three-day experience. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we planned it all—from a cozy fire pit welcome to a helicopter landing in a cow pasture.
Day 1: Welcome Party by the Fire Pit
Our goal for Day 1 was to keep things low-key. Guests had traveled in from across the country, and instead of overwhelming them with a big production, we wanted to ease them into the weekend.
We set up the private fire pit at Under Canvas Zion with stocked coolers and styled charcuterie boards (perfect for grazing as people arrived). Guests trickled in throughout the evening, and the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion than a formal kickoff. Mission accomplished.
Planner Tip: The first night of a destination wedding weekend should be simple. Guests appreciate time to relax, snack, and get to know each other before the festivities ramp up.
Day 2: Adventures + All-White Rehearsal Dinner on the Helipad
The couple wanted time for outdoor adventure, so they spent the morning fly fishing while guests explored Zion. That evening, everyone gathered for a rehearsal dinner on the Under Canvas helipad, a totally unique setting with panoramic desert views.
We designed this dinner with an all-white palette (white linens, white florals, and candles everywhere) balanced with natural wood chairs to keep it grounded. The result was elegant, glowy, and perfectly suited to the surrounding red rock landscape. Guests laughed through speeches, played the shoe game, and watched the sun set over Zion.
Since we only had 35 guests, we decided to do a u-shaped layout so that guests could all see each other while eating. We made sure to leave an opening in front of the bride and groom for unobstructed photos.
Planner Tip: Choose one strong design element for intimate dinners (like an all-white look) and let the landscape be the rest of your décor. At Zion, the views steal the show.
Day 3: Helicopter Ceremony + Cow Pasture Reception
This was the day we pulled out all the stops. Instead of sticking to a traditional venue, we scouted the area and secured a cow pasture from a local farmer (yes you heard that right) turning it into an epic reception site with the help of La Piñata Party Rentals and their rockstar LA team.
The couple had a private ceremony by helicopter in a secluded location. After their vows, they flew back and landed in the pasture for their grand entrance while guests cheered…it was insane! Meanwhile, we coordinated shuttles to seamlessly get everyone from Under Canvas to the reception site. The white tent we built on the pasture glowed with candles and looked like something out of a dream.
Planner Tip: With smaller guest counts, flexibility skyrockets. Don’t be afraid to reach out to farmers, landowners, or restaurants because some of the most memorable wedding venues aren’t listed on Google.
Why Full Weekend Planning Matters
This Zion wedding was only possible because the couple trusted us to design the full weekend. By planning every touchpoint (from fire pit hangouts to a helicopter landing) we created a cohesive flow that felt natural, intentional, and totally “them.”
At Cause We Can Events, this is why we only offer Full Weekend Wedding Planning or Design & Management. We don’t just plan weddings, we create experiences guests will talk about for years.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s adventurous, stylish, and a little out-of-the-box, we’d love to dream big with you. contact us here to talk about your wedding weekend. Because these weddings are so detail and logistics heavy, we only take 10 per year so be sure to message us to check your date early on!
Vendor Team:
