Mariah + Gary Get Hitched!

Mariah and Gary became temple sealed on Friday, January 12, 2018 at the Payson Temple in Payson, UT. If you've never been to the Payson Temple, it's worth checking out. Though the sun hid behind the clouds and the air was chilly, the temple strikes a formative pose almost piercing through those clouds. 

Soon, family and friends began to gather and talk as they waited patiently for the Bride and Groom to exit. I tried to sneak a few inconspicuous shots of them before they noticed, but they almost always noticed and we got some laughs out of it anyway. 

Finally, Mariah and Gary exited the temple for friends and family to swarm around them with kisses, hugs, and the occassional tear. Everyone was elated, and the familial atmosphere didn't change once we began family portraits in front of the temple. 

Mariah and her bridesmaids were exceptionally beautiful, the cloudy lighting casting an even glow about all of them. Even the groomsmen were in chipper spirits, laughing and acting goofy. (I really love it when groomsmen don't take themselves too seriously, it makes everything more fun!)

Once family portraits were finished, family members left to get the Luncheon together, so I grabbed Mariah and Gary to go take a few portraits of them alone before they had to leave as well. They definitely didn't disappoint. 

Once family portraits were finished, family members left to get the Luncheon together, so I grabbed Mariah and Gary to go take a few portraits of them alone before they had to leave as well. They definitely didn't disappoint. 

I didn't see them again until the reception later that night but from the moment I arrived until the time I left, everyone was having the BEST time. Wedding parties who know how to party and actually celebrate always make the best weddings! Not to mention, the decorations were unbelievably gorgeous!

From first dance as man and wife, to dancing with friends and family members, to cutting their cake, Mariah and Gary never slowed down, but they also never stopped looking at each other or holding hands. 

Eventually the evening wound down and it was time for the garter and bouquet toss! One of my favorite wedding traditions and this one didn't disappoint. I think we had some happy catchers!

Right up until the final moment, Mariah and Gary had the best time not only with each other, but with the countless friends and family who showed up to honor and celebrate with them on their big day. The receiving line was so long in the beginning that the schedule got completely thrown off, but what a blessing to have so many people come to see your debut!

I had the best time with these guys and I'm so honored they chose me to photograph the most important day of their lives. Congratulations Mariah and Gary! Enjoy the honeymoon!

Trisity + Tim Say 'I Do'

When I first met Trisity one afternoon at a Starbucks for coffee and to discuss wedding details, I immediately felt giddy with excitement for her. She exuded this energy of amorous joy that can only be attributed to people who are truly in love. I was so excited when she and Tim decided to hire me as their wedding photographer because not only are they great looking people, but even though I hadn't met Tim until the wedding day, I just knew these two were soulmates. You could see it written all over Trisity's face every time she said her fiance's name. 

The day of their wedding, I arrived at The Falls Event Center to see Trisity and her bridesmaids hanging out together in the Bridal room while Trisity finished getting her makeup done. Trisity was beyond gorgeous even in tights and a robe, and I immediately felt welcomed into their group of girls which says a lot about their character. We joked a bit to break the ice and a few sarcastic comments later, it was like we'd known each other all along.  

The groom and his groomsmen were no different, Tim being beyond inviting and truly a gentleman the entire evening. His groomsmen were hilarious together and it was so obvious these guys loved one another and had clearly been through a lot together as friends. 

Tim had elected not to see Trisity before she walked down the aisle, so there was this air of excitement to their ceremony that not every bride can claim. I was so glad though, because the look on his face, the tears that seemed to suddenly spring to his eyes when his beautiful bride was ushered out, the way his smile never seemed to leave his face the entire time spoke volumes. It was truly like he couldn't believe his luck, and I mean seriously... she was a smoke show y'all. 

After the ceremony, the bridal party shouted and high fived and we were ready for some portraits! We left the event center and walked to the mall across from us to find a fun back drop and I think everyone had fun being watched by onlookers at the mall. I seriously love being part of a wedding full of people who know how to have a good time, and these guys legit know how to have a good time. We laughed the entire time taking portraits! 

Now it was time for a few toasts! The Bride's mother and father, the Best Man, the bride's brother, the Maid of Honor, a letter from the Groom's father, all had the most inspiring and tear jerking testimonials about the couple and I swear there wasn't a dry eye in the place after it all. We even gathered everyone together for a huge group portrait at the end of it all and I saw my life flash before my eyes as I climbed on a table to take that particular photo, LOL. 

With everything serious out of the way, it was party time. Trisity and Tim first took to the dance floor for their first dance, then with their father and mother.

They eventually filtered around the room, hugging necks, shaking hands, speaking and loving on guests who had come to witness their union, while DJ Little Bro manned the music station. It wasn't long before the couple and their entire bridal party were out in the middle of the dance floor so they could showcase their awesome dance skills, haha. 

Originally, both Trisity and Tim wanted to leave by 9:45, but when ten til that time came, they just weren't ready to stop having fun with all of their family and friends. So I suggested a 'fake leave' to capture their sparkler exit and boy did they not disappoint. 

I am so honored I was chosen to capture this magical and FUN day for these two people who obviously adore one another so much. I love my job so much because I get to capture real live love stories and Trisity and Tim's story is definitely one for the books! Congratulations "y'all", and best wishes!

Lien + Zack Tie the Knot

Saturday, August 26 dawned a little gloomy for Utah's super scorcher of a summer, and I worried a bit about Lien's decision to do an outdoor wedding. But it wasn't long before blue skies and the bright sun took over for the rest of the day! 

My second shooter and I met with Lien and several of her bridesmaids at a bridemaid's home in Herriman to take photos of her getting ready, as well as some detail shots. When I showed up, she was dressed a lovely silk and lace robe, her beautiful dark hair adorned with one of Lacy Lauren's Bella Via Designs headpieces and her make up was perfection. She seemed calm for just a few hours before showtime and she was super accommodating showing me where everything was so that I could get the best shots possible!

Weren't the rings gorg? 

I almost died seeing her beautiful long train on her gown and she absolutely glowed next to these high windows!

After she was dressed we headed to Daybreak to do some first look photos with her and her groom, Zack who was waiting patiently for us with his best man. Isn't he cute waiting to see his beautiful bride?

Lien and Zack have been together for quite awhile and even have two precious little one's who helped make their big day complete. 

When we were done, we headed to our venue at the bride's Uncle's home in Riverton. The ceremony was set up outside facing the gorgeous Wasatch Mountains with the setting sun behind us. It was amazing, y'all. Their ceremony was light and fun but also super heartfelt. You could tell they enjoyed being together and making this whole marriage thing official. 

Afterwards, Lien and Zack were adamant about not spending much time taking posed shots so that they could connect with their friends and family who came to see them tie the knot, but the bridesmaids and groomsmen wanted to make sure the honored couple got poses of them, ha!

 Beer was provided along with a super cute lemonade and Arnold Palmer stand, while a buffet of Asian style cuisine was served on the balcony above. 

Before leaving, I took a few more shots of Lien and Zack together with their kids and they seemed so warm toward one another, smiling and giggling with one another, the stress of the day's events finally fading away with the sunset. 

Congrats you guys!