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!

Tracy & Dale's Intimate Elopement

In my line of work, you'd think every wedding you witness would showcase two people who are soulmates, but that's just not the case. It's rare, but when you see it for yourself, you know that these two people were meant for one another. This is exactly what drew me in to Tracy & Dale's story. Their elopement at Log Haven Restaurant in Mill Creek is literally what dream weddings are made of: intimate, moody, and downright gorgeous. 

Saturday dawned cloudy as part of a weekend long moody spell throughout the Salt Lake Valley and the beautiful Wasatch Mountains lining the east side of the valley. You'd think I'd be afraid of rain or snow, but I actually love shooting in overcast conditions because the lighting is just superb.

I arrived at the Log Haven Restaurant eager and ready to start shooting, but I was not prepared for how extraordinarily beautiful the entire location was! Twinkling lights lined the log cabin-esque building, and solemn evergreens guarded the sides and backdrop. We were on a mountain after all, and the ampitheatre for the ceremony, to the meadow with its own waterfall, to the the countless romantic secluded spots that dotted the entire location made my detailed heart flutter. 

Tracy was hidden away in a room, having her gown laced up as I walked in, but she didn't appear nervous at all, just ready for the time to come when she could call Dale her husband. 

Even Dale, with his father, brothers, and other family members seemed so relaxed as they discussed the drive from St. George for some of their family to attend. If Dale appeared restless at all, it was only because he was truly ready to see his bride walk down the aisle. 

After a few detail shots, Dale and I left to find the perfect spot for a 'first look' moment between him and Tracy. The perfect spot practically screamed at me when I saw it: an ivy covered trellis. Dale patiently allowed me the few groom portraits I needed, but soon it was time to bring in the main event. 

Tracy's gown was covered in delicate lace making climbing concrete stairs a tad difficult, but wow was she gorgeous! Dale was so antsy waiting to turn to see her, the suspense rising with each click of my camera. Finally, it was time for him to turn around. Y'all, I've never seen a groom react like this before and it just made my heart swell. 

Tracy was so glad we decided on a first look because it takes some of the pressure off of the ceremony, and allowed them to see and speak with one another privately before everyone else gathered around them. Even their boys (two each) watched with smiles plastered across their faces and the youngest came up to Tracy afterward and said, "You look so pretty mama!" 

The ceremony was short and sweet, with hand written vows and testimonies from family in the crowd. It was certainly no less a tear jerker though and I was glad for the biting wind to blame my watery eyes!

After the ceremony was finished, we gathered for some family portraits, while Dale's boys exclaimed to Tracy, "Now you're our mom for real!" The smiles on all of their faces were so pure and genuine, it was so obvious that not only did they love one another, but that others loved them fiercely as well. 

It was cold out, so everyone quickly huddled back inside to drink hot chocolate by the fire and warm up before lunch was served. Books lined the backdrop of both tables, and waiters quickly and quietly served salad and bread before the main course. Tracy and Dale glowed as they visited with family and friends, and the children (secluded at their own table) were all so well behaved and fun. I even caught two of the boys toasting their hot chocolate like regular adults. 

Eventually, after heartfelt toasts and a few tears and laughs, Tracy and Dale made their way to the dance floor to cut the cake and share their first dance together. 

With every other detail finished, I wanted to make sure we got a few bride and groom portraits before I left. Tracy and Dale followed me out to the meadow where waterfalls, streams, and a pond awaited our arrival. Ducks swam and scavanged nearby as I posed my couple. I didn't have to pose much, because they seemed to be in their own world, laughing and enjoying one another's company. This kind of love story is rare, folks. It's a love story that heals heartache and provided redemption and grace for the past. It's a love story that blends a family together as if it were this way all along. 

Congratulations you guys! I wish you all the best in your new adventure together!

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!