Hours after their wedding Dawn and Isaac invited loved ones to watch and take part in their Korean Tea Ceremony at the Grand America Hotel. All watched as they showed their love and respect to elders and loved ones, serving tea and hearing heartwarming words of love and wisdom from them. This was easily one of my many favorite parts of the wedding which is why I’ve chosen to share their day in two parts because there’s so much I want you to see. Their day was easily very sacred and special and I enjoyed seeing them celebrate their religion, culture and loved ones. Thanks again for having us so involved in your day and lives you two.
Dawn and Isaac’s wedding was one I couldn’t wait to begin and once it did, I honestly didn’t want it to end. They had a full day of celebrating with an early morning first look together at the Grand America Hotel just before heading to the Salt Lake City Lds Temple where they were married. After spending some time creating some of my favorite fine art portraits from a wedding, we made our way back to Grand America to witness quite a production of an evening. They began with a cultural Korean Tea Ceremony followed by a reception/dinner which was full of surprise musical performances by both the bride and groom to one another and a wild night of dancing. Visually and emotionally their day was amazing. I couldn’t quit smiling as I edited through their images and still wish to relive the day. Dawn and Isaac – I truly can’t thank you enough for being fully honest and trusting when it came to how I documented your day. Thank you for trusting my process and vision. Most importantly though, thank you for sharing your friendship and love.
In the weeks before their wedding, Liza and Aj had a first look together at Cactus and Tropicals in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since they would soon be married in Red Butte Gardens Arboretum, the greenhouse was very fitting for a similar vibe that still offered quite a bit of variety. We started with a first look near the colorful potted plants until their family brought their dogs for some quick family portraits of the four of them. Their dogs had darling floral collars made by the talented Mayflowers Floral Design (something I highly recommend if your pups are in the wedding) and they did so well by their side. It’s becoming a common trend for couples to bring their dogs to their weddings and portrait sessions and it’s something we’ve really grown to love. They’re part of your family too, why not bring all your loved ones to celebrate with you?
A few weeks before their Moab wedding I met Rachel and James at the Great Salt Lake for pre-wedding portraits. She had two separate gowns for her wedding day, both with completely different styles. She went for a gorgeous boho look for these with her reception gown and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was a nice chance for some variety and to let her hair down and have a completely different look from the wedding. I’ll always love when couples opt to take portraits before or after the wedding day.
About a week before their wedding, I had the chance to photograph Sheerin and Austin experience their first look in the exact same place they’d soon be married. The day was pretty unforgettable with heavy rainstorms just beforehand and blue skies emerging right as we met together on the grounds. Because of the weather though we had almost the entire grounds to ourselves with hardly any onlookers or crowds. These two were able to enjoy their first look in front of the Salt Lake City Temple as privately as we could dream of which was amazing. I really enjoyed how they prioritized their time to really enjoy their first look, slow things down and create some quality portraits in their favorite spots free of any rush or stress. This free’d up time on their wedding day allowing them to be with loved ones more and experience the day without hours of portraits. If you’re considering a first look, day after session, or completely taking your wedding portraits on another date then I strongly recommend it.
One of my favorite moments during our time together happened toward the end. They wanted some candid portraits in Austin’s Cadillac so we pulled up on the hillside overlooking the Salt Lake City Temple and surrounding area, they hopped on the back and cozied up together watching the sunset. Then afterward they invited me to take a drive with them downtown before taking me to my car and riding off together. Words pretty much fail me to describe just how fun loving these two are to not only each other but everyone around them. They truly made me feel like more than just their photographer in those moments, and it’s a feeling I’ll always appreciate. They’re genuinely good people and I’m already thrilled to share their wedding here soon.
Sara and David were married on a snowy Saturday in February at the White Memorial Chapel in Salt Lake City, Utah. What inspired me most about them was just how in tune they were with one another on their wedding plans. What mattered to them most was keeping their day simple and centered around what was absolutely necessary. And for them that was to have close loved ones, good food and to simply be married. Their day was honestly a true reflection of them and it was beautiful.
They began the day getting ready in their home in the Salt Lake City avenues. The morning was slow as they shoveled the walk, talked in the living room and eventually helped one another get ready. Sara did her own hair and makeup in a matter of minutes, they laced up their boots and began their walk across the hill to Capitol Hill.
Once we arrived at the White Memorial Chapel we took some time for portraits outside in the snow until loved ones started to arrive. Their ceremony was one of my favorite parts of the day. They casually walked down the aisle without making it too formal, and before exchanging vows they invited a few loved ones to share words of love and support for them. It was really neat seeing how they tailored a wedding ceremony to fit what was important to them.
After their ceremony the night eventually ended over dinner at the Red Iguana II just west of downtown. They had great food and drinks and even the live band came over and performed for them. Overall it was such a beautifully intimate day that I’m so fortunate to have seen so closely. I can’t thank you both enough for having me there! Honestly the emotions I experienced have inspired some ideas for what I may do on my own wedding one day.
The sense of community and love during Peggy and John’s wedding was so strong throughout the entire day. I was amazed by the amount of loved ones who came from all over to share in their love and to support them on such an important moment of their lives. From the moment I walked into the room they were getting ready I was overwhelmed by the amount of kindness shown by everyone. They truly made us feel like a part of their family and community. We can’t thank them enough for it, it meant the world to us.
Peggy and John were married in the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the heart of our downtown metropolitan area, and held one hell of a party at the Grand Hall which lasted well past midnight. Although it took everything not to share every single image that we took that day, here’s a lengthy post of our favorite moments.
Photography: Elisha and Todd | Event Planning: FUSE Weddings and Events | Hotel: The Little America Hotel | Ceremony: Holy Trinity Cathedral | Reception Venue: The Grand Hall at The Gateway | Hair/makeup:Jill Marie Makeup, Carissa Deppe | Ceremony Musicians: Flavia Cervino Wood (violinist), Michael Lucarelli (guitar) | Catering: Blended Table, Aristo’s, Theia Mercy’s Desserts | Greek Band:Oneiro | Surprise Musician: Otis Day | Dj: Mike Varanakis/DJ V | Gown: Berta | Cake: Carries Cakes
