utah | Elisha Braithwaite Photography

Natalie and Tyler’s Engagement in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utahengagements

A few moments into Natalie and Tyler’s engagement session, I found myself covered in a swarm of red fire ants. These two immediately ran over to my side and brushed them all away until they were all gone. If that’s not an indication of how kind and caring these two are then I don’t know what is, but all I can say is that I’ve genuinely loved being around them. They are such happy people who are open for anything as long as they’re together. They were loving and close, they were happy and smiley. They were together and in love and it shined through so strongly as I spent these short hours with them.

We went up Big Cottonwood Canyon around the Jordan Pines Campground area to a few of my favorite spots. They kept things easy with one beautiful outfit that perfectly matched their personal style and the mountains surrounding them. If anyone is looking for engagement inspiration then I highly suggest taking some from these two.

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Jordan Pines Campground, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

green mountain engagements elisha braithwaite photography

happy bride in mountains elisha braithwaite photography

bohemian engagements big cottonwood canyon utah

jordan pines campground engagements elisha braithwaite photography

creative utah engagement photography

bohemian mountain engagements big cottonwood canyon

candid wedding photography in utah

moody woodsy engagements utah

engagements in the woods big cottonwood canyon

engagements in the woods big cottonwood canyon

walking through the woods big cottonwood canyon

moody mountain engagements elisha braithwaite photography

creative mountain engagement photography utah

Minji and Paul’s Millcreek Canyon Wedding at Log Havenwedding

It was a rainy day when Minji and Paul were married at Log Haven in Millcreek Canyon. Days like this will forever be my favorite, when the rain amplifies the lush green trees around us and the smell of damp pine is in the air. The canyon was pretty peaceful and quiet, leaving these two alone to celebrate and be close with loved ones.

They chose to have a late evening wedding followed by dinner and late night dancing. One of my favorite things about them though is how they began the evening with a first look alone together near the lake. The fact that they chose to begin together rather than spend hours on end apart says so much about them and their relationship. They were able to take their time to emotionally connect before jumping into the festivities which set such a lovely tone for the ceremony and rest of the evening. We spent a few moments here before joining loved ones across the road for the ceremony. Loved ones gave readings, family married them, and the evening was easygoing and everything a part should be.

nature nourish nurture at log haven in millcreek canyon

groom anticipating first look in millcreek canyon

groomal portraits at mountain wedding in utah

strappy wedding dress back in the mountains

wedding first look in millcreek canyon, utah

emotional groom during wedding first look in millcreek canyon

brides reaction during her wedding first look with her husband

groom's reaction during the wedding day first look

emotional groom during wedding first look in millcreek canyon

creative wedding photography in salt lake city utah candid wedding first look in millcreek canyon, utah

grooms emotional reaction seeing his bride

groom sweeping up his bride in the utah mountains

emotional wedding potography in millcreek canyon

flower crown mountain wedding millcreek canyon romantic wedding at log haven in millcreek canyon

romantic bride and groom portraits in millcreek canyon utah

wedding at log haven in millcreek canyon

candid wedding photography at log haven utah

groom walking down aisle mountain wedding millcreek canyon

grooms reaction to bride log haven utah

flower girls walking down aisle log haven utah

log haven wedding bride walking down aisle

utah mountain wedding at log haven

log haven utah wedding

creative black and white wedding ceremony

dark and moody wedding photography log haven

moody wedding photography millcreek canyon

wedding dinner at log haven utah

rose wedding centerpieces log haven millcreek canyon

just married cake topper mountain wedding

simlpistic white wedding cake salt lake city

bride and groom grand entrance log haven utah

candid wedding photography millcreek canyon

documentary wedding photography of a bride and groom

first dance log haven wedding millcreek canyon

candid photography utah wedding party

Liza and Aj’s First Look at Cactus and Tropicalsbridals

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?

See their Red Butte Garden wedding here

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Cactus & Tropicals, Salt Lake City, Utah | Florist: Mayflowers Floral Design | Hair/Makeup: Denise with DC Makeup

cactus and tropicals salt lake city house plant

jewel toned wedding bouquet cactus and tropicals

hellebore wedding flowers cactus and tropicals

greenhouse first look cactus and tropicals

bride and groom hugging cactus and tropicals

bride and groom with dogs inspiration

wedding inspiration dogs with bride and groom

bride and groom with dogs cactus and tropicals

cactus and tropicals salt lake city wedding

cactus and tropicals wedding inspiration

long lace sleeves bridal gown salt lake city

fine art wedding photography salt lake city utah

holding hands fine art wedding photography

greenhouse wedding salt lake city utah

fine art wedding photography salt lake city utah

greenhouse first look salt lake city

greenhouse wedding inspiration salt lake city

Sheerin and Austin’s First Look at Temple Squarebridals

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.

xo, Elisha

Featured on Utah Valley Bride Magazine

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Salt Lake City Lds Temple, Utah | Temple Wedding Gown: Mary’s Bridal | Cadillac Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal

salt lake city lds temple wedding spring

salt lake city lds temple wedding spring

spring flowers salt lake city mormon temple

cathedral veil first look salt lake lds temple

long sleeved lace wedding gown salt lake city

reflection pond first look temple square

cathedral veil salt lake city wedding

long sleeved lace wedding gown salt lake city

temple square reflection pond salt lake city lds temple

nude wedding shoes salt lake city temple

salt lake city lds temple wedding

cathedral veil salt lake city wedding

downtown salt lake city wedding overlooking city

bridal portraits in cadillac

Brooke and Keaton’s Engagement in Antelope Island State Park, Utahengagements

The evening I explored Antelope Island with Brooke and Keaton left me feeling very fueled for the months to come. They were so happy to run through fields of buffalo together and interact in a way that seemed so effortless between them. Halfway through the session they even watched their mom’s proposal which was a surprise to most everyone involved. I truly had the best time with them and their loved ones and can’t believe many of the creative portraits we were able to create with the light we had to work with. Thank you so, so much you two for spending so much time and sharing how you express your love together.

xo, Elisha

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Antelope Island, Utah | Dress: Bella Elle Boutique | Hair/Makeup: Celine Earnhardt

bohemian engagements antelope island

bohemian engagements antelope island

boho engagements salt lake city utah

romantic engagements antelope island utah

romantic engagements antelope island utah

moody engagements salt lake city utah

Brenda and Zach’s Fall Bridals at Louland Falls, Utahbridals

Shortly after their wedding at Louland Falls, Brenda and Zach dressed in their wedding clothes for a day after session in some of their wedding clothes. Doing so allowed them to have more time on their wedding day for family portraits and to have more time eating with loved ones. We were able to catch the beautiful sunset colors that came from the valley onto Parley’s Canyon around us, and we were able to slow things down and take significantly more portraits.

These two are an incredible couple who we’re so happy to have met. They treated us like friends and family from the beginning and were so great to be around. Thanks so much, you two!

xo, Elisha

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Venue: Louland Falls, Utah | Hair/Makeup: Bride | Gowns: Handmade in Vietnam

louland falls wedding vietnamese elisha braithwaite

Louland Falls wedding elisha braithwaite photographer

louland falls mountain wedding elisha braithwaite photography

Nicole’s Bridals in the Albion Basin, Utah Wildflowersbridals

The evening we photographed Nicole’s bridals in the Albion Basin wildflowers was incredible. Not only is she stunning, especially with her cathedral veil flowing around her and she’s covered for miles in flowers. But it was nice to slow things down and have some time dedicated to creating nice portraiture of her solo.

Many couples choose to have bridals or formals taken before their wedding day for multiple reasons. Since Nicole was getting married in the densely wooded Millcreek Canyon just a couple of weeks later, she wanted to take advantage of Abion Basin while the flowers were in bloom. This took some pressure off of the wedding day so we could focus on her and her now husband, Taylor, solo. But it also gave her so much variety visually in her portraits. If this is something that’s important to you, whether you have these portraits taken with your significant other or solo, I highly recommend it. It can be such a great way to become more comfortable in front of the camera and treat yourself to some gorgeous portraiture.

I’m so glad we had the chance to come up here and spend this time together. Nicole brought her mother and maid of honor, both of which were incredible to help with her gown and be her constant cheerleaders and supports. The evening was gorgeous and I’m thrilled with how the imagery came together.

xo, Elisha

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Albion Basin in Little Cottonwood Canyon | Gown: The Bride’s Shop

albion basin bridals little cottonwood canyon

Erin and Chase’s Windy Engagement at Bonneville Shorelineerin & chase

boho salt lake city engagements

Jen and Juri’s Winter Wedding at High West Distillery, Utahwedding

Jen and Juri and many of their loved ones traveled into Utah with loved ones all the way from San Francisco to Sweden, so they could celebrate their love in the mountains. For the large majority it was their first time visiting Utah which made for an incredible experience. All they wanted for their wedding was for everyone to have a good time creating new memories with them and because of that the entire day couldn’t have been any better. They laughed, cried, and truly showed everyone the best time.

Our favorite moments from the wedding were mostly during the ceremony. They merged their two families by pouring water from here and Sweden into a glass that they both took a drink from. The way they mixed different traditions and made a few of their own was so personal and special.

xo, Elisha

park city winter wedding

succulent boutonniere galleria floral park city

succulent bouquet galleria floral park city

FAMILY PORTRAITS HIGH WEST DISTILLERY WEDDING

Peggy and John’s Greek Orthodox Wedding at Holy Trinity Cathedralwedding

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.

xo, Elisha and Todd

Published in Utah Bride and Groom Magazine 2018

greek wedding salt lake citygreek wedding salt lake city

grand entrance wedding confetti inspiration

Janna and Zach’s Snowy Bridals in Jordan Pines Campground, Utahbridals

Photography: Elisha Braithwaite | Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon | Floral: Harmons Floral

snowy utah bridals big cottonwood canyon

stormy mountain wedding elisha braithwaite photography

snowy utah bridals big cottonwood canyon

Marie and Chase’s Modern Wedding at the Natural History Museum of Utahwedding

Close friends and family traveled with Marie and Chase all the way from Texas to Utah, just to celebrate on the mountainside alongside them. To put this as simply as possible, their wedding was an absolute dream. Their impeccable taste in details along with their clean aesthetic are definitely worth mentioning. More importantly thought it was their love that made the day so grand.

Among all the great moments of the day, the most profound was when Chase and Marie saw each other down the aisle. From their reactions you wouldn’t have known they saw one another hours before during their first look. The excitement that crossed both of their faces as they came closer and closer to being married was something everyone seemed to feel. It was really as if they saw one another for the first time in that moment and it couldn’t have been more special.

Seeing two people so connected and in love is a truly beautiful thing. We could go on and on but you really ought to experience their day through the images below. Marie and Chase, we truly can’t thank you enough for having us so involved in capturing your day.

xo, Elisha

As seen in Salt Lake/Park City Bride & Groom Magazine, Summer/Fall 2017
Selected by The Knot as Utah’s Best Wedding, 2017

Tags archives: utah