Matt and Christine’s January 31st wedding at The Point was just lovely. It was intimate, with just Matt and Christine’s most favorite people. If you’ve been to The Point for a wedding or reception, you know that the view from the modern, pointed front of the building, is just gorgeos. It looks over Salt Lake City and the day was perfect for a wedding with a view. The sky was a perfect blue and as the sun set, the sky turned orange and yellow and pink like it does in Salt Lake City. You could see as far as the Great Salt Lake. Christine looked gorgeous in her dress with the chiffon skirt and Matt beamed when he saw her.
There was such a great atmosphere during the reception; relaxed yet elegant without a bazillion people or the stress and chaos of a big wedding. It was just so nice.
Click here to see more of the wedding photographs or order prints. Enter the bride or groom’s first and last names in the search box.
Holly and Eric’s engagement session pretty much ruled. The only time we could meet and have good sunlight was at 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning in February. I met Holly and Eric at their place and off we went to the Great Salt Lake. It was really cold, but really beautiful with the clearest blue sky. Whoa-as I just wrote “clearest blue sky”, Johnny Cash sang, “clear blue sky” from my computer. Coincidence? I think not. Okay, back to regularly scheduled blogging…
So, Holly and Eric and I set off on our cold photographing adventure. I knew I didn’t have to do anything typical with them, and could really let my art out. The thin blanket of snow, crisp blue sky, and frost clinging to grasses was the perfect backdrop to Holly and Eric in their simple black and jeans outfits and their natural look. I teased them about how they had the same glasses and they told me that they are basically copies of each other with their glasses and long hair, often both wearing black and jeans. They both love and own Volkswagons. Eric sells ‘em and probably knows more about them than just about anyone. He also races them and wins a lot. Anything other than VWs are “off brand”.
Holly and Eric’s wedding is in September at Rose Sachs Gardens, a place I love to shoot. I’m looking forward to it. I also can’t wait for Holly’s bridal portrait session. I’ve got some awesome ideas for that and I got a sneak peek of her dress the other day. It’s gorgeous.
What’s Dance Church, you ask? Well…it’s fun, exciting, freeing, spiritual, uninhibited, carefree, a tribe, a community, a place for self improvement and introspection, a chance to dance and let yourself go. It’s held at Flow Yoga every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 5:45 p.m.
Jill and Michael Jeppesen started Dance Church SLC after having experienced it in other states like Washington and California. They are friends and clients of mine and asked me to photograph one of their Dance Church sessions so they could convey the joy and energy of Dance Church to others. I have attended Dance Church several times and it is a wonderful, fun, expressive event. Michael is the DJ and Jill coordinates and speaks at each meaning, providing the group of dancers a wonderful reading and intention before each dance session. She does this at the beginning and end of each Dance Church, with everyone sitting in a communal circle. It’s lovely. I think these photos explain what Dance Church is better than I ever can. Click on the arrow below to start the slideshow.
Music: “Yeke Yeke” Hardfloor Remix by Mory Kante
Click HERE to view all of the photos or order prints. Enter Dance Church in the Search box. All proceeds from Dance Church orders go to maintain and support Dance Church events.
Dance the way your body wants to, without choreography or judgment! Get out of your head and into your body, discovering the innate body wisdom you possess. Ecstatic Dance is an authentic, spontaneous, expressive, meditative movement practice inspired by various people, cultures and practices (Gabrielle Roth’s 5Rhythms™ http://www.gabrielleroth.com, Osho’s moving meditations, Rumi, Vibrational Medicine, Shaking Medicine http://www.shakingmedicine.com, Vinn Marti’s Soul Motion™ http://www.soulmotion.com and, of course, many indigenous cultures).
Go beyond the limits of your habitual movement patterns and explore your unique inner dance. No experience needed, just a willingness to move and be moved! It’s about putting your soul in motion and giving yourself permission to dance without holding back. If you love to dance, this is for you!
We dance barefoot (or with appropriate soft-soled shoes) at our own pace for a little more than an hour. There is no choreography or instruction, but a “focus” and other suggestions may be offered by the facilitator/DJ to help deepen your experience. You’re free to dance by yourself, with another, or join a spontaneous group expression. The music gradually builds to a high energy level and then winds back down to a meditative, relaxing finish. Be prepared to sweat. We become a community or “tribe” that looks forward to dancing together each month. And we look forward to welcoming you into the group!
It was a treat because it’s not the type of event I normally cover and all the special lighting for the concert was already set up for me. I got to focus on composition and capturing the expressions of these talented musicians. I loved the sweeping fabric and vibrant colors that the Rose Wagner Theater used for the stage. It was simple and beautiful.
I have to give a shout out to Sandie, whose engagement photos I shot in January, for showing me around and giving me the low down on Rose Wagner Theater. Sandie is an usher there.
Music: “Angel Next To Me” by Steffon
To see more photos from the concert, go HERE and enter Steffon and Peter Breinholt in the search field.
Spring is the quintessential season for getting hitched. But hosting an affair this time of year can also bring its share of problems. Here’s how to navigate around any issues gracefully.
Pitfall #1: Rain
The Plan: A good rental company can be your best friend. For an outdoor wedding, find a rental company with a rain policy; this agreement will get you a tent at the last minute (usually for a little extra) in case of a soggy weather forecast. If guests will be walking between different buildings or tents, rent hallways to provide coverage along the way. For venues with a flat front, order a canopy and have valet parking to guarantee dry guests. Rain can also do a number on your hair. Consider weaving in extensions or a hairpiece; they won’t frizz or go flat.
Pitfall #2: Mud
The Plan: Include an instant stain-remover stick in your emergency wedding kit. If your dress does get muddy, wait until the dirt dries (a hand-dryer or blow-dryer can speed up the process) and try to flick it off. Still there? Use the stick. To protect white wedding shoes from mud during downtime, step into plastic bags and secure them at the ankle with rubber bands (included in the kit). Or for a cute photo op, wear preppy galoshes.
Pitfall #3: Chilly Evenings
The Plan: Cooler temps predicted? Post the news on your wedding website, alerting guests, especially out-of-towners, about proper attire. Another gracious touch: Set out a basket of colorful shawls. (Ask a friend from a big city to grab cheap ones from a street vendor.) Keep candle flames alive when it’s breezy by placing pillars in glass hurricane holders, using battery-operated flameless candles that look real (and even flicker), or ordering pre-used candles — they’re romantic and the sunk-in wicks won’t be exposed.
Pitfall #4: Bugs
The Plan: If you’re saying “I do” by a lake, at the beach, or on the grounds of a country club, critters can crash your party (not as funny as Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson showing up). Keep baskets of bug repellant at the end of the aisles, and light citronella torches during the ceremony to scare away mosquitoes. Ask your florist for the best blooms for outdoor weddings (ones that don’t attract bees). If you can’t live without a certain bug-friendly flower, the florist may be able to remove the stamen to get rid of the smell. Have your hairstylist use unscented hairspray and skip the perfume until you’re inside the ballroom.
Pitfall #5: Afternoon Heat
The Plan: Scorchers sneak into spring. Hang parasols along the back rows of chairs for guests to grab. Or buy small cold packs, put them in fabric sleeves imprinted with your monogram, and have your ushers hand out the frozen favors (for wrists and the back of necks) with the programs. Elegant and practical gifts for the groomsmen are personalized handkerchiefs; during a steamy picture-taking session, they can wipe away perspiration. If your cake will be displayed outside, order one covered in fondant icing, which holds up well in the heat. With all eyes on the bride, play with a half-up, half-down hairstyle that can easily be pulled into a bun if you get overheated. When a dress with sleeves is a must, consider an airy mesh material.
Special thanks to: Laura Bianco and Kara Thorson, co-owners of My Bellissima in Florham Park, New Jersey
