The sky was perfect that day—no Photoshop tricks were used in the making of these photos. We’re lucky, in Utah. We are spoiled by great sunsets on a regular basis, but this one was especially beautiful. There’s something about being outside, in the breeze and sun, that makes people feel alive and connected. It energizes and inspires my photography, too.

Erica and Dave are the kind of people who put passion and gusto into everything they do, and I think that shows in these photos. You can see it in their embrace, in their arms and hands, in the way they’re feeling their connection to each other and their surroundings. Hurray for life and love!

Here are Janet and Joe. I mean, hello?! These two look hot. There’s a really great story to go along with this photo, but you’ll have to wait for the full blog post for that story and more great photos of them.

There’s a special cabin in Ogden Canyon, that’s been in RJ’s family for years. That’s where we did Tarra and RJ’s engagement photos. I got a glimpse into the past of RJ’s family. You could feel the history in that Arts & Crafts style bungalow. You could imagine the parties, with kids running around in the summertime.

I love finding locations for my clients, based on their style and desires—I consider it an important part of communicating what a couple is about. Using RJ’s family cabin, which is so personal to him and Tarra, couldn’t have been a better way to communicate their essence. It didn’t hurt that the place looked like it was straight out of a J.Crew ad.

Jamie of Bellessa Designs, was so kind to think of me for this event. Jamie is an outstanding floral designer, and is also the head interior designer at the new Restoration Hardware store at City Creek. That’s a pretty big deal, if you ask me.

It was exciting to feel the energy of all the people and anticipation, downtown. There were long lines to get into stores, a marching band in front of Macy’s, and people all around. It was fun to photograph something different that day.

I was asked to photograph all the “rooms” of the store, in Restoration Hardware catalog style—straight on, no angles, please! This was a fun exercise for me. Usually, I photograph rooms on an angle, from the corner of the room, to get as wide of a view as possible. I was also there to photograph the ribbon cutting, the inaugural ceremony for the new store.As I moved around the beautiful spaces, photographing everything, I couldn’t help but hear the team-building talk the staff was having in preparation for the big opening. I was impressed and felt inspired. I almost wanted to work there myself! Little known fact: I was an interior designer for 5 years, in between graduating photography school and starting my photography business. Yep.At 10 a.m., we all headed outside the shiny doors for the ribbon cutting. The staff lined up, cheering loudly and holding a long satin ribbon. With great big scissors…the ribbon was cut! You could hear the cheering of ribbon cutting ceremonies all around City Creek Center, but I’m pretty sure Restoration had the loudest group.

What a beautiful night of hilarious and touching toasts, elegant decor, good food and drink, and lively dancing with family and friends.

One kind and genuine couple (dressed to the nines),

A spectacular setting,

Elegant flowers,

Delicious food,

Beautiful weather, followed by an unexpected thunderstorm,

Guests from around the world,

Family,

A hilarious toast from the father of the bride,

A touching speech from the best man…that left everyone in tears,

Desserts from The Dodo,

And traditional Greek dancing?

You get an experience of a lifetime.

Congratulations, Robyn & Jonathan. I was honored to have been part of your celebration. Oh, and stop working so much!

Look for their wedding reception photos, coming soon.

This lovely wedding was featured in Utah Bride and Groom Magazine. I’m pretty excited about that. Not too shabby, eh?

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Venue: St. Regis-Deer Valley

Wedding Gown: The Bride’s Shop

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale

Groom’s Suit: Nordstrom

Groomsmen’s Suits: The Ritz Tuxedos

Flowers and Linens: Decoration Inc.

Hair: Seiren Salon 801-486-5074

Officiant: Hon. Dale Kimball, Senior U.S. District Judge for the District of Utah

Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Musician: Michael Lucarelli

Photo Booth: Photo Booths of Utah

DJ: Matt Carlson (801) 637-2032

Rings: Charley Hafen Jewelry and Morgan Jewelers

Invitations: Fine Stationary, Paper Source, Wedding Paper Divas

So, with a little nod to the past, Jacki put on a red dress and heels and Garrett wore his flight suit. It had just rained, so the runway was wet and the sky was filled with perfect, gray clouds and the dramatic mountains in the background. After our jet session, we drove around Hill Air Force Base and found beautiful fields to run around in. The sun came out and began to go down, which made for the best photographer weather you can ask for—rich, blue skies, puffy clouds, and golden light. Just beautiful.

I got a special treat at the end of the jet portion of our session, so be sure to scroll to the end to see.

These last pictures are of me geeking out about being in the F-16 jet. Jacki took photos of me with my phone. Thanks, Jacki! That’s Garrett, telling me about the “Top Gun” button. There are actually buttons that say “dog fight”, that you push when you want to shoot at another plane at close range. Oh, and there’s really an “eject” button, just like the cartoons. Sweet.

Then, it was off to the reception at Park City Ski Resort, where there was glowing candle light, an assortment of cream colored flowers and natural wood accents (created by Kathryn, herself). Instead of a traditional wedding cake, Kathryn and Shane had a croquembouche, a traditional French wedding cake, made up of a tower of cream-filled, caramel-dipped cream puffs. Kathryn’s parents also had one at their wedding. Turns out, it’s good luck to kiss over the croquembouche at your wedding, as long as you don’t knock it over. The croquembouche stayed well intact that night.

The remainder of the night was filled with hilarious toasts and lively dancing. I always feel honored to be privy to such a personal event as a wedding. The toasts make me laugh and I learn a little more about the couples I am photographing, through the words of a couples’ friends and families. I feel a little like I’m a part of their lives for one night, connected to them, even if I won’t see them again. It sure is nice.

Congratulations to Kathryn and Shane, a really lovely couple.