Archive for the ‘Engagement’ Category

The Engagement Session
The Bridal Session

The Wedding LuncheonThe TempleThe Reception

As a photographer, the one thing I think that makes me LOVE my job more than anything is the way I feel after working with a couple from the first time I meet them all the way to watching them (sometimes with teary eyes) leave in the getaway car.  This couple was no exception, but enough about what I think…without further ado here is their bio on their wedding experience.

The one thing I learned……

I learned many things in planning my wedding.  One of which was that everything lies in the details.  It sure didn’t seem too difficult when planning the basic things like what food to have, who to invite, etc.  However when it came down to actually getting things done, there were so many details that we hadn’t even considered, and these details were important and time consuming.

It is so important to think of all the little details so that you aren’t scrambling around the week of, or even the day of the wedding, trying to finish things up.  So while you may be used to procrastinating in school work or other things, do not procrastinate with the detailed wedding plans…you want to be able to relax and enjoy this special day, not stress over things that aren’t complete.

How I came up with the theme…..

I have always enjoyed things that are a vintage or classic.  So, when it came to the theme of our wedding, it was pretty simple.  I was lucky enough to find my dream dress the first time I went looking.  The color was great and with just a few alterations, it was perfect.  Along with the perfect dress, I chose to incorporate beautiful peacock feathers, which are definitely classic/vintage and went perfect with my wedding colors.  We decided to keep everything else fairly simple since our family would be doing most everything for the reception.

My favorite part of the wedding……

Our favorite part of the wedding was a special few minutes we were able to spend together before the ceremony in the temple.  We just relaxed, enjoyed each others company and pondered on the importance of what was about to take place.

A few other highlights of this special day were: the photo/video shoot with Andrea Hanks and Nate Pickett (they did such a great job making us feel so important), being surrounded by people who care so much about us and support us, and, of course, dancing together at the end of the beautiful day.  Oh and I guess I shouldn’t leave out the sweet tender mercy of good weather when we needed it (it stormed right after our luncheon up until a couple hours prior to the start of our reception).

How Nick and I met……

Nick and I met at a summer activity of a student singles ward.  I had just returned from a mission to Costa Rica and one of my best friends invited me to her ward camping activity at Lava Hot Springs…….

Shortly after the campout we started dating and nine months later Nick took me to The Needles restaurant at the top of Snowbasin and proposed in front of a huge fireplace.

Our proposal story…go to http://ononekneememories.blogspot.com/ for our full proposal story.

What I would do differently……

Plan for the worst.  Some things didn’t work out how I planned and then I was scrambling at the last minute because there wasn’t enough time.  Case in point:  the dress alterations.  The seamstress hired to do the alterations didn’t pull through and I had two days until my bridal pics!!!  Luckily my amazing mother put my dress back together and it all worked out. I wish my mom would have done the alteration in the first place.  We would have saved all the stress and money we wasted.

Vendors

Cake – Bowman’s Market Bakery
Food – Pennie Whipple (mom)
Wedding Dress – David’s Bridal w/ alternations by Pennie Whipple
Tuxes – Stuft Shirt Tuxedo Emporium
Flower Girl Dresses – Stewarts
Photographer – Andrea Hanks
Make-up – Bride
Hair – Cultures Salon
Ceremony – Bountiful Temple
Luncheon –The Canterbury
Reception – Tuscan Ridge courtyard in South Ogden

One of my weddings is featured on Utah Bride Blog today. Hurray! Check it out here!

Carnival Themed Love

May 4, 2010

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I loved photographing this event, but I have decided instead of me telling everyone what a great time I had, I am going to let you read a few things that the bride learned about the wedding day and what she felt about the day.

The one thing I learned……

Weddings are best with a theme. I find it unfortunate that that most people think luau or princess when it comes to themes. There are great themes that could be as simple as your favorite foods. I know that our carnival theme was followed in everything. From the decorations to the invite it was all carnival. But I also kept in mind that I was planning a wedding not an 8 year olds birthday party. There is a way to class up almost everything. We had a lot of people who came to the wedding just to see what it was about. We had so many people say that the invitation was just so intriguing….they had to come.

How I came up with the theme…..

It is all about the dress. I knew exactly how I wanted my dress. I wanted big and colorful and that is what I got. I also knew I wanted a casual atmosphere where people could come and have a good time. And, of course, I wanted unique. It all just came together from there. I love carnivals…especially pictures of vintage carnivals with the pennants and striped tents. I just started making a list and the carnival theme was born. But really, it really did revolve around the dress.

My favorite part of the wedding……

I have two favorites. I loved the flower girls. Their dresses just came together so great. I really played up the fact that nothing really had to match and that I had such fun little girls. I also loved the food. Although I did not even have a bite of anything I just loved the feel. So many people milled around the cotton candy and popcorn. And the hot dog cart was a huge hit!

How Ed and I met……

Ed and I met here in Utah in our singles ward and it was love at first sight….for me. I chased him for about a year before he finally decided to date me. We dated for a year and on October 10th 2009 Ed surprised me and flew me to Disneyland where he proposed in front of the castle.

Vendors

Cake – Aubry Bennion
Cupcapkes – Aubry Bennion
Food – Brown Brothers Catering
Dresses – Riva Juarez
Flower Girl Dresses – Shabby Apple
Photographer – Andrea Hanks
Headbands and Veil – Ann-Michelle Neil
Make-up – Ashlee Winegar
Hair – Chani Chapman
Luncheon -The White House
Reception – Wheeler Farm Activity Barn

Ryan and Chelsey

November 23, 2009

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Yes, I know a lot of pictures. I couldn’t narrow it down any more…believe me I TRIED. I even left out a bunch that I really like too. So, before I get to the story of Ryan and Chelsey, I have a preference question for you. Would you prefer to see the images as stills or in a slide show on my blog?

Alright here comes the part you really want to know about…the shoot! I photographed a wedding in Washington State when I first started my photography business. Jay and Erin flew me out to be a part of their wedding on the lake in the mountains. It was gorgeous and I was in picture heaven. Well, this is part II of the Morris Family Weddings for me. I am going to be taking photos of Ryan and Chelsey in Nauvoo, Illinois in the spring for the wedding and then off to Wisconsin for their reception. I couldn’t be more thrilled. I get to fly into Chicago and will have some time to play there. (Any suggestions?) For these photos, Ryan flew in from Washington and Chelsey came in from Idaho. We then traveled some more to this lovely little spot in Tremonton. Loved the bike, loved the couple and loved the lighting. Chelsey, I can’t wait to see you again for your bridal session!

Thank You!

August 24, 2009

In my business, word of mouth is very important to be successful. I do not pay for advertising, so all of my business is booked from referrals and repeat clients. I just recently booked a wedding that came from a referral from Amy and Kevin. I shot their engagement session, bridals and wedding recently. To show them appreciation for spreading the word about my business, I put together a custom slide show for them with their choice of photos and music. Thank you so much! I really appreciate you sharing the love, I am successful because of all of you!

Frozen Love

March 24, 2009

What a cool day for a shoot! LITERALLY! It was the first week of December and the temperature dropped a whole LOT on the very day this adorable couple wanted to shoot their engagement photos. They were both good sports during the entire frigid event. In between clothing changes we de-thawed inside the JSM building for a bit and snapped a few photos as well. Overall, these two lovebirds were having a great time, and so did I. (Even if I couldn’t feel my fingers and toes.) Oh and just wait…..the photos from the bridals and wedding are soon to come.

Old Friends, New Friends

February 9, 2009

Just two years ago our family lived in Washington State. We moved to Syracuse for a job transfer, and boy how time flies. Even with the time that has passed and the new friends we have made, we still miss our friends and associates in Washington. It is pretty cool when we receive an email or phone call from some of our old friends who are coming to Utah for a visit. We drop everything so we can get together and reminisce about the good times we had together. Imagine my excitement when one our family friends asked me to take their son’s engagement photos! We had a great time catching up on old times and I feel like I made a new friend. Kyle’s fiance is fantastic. I adore her. He is marrying a fab girl, and she is marrying into a fab family. Here comes the crazy part, we took these pictures the weekend before Thanksgiving. Wow! Just look at the color and the beautiful leaves in the pictures. Amazing. Good luck to you both, and I hope to take more pictures for you as your little family grows!

Lush Mountain Photography

August 26, 2008





I had the privilege of photographing these two wonderful people in the lush, green Mueller Park Canyon. It was a nice change of pace….and a great location for photos. I must say, “Miss A” is one exotic looking lady. She is going to be a stunning bride. You are LUCKY “Mr. S!”

Wedding Invite

July 24, 2008


I just wanted to post the “final” product from the “Summer Love” shoot. Here is the invitation with the couple’s chosen photo. They were in a bind as far as ordering invitations and getting them back in time for printing. Sooooo I did a little Photoshop magic so they could mail the invite out in time! They are going with a fun, bright, gerber daisy themed, garden wedding. Man, I can’t wait to shoot the wedding. FYI, I am going to be partnering up with some cool invitation making gals if you need some great invitations, I have got you covered! More info. to come soon!

Summer Love

July 5, 2008




I meet a lot of couples and take a lot of engagement photos, but I must say that this couple has a special spark about them. They are so cute together! I am pretty sure that Rob came out of a Disney Movie. He is Prince Charming and Stephanie is his beautiful princess. She is as lovely on the outside as she is on the inside. They are definetely in for a “Happily Ever After.”