August 21, 2015 // Kalli + Trent 

Kalli Bennett and Trenton White first met in the City of Brotherly Love — which was appropriate, considering their titles at the time. The two were LDS missionaries serving in Philadelphia, and Sister Bennett remembers Elder White well. “When I shook his hand for the first time, I thought, ‘Wow. He is such a great listener!’” (Now that’s some handshake!) Trent came home to Utah — and Kalli followed nine months later. After a date to P.F. Chang’s and a great icebreaker of a hike (“We were followed by cops and got in trouble for unintentionally trespassing!”), the two were inseperable. And the next time Kalli gave Trent her hand? It was in marriage. “We were looking at the Salt Lake Temple when Trent blurted out that he wanted to take a picture. He asked me to get his phone out of his jacket pocket, but when I reached in I didn’t feel a phone, so I just pulled out my phone and handed it to him. He looked at me with a panicked look on his face and said, ‘No! My phone … in THAT pocket.’ I slowly reached in again and pulled out the ring. The rest is history.” That history included a hands-down beautiful celebration in Kalli’s hometown of Woodland Hills. With cute nods to their brotherly beginnings — a LOVE sign and Philly Cheeseteaks, for two — the happy couple celebrated with an abundance of flowers, food, friends and family. “Looking at everyone as we were now husband and wife, we felt so much love and gratitude,” Kalli says. “It was a simple, powerful, unforgettable moment.”

The Ring Around You’ve got to hand it to Kalli and Trent — they roll with the punches. “I lost Trent’s ring in the temple and he had to use my brother’s wedding ring for pictures that afternoon. It was more humorous than tragic — and just another moment I knew I loved Trent and he loved me.”

GET THE PICTURE For Kalli and Trent’s wedding,  it was city meets rustic. Sweet touches from Philadelphia dotted Kalli’s parents’ rustic Woodland Hills backyard. “We combined the two for our theme and added pops of bright pink to make it more fun and summery,” Kalli says. “Everything came together so smoothly. We had a lot of friends helping and incredible vendors who didn’t miss a beat.” Among her favorite touches? The flowers — including that hanging wall of roses — and the photography. “We hardly had any other decorations since the flowers were so beautiful! And I found my photographer through Utah Valley Bride magazine and I’m so grateful! Alyssia is the greatest.” (Editor’s note: You’re most welcome.)

SOURCES 

Photography Alyssia B Photography

Venue Bride’s family residence in Woodland Hills

Gown The Perfect Dress

HMUA Katie Livingston

Groom’s Attire Tommy Hilfiger

Catering Marley’s

Floral Calie Rose

Cakes Flour and Flourish

Videography David Perry + Kenna Fullmer

Rentals Diamond Rental

Printed Photos Pro Digital Photos

Live Music Kyle Collins

This anniversary session is romance at its finest. The colors are warm and wonderful, and the couple is lively and lovely.

And when we heard Michelle’s sweet thoughts on marriage and mementos, we were done for.

Read for yourself.

“Darin and I met in in the summer of 2004 and were married late that fall. A quick meeting and engagement, but we knew what we wanted and have no regrets! Darin is an actor and a full-time real estate agent. I am a stay-at-home mother to four beautiful children. 2011 was a hard time for us as a family. Darin was starting up two new businesses and I continued to stay at home with my girls. On a personal note, we were struggling financially and ended up selling many of our possessions. I made the decision one day to sell my wedding ring. I never looked back. My family was everything to me, and I was grateful for the money. Time passed and we kept our family going and our businesses slowly became more stable. In 2014, on our 10th wedding anniversary, Darin surprised me at sunset up the canyon with a new wedding band. He proposed for the second time, and I can honestly say it was even better than the first! This time I knew what saying ‘yes’ to him meant. We are not a perfect couple and marriages are not always easy. Life can beat you down, but getting through the challenges together and traveling life’s road with someone you love is a wonderful thing. The years together just get better and better. I am so glad I said yes all over again.”

We know, right? Positively done for.

SOURCES

Photography Brianne Heiner Photography

HMUA Cassie Brimhall from Studio Enizio

Floral The Potted Pansy (a #UVBvendor!) 

Dress Adrianna Papell

Couple Darin + Michelle Southam

Talk about a walk on the bright side. We are so in love with these romantic engagements. The colors! The clothes! The couple! The captures! Every image tells a story. (And we want to read it over and over again.)

Now start scrolling!

P.S. This cute local couple grew up going to Lake Powell every summer, so the nearby Horseshoe Bend has a fun, nostalgic twist. We love locations with meaning!

SOURCES

Photography Talia Photography

Dresses Free People

Location Horseshoe Bend, Utah

Couple Travis + Brittany

This couple knows how to wear their art on their sleeves. This wedding is full of artistic flare from the groom’s special serenade at the reception to holding the event at the Springville Museum of Art. Even the cake is a masterpiece.

Take a scroll through Maurissa’s Most Marry Moments.

Best Bite “Homemade strawberry tarts have been my favorite treat since I was a little girl, and Spencer loves sugar cookies, so these delicious bites were definitely incorporated into our reception spread.”

Vivacious Vendor “Springville Museum of Art was amazing to work with. The art and sculptures at the museum are incredible and the gardens were stunning. Everything was perfect for our reception. It was the perfect mix of nature and art.”

Alluring Accessory “I loved our guest book. It was a beautiful leather journal with a tree etched into the cover. It fit our relationship perfectly.”

Sensational Seams “I loved the lace detail of my dress and the scalloped neckline and sleeves. I also loved the chiffon skirt that flowed in the wind.”

Most Memorable Moment “During our reception, Spencer surprised me and played a song for me. I had no idea that he had been practicing for this and it was such a special moment.”

SOURCES

Photography Maria Corona Photography

Videography Randy Stratford

Reception Venue The Sculpture Garden at the Springville Museum of Art

Gown Custommade by bride’s mother

Hair Hayley Millward

Makeup Mallory Stevens

Groom’s Suit Zara

Groom’s Shoes Gordon Rush

Wedding Party Attire ASOS and Target

Flowers Wright Floral (a #UVBvendor!)

Cake LaRae Thacker

Paper Suite Design Hannah Rushton

Paper Suite Prints Copies Plus Printing

Rings Alexander Jewelers and Fred Meyer Jewelers

Catering Fiore Pizza Food Truck

Bridals Location Tibble Fork Reservoir in American Fork Canyon

Rehearsal Dinner The Skyroom Restaurant

Couple Maurissa + Spencer

August 22, 2015 // Portia + Michael 

When Portia Loosli married Michael Klapp, it was like a dream. Scratch that — it was a dream. “Michael and I fell asleep after getting married and we were kind of late to our reception!” Portia laughs. “But I guess it technically couldn’t have started until we got there.” True that! But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Portia and Michael met at BYU-Idaho. She thought he was handsome. He thought she had “killer style.” They went to a movie. They hated the movie. But misery loves company. “We really connected on our date,” Portia says. “It seemed like we could talk forever.” And later, when they were in California for a family wedding, that forever talk turned formal. “Michael said to me, ‘Do you know how much I love you?’” (She definitely did.) And then he proposed. She said yes, and the wedding planning began. “We wanted our wedding to be clean and elegant — timeless,” Portia says. “So we chose mostly white, with hints of light purple.” On her must list? A gorgeous outdoor venue. A long-sleeve, high-neck wedding dress — even in the middle of summer (it’s made of swimsuit material, people!). And a perfect photographer, which she found in Kristina Curtis. “It was the happiest day ever,” she says. “I was freaking out about how perfect everything was.” We’d call that a dream come true.

TEARS OF JOY Getting sealed in the LDS temple is forever sealed in Portia’s mind. “I was filled with so much love and happiness during that moment, I felt I would explode!” she says. “So I mostly just cried my eyes out. One of the coolest and best feelings I’ve ever had.”

GET THE PICTURE Portia and Michael’s wedding is filled with timeless — but on trend — touches. From the delicate backdrop to the delicious menu (you had us at tacos, Portia), every detail exudes elegance. And the result? One happy, happy day. “It made us feel so good to have so many people come celebrate us that night,” Portia says. “Everything ran smoothly during the reception and we got to leave through a tunnel of sparklers and drive away in a 1951 Tin Woody. It was better than I even could have dreamed.”    

SOURCES

Photography Kristina Curtis Photography

Wedding Planners Nan Holland + Chelsea Taylor

Venue The Villa in Cedar Hills

Gown Sue Clark, Charmed Life Sewing

Floral Mel Kester

Cake Cakes de Fleur

Paper Suite Paul Barker + Anthology

Rings Main Street Diamonds

Hair + Makeup Jentry Tyrrell

Shoes + Accessories Nordstrom Rack

Groom’s Attire Bar III Suit from Macy’s

Rentals Diamond Rental

Printed Photos Pro Digital Photos

Transportation Dave Sanderson

Moving pictures get us every time.

We are IN LOVE with these perfect films, people. From their first look (her giggles in the beginning!) to their gorgeous wedding, Gabriella and Patrick are the dreamiest.

Now hit play (above + below) and feel the love.

SOURCES

Videography The Cayve Film Co

Couple Gabriella + Patrick

Love this. Mean it. 

We adore engagement sessions. And this engagement session is full of charm. We love the looks, we love the woods, we love the photography, we love the love.

Now scroll along with these local lovebirds and make your Friday sweeter.

SOURCES

Photography The Minted Company

Couple Mechelle + Kasey

Can we just escape to the mountains forever? We’re so enamored with this beautiful bridal session. The sun is warm, the lake is crisp, the trees are grand, and the couple is darling. Plus, her sleeve length is stunning, and the photography is rather enchanting.

Go scroll the lovely!

SOURCES

Photography Lauren B Photography

Gown Gowns by Pamela

Couple Brent + Layne

Location Silver Flat Reservoir

Happy Friday! This incredible bridal session is the perfect way to start your weekend. It has everything — from a fun first look to the most gorgeous glances between bride and groom. The bouquet is a babe, the trees are epic, and the colors are delightful.

We just LOVE love. Can you tell?

SOURCES

Photography Developing Bliss Photography

HMUA Jessica Nelson Makeup Artistry

Floral Dahlia Event Planning & Floral Design

Gown Eden Bridals

Couple Ashleigh + Tanner

This is a scroll-stopper, people. The images are glowing with warmth and wonder. Their expressions are beautiful. The poses feel fresh. And the love is luminous.

Now scroll (and stop!) and scroll (and stop!) and scroll (and stop!).

P.S. We LOVE that Cody and Mikayla wore two different outfits for their engagements, one casual and one formal. It gives you two distinctly different feels — both fabulous.

SOURCES

Photography Elisha Braithwaite Photography (a #UVBvendor!)

Couple Cody + Mikayla

Hey romance? We love you. This effervescent bridal session sends us into the woods — and we never want to come back. Alex and Lauren exude happiness, and these images literally glow with gorgeousness.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go for a leisurely scroll.

SOURCES

Photography Jordan Bree Photography (a #UVBvendor!)

Gown Mary’s Bridal

Suit Urbana Custom

Makeup Jessica Marie Makeup

Hairstylist Alyse Peterson

Hair Colorist Shana Dee Brown

Custom Ties + Socks Knotty Tie

Floral Green Dahlia Studio

Couple Alex + Lauren

It’s Magazine Monday! Here’s a peek into the featured wedding of Natasha + Samuel — featured on our 2016 glossy pages.

In Asian culture, eight is a lucky number because it has no beginning and no end — which is precisely why Natasha Dirck and Samuel Martinez chose to have their wedding on the eighth day of the eighth month of the year. The high school sweethearts met in gym class. “He was an all-around athlete, and I was a super nerd,” Natasha recalls. “He says it was love at first sight — but I didn’t want anything to do with him.” The unlikely pairing stood the test of time, and they chose a destination wedding at the Grand America to say “I do.” They tied the knot with a knot ceremony featuring a figure 8 — yet another nod to their lucky number. “Our wedding was about more than the two of us,” Natasha says. “For us, our wedding was a gift to all of our friends and family who have supported us. We wanted to give them an experience to remember. There were so many people who told us they felt privileged to attend a ‘once-in-a-lifetime event’ like this, but we are the ones who are privileged to have such wonderful people in our lives.”

GET THE PICTURE Because Natasha’s parents own a fine dining restaurant, the food had to be good. Guests were treated to an incredible menu filled with salads, soup (Port Onion Bisque with Brie Crostini? Yes, please!), cornish hen, cannelloni and a prime rib carving station. Dessert was a sampling of macarons, dulce de leche, s’mores verrine, blueberry cheesecake and strawberry mousse. Natasha chose her photographer, Tyler Rye, after admiring his Instagram photos. She loved the way he captured every detail. One of Natasha’s favorite elements was created by a particularly special vendor — her groom, Sam. He made the beautiful arch from a photo Natasha found on Pinterest. Our favorite part? How they got to it. Sam walked down the aisle to the string quartet playing “The Final Countdown“ from “Rocky.” And Natasha walked down to “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

SOURCES 

Photography Tyler Rye Photography

Venue + Floral + Cake The Grand America

Event Planner Nicole Schamaun, The Grand America

Videography Forevermore Films

Gown Victor Harper

Groom’s Attire Jos. A. Banks

Bridesmaids’ Attire Mori Lee

Paper Suite Wedding Paper Divas

Catering The Little America Hotel

Hair Danielle Roniger

Rentals Diamond Rental

Music Rosco String Quartet

DJ Life of the Party

We’ll never tire of gorgeous love in a gorgeous place. And this bridal session is precisely why.

The romance is real and the images are incredible. They’re in love. And we’re in love with their loveliness. Now go scroll through the photos and come join us, lovelies.

SOURCES

Photography Cory Devenney Photography

Gown Margene’s Bridal

Suit Alfani

Couple Hailee + Ty

We call looking at these lovebirds first! We also call this wedding blissful, breathtaking, and beautiful. Jaleisa and Logan’s day is simply stunning — with a colorscape that is natural and fresh, and a celebration that is both elegant and delightful.

So find a comfy place to sit and keep on scrolling.

SOURCES

Photography Wynona Benson (a #UVBvendor!)

Catering The Lion House

Rentals Diamond Rental (a #UVBvendor!)

Venue Ivory Ridge Clubhouse

Dress ASOS

Groom’s Attire My Tie Shop + H&M

Floral The bride

December 17, 2015 // Emily + Collin 

Emily Peden and Collin Bearnson’s proposal was out-of-sight. “Collin blindfolded me and took me on a golf cart through the Thanksgiving Point gardens,” Emily says. “We went into the secret garden where Collin had candles and dessert set up. He showed me a video he made for me, and then he got down on one knee and proposed!” Emily replied with an enthusiastic “yes!” and the two Highland-born lovebirds set a date. When it came time to talk details, Emily was downright marry. “Wedding planning was so easy,” Emily says. “I have been planning my wedding since I can remember. I love all-things wedding!” For her photographer, she wanted a detail queen. “McKenzie Deakins was the easiest decision ever,” she says. “She is spunky, sassy and energetic — just like me!” For her decor, she wanted fancy — from A to Z Gallerie. “I am in love with Z Gallerie, so I themed my entire wedding after them. It was elegant, chic and modern.” For her colors, she went with Aubergine, black, gold, green and lavender — with a touch of Christmas. “I added lots of shimmery Christmas pieces and glittery trees, and I had my florist add lots of glimmer.” In the end, all the little details added up to one big dream. “Everything was fabulous from start to finish,” she says. “Collin surprised me by singing ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love With You’ at the reception. It was incredibly sweet and it brought me to tears. What a dream.”

SWEET MEET Emily and Collin were high school classmates, but they didn’t truly connect until much later. “We ran into each other at a mutual friend’s wedding. Collin was actually on a date!” Emily says. “A few days later, he messaged me on Facebook, and within a few weeks, we were dating!” 

GET THE PICTURE Chandeliers, candles, fur coats, heavenly hues. Emily and Collin’s wedding was dripping with drama — in the best sense of the word. “I love anything and everything fancy!” Emily says. And with her December nuptials, she let the marry get merry. Her reception at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building had a backdrop of gorgeous Christmas trees, and she had her florist add touches of holiday glimmer into the bouquets and centerpieces.

P.S. Check out Emily’s beautiful bridals here!

SOURCES

Photography McKenzie Deakins

Wedding Planner Lia Peterson

Videography Jared Wortley

Venue/Catering Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Rings Sierra-West Jewelers

Floral Artisan Bloom

Cake Granite Bakery

Paper Suite Ann Elizabeth

Calligraphy/Signage Karli Noel Calligraphy

Wedding Decor/Place Settings Z Gallerie

Gown Maggie Sottero (from Celebrations Bridal in Las Vegas)

Bride’s Accessories Nordstrom by Nadri

Hair Lindsay Lee

Makeup Madeline Thompson

Groom/Groomsmen Attire Men’s Wearhouse

Bridesmaids’ Attire Calvin Klein

Printed Photos Pro Digital Photos

Transportation Something Vintage, Something Blue

Happy Friday! We can’t think of a better way to start our weekend than to scroll through this lovely lovey bridal session. 

Beautiful backdrop, beautiful couple, beautiful love … who could ask for anything more?

Get scrolling, friends!

SOURCES

Photography Jordan Bree Photography (a #UVBvendor!)

Gown Janay Marie Designs

Makeup Classy Cosmetics

Floral Headpiece Peaches and Peonies

Couple Elliott + Kenzie

It may not be their golden anniversary, but this anniversary shoot is positively gleaming. We’re dying over those divine Utah fall mountains, that stunning traditional Korean hanbok, and the sweetest looks of love between these two lovebirds.

Come scroll the happy!

SOURCES

Photography Emily Susan Photography

Couple Myunghee + Brian

Oh, these two.

Every beautiful image of this bridal session looks like they are the only two people in the world. We love their looks of love, the way they walk together, and those smiles they share. Also! The colors of this mountain backdrop are killing us! Too much pretty.

Come peek in on this sweetness!

SOURCES

Photography Kelsie EmM Photography

HMUA Schiess Styles

Dress Fantasy Bridal

Suit JC Penny

Florals Kaitlyn Smith

Couple Catherine + Erich

Guia + Andy // March 12, 2016

This wondrous winter wedding is full of heart and celebration. Read the bride’s Most Marry Moments below, and then scroll through the delightful images above.

Meeting Magic “I met the man of my dreams, Andy, in April 2015, just two weeks after I arrived home from my mission. As a filipina, I still adhere to so much conservatism, but lo and behold — I fell in love with him so easily! We decided to get married March 12, 2016.”

Dream Seams “As a fashion designer, I made my own bridal gowns. I participated in Utah Fashion Week two weeks before my wedding, so having designed and sewed bridal gowns for the event, I made it a point to make them all beautiful. As a child, I have been dreaming to wear my own bridal creation on my wedding day. I wore an immaculate white gown on my wedding day, and at the reception I chose to wear my off-white colored gown.”

Family + Flowers “Our loved ones, relatives and friends came to be with me and my husband in celebration of our wedding day. It was one huge celebration.  The reception could not have been more lovely with those beautiful flowers in my bouquet, in our hair and at the tables.”

Perfect Program “The program itself was truly amazing. My sister played the piano and I played the violin as we serenaded the groom with a surprise musical filipino piece. We became teary-eyed as we listened to our parents’ marriage advice. Since it was the first wedding for both of our families, it was total excitement.”

Dance The Night Away “The groom got the surprise of his life when I danced in front of him, along with my cousins and my father. Filipinos really know how to throw a party!”

Thankful “Whoever said there are weddings made in heaven is absolutely right! Ours was.”

SOURCES

Photography Mckay Bailey

Gown Guia Soleta

Floral Shauna Cowley

Venue + Catering Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Wedding Cake Lynn Howard

Consider us charmed. 

These gorgeous images of this gorgeous couple (and their gorgeous family) are the definition of happiness. There is a soft, delicate nature to the captures — they’re bright, airy and sweetly romantic. And those stunning sleeves of the bride? That’s our happy place, people.

Come scroll the pretty!

SOURCES

Photography Jacquelyn Hayward

Dress The Perfect Dress (a #UVBvendor!)

Floral Sage Floral

Couple Britnee + Connor