From the first time I chatted with Alyssa and John, I couldn’t wait to work with them. They are so fun loving and braved the rain for their engagement shoot last spring.  You can see their rainy day Provo Canyon Engagements here! It’s been awhile since I’ve photographed a Mormon wedding. The temple in Idaho Falls was closed for a few years for renovations. Their wedding was the first one I’ve photographed since it was re-opened! When I took their formal couple portraits the month before their wedding, the temple grounds were locked because the temple was closed for cleaning! Luckily the sweethearts in the visitor center let us onto the grounds to do our photos. I could not have asked for a more beautiful day for their photos!! You can see their beautiful Idaho Falls Temple Bridal Session here.

And luckily, their August wedding dawned clear and warm, and the only place to fit all of their family and friends for a photo was the temple lawn! Check out their beautiful combined families!

A Family Affair

After their temple exit, we used the small garden area on the south side for family photos. Something I loved about Alyssa and John’s wedding is that their siblings were their wedding party! They are each the first in their families to marry, so it’s extra special having their siblings a part of their wedding day. The bridesmaid dresses were a soft blush pink the younger sisters were in blue! The guys were dressed up in blues with pink ties and bowties.

I know that some may think that floral crowns are a dying trend, but at long as I’m photographing weddings, I’ll be loving them! And, they are so perfect for these two little sisters! Alyssa’s aunt arranged all of the bouquets for her wedding day, and Petal Passion did some of the additional boutonnieres!

Dancing at The DEC (Downtown Event Center)

After the ceremony and family photos, the families attended an intimate luncheon. After the luncheon, everyone headed to The DEC for the reception. Their wedding is the first time I’ve photographed at The DEC and I can’t wait to go back! It’s such a beautiful space!

These two know how to start a party! One of the first songs played to start the dancing was “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede. That got everyone singing along and tearing it up on the dance floor! John pulled out some of his best moves and even I got a little groovy on the dance floor! Just couldn’t help myself! Alyssa’s side of the family also owns a cheese and gelato company! Her aunt and uncle brought the CUTEST Gelato cart, complete with a bike to cart it around with. I got to take home a few bowls of the best gelato I’ve ever tasted.

Sparkler Exit

It has been YEARS since I’ve had a sparkler exit! If you’re planning a sparkler exit, you want to find the sparklers that are extra long. Also, make sure everyone knows to keep them high in the air as you walk through so you don’t accidentally get burned! Sparklers are fun for everyone and make for some pretty photos to boot!