February 27, 2013

Maitlyn & Blake-Montage Deer Valley Destination Wedding

February 27, 2013

Maitlyn and Blake came all the way from Texas for their destination wedding at Montage Deer Valley. Rain threatened the outdoor ceremony, but it cleared up just in time for a beautiful wedding, overlooking green mountains. It was followed by an elegant and fun reception in the ballroom.

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Congratulations to Kayla and Ryan, who just welcomed a beautiful baby into their lives. Welcome to the next stage of life, you two! @kkt0814

There’s a fine balance between respecting the emotions of people, and capturing an important moment. It was an overwhelming day of getting ready and it all came to a peak, when Chelsea slipped into her dress. I caught her crying, with one shot, then put my camera down, to give her space. I’m really glad I had it on silent, in that moment. I secretly felt victory, to have captured something so meaningful. That’s what wedding storytellers live for. Sometimes, it feels like I’m stealing pictures. • I wasn’t sure if Chelsea would want this in her wedding album or not, so I didn’t put it in the initial layout. When Chelsea viewed the design, she asked that I put it in. I love that she saw what I saw.

I’ve offered family photos on and off, over the years. Sometimes, I was choosing to focus on weddings, sometimes taking a break to focus on being a new mom, but also, not connecting with the typical family portraits, with matching outfits and smiling on command. I always preferred the expressions I got from less structured family sessions. •

Now, I’m taking it a step further, with an approach of documenting the real lives of families, through everyday activities, play, and exploring the outdoors. For me, these are the kinds of family photos that just feel right. •

Thank you to the families who have opened their homes, for me to capture them this way: @kirstinroper @justinhackworth @amyhackworth @lindseystewart @hgustavson @vwbora1 @rachelannecarter @ch1cken1 .
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How to have a great wedding: take a chairlift to the top of a mountain, have a good friend marry you, and laugh a lot. .
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#melissakelseyphotography #utahphotographer #utahweddingphotographer #utah #storytellingphotographer #weddingphotojournalism

This dog had game. 🐾
Your photos are alllllmost ready, @megancaltman and @saltlakecenturion. .
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#melissakelseyphotography #utahphotographer #utahweddingphotographer #utah #storytellingphotographer #weddingphotojournalism @pictureline @picturelinepicoftheday

We almost got kicked out of the Owl Bar at @sundanceresort, but I didn't let that happen. They were having a drink and I happened to be taking their photo. 🤷🏻‍♀️

An incredibly touching first look between Christina and her father, on her wedding day.

Gonna' go photograph these lovers today, who were married nearly 4 years ago. Documentary family photos of them and their two curly-haired babies, this morning!

Droppin' peace signs with Grandma, while you wait for the wedding ceremony to begin.

Photos of photos of photos, at weddings.

This moment just stops me in my tracks. Christina shows her emotions so beautifully, whether she is joyful or touched. This was the moment she opened her gift from Jackson, an engraved necklace, before their wedding ceremony.

Grandmas as flower girls. Need I say more?

All the pain and love and mess of life, bundled into an instant. It's a special honor, to witness and record these kinds of moments. I saw Audrey walking her dad to the car, as he was leaving the wedding reception. I quickly followed, but I didn't know I'd get to witness this emotional moment, where he began to cry. Also, he's wearing a bolo tie, so...

Chelsea & Zach, last summer. They're getting married in June, at one of my favorite places--Red Butte Garden.

Britt & company, getting ready for her wedding to Kyle.

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