This greenhouse wedding at the Highland Gardens venue in American Fork, Utah was one of my absolute favorite weddings I’ve ever shot! Obviously I had to write a blog post about it to tell and show you why!
Sarah and Braden are such a sweet, laid-back couple and it was so easy to see how in love they were. It was an emotional day filled with so many sentimental moments. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to capture such a beautiful, love-filled wedding day.
Their wedding day took place in the middle of January, on a snowy winter day. It was freezing cold and windy for most of the day, but with a greenhouse venue, that was no problem! There were green trees and beautiful plants throughout the entire venue — even hanging from the ceiling and twisting around the columns. I LOVE greenery and it made for the most beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and reception. The greenhouse made it feel like spring or summer even during the middle of winter in Utah.
Because this was a COVID wedding, the guest list included only the closest family and friends. But I think that made it even more special. Sarah and Braden’s families were so close knit and really knew how to have a good time together! It was such a fun, sentimental wedding because of that!
Getting Ready
One of my favorite parts of the wedding day to photograph is the bride getting ready because I get to take detail shots and capture the pre-ceremony excitement! Sarah’s wedding dress was SO gorgeous and unique! She had it custom made at Alta Moda Bridal. The delicate lace and beautiful flutter sleeves were my favorite unique touches. Sarah’s mom put on her veil and helped her get ready which created some beautiful, picture-perfect moments.
The groom and groomsmen always get ready much faster than the bride and bridesmaids, so they had some fun in the groom’s room before the ceremony. That’s what groomsmen are for, right?
Ceremony
The Highland Gardens venue had a beautiful ceremony set up with greenery all around, big windows, and a huge fountain as the ceremony backdrop. It was such a sweet ceremony. Sarah’s dad walked her down the aisle and Braden had a huge smile on his face the entire time. Both Sarah and Braden wrote their own vows and read them to each other. Even after attending so many weddings, I still get a little emotional during ceremonies! I always make sure to capture the parent’s reactions because it’s such a special time for them too!
Reception Details and Bridal Party Photos
The details at this wedding were so beautiful! There were marquee light letters spelling the couple’s last name, custom masks for all of the guests, and even personalized Champagne glasses for the bride and groom. All of the florals were done by the venue and they did an amazing job! The arrangements for the sweetheart table and the other centerpieces were absolutely beautiful. The burgundy and blush wedding colors were perfect for a winter wedding, while still complimenting all of the foliage of the greenhouse.
Sarah and Braden were even sweet enough to give a table setting and place card for me and the videographer! It was so nice of them to think of us!
Bridal party photos were so fun with this group! The bridesmaids and groomsmen were all great friends and ready to have a good time. The groom even got on his groomsmen’s shoulders for an awesome photo!
At this point in the day we also did family formals. I didn’t include any in the gallery just because I already have too many photos in this post! I wish I could include all of the photos from the entire day!
The bride and groom also wanted some photos in front of the huge sign outside of the venue that had been personalized for them! “Covid is in the air but so is love.” I thought that was awesome!
Reception Entrance, Toasts, and First Dance
The bride and groom made a fun entrance into their reception with tons of energy and I loved it!!! The toasts were all so sweet and it was very apparent how loved the bride and groom were by their family and friends.
The bride and her dad were really close and they had a very special father-daughter dance together. Then Sarah and Braden had a romantic first dance under the twinkling lights and beautiful greenery all around. The first dance is another favorite moment of mine to photograph! The bride and groom get to be in their own little world for a few minutes and celebrate the start of their lives together with a dance.
Partying and Dancing
Then it was time for the party to really start! Even though the guest list was small, there was plenty of energy on the dance floor and everyone had a great time dancing the night away! I LOVE it when weddings have great dance parties! The movement and genuine smiles are so fun to capture in photos.
Cake Cutting and Sparkler Exit
To end the night, the bride and groom cut their beautiful wedding cake and left the reception with a sparkler exit. It was a beautiful greenhouse wedding even in the winter of Utah and I’m so glad I got to capture it! I am so lucky as a wedding photographer to be a part of such special moments.
