There is something so magical about a wedding day filled with sunshine, water, and the kind of love you can feel just by being near it. This beautiful lakeside wedding in Northern Utah, Utah Gathering Place, had all of that and more. From the moment we stepped out onto the dock, surrounded by crystal clear blue water and wide open skies, it was obvious this day was going to be something special. The light was bright, bold, and unapologetically sunny..

We started with a first look with the brides dad in a shady spot, then did a first look with her hubby-to-be, and ended with some formals right on the dock up until people started arriving for the ceremony. The first looks were so sweet. Having a son that recently got married has added an element of emotion for me when I guide the first looks with a brides dad...you just aren't really prepared for you child to be "all grown up" and getting married. Even with all the wedding preparations..turning around and seeing your daughter as a bride just must be so crazy. A really amazing moment. The groom had his turn to see his gorgeous partner right after and that is always an amazing moment to photograph. We moved over to the dock to capture some images of the two of them with the water after I snapped some of just the two of them in the shade.

The clean lines of the dock leading out over the water created the most incredible, symmetrical backdrop. Add in the soft mountains in the distance and the vibrant blue water, and it was basically a photographer’s dream. The couple shared some of their sweetest moments right at the edge of the dock. Quiet, intimate, and completely wrapped up in each other. Even with the bright midday sun, we leaned into the light to create images that feel natural, vibrant, and true to the moment. The formal portraits before everything gets super busy are some of my favorites. The way they leaned into each other, eyes closed, completely present… those are the moments that matter most. These two have such a natural playful connection. Nothing felt forced or overly posed. It was just laughter, quiet touches, and that unmistakable “this is my person” energy. The way they held onto each other, the soft smiles, the little in-between moments… those are the kinds of memories that make a wedding day unforgettable. 

A perfect dockside ceremony in Northern Utah followed and we did the larger groups by the water and found some shade for the rest of the group photos. It was an amazing day. Here are some sneak peeks for the couple and family while I work on editing the rest!