Wedding Reception Music | Tips and Advice

Lets talk about music. Sure, this is one of the items on your long list of things to discuss with your fiance before the wedding but, when you finally sit down to talk about it, what do you say? There is a little more to the music portion of your wedding than simply picking a couple songs that you like. Here are the top three things about your wedding music I think should be a part of the conversation. First, DJ or no DJ? This topic could be a game changer. If it is in your budget, you may really only need to select a couple of

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Jaylie + Colter Formals | Manti Utah Temple

Jaylie and Colter wanted their formal session just outside the doors where they would later be married, at the Manti Temple. Talk about a gorgeous setting! I was so excited to take advantage of all the close up details the temple had to offer as well as some distance shots to show how grand and beautiful the it was. Jaylie and Colter were so excited to get married. Wedding planning had been an adventure that Jaylie enjoyed with her mom and all the details fell easily into place, which accommodated Jaylie's easy going

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The Great Debate: Real Flowers Versus Fake

Flowers are a big part of planning a wedding, they may be the most important part of your wedding venue’s decorations and they will be featured in your wedding photos for the rest of your life! There are a lot of things to think about when choosing flowers, one of those being whether to choose real or artificial flowers. In this article we’ll explore some of the things you should think about when deciding which will work best for you.

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What's In My Bag? Part 1

Have you ever seen a photographer with a side bag or backpack and wondered what treasures were inside? What are the things they need to do their job? Well, I will share my bag of choice and reveal some secrets and some not so secret items inside the bag I use for client photography sessions.

First, before each session I go through all of my equipment. I have two canon 5d mark 4 cameras and use them at every shoot. Having two cameras is great because if something happens to one, I have a back up

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Stimpson Anniversary | Provo City Courthouse

This couple has a very special place in my heart and not just because Mandilyn is my sister. To start, Mandilyn and Brian were made for each other. They have a love story that proves persistence is key and that love has no limits! Their story together began when both of their families lived in Colorado when Mandilyn and Brian were in college. When school dismissed for the summer, they both returned home to be with family and were introduced at church. Summer romance ensued with lots of afternoon hangouts

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BonusRachel Cottrell
5 Recommendations for your Wedding Menu

Choosing a menu for your wedding can be difficult. There is no doubt that while your guests are definitely there for the bride and groom, by the time you finish your vows it is likely they are thinking about the food. There are hours during the day were your guests are going to assume there will be more food as opposed to "light refreshments." So, what you serve at your wedding reception can be a big deal. Make sure to avoid confusion for your guests and clarify on your invitations and watch out for key meal hours if you are

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Wedding Week Beauty Routine

Your big day is only a week away and your last minute checklist seems to be over a mile long. Does this sound familiar? Are you staring at your list wondering where to start and trying to remind yourself that this day is really about you and your man? Well, take my advice and start checking things off your list by creating your wedding week beauty routine! At about a week before your wedding (and lets face it, maybe even much sooner) you may reach a point where the details of your wedding day have absolutely

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Heritage Gardens Valentine's Day Styled Shoot

I’m so excited to share these beautiful photos from a Valentine’s Day-themed styled shoot last month! Honestly, this styling all came together to be a beautifully romantic blush bridal shoot that could fit in any month, not just February. I LOVED this style and had an absolute blast shooting these photos.

One of my favorite parts of working on styled shoots is the opportunity to meet local vendors and make new friends in the wedding industry. The venue for this shoot was actually under new ownership, so it was super

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BonusRachel Cottrell
The Ins and Outs of Choosing a Wedding Cake

The design of the cake is often the first thing people think of when shopping for a wedding cake, but there are some important details to nail down before that choice is made. First, you should have an idea of the style of your reception. You should have your colors and theme picked out before choosing the style of the cake. Are you wanting a rustic, country wedding or a sleek and modern aesthetic? Knowing your style and colors will help you choose a baker that can meet your needs. Social media is a great way to shop around

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Remembering the Big Picture Before, After, and During the Wedding

Big life changes can be scary and stressful, even when they are a good change like getting married! If you are in the middle of planning a wedding, or recently married, you may be feeling the pressure and anxiety of big change. In this post, I’d like to explore ways to keep your mind focused on the big picture, rather than decision-fatigued and overwhelmed. Stay organized. A chaotic mind is a stressed mind, and the opposite of chaos is

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Happy 3rd Anniversary to Jacob and Savanna!

This last year we saw so many changes in our lives. 2019 was definitely a growing year for the two of us! From living in a new city to buying our first blender to exploring new states and national parks, the Richardsons had an adventurous year!

Jacob has been working as an auditor for Deloitte and putting crazy hours into his job. We sort of look at it as a second master’s degree — it’ll be a few crazy years of crazy hours but it’ll give him the training he needs. At

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BonusRachel Cottrell
Salt Lake City Wedding Vendors You Shouldn't Forget

So, you’re planning a wedding - congratulations! Your wedding will be a day you and your fiance will remember for the rest of your lives, but it takes a lot of work before the big day arrives. It can be stressful and daunting to make all of those decisions - let me help you out by sharing some of my favorite online and Salt Lake City wedding vendors and boutiques you shouldn’t forget!

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Everything You Need to Know About the Wedding Party

Wedding days are for celebrating your love. It’s your big day! You’ll remember this day for the rest of your life, and of course, you want the most important people in your life to surround you in support and love on this special day. You can grant your favorites that special access by including them in your wedding party! A wedding party is defined pretty fluidly these days -- times have changed to a place where it’s less about keeping with tradition and customs and more about suiting the wedding day to YOU, the bride and groom. I

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Market Street Grill Styled Shoot | Salt Lake City, Utah

I’m a big fan of food, even just photographing it, and when a restaurant reaches out for me to come to take pictures at their establishment, I’m all for it! Market Street Grill and Oyster Bar is seriously amazing! Their food is delicious and the establishment is gorgeous. They asked me to come in to photograph a promotional styled shoot showcasing their unique venue.

This restaurant is so cool because they specialize in incredibly fresh seafood all year long. They fly it in every

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BonusRachel Cottrell
How to Market Your Photography Business for Free

I love being a photographer. Photography and delivering beautiful images after each shoot or session is beyond fulfilling to me and I could talk about it endlessly! Today I thought I’d try something unique on the blog and share some of my best recommendations to other photographers in terms of ways you can grow your photography business through marketing.

There are lots of ways to invest in your business to grow it, but when you’re starting small, it can feel

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Hey Grooms! Here are 3 Ways to Rock Your Proposal

Planning a proposal can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! I’ve identified three key elements to planning a proposal that will leave you stress-free and your bride swooning with affection.

Match the proposal to your bride.

It’s important to think of your bride’s personality and preferences when planning your proposal. Is she outgoing or more reserved? Does she like surprises or prefer to be in the know? Would your bride be

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Erin + Bo Formals | Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan, Utah

Today I’d like to share photos from a recent formals session with Erin and Bo! These two were so excited to be together but so nervous to get their pictures taken. This was the first time each of them had ever had a professional photoshoot! I get that a lot with my couples! I love to see that emotion because I know exactly how to make you feel comfortable and provide a fun picture-taking experience to completely ease those nerves. This is another reason why it’s so great to do a formals session! It gets you used to having your picture

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3 Reasons to Do a First Look

As your wedding day approaches, maybe you’ve started thinking about specific pictures you’re dying to have the photographer take! On the list could be the iconic “first look” shot. If you and your fiance are debating whether or not to include this picture in your day, take a moment to read the top three reasons why you definitely should do a first look!

  1. The first look is a special moment designed specifically for just the two of you.

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Wedding TipsRachel Cottrell
How to Be the Best Maid of Honor Ever

Being a maid of honor just that, an honor. Out of everyone in her life she could have asked, your bestie asked you to be a part of her biggest day! Now you have a great opportunity to serve your friend in an extremely selfless and unique way. Here are five tips to help you be the best maid of honor ever!

  1. Ask the bride what she needs (more than once). Your best friend has so much on her plate as the bride, so ask her from time to time what she needs.

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Wedding TipsRachel Cottrell
Styled Formal Shoot | Life and Style Studio Draper, Utah

Are you planning a wedding and want it to be unique and different but maintain timelessness? Are you in the process of looking at colors, flowers, dresses and all the components that will complete your wedding look? You are not alone and you definitely are in the right place. I am a photographer and have witnessed countless weddings with varying looks and visions. Making your wedding masterpiece has a great deal to do with your preferences, but it also has a great deal to do with your vendors. Making your wedding look

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Weddings, BonusRachel Cottrell