Fall Styled Wedding Shoot

Back in September we got to be a part of this amazing inspiration shoot with Chelsea Peterson Photography and many other talented individuals. I have been so excited to share these photos and now we finally can! This gorgeous session is now being featured on Utah Bride and Groom Magazine. 

Follow this link to check it out: http://www.utahbrideandgroom.com/blog/2015/02/05/old-fashioned-utah-ranch-wedding-inspiration-by-chelsea-peterson-photography/ 

Scroll down for the full vendor list....

Photography & Event Styling: Chelsea Peterson Photography, @cbpphotography chelseapetersonphotography.com

Flowers: Brush Fire Florals @brushfireflorals 
Cake: Ashlee Marie, @ashleemariecakes, ashleemariecakes.com
Invites: Jacki Miller Photo + Design, @jacki_miller, jackimiller.com
Hair and Makeup: Hair and Makeup by Courtney @hairandmakeupbycourtneysmith assisted by Kandace Dayton
Hair Extensions: {Laced Hair Extensions} @lacedhairextensions, lacedhair.com
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero, @maggiesottero maggiesottero.com
Jewelry: FORGE Jewelry Works, @forgejewelryworks forgejewelryworks.comVenue: Barbwire and Lace, @barbwireandlace barbwireandlace.com
Props: Diamond Rental Parties, Tents and Events @diamondrental, diamondrental.com
Video: Alexia Lauren Design, @alexialaurenn alexialaurendesign.com
Bridesmaids: Amanda Tomlinson @mandaleightomlin, Sammie Hansen @sammie_hansen

Yellowstone

Last weekend was spent in the coziest cabin in Island park with some great company. We went snowmobiling, snowshoeing, played games, ate, and drove through Yellowstone National Park. 

Most of my memories as a child of Yellowstone consist of Buffalo. I remember that there were always A LOT of buffalo. And to my surprise things did not change. They are still there, doing what they were doing ten years ago. With the buffalo we saw Elk, 3 Coyotes, and a Bobcat. 

I have never been to Yellowstone in the winter but it really is such a beautiful time to go. It is not as crowded as it is in the summer and it's easier to spot the wildlife because of the contrast between them and the snow. I also didn't realize that you can't go into the park unless you are on a snow cat or snowmobile (that explains the small crowds). 

We made so many fun memories and had a great time together. 

When we went to Moab back in May as a family we had made a video of the time we had there. Taylor's Dad watches it all the time, so we figured with another family trip we needed to make another video. It isn't anything crazy, but it's fun to have these memories to look back on!

Beautiful Bryce

One of the amazing things about living in Utah is that we get to enjoy so much beauty and only have to drive 3 1/2 hours to see it. That is a very low price to pay (but seriously, gas is so cheap right now... $1.79! I do a little happy dance every time I fill up). While we were in Bryce this past weekend I swear we did not meet one person that was from Utah let alone the United States. People from Australia, Holland, Japan, and China traveled across the world to see Bryce, Utah! We are so lucky to have beauties like this in our own backyard. 

We drove out with my brother and sister-in-law, Austin and Lauren, on Friday night after work. We got in around ten and were zonked.  The next morning we bundled up and drove out to Sunrise Point to take pictures and watch the sun rise above the majestic valley. There was so much contrast between the white snow, the green pines, and the red rocks that it was hard not to ohhhh and awwwwww. We ate breakfast at good old Ruby's Inn. Actually, we ate every meal there and became pretty good friends with the staff because that's about the only restaurant in town. After and delicious and filling breakfast we geared up and began our 8 mile hike through Bryce Canyon. 

January is the perfect time to visit Bryce Canyon. Why? Because there honestly was NO ONE there. The weather is also ideal. In the morning yes, it's freezing, but while hiking it's the perfect temperature. As we hiked we took our time. We had an amazing time together! 

That night Austin and Taylor wanted to visit Novi Palas Point, one of the darkest places in the United States. Lauren and I voted to stay warm and watch a movie. So the boys went out and took pictures and we stayed warm. It worked out well. All in all it was a great quick weekend trip. 

When taking this picture the words of our dear prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, echoed in my head. "It's better to look up!" In a talk by Carl B. Cook he says," The Lord is my light; then why should I fear? By day and by night his presence is near. … He is my joy and my song. By day and by night he leads … me along. 

I bear testimony that sins are forgiven and burdens are lightened as we look to Christ. “Let us remember him, … and not hang down our heads,”for, as President Monson said, “It is better to look up.” We need his help on a daily basis so let us look towards Him!