This inclusive Utah wedding was the perfect example when it comes to gracefully joining two families with different backgrounds and religious beliefs. Planning a wedding when you and your fiancé, or your families, come from different religious or cultural roots can be very difficult. They effect how we are raised and have a great influence on our perspectives. Not to mention, the traditions that tag along with momentous occasions such as being married.

Jared & Jean

Jared and Jean took such care in planning their wedding to beautifully combine the traditions of what was most important to them AND their families. This meant that they actually had two ceremonies on their wedding day so they could include all their loved ones. It truly was beautiful.

The day started with all the ladies waking up early to get ready. Jean’s cousin beautifully did all the hair and makeup for the bridal party. And to my disbelief she did it all ahead of schedule! She is so talented and super speedy. Being ready early on your wedding day pretty much never happens!

I arrived just in time to capture these precious moments with Jean and her mother Betty. I loved witnessing their tender conversation of Jean’s mother telling her how beautiful she was as they both looked in the mirror.

Part of this inclusive Utah wedding was having two ceremonies. The first ceremony took place at the historic Old Rock Church in Providence, Utah. All of Jean and Jared’s family and friends gathered in this stunning old church that was filled with light from the tall windows. Gorgeous florals were scattered throughout the room and the fragrance of lilac filled the air.

The wedding party lined up at the top of this elegant staircase and Jean’s father gave her away as the musicians played. Jean and Jared looked sweetly into each other’s eyes as they vowed to love and be there for one another throughout their lives. They kissed, exchanged rings, and happily walked hand in hand down the aisle.

After a yummy brunch we made our way to the Logan LDS Temple for their second ceremony. Something I love about this inclusive Utah wedding was how both ceremonies were held to the same respect. This second ceremony is were the couple could be sealed for not only time on earth, but for all eternity. This was a beautiful ordinance for Jean and Jared. This ceremony had great significance for the two of them and was the highlight of their day!

Photography is not permitted inside temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints due to the sacredness of the ordinances performed inside. For this same reason, the couple celebrates with their family and friends outside the temple building.

The best part about weddings is the support you receive. So many came to show their love and support for Jean and Jared and that touched them dearly. We were able to capture everyone that attended both ceremonies for them so they could remember them all.

The temple grounds are incredible! The attention to detail in the stone architecture is beautiful, and the lush gardens add so much interest and life! We had the opportunity to take photos of just the couple on the temple grounds to preserve this special occasion for them.

If you know Jared, you know he is great in front of the camera! And I’ve learned that you can really please a bride by getting some really good images of the man she loves. 🙂

Jean was absolutely gorgeous. Her smile is contagious and she is the sweetest most caring woman you will ever know. I’m grateful to have her as a close friend.

The Logan Temple grounds has this hidden trail on the south edge of the property. It’s one of my favorite places to photograph couples because the path is covered with trees that provide this illuminating light which creates such stunning images!

After the temple photo session we made our way back to the Old Rock Church to get a few more family photos with Jean’s parents before their reception. Family is the most important thing to Jared and Jean so we wanted to get lots of good images of all who came to support their inclusive Utah wedding. I make sure to talk with each of my couples before their wedding day to make a list of photos they are wanting most so I don’t miss anything!

They ended the day with a reception with good food and fun music. The tunes were provided by friends and co-band mates of Jared. He even jumped in to play a few songs with them and it really got the crowd going. The music and dancing added a fun vibe to the wedding celebration.

To add a personal touch to their reception Jared and Jean served mini pies to their guests. It is said that Jean won Jared’s heart in the kitchen with her pie baking! Adding meaningful details to the wedding really makes a huge difference. I strive to guide my couples in adding these special things to their wedding days, because something sentimental will never go out of style! I never want my couples to look back at their wedding photos and cringe at the trends that they fell into. To achieve a timeless wedding, just add meaning!

Then the traditional cake cutting! Did you know that the ritual of cutting the wedding cake together as a couple and feeding each other symbolizes the joining of two families? Not many know that, but I think it was a beautiful end to Jean and Jared’s perfect inclusive Utah wedding celebration.

If you are planning a wedding were you and your fiancé, or your families, stem from different backgrounds you can take a few pointers from Jean and Jared. Who so gracefully included their family and important traditions from both sides. Cultural differences can not only add beauty to your wedding day, but also to your marriage!

You wedding day deserves to be documented in that way that you remember it! Full of light, love and excitement. Let’s connect and talk about your wedding and the most important moments you want documented!