Nea + Austin: Salt Lake Temple Wedding

Nea and Austin had the sweetest wedding at the Salt Lake Temple, I was so happy to capture their special day. And you guys, Nea made her dress and veil. Made them! I was blown away, the dress even had pockets. Pockets! 

Amy + Dave: Married

Oftentimes when I post photos of a wedding, I gush about the couple and how wonderful they are and their wedding was and how grateful I am to have met them. Of course I could easily do that about this couple, but I thought I'd switch it up and let the bride do the talking:

"Wow! Those pictures are gorgeous! I tell Dave almost everyday that I'm SO glad he suggested you for our photographer! You did everything so professionally, but also made it so fun. The shots are unique and capture the feeling of the moment so well!" - Amy

Dress: Kathleen's Bridal

Photography: Jessie Alexis Photography

Event Planning: Event Masters Decor

Dave + Amy: Utah Wedding Photographer

Dave and Amy were my first wedding of 2014, and I can't think of a sweeter way to kick off the new year.

5 Reasons You Should Consider a Bridal Session

When I chat with brides, one of the frequent questions I address is the issue of a bridal session. I offer bridal sessions in all my packages because I believe them to be extremely important! I could talk for hours on the subject, but here are five key reasons you should don the dress for a pre-wedding day photo session:

1. Put your style on trial 

You've been scouring Pinterest and wedding magazines, you know just how you want your hair coiffed and the exact lipstick color to compliment your style - but what you don't know is just how long achieving this look is going to take. By giving you and your stylist a trial run, you'll know exactly how much time to allot on your wedding day. You'll also know how well your style will hold up through all the hugs, dancing, and celebrating throughout your big day.

2. Kiss the Groom

Let's face it, his face when he see's you for the first time all dolled up in your wedding attire is something you want to remember. By arranging a first look at the start of your bridal session, you can pick the exact setting and lighting this magic moment takes place, and have images to document his sweet reaction.

3. Dress de-stress

You cried when you first tried it on. Every alteration appointment only made you more giddy with anticipation, and you can't wait to feel like royalty on your wedding day. Taking your dress for a spin before then is the best way to figure out the nuances of your gown. How the bustle works, how long it takes to get in and out, and how easily you can maneuver in your dream dress. All these things can help you relax on your wedding day.

4. Weather the storm

Mother nature is unpredictable, and there is always a chance she'll decide to surprise you with some less-than ideal weather on your wedding day. What if your wedding day brings on the downpour of the century? No problem, you already have photos in perfect weather which means, again, you can rest easy because you were prepared.

5. Switch it, change it, re-arrange it

Can't decide if you want your hair up, down, or somewhere in between? No problem. Let that hair fly long and loose for your bridal session, and spin it up for the wedding day. It's your wedding, no reason you should have to compromise!

Courtney + Ian: Utah Wedding Photographer

Even as I went through and processed these photos, I couldn't wipe the grin off my face. Courtney and Ian are two people who are not only head-over-heals in love, but best friends too. They laugh and love with an enviable passion. Their wedding was the last of my 2013 wedding season, and such a perfect note to end on. 

Wedding Venue: Salt Lake City Temple

Dress: Alta Moda Bridal

Flowers: Bleu Bird Design

Photography: Jessie Alexis Photography

Reception Venue: Wheeler Farms