I was in St. George a little while ago for a fun engagement session, which should be up on the blog very soon. Since I was heading down there anyways, we decided to make a little family vacation out of it.

The kids couldn’t get enough hiking and “treasure hunting”. We would wake up in the morning and find a fun trail and hike till they were dead. With the weather in SLC staying just cold enough to make it hard to play outside, St. George was the perfect little break for us all.

This kid is easily the most difficult child we’ve had. But with much trial comes much reward. When he is in this mood we can’t get enough of it.

Happy Friday! With everyone counting the hours down till the weekend, I want to share a fun 2012 Senior Session. Sierra is so energetic with big plans for her future. Getting to know Sierra was a lot of fun and reminded me why I enjoy Senior Sessions.
Tomorrow is one of those rare Saturdays that I’m not busy with a wedding or other type of shoot so I plan to relax and possibly hang out with some friends. While you’re here looking through these images and counting down the hours, feel free to leave some comment love for Sierra and let me know what kind of plans you have for the weekend.

I thought this was so funny. Who stops a girl, in the middle of a photo session, to ask her to take their picture? Seriously so funny.

Happy Valentines Day! I want to share this couple’s session with you. Allie and Trent are married and much in love. I love the idea of a couples session for spouses. How often do you get to have a fun session with your husband or wife besides during your wedding.
I hope you all get to enjoy this day with someone special. If you and your loved one want some fun couple portraits, give me a call.

It’s nice to have a lazy day every once in a while, right?  It seems like it happens more often than not at our house, but my kids don’t seem to mind…

Today was a proud but sad day for our family. My little brother is one of the 360 Utah soldiers that left for a 1 year term in Afghanistan. He still seems too young to be fighting for our freedom, but I am very proud of his dedicated service. I’m not the type to cry at situations like this because I have faith that he will be watched over and protected. The times I did get a little emotional were the times I thought about his young wife and baby boy that he was leaving behind. I thought about my own family and how hard it would be to leave them. Kenzee is strong. I believe she has a lot of support from her own family and ours, as well. But it’s hard not to think about having to change every diaper, pay every bill, run every errand, and hardest of all, go to bed alone every night. Chase, on the other hand, will be working hard and risking his life every day to make it possible for people like me to wake up and not worry as I document special events in people’s lives. I’m so grateful for these three, and the many other soldiers and families of soldiers, that give us this freedom. Thanks again Chase. We love you and you, Kenzee and Liam will be in our prayers everyday.

I love it when I get a picture that not only makes me take a step back but also makes my wife melt. These picture of Arianna and Mike did just that.
I had to share them with you.

I love this time of year. I love all the family parties, the positive atmosphere, and new resolutions. One of my resolutions last year was to find more time to blog. Well here I am making up for last year’s slacking. Sami and Blake had such an amazing wedding. Sometimes I get to share stories with other photographers about cool things we’ve experienced at weddings, and I have to say the hot air balloon is one of the best. This wedding seemed so action packed. I remember coming home and crashing on the bed, ready to pass out. The dancing, in particular, was off the hook! (Yes, I’m aware people don’t say “off the hook” anymore.) Looking at these pictures makes me forget, for a second, how bitterly cold it is today. I hope you warm up looking at them, too.  Enjoy.

These two are so in love and you can just feel it when you’re around them.

I hope your celebration was as exuberant as ours. Here’s to an amazing 2012!

As far as backyard receptions go, this was the best I’ve seen so far. The time and thought that went into every detail sent this wedding over the top. They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck and I think that’s what Brianna heard all day long. The weather at the temple was beautiful, but the clouds were quickly getting darker. By the time we reached the home for the reception it had begun to rain. The tables were decorated, the lights were strung, and it was time for some family pictures. Then the first gust came and knocked vases and candles over. Then the rain got harder and everyone retreated into the house for shelter. Brianna was so sad as her husband, dad, and pretty much everyone else, continued to tell her that it would clear up and to just keep smiling. Sure enough, as people were about to arrive, the rain stopped.  A rush of neighbors and friends scattered to reset the tables and get the food on the table. We snagged a bunch of group pictures and the party began. And believe me, it was an awesome party.

This middle picture is a great example of a family request that probably only family would laugh at. But in case you have seen the movie Hotrod, Brianna’s brother Daniel is doing the Richardson dance and it cracks me up every time.

Many of you know that my wife does some amazing wedding invitations, but I just had to show this one off. It’s one of my favorites that she has ever done. This heavy stock kraft paper was so cool and the ink was hand screen printed onto the paper. If anyone is looking for a custom and beautiful wedding invitation you should for sure give her a call.

There is nothing cooler than having your grandpa whip out his sax and play some sweet jazz music. He was really good, too.

There are many opinions about dancing and rocking out at a wedding, I have to say I am a fan. If I could do it all over again, I would learn some sweet moves and dance at my wedding. The dancing at this wedding was so much fun I couldn’t resist jumping around a bit myself. I even caught Trevor with Haugen Creative set down his camera and show off his skills.

Everyone wants a unique send off. I’ve seen Harleys, Horses, awesome cars, and much more, but the scene of 50 or more balloons with LED lights in them, slowly drifting off really stunned everyone. I think we all stood there for five minutes just staring. Kyle’s family owns the Zurchers stores and they had this great idea.

Here is a long list of some of the vendors

Bride’s Dress- The English Dept.
Groom’s Suit- Nordstrom
Invitations and Signs- Taryn Christine
Videography- Haugen Creative
Flowers- Chris Boardman (My mother-in-law, if you would like to get in touch with her please email me)
Cake- Carries Cakes
Food- Le Croissant
Dj- Joe Muscolino
Jewelry- J Crew

and my wife cried.