Forever Starts Now…
It was a dark and stormy night… (Don’t all good stories start that way?)
As a matter of fact it WAS a dark and stormy night, the night before Bryson and Cherie’s wedding!
The radio kept broadcasting the mountain passes that were closed due to the snow storm.
Not only was it snowing, it was snowing SIDEWAYS!
That wind was bone-chilling, and I was in a big winter coat!
We’d already taken gorgeous, winter bridals up Tibble Fork Reservoir (https://andreamackayphotography.com/2021/01/18/their-love-keeps-them-warm/), so why were we meeting at the temple to take pictures the night before?
Why brave the storm for pictures when we’d be there the next day?
Well, there are several reasons:
First off, the light at sunset is beautiful for pictures, & they were getting married in the middle of the day. (Better light=better pictures)
Secondly, pandemic restrictions… (need I say more?)
But the third and most important reason is the location, the Temple, itself.
You see, the biggest reason we were shooting Sunset Temple Bridals (even though you could NOT see the sun, or the valley, or anything more than a quarter mile away…) is because of the importance of the Temple to them.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints the Temple is the most sacred place on earth.
In the Temple members make sacred covenants with God; and when members of The LDS Church are married in theTemple, they are sealed for Time AND Eternity.
There is no “’til death do you part.”
So the location of their wedding ceremony, the Temple, is very, very important to Bryson & Cherie.
It symbolizes their relationship with God and the eternal nature of their marriage.
The Temple is where the story of their Forever Family truly starts!
Knowing this, I wanted to get some pictures of them in their Formal Wedding Clothes at the Temple in the best light possible, so they could have beautiful portraits to hang on their walls!
1 Corinthians 11:11
~The Wedding Day~
Their actual wedding day turned out to be equally as cold but just as beautiful!
It was a storybook, glorious, sunny day!
This time they’re both dressed all in white…
They are blessed to have two different types of Temple portraits with which to decorate their homes & help them remember the covenants they’ve made.
Hopefully, Cherie’s toes have thawed out enough that she’s forgiven me for having her out in the elements twice in a 24 hr period!
They were both glowing and sooo happy to finally be husband and wife!
~Wedding Reception~
Bryson & Cherie’s Wedding Reception was a real party at the Knot and Pine!
They are beloved by their family and friends, as the story goes…
-and they even had time for a few pics in front of their beautiful venue before the party started!
The dances at wedding receptions often tell a story of the bride and groom and their families.
Bryson & Cherie’s dances have been the most memorable by far…
You see, Cherie is the youngest (with her twin brother just tn minutes older…), and she has SIX older BROTHERS!
Her special, angel, older brother Chase passed away several years ago, but he is still very near & dear to her heart and part of who she is…
Her older brothers decided to officially hand her off to Bryson in Chase’s honor with a dance that they each shared with her. (As well as to let Bryson know that they’re ALL watching over their little sister!)
I’m sure that Chase is her own, personal, guardian angel.
There was not a dry eye in the house…
…as they one by one shared a dance with their sister the Bride.
Her twin brother executed the final twirl to her husband!
Their wonderful party had all the great parts: cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet & garter, and an awesome dance party!
Their send off was the perfect end to this part of their story and was as beautiful and joyful as the rest of the day with family and friends surrounding them!
Their story is really just beginning… they will definitely have a happily ever after as they keep God, the temple, & their marriage covenants in their hearts!
Photographer: Andrea MacKay Photography
Venue: Knot & Pine in Alpine, Utah
Videographer: Curtis Jensen Films
Dress: Boda Bridal
February 11, 2021
Wowww!! Andrea is by far the best photographer I have ever worked with! Her work is absolutely beautiful! Her blogs are so fun and truly tell our stories. There isn’t anyone else I would want doing my pictures! Thank you Andrea💕
I’m so glad you love the blogs as well as the photographs! Thank you so much for your kind words. I LOVED working with you two!
Andrea was so fun to work with! She knows exactly how to get the best pictures and knows exactly what she wants every shot to look like. Loved having her there to capture all of our special moments!
Thanks so much, Bryson! I loved being able to get to know you! You and Cherie are the best!
Andrea this truly tales Bryson and Cherie’s story in such a beautiful way.
Andrea is such a professional, fun and very talented photographer. This Vegas girl was out in the elements and never complained but was willing to go the distance to get a great shot. These great pictures will create a lasting memory of a very special and memorable day. Thank you Andrea! Your the BEST!
Andrea, this truly tells Bryson and Cherie’s story in such a beautiful way.
Andrea is such a professional, fun and very talented photographer. This Vegas girl was out in the elements and never complained but was willing to go the distance to get a great shot. These great pictures will create a lasting memory of a very special and memorable day. Thank you Andrea! Your the BEST!
Andrea, you couldn’t have described Bryson’s and Cherie’s love story any better! These pictures are absolutely beautiful- and you are super talented!!
Beautiful pictures. Lovely story.
beautiful pictures. Congrats 👏