ZumaPhoto

Indian Ceremony at Red Butte Gardens | Kavitha & Fred

Mitch — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:29:05 +0000

Following up on Friday’s post of Groomals, we have Kavitha & Fred’s gorgeous Indian ceremony in the fragrance garden of Red Butte Garden.

Indian ceremonies are known for a few things: their duration (though this one was highly modified to just a couple of hours); their amazing colors; their complex symbolism; and their sense of fun and celebration! Sharp-eyed readers may have noted that our groom Fred’s ancestors probably hailed from somewhere a bit further east than India, and so it was great fun to watch someone be at the center of all this pageantry without really knowing what was going on.

Fred weathered it like a champ!

Kavitha receives a blessing from her family prior to the ceremony.

Kavitha’s bridesmaids in waiting.

Kavitha and Fred get a first good look at each other in their full regalia.

One of the things that I love about Indian ceremonies is the sense of it in part being a kind of
trial or test for the couple. A lot of games are played throughout the ceremony that
require them to prove themselves or to work together. Here Fred is surprised to be
lifted up on the shoulders of his groomsmen so that he can ‘capture’ his bride with
a garland of flowers.

Of course, its a competition….

…and here we see Kavitha throwing down the challenge.

Teamwork.

I just got a kick out of this – the laptop was held for the duration so that a remote family member
could be at the ceremony through the magic of Skype.

The coconut is an important symbol.
I never really caught for what but…its important,
that’s all you need to know.

Another sort of game involves pouring handfuls of rice over each other.
This was something that Fred could really get behind and as a result
he did it rather too early – hence Kavitha’s look of surprise.

Thanks, Kavitha and Fred, for having me along on your day.

Next up – the reception!

Indian Groomal Session | Kavitha & Fred | Utah Photographer

Mitch — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:19:11 +0000

Kavitha & Fred’s AMAZING Indian wedding is in queue for Monday morning’s post, so be sure to come back for that.

To tide you over until then, here is a little teaser – their über-fun groomal session up Big Cottonwood Canyon!

Thanks K&F!

Enjoy, and see you on Monday!

Rose Sachs Gardens | Mandy and Pete

Ryan — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:02:15 +0000

Warm weather, sunshine and beautiful surroundings made for a lovely wedding day for Mandy and Pete. The couple chose Rose Sachs Gardens, located in Parley’s Canyon, as the setting for their big day.

It was a great day for all. In fact, the bridal party and guests got an extra hour of dancing when the bus that was scheduled to drive everyone down the canyon got stuck. While waiting for a truck to pull the bus free, everybody danced and partied – truly a fun night despite a stuck bus.

Thanks Pete and Mandy, it was fun!

Ryan

Look at this, wow! Cake by Carries Cakes and flowers by Miae’s Floral Design

Another amazing cake from Carrie’s Cakes.

Utah State Capitol and Salt Lake City Library Groomals | Leah + Dean | ZumaPhoto

Logan — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:33:10 +0000

We took Leah and Dean’s Groomal portraits at the Utah state capitol and at the Salt Lake City library. It was a gorgeous spring morning and Leah was just stunning in her bridal gown from Alta Moda. As we were shooting at the capitol, a tour bus full of Japanese tourists stopped and came in for a tour of the historic building. The moment Leah stepped into the spotlight beaming down from the rotunda, every tourist’s camera was lifted up and 50 flashes began twinkling as they all snapped some shots of the beautiful bride on the marble stairs. It was a pretty funny moment for all of us. Thanks Dean and Leah! You two are so so great!

Downtown Salt Lake City Engagements | Leah + Dean | ZumaPhoto

Logan — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:30:51 +0000

Here are a few of my favorites from Leah and Dean’s engagement session we had downtown Salt Lake City. Their wedding reception will be held in a renovated warehouse type building in Evanston Wyoming, so the urban landscape of downtown was perfect for their engagements. Thanks Leah and Dean! I hada great time and I can’t wait for the Bridals and the Wedding day!

Kiamuri Benefit Art Show for African Schools

Mitch — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:14:14 +0000

This Friday, June 4th, from 5pm – 10pm, Studio 1053 (Zuma’s home) will play host to the Kiamuri Benefit Art Show.

This art show will highlight young Utah artists who are striving to share their talent while supporting a great cause. Please join us for live music, refreshments, an unique art available at very affordable prices. All proceeds will go to the construction and repair work of three classrooms in Kiamuri, Kenya this summer. We are asking for a suggested $1 donation at the door. Donors of $2 or more will receive a Kenya themed bracelet.

Brought to you by the local non-profit YouthLinc organization.

Click to download flyer.

Bonneville Salt Flats Groomals | Christina + Roger part l | ZumaPhoto

Logan — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:30:59 +0000

I have been so so excited to post this groomal session. Ever since I met with Christina and Roger last fall, I have been looking forward to this session. Together, we came up with some really great ideas, including fire-lit chinese paper lanterns that would be released floating into the sunset. Well the wind was so so strong that the paper didn’t survive even being opened up. I really wanted to do the lanterns so we have since had another shoot specifically for the lanterns. So check back to see those soon!

Even though the lanterns didn’t quite work, Roger and Christina had some other props that were so fun and striking. And they brought their fantastic four-legged friend Peanut! He was so excited to run and run and run. He was a challenge to photograph but I love what I got!

Sometimes I like to do jumping shots if the couple is into it. Roger’s family has a history of jumping family portraits, so we made sure to have fun with the whole idea.

We also spent some time near Capitol Hill and downtown Salt Lake City. I love the contrast of the city with the nothingness of the salt flats. I would have to say this Session falls within my top 5 Groomal sessions. Thank you so much Christina and Roger! I am so excited for your wedding and all of the great plans you have for the big day!

ZumaPhoto’s Photos Featured on The Knot

Logan — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:37:20 +0000

Well if we I wasn’t tickled enough that my images were shown in a feature for Culinary Crafts on Amy Atlas’ blog, now I am double elated that “the knot” has chosen to feature the circus birthday party too! Congratulations Culinary Crafts for being featured on two very prestigious blogs/websites! And thank you for the kudos for the images! I just love shooting for you!!! Click here to read the rest of the feature on “the knot“.

ZumaPhoto’s photos Featured on Amy Atlas

Logan — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:59:30 +0000

This week an event created by Culinary Crafts was featured on Amy Atlas’ “sweet designs” blog. For those of you who don’t know who Amy Atlas is, check her out. She is kind of a big deal. The event was a colorful circus birthday party for a child and I had a blast photographing all of the wonderful details Culinary Crafts came up with. And well, since the images were all taken by me with ZumaPhoto, I figure we should pass this fun feature along to you! Click here to view the whole blog post.

La Caille Groomal Portraits | Michelle + Aaron | ZumaPhoto

Logan — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:30:50 +0000

I had such a lovely groomal session with Michelle and Aaron. With all of this wet weather we have had the past couple months, we were lucky to have a one day window of gorgeous weather between two big storms. At least all this moisture makes everything green and lush and healthy. La Caille was the perfect setting for Michelle and Aaron’s groomals, it was exactly what they were looking for. The two are such a handsome couple, don’t you think? Every time Michelle looked at Aaron, her whole face just lit up. I really didn’t need to give them much direction for the portraits, as long as they held onto each other, they both just glowed and were so comfortable in each other’s arms. Thanks you two! I had a blast and I am so so pleased with the photos we got. And thanks Stacy for assisting me! You are a terrific reflector holder!

Salt Lake Engagement Session | Noelle & Gharzai

Mitch — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:56:02 +0000

Oh man, I have REALLY been a blogging slacker the last couple of months! I’m starting off a big push to catch up on sessions with this hella-fun session I shot with Noelle and Gharzai.

Noelle and Garzai are both very stylish people. In fact they both work – and met – at a certain famous swanky department store.

Because their work environment has been such an important backdrop to their relationship, they thought it would be fun to see if they could use it for their engagement session.

The asked and management said yes!

From there, a story just naturally unfolded…

Cucina Nassi Wedding | Julianne + Weston | ZumaPhoto

Logan — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:30:49 +0000

This wedding’s blog post is way over due. I’m sorry to everybody who has anxiously been waiting to see the reception of Julianne and Weston. They were married at the Salt Lake Temple and held their wedding reception at Cucina Nassi, the new Italian style banquet hall run by Walter Nassi, operator of Cucina Toscana in downtown Salt Lake City. It is such a luxurious hall without being over the top or cheesy. Colby from C3 design and Sean from Sax Romney floral design created an amazing setting for Julianne and Weston to enjoy a hundred different appetizers, what seemed to be a 20 course sit down dinner, and a decadent dessert buffet. It was a beautiful relaxing evening with Julianne and Weston’s friends, family and food… what more could you ask for? Thank you Julianne and Weston for inviting me to share your special wedding day. I had so much fun with you two on the engagement and bridal sessions and your wedding day was just glorious. L, Logan

Robert and Sheila’s Wedding Album

Ryan — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:59:51 +0000

Robert and Sheila’s 11×14 Album, with 100 sides holding 197 images! Sheila had the main color in sunshine yellow with an accent panel of optimism white. We also had some fun with this awesome album by embossing their names along the far right side. It made the look more modern, and Sheila definitely likes modern! Here are a few of my favorite spreads:

-Ryan

Salt Lake City Temple | Julianne + Weston | ZumaPhoto

Logan — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:30:02 +0000

These two lovebirds were married back in February. We were crossing our fingers for a snowstorm on her wedding day (Julianne really wanted snow) but there was no snow around. Still, it was a gorgeous day for a winter wedding. And the lovely weather allowed us to spend more time outside around temple square. Here are some of my favorites from the first half of their day. Stay tuned for the the images from their reception!

Great Salt Lake Bridal Session | Tori

Mitch — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:03:11 +0000

So last week when I was braggin’ on the WPPI print awards I made mention of the fact that I never got around to blogging about Tori’s fabu bridal session out at Saltair on the Great Salt Lake last May.

I threatened to do a proper post about it. Now I’m makin’ good on the threat. Bub.

Please to enjoy!

So here is the print that won the award just to jog your memory.

Looking at these its hard for me to believe just how nervous Tori was.

I mean, Tori is beautiful. Hell, she’s stunning!
But that doesn’t necessarily mean that she’ll be comfortable in front of the camera.
Part of my job is to get clients to really feel that I’m on their side -
to trust me, even in a situation that might initially feel awkward.

It took a few practice set-ups with me showing her a couple of the shots on the back of the camera
to ease her mind and build her confidence but eventually I was able to say:

‘So….do you trust me? I promise I won’t make you look stupid. You ready to rock this?!’

She took a deep breath and said ‘OK’, and she was awesome!
I was able to get this great range of expression out of her.

It probably didn’t hurt that she had her two best friends with her.

Or that they had wine just in case….

Yeah….I have a rough job.
But somebody’s got to do it.

Thank you, Tori!
I’m so excited about your album!

- Mitch

Spring Engagements | Becky and Ben

Ryan — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:55:21 +0000

When Becky and Ben suggested we take photos on the her family farm and include her vintage Mustang and a friend’s custom hotrod, I was thrilled. The Mustang is Becky’s car that’s she’s spent several years restoring, and she’s done a fantastic job.

We had a blast roaming around the farm laughing as we took photos. The spring sky cooperated and provided beautiful light on the rustic setting making for a perfect photo day.

-Ryan

WPPI ‘Accolade of Excellence’ Prints | Salt Lake City Photographer

Mitch — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:50:03 +0000

Just a quick little brag that I forgot to mention…

Every spring, tens of thousands of wedding and portrait photographers from around the world descend upon Las Vegas for the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International convention. One of the highlights is the 16×20 print competition. The competition is notorious for the exacting standards and crazy attention to detail of the judges, for the world-class quality of the entries, and for the sheer number of entries from around the world. Let’s just say this particular competition has some street cred.

I am honored to be able to share with you that two of my prints attained an Accolade of Excellence award this year and I am nothing short of humbled when I look around at the company I am in.

The first is of my gorgeous bride Tori, taken last summer.

Actually I don’t think I ever blogged this session… stay tuned, perhaps.

SmugMug presented me with a metal print of this for helping them out a bit at the show and it is just
S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!

If you’ve never seen a metal print, this is a great image to start with.
Drop by the studio and take a gander sometime.

Tori

–/–

The second awardee is from my Aussie lovely, Dana.

The full session is here.

Thanks for looking, and THANK YOU to my beautiful, fun, flexible clients for rolling with my madness!

- Mitch

Stein Eriksen Lodge Reception | Elise & Russ – Part 2

Mitch — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:21:37 +0000

This is Part 2 – The Reception.

Part 1 – The Ceremony – is here in case you missed it.

To catch you up: pilot and airline management; sweet & beautiful wedding ceremony at Park City Community Church; love, love, love; laughter and tears; yada, yada, yada…

Ok – on to the the reception!

After the reception, Elise & Russ returned to the vaunted Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley to escape
from their guests for a few precious moments.

They didn’t have as much luck escaping from their photographers, however…

M’WA HA HA HA HA HA!

Event design & coordination was by Soirée Productions.
Soirée always sets the perfect mood!

And the floral design, including these dramatic black branchwork with crystal ‘icicles’, was by
StellaPosy Urban Floral Design

Elise & Russ both ride, and so the cake featured a custom topper with his & her softtails!

It had crazy amounts of detail, including these tiny little cans dragging behind the Harley’s.

First Dance.

Thank you Elise & Russ, for letting us be part of your big day!
We had a great time and enjoyed you both immensely!

- Mitch & Ryan

Park City Community Church Wedding | Elise & Russ – Part 1

Mitch — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:32:37 +0000

Elise & Russ both work for an airline – he a pilot and she in management. In fact they met while Russ was representing the labor union…across the negotiating table from each other. I was going to say something here about politics making for strange bed-fellows but I totally restrained myself. Whew, that was close!

So where do two Phoenix-based jet-setters that get free air-fare to anywhere in the world decide to have their wedding?

Beautiful Park City, of course!

Ryan and I had the privilege of shooting this great couple a few weeks ago. Here’s part 1 – part 2 on Saturday.

Morning breaks at the Stein Eriksen Lodge…

I’m sorry guys, I don’t have any info on the dress. I know, I’m falling down on the job here, right?!

I don’t know the story behind these nor do I know their meaning. I just likes me some rubber ducks is all.

Oh that’s what tulips are for.

Meanwhile, back with the groomsmen…

Again, I don’t know the story behind this, but this was the coolest (and grumpiest) flask I’ve ever seen!

And then on to the church!

In this case, the lovely Park City Community Church.

Beautiful floral design by StellaPosy

These guys had a TON of meaningful/playful looks throughout the ceremony.
They should be careful… …people might say they’re in love.

Part 2 is here: reception at Stein Eriksen Lodge Ballroom!

Red Pine Lodge | The Canyons | Kurt and Jessica

Ryan — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:10:02 +0000

I spent last weekend at The Canyons playing and having fun. It reminded me there’s year-round fun to be had at this Park City ski resort.

These are a few photos from Jessica and Kurt’s outdoor summer wedding. Guests were treated to breathtaking gondola ride up the mountain to the Red Pine Lodge for the wedding and reception. After The Joe Muscolino Band provided music for dancing that lasted all night!

Summer will be here soon, bring-on the outdoor weddings!

- Ryan