You want your wedding day to be the most memorable day of your life. But more often than anyone would like to admit, it doesn't always happen. Here are the six biggest mistakes brides make and how to avoid making them yourself. 

1. Delegating: We can't say it enough. You can't do everything! If you try, you'll drive yourself crazy. So find people to help you do the planning. Yes, the final decisions will be yours, but find some people to take care of the details that get you to that point. It will make your day a lot easier and less stressful. 
2. Embrace flaws: Let's get this out of the way now. something will go wrong on your wedding day. Your day will not end up exactly the way you thought it would. And that's ok! Perfection is unattainable when it comes to big, complicated events like your wedding. Roll with the punches and accept that things will change without your approval.
3. Involve your fiance: He's in this with you, he may as well help you share the load when it comes to planning and decisions. He does know everyone's looking at you, but if you involve him in the process, he won't feel left out. And, you won't feel like he's not engaged in the wedding. He may not know ecru from eggshell, but if you give him something to do, it'll make things go a lot smoother. 
4. Don't be angry: Easier said than done. Because at some point during the happiest day of your life, you'll want to strangle someone. Take a deep breath and let it go. Don't take it out on your bridal party or family (or your fiance). It's one day, and it'll be over before you know it. Don't spend it being angry. 
5. Eat something: There's nothing worse than selecting a spread off the best food you've ever had, spread out 10 feet from the head table...and you don't eat any of it. Make sure you get a plate. Most wedding venues will make a point of bringing you a plate to your table so you don't have to fight a crowd of well-wishers to the buffet line. But if yours doesn't, designate a someone to make sure you get fed. 
6. It's just a party: Really, that's all it is. Because at the end of the day the wedding's not about the cake, the food or the dancing. It's abut the vows and spending the rest of your life with the person sittinng next to you at the head table. Don't forget that. 

And to make your day one you can remember forever, get the best photographer you can. Contact us to see what we can do for you on your wedding day.

by Opie Janzer

Professional engagement photographs are so in demand these days. Couples use them for just about everything, from social media to the save the date cards. Engagement photos can be be just has special as your wedding day if they are done by an experienced photographer specializing in engagements and weddings. Here are some helpful suggestions to think about when choosing your photographer for your park city engagement photography.

1. Use the same Photographer for both the engagement and wedding photos. This will give you an opportunity to see the photographer's work before the big day. Most photographers can offer a package deal or give you a quote that includes engagement and wedding photos.

2. Ask photographer to view their professional portfolio. All photographers should have a portfolio. Most even have them on their website to view. This will give you a better insight of how your photos may look. 

3. The photographer MUST be willing to work with you. After all, it's your engagement photos. You should be able to decide how you want them to look or where you want to take them. It's always nice to here their suggestions though.

4. What if you want to shoot at more than one location? It's always best to have some variation at your engagement photo shoot so you'll have a lot to choose from. Photographers may not mind or perhaps charge you more to do so. It doesn't hurt to ask.

You should have the best photographer for your engagement and wedding photos.  OpieFoto wants to make this a beautiful experience and create a lifetime of memories. Contact us to discuss your engagement photography needs and a quote.

by Opie Janzer

SHANNON AND MATTOccupations: Bride: Pediatric Nurse, Groom: Insurance Underwriter, NYC 

Bridal shower/Bachelorette party: Bridal Shower: a cuban restaurant with a view of NYC.  Bachelorette party: referred to as a "BEACH-elorette party" - weekend beach house in Long Beach Island, NJ

 
Bachelor party: A night out on the town in New York City, starting with dinner at Keane's Steakhouse

WEDDING
Ceremony Place: The Red Pine Bridge at Canyons Resort, Park City, Utah
The bride wore: Jim Hjelm
The groom wore: Men's Warehouse, Brook's Brothers Tie

RECEPTION
Reception Place: The Red Pine Lodge at Canyons Resort
Wedding music: DJ Jake Russell
Wedding song: "Hold On" Michael Buble'
Menu: Mixed green salad w/pears and walnuts, prime rib carving station,
Cake: Carrie's Cakes, raspberry marble with white fondant and sugar hydrangea flowers
Colors: Periwinkle Blue 
Theme: Romantic & Rustic
Flowers: Hydrangea's and blush roses
Décor elements: Lanterns and candles
Unique details: Each table was named after a ski slope in Park City thatt we have skied together. 

Each table was decorated uniquely, with the only consistency being hydrangea's, lanterns, and candles. 

The centerpieces were low to the table. 

The music played during dinner was a playlist of our guest's wedding songs. 

The place cards for the guests were hung on willow branches stemming from a beautiful vase of hydrangea's.

Our guest book was a compilation of photos of us throughout our relationship.

We had a cigar table set up for our guest to enjoy.

Our guest enjoyed a beautiful gondola ride up to our ceremony and receptions site, with a glass of campaign personalized with a note from us tied to the base of the flute.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Bride's answer: The five minutes we shared together immediately after walking down the isle to take in our ceremony and vows.
Groom's answer: The Moose that showed up for the cake cutting!

HONEYMOON
Place: Maui & Kauai, Hawaii
A memorable moment of the honeymoon:  A beautiful restaurant in Maui, table for two on a cliff, enjoying sushi with the ocean to our right and a waterfall to our left

WEDDING ADVICE

Know that you've been planning this event for a LONG time, and it only lasts a few hours, so enjoy every single second.  Take a few moments during the night with just your new spouse and soak it all in.

 

VENDORS
Rings: Blue Nile, brides wedding band: Darcy Hammerman, NYC
Invitations: Designed by Rachel Richards NYC, printed by Village Invites NYC
Rehearsal dinner: Groom's Parent house for a BBQ, Park City Utah
Guest book: Created by the bride & groom on Kodak gallery - personalized book of our pictures 
Photography: Opiefoto
Videography: Doug, Pointedigital, Salt Lake City
Bridal gown: Jim Hjelm, Something Special, Wyckoff NJ
Alterations: Something Special, Wyckoff, NJ
Hair and Makeup: Whitney Lewis, Park City
Bridesmaids' dresses: JCrew
Groom's Tux/Suit: Men's Warehouse, ties from Brook's Brothers
Flowers: Every Blooming Thing, SLC
Decorations and rentals: Every Blooming Thing, Etsy.com
Catering: The Canyons
Cake: Carrie's Cakes
Venue: Red Pine Lodge, Canyons Resort, Park City
Entertainment/Music: Maywood String Quartet for ceremony, DJ Jake Russell for reception
Wedding favors: Donation to American Cancer Society, box of Hershey kisses: Danielle Grillo, NYC
Wedding planner:
Officiant: Dr. Bob Skloss
Transportation: Flight of the Gondola
Guest lodging: Canyons Resort
Bridesmaids Jewlery: Little Grasshopper Designs - etsy.com
Canyons Director of Romance: Brooke Hafets

by Opie Janzer

Your wedding photographer will be an integral part of your big day. No one, not even your soon-to-be spouse, will have as much access or see you for as much time. You want the photos to be beautiful, you want the day to be perfect, and most of all -- you don't want to think about it. Here are 5 tips for choosing the perfect wedding photographer.

1. Meet them first: Don't ever go into this blind. You need to meet your photographer and get a sense of their personality. After all, you're spending the day with this person and you want them to make you comfortable. 
2. Know what you want: This goes two ways. Know what you want out of your photos because your photographer will need to know. But also, know what makes you comfortable. If you want a photographer that stays in the shadows, make sure that's what you're getting. If you're more comfortable with someone talking to you and cracking jokes, make sure your photographer can accommodate. 
3. Specialize: You want a rustic, elegant wedding in a ski resort? Get someone that's done it before and done it well. You don't want to hire a wedding photographer who's never set foot in your venue, never shot your kind of wedding, and has to learn as they go along. Your photos will be better with a specialist and you won't be worried about them missing the shot. 
4. Make a plan: Know where you'll be at all stages of the day and make sure your photographer knows this. Most of the time your photographer will already have this, but you need to make sure you know it as well. Write it down. It makes it easier to see if there's a critical shot you wanted but forgot about. 
5. Relax: It's critical on your wedding day. You have enough to worry about, don't let the photographer be one of them. Make sure you feel comfortable with your choice and comfortable with your plan. And then, make sure you're completely comfortable throwing it all out the window, because something will change on your wedding day.

 Contact OpieFoto to book your dream wedding today.

by Opie Janzer

Nicole and Alex

Stein Eriksen Lodge

Park City, Utah

BEFORE THE WEDDING

Occupations: Him: Sales, Her: Physician Assistant

How the couple met: Highschool! We were always friends in high school, but never dated. 8 years after we graduated, we reconnected and went on our first date.

How he proposed: On Catalina Island in California on my 30th birthday. After a long amazing day of bike riding and laying on the beach, he proposed before we got back on the ferry. It was AMAZING!

WEDDING

The day in three words: Perfect, FUN, Unforgettable

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding? The Speeches during the reception: The Father of the Bride's included a "butler" to bring him champagne.  The Maid of Honor's was sweet and heartfelt (and witty!).  And the Best Man's (groom's identicle twin!) was hilarious and included a scenario that he and the groom were switched at birth! There wasn't a dry eye in the house (from laughter!).

What is the best advice you can give to a couple that is planning?  Enjoy the ride. Try not to stress over the small details. Remember...guests will only remember the booze, the food and the music!

What was the biggest surprise about your wedding day? How perfectly everything went and how all the small details came together so amazingly.

How did you tame those wedding day nerves? Yoga in the morning for the gals, and a hike for the guys. And of course...the Champagne helped!

Colors: Navy Blue, Kelly Green and Grey

Theme: Mountain Casual meets East Coast Prep

Favors:Peruvian Cookies called "Alfajores" given to guests as they exited the reception.

Décor elements: Chevron, Stripes, Pops of Color, and natural elements including green and white flowers, succulents, and branches. The guests signed old wooden skis as our "guest book"

First Dance Song: "No one's gonna love you (more than I do)" by Band of Horses

Menu: Soup: Lobster Bisque, Salad: Baby Spinach with apples, blue cheese, and port wine vinagrette, Entree: Tenderloin of Beef and Shallot Roasted Sea Bass with green beans, and wild mushroom barley risotto.

Cake Flavors: Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting for the Cake Topper. And lots of cupcakes: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese frosting, Red velvet with cream cheese frosting, Vanilla with White chocolate frosting, and Hazelnut chocolate with Hazelnut mousse.

by Opie Janzer

VENDORS

Rings: Jay Feder Jewelers, Denver CO

Invitations: Ann Elizabeth Designs, Salt Lake City, UT

Rehearsal dinner: Hotel Park City

Photography: Opie Foto :)

Bridal gown: The Bridal Collection, Denver CO, Designer: Kathy Ireland

Shoes, Jewelery: Badgley Mischka, Stella & Dot, Swarovski

Hair and Makeup: Versa Artistry

Bridesmaids' dresses: Donna Morgan

Groom's Tux/Suit: Banana Republic

Flowers: The Silver Cricket, Park City, UT

Decorations and rentals: The Silver Cricket

Catering: The Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley

Cake: The Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley

Venue: The Stein Eriksen Lodge, Deer Valley

Entertainment/Music: Marriott Entertainment

Wedding favors: Jessie's Pastries, Etsy

Officiant: Judge Shauna Kerr

Don't let those gorgeous wedding photos get stuck in a drawer. Weddings take a lot of work. Planning, prepping, and packing for the big day, wear us out. The festivities themselves are wonderful and amazing…and also a bit tiring. Honeymoon travels afterward require another big round of energy and focus. Despite our best intentions, sometimes when the planning and celebrating and traveling are all over, we poop out. Sometimes it's easy to procrastinate things like preserving dresses, pressing flowers, writing thank yous, and organizing photos.

I have two time and energy saving ideas for you for organizing your wedding photos.

First, consider having your favorite (or favorites) printed as a wedding canvas gallery wrap. A canvas gallery wrap showcases your photo on a stretched artist's canvas. It's a fantastic way to create fine art from what will be one of the most memorable days of your life. Your heirloom canvas print is contemporary, attractive, and keeps the focus on the moment (not on the hardware). Plus it's easy. No frames, no fuss: It comes ready to hang.

A second option is a Photo Journalistic Story Album. I still offer prints; but I really love putting these treasures together for you. Organizing and displaying a lot of prints takes time and energy. When you're short on that after a big wedding event, those prints can collect dust. The album is a great option. It's totally customizable. You'll have a variety of shapes and sizes, materials, colors and styles to choose from. I love the elegance and personality of a quality album and know you'll enjoy displaying it on your coffee table.

These are all things you'll want to discuss in an initial consultation. A few simple selections beforehand will ensure you receive gorgeous new art that arrives ready and complete. No fuss! That leaves you to the business of building a new life together.

I'd love to photograph your beautiful wedding. Contact me to set up a consultation.

by Opie Janzer

Check out Kara and Nathaniel's stunning engagement pictures shot in Park City Utah on Main Street and a super awesome spot I just found.  These two live in Salt Lake City but are getting married out of state.  Congrats guys!

by Opie Janzer

You're standing in Park City, Utah, the perfect dress, the perfect tux, the perfect spouse...and the perfect setting. Nestled in the mountains with a breathtaking view of the Park City ski resort all around you. What could be better? Park City has many options for your perfect day.

• Legacy Terrace: Ideal for early spring or late fall. This terrace is just off the second floor of Legacy Lodge, overlooking the chairlicft and mountain. As a backdrop: beautiful views of the mountains...an unforgettable day!
• Legacy Lodge: An outdoor wedding can be amazing, but an indoor wedding in a beautiful lodge leaves nothing to chance and gives you everything to look forward to. Legacy Lodge is a long, narrow space ideal for your grand entrance. the lodge features floor to ceiling windows for lots of natural light and gorgeous views.
• Alpine Meadow: For the perfect summer wedding, look no further than Alpine Meadow. Steps away from the chairlift, this site uses the lift to ferry your guests to the meadow. After a short walk they come across a private space for your ceremony. And when the ceremony's over, the party starts with your guests riding the Alpine Slide to the reception at the base of the mountain!

• Mid-Mountain Lodge: Available only during the summer, Mid-Mountain offers upscale decor for your reception. The lodge offers a cocktail reception on the main deck before moving inside for the reception. Decorated in a rustic refined style, the lodge also offers a venue for a small private ceremony if you prefer. 

Park City Resort knows wedding planning is not easy. That's why they offer planning help. The resort offers a variety of menue options for your reception including hors d'oeuvres, buffets and chef's stations. Any menu can be customized and the resort's wedding specialist can help with referring vendors for everything you may need. They can take the stress and worry about of selecting florists, entertainers and bakeries for your perfect wedding cake.

And to take the worry out of your photos on your big day, choose a wedding photographer who knows the resort in and out. Contact us today for a consultation for your amazing Park City wedding!

 by Opie Janzer

Now booking Fall Family Sessions! 5 dates available between Oct 16th to 24th. Shoot location is Millcreek Canyon during peak fall colors. $150 session fee + in person viewing and ordering at my studio

Book your shoot online here: BOOK NOW!

by Opie Janzer

There's something about a mountain wedding, with tall trees, beautiful views and a rustic lodge filled with friends and family. You'll find that at Deer Valley Ski Resort, and it fits any size and style of wedding.

Deer Valley has four choices of venues that can accommodate your wedding:

• Snow Park Lodge: The Snow Park Lodge lies at the base of Deer Valley Ski Resort. It has 15,000 square feet of banquet rooms, ranging from 800 to 3,500 square feet. There's also an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts in the summer.
• Silver Lake Day Lodge: This lodge sits midway up Bald Mountain at 8,100 feet with all the views you would expect from a secluded Deer Valley lodge. Silver Lake is decorated with wood beam ceilings, beautiful rock slab fireplace mantles, brass accents and antique furnishings. Banquet rooms range from 490 to 3,500 square feet. 
• Empire Canyon Lodge: Empire Canyon is remote and secluded, yet only two miles from the base of the mountain by road. It sits at an elevation of 8,300 feet at Daly Chutes. It features dramatic mountain views and is an outstanding choice for weddings. The lodge is appointed with granite and slate, cedar walls and vaulted ceilings with five fireplaces.
• Cushing's Cabin: The smallest venue at the resort accommodates 80 people for a more intimate wedding ceremony. It's accessible by shuttle or chairlift and features panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains. 

Catering is done by the on-site staff, who can also make your wedding cake from the Snow Park Bakery. The pastry chefs make everything from scratch and can decorate your cake with any ornament you choose. Or, leave it up to them to create the perfect wedding cake for your unforgettable day. 

Plan your Deer Valley Ski Resort Wedding today and contact us for the perfect photos of your big day.

by Opie Janzer

If you're like many women, you want your wedding to be a beautiful, memorial event. You want your pictures to be perfect. If you love the outdoors, particularly the beautiful Utah mountains, a destination wedding in Park City, Utah will be perfect for you. With an array of activities no matter the season, guests who arrive early or stay late will not be bored in Park City. For brides interested in getting married in Park City, there are several wonderful locations for the ceremony.

Utah Olympic Park

Built for the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Olympic Games, Utah Olympic Park now provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in activities such as skiing, bobsledding, and other sports. For the sports enthusiast, getting married here could be a dream come true. The Legacy Center with its views of the Aerials Pool and Nordic ski jumps or the Summer Pavilion where guests can enjoy views of the mountains provide two possible Utah Olympic Park options for a wedding. Other great locations are also available at the Utah Olympic Park with full-service weddings and even help planning the wedding.

Deer Valley Resort

Should you decide to have your wedding at Deer Valley Resort, you will know you are going to be treated well. You will have the opportunity to get married at one of the best alpine ski resorts in the world. Wedding packages include an on-site wedding planner, up to five hours of bartender service, exclusive use of the reserved lodge, and many optional services including private one hour lift rides. For those staying in Park City, Deer Valley Resorts also provides lodging discounts for the wedding party. Whether you choose to have an outdoor wedding or get married in one of the lodges, you can know it will be a day to treasure forever.  

Of course, there are many other options for places to get married in Park City including the ever popular Canyons Resort or Park City Resort. Getting married in a church, near a stream, or out in a grove of trees are also great options. You will need a quality photographer to capture the excitement and beauty of your wedding, so contact me, and we can share this wonderful day.

by Opie Janzer

If you are looking to have a wedding with a breathtaking mountain landscape that is also exclusive, elegant with a western rustic touch consider a Red Cliff Ranch Wedding located in the spectacular Lake Creek Canyon in Heber Valley, Utah. 

The ranch is spread over 200 acres of gorgeous grounds completely bordered by the amazing Utah mountain red cliffs, wilderness, aspen groves, and wild birds. The ranch features many amenites such as a classic barn that will greet you and your guests as you enter the ranch.  A very popular place to have a reception or a cocktail hour. You may choose to have your wedding ceremony outside in the grove or inside the open-air covered pavillion.  

No matter what season you choose to get married the ranch is perfect for wedding photography. Just imagine how your photos would look with beautiful fall leaves or a snow covered mountain. There are many spots that would provide a gorgeous backdrop to your photos including: the barn, pond, mountains, or perhaps in a stable with a horse. How cool would that be? You simply do not have to add beauty to this ranch to perfect your photography. Nature provides everything you need. 

You can choose an elegant traditional-style wedding or you can go a different approach with a western-style theme. The Red Cliff Ranch provides a unique environment that all your guests will enjoy. All you have to do is arrange the caterer, entertainment, and provide decorations.The Red Cliff Ranch will cover the breathtaking landscape.

OpieFoto will love to take part of your special day and capture every moment for you. Contact us for information on Red Cliff Ranch Wedding Photography.

by Opie Janzer

He's proposed, you accepted, together you've decided a destination wedding in Park City, Utah is perfect, and now it's time to get all the details figured out. You've got to decide on the exact location, food, pictures, and many other things. This might feel a little overwhelming if you attempt to take in all the details at once.

Because some places have rules about what food and other items you can bring, picking the exact location is a good first step. Ski resorts including Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley, and the Canyons Resort are popular wedding locations in Park City. Each of these places has locations both indoors and outdoors available for weddings. When picking the exact location, it is important to know what services are and are not provided. Do they provide the food for the reception, and can you have someone else cater it? What sort of services do they provide to allow you and your wedding party to relax a little?

Park Meadows Country Club is another location you may want to consider for your wedding. It is the only in-town country club. They provide the food although you are welcome to bring a wedding cake. Other services you can get include rental of electronic equipment and dance floor rental. A wedding outside overlooking the golf course, or one hosted in the Clubhouse are two options for a Park Meadows Country Club Wedding. Of course, there are many other locations in Park City you might pick for your wedding.

If your chosen location does not already provide it, you will want to get a catering service. There are a wide range of caterers in the area. If you want sushi, check out Chef Otto Blume. For simple, healthier catering options, you may want to consider Ellie's Personal Cooking and Catering. No matter your food taste, there is a catering service in Park City to meet your needs.

Of course, obtaining your marriage license is another important part of your wedding plans. This can be done at the Summit County Clerk's Office in Coalville. No blood test is required, but both the bride and groom must come personally. Each must have a government issued ID. Your marriage license is good for 30 days anywhere in Utah.

Of course, it's also important to take care of other wedding details including pictures. Contact us, and get natural, beautiful pictures to remember your wedding day.

by Opie Janzer

Every wedding takes some organized juggling no matter where it is. When the distance between home and ceremony is big, that juggling act gets a little trickier. Here are a few ideas for how to pack for your destination wedding in Park City, Utah. You don't have to lose your mind!

Don't check your wedding dress or groom's tuxedo at the airport gate! Have your seamstress, tailor, bridal boutique, or dry cleaner specially pack your dress, veil, and tux for travel. When checking in at the gate, let an attendant know you are traveling with your wedding dress. They will be able to help you safely store your attire in flight. 

Keep it light (Decorations). One way you can save yourself some headache is to minimize what you need to pack. Consider choosing a venue that offers inclusive ceremony and reception packages. A well-thought out wedding package at a trusted venue will include decorations, centerpieces, and experienced planners. Many venues with a long history of catering to wedding parties also have close ties with other area vendors--like florists, bakeries, and photographers. Entrust these duties to your venue and you'll not only take them off your worry-list, but you'll also take them out of your suitcase.

Keep it light (Favors and Party Gifts). When you're brainstorming wedding favors and gifts for your bridal party, think small and lightweight. Guests might enjoy scented candles in small, easy-to-pack travel tins. Embroidered heirloom handkerchiefs are classy and also make for easy storage. If you're coming to Park City during the cold months, guests and/or the bridal party might enjoy scarves or shawls. These roll nicely in a suitcase. A playful bunch of skiers could have fun with personalized beanies or cozy socks. If you'd prefer to pack even lighter, consider shipping favors and gifts to the venue in care of the on-site planner a few weeks ahead of time.

Plan for the weather. The Weather Channel will give you the 10-day forecast. A few weeks before you leave, map out your time in Park City each day, including recreational activities, downtime, errands, reception, and ceremony. With the forecast as your guide, plan your (and your fiance's) wardrobe for each activity. Don't be afraid to repeat an outfit. Consider mix and match pieces to minimize the number of accessories you need. 

Use a checklist. Make a checklist and check it twice. There are several online tools that will help you think through everything you'll need. Here is a good one from The Knot. 

Finally, did I mention: Don't check your wedding dress at the airport gate!

I know you're going to cherish your time in Park City, and I'd love to photograph your special day! Contact me for more information.

by Opie Janzer

A dream wedding at Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley sounds great to me! I love this Park City venue, and I think you will, too. 

The Stein Eriksen Lodge is five-star all the way. Cozied into the middle of a mountain in Deer Valley Resort, you'll find gorgeous scenery for your wedding day. In fact, the ballroom boasts a complete panoramic view of Deer Valley. 

Stein Erikson offers you 26,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. It's versatile enough to create an intimate wedding or a grand shin-dig for up to 500 guests. So many possibilities! You might arrange for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the terrace beforehand. If you'd like to exchange your vows with nothing but the sky as your roof, you could have the entire ceremony on one of the decks and then venture into the new ballroom for dining and dancing. 

A few things to look forward to at Stein Erikson:

• Talented and renowned chefs to design your menu and your wedding cake;
• Beautiful guestrooms with large suites, stone fireplaces, private decks, hot tubs, and views of the mountains;
• Salon and spa services for guests, the wedding party, and most importantly...you;
• Lots of recreational opportunities (e.g. ski-in/ski-out access to Deer Valley Resort, mountain biking, indoor and outdoor swimming);
• A free five-minute shuttle to clubs, restaurants, galleries, and shops on Park City's Main Street.

This is a great option for brides planning a destination wedding. So much of the planning can be delegated to a reliable and creative on-site team. The event staff has been very thoughtful in their partnerships with area wedding vendors. No matter what your tastes are, you can trust that the on-site planners will know how to make it happen.

The opportunites for stunning and unique photography are endless. If your tastes are elegant but a little rustic, you'll love portraits among the aspen trees. For a little fun, you might also consider some shots from the ski lift. It's a nice change of pace, and you can't help but capture the amazing scenery.

In addition to their website, you'll also find photos and videos on the Stein Erikson Lodge facebook page. I particularly like the Amber and Michael winter wedding video!  

I'd love to photograph your beautiful Park City wedding. Contact me today!

by Opie Janzer

I love the elegant simplicity of a rustic barn wedding. By using natural elements and structures that have weathered time, we're reminded to find beauty in the basics. Some might say that's a nice philosophy for marriage!

You'll find a lot of fantastic resources online and in your bookstore for creating the perfect countryside ceremony. Here are three:

1. Rustic Wedding Chic, led by founding editor, Maggie Lord, is a popular blog for couples planning a rustic themed wedding. You'll find ideas for fashion, decoration, photography, flowers, invitations, etc. You'll even find tutorials for do-it-yourself projects. Lord has just released her second book, Barn Weddings. 
2. Emmaline Bride offers a special list of 15 ideas especially for planning barn weddings. Check out the mason jar lanterns and horseshoe escort cards!
3. i love farm weddings is another charming blog. You'll find inspiring details from featured weddings as well as do-it-yourself project ideas for anything from outdoor seating to hand-crafted centerpieces. 

If you're considering a rustic barn wedding in Utah, you have wonderful options. Here are a few:

Red Cliff Ranch is a gorgeous location just 30 miles outside of Park City. An on-site wedding planner will help you navigate choices for catering, entertainment, and decor. A spacious barn seats over 200 guests.

High Star Ranch sits just 18 miles outside of Park City and boasts an open-sided hay barn. Another on-site option is the Country Store, a converted milking barn and grain silo that now comfortably hosts up to 100 guests for an intimate ceremony. The newly restored Historic House can accommodate up to 10 overnight guests.

Blue Sky Ranch is a newer venue located 10 miles from Park City. They offer several recreational activities that will keep out of town guests entertained--horseback riding, kayaking, fly fishing, ski tours, and snowshoe excursions, to name a few. The 8,000 square foot Blue Sky Arena can be arranged and reconfigured to your desires. For something more intimate and especially rustic, you might enjoy the off-the-beaten path Tavern Blue Sky.

No matter what you choose, I'd love to photograph your special day. Contact me for more information.

Park City is the perfect setting for a gorgeous (and fun!) destination wedding. Taste of Park City called The Canyon Resort one of the area's "most beautiful and hippest wedding venues." I must say, I agree.

Nestled in the Wasatch Mountain Range, Weddings at The Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah, are stunning and are put together with great attention to the character of the couple. Spend a few minutes on the resort's wedding blog and you learn there is something to fit every style. If you want to wear colored bow-ties and ski down the aisle, you can do that. If you want creme brule and smores instead of cake, you can do that. Inside, outside, huge party, cozy gathering...you can do that.

The resort offers four different venues on the grounds, plus a host of other options (e.g., restaurants and smaller lodges), each catering to unique preferences for landscape, setting, and party size. If you're looking for rustic but elegant, you might prefer the Red Pine Lodge or the Lookout Cabin. (Check out the view from the Lookout Cabin!) For a more formal setting, consider a ballroom at the Grand Summit Hotel. Depending on the venue you choose, your guests may be treated to a gondola ride or amazing views from the Orange Bubble Express Lift.

If you're planning a destination wedding, spearheading a planning team from a long distance can be daunting. The Canyons Resort understands this, however. They know what they're doing and aim to take burden away from the couple. The resort offers several in-house packages--decor, menu, lighting and sound. They even offer spa packages as special treats for the couple and the wedding party. The Red Pine Lodge offers an all inclusive package that covers all of the above.

The Canyons Resort is the largest ski resort in Utah. As such, there is plenty to keep your guests entertained for your entire wedding weekend.

I'd love to photograph your one-of-a-kind Park City destination wedding. Contact us today for more information.

Check out Beck and Curry's casual and colorful wedding!  I shot these in May at a lodge in Deer Valley ski resort in Park City, Utah.  Flowers were created by Every Blooming Thing and catering by the yummy Red Ingunna.

by Opie Janzer

Yesterday, I shot a pin up style maternity session at the great salt lake.  Utah has a ton of great location for photos and the lake is beautiful if you can get over the smell and bugs.

by Opie Janzer

Meagan and Lance had their vintage themed wedding reception in a family friends backyard.  They had a beautiful ring ceremony for those wedding guests that couldn't make it to the temple sealing inside the Mount Timpanogos Temple.  The decor was rustic with a white farm fence, cows, and an Indian tepee.  For their centerpieces they had some great vintage decor!  The tables has white and light pink linens along with small vases with roses and candles.  They had an open house style reception and served meat pies and fresh fruit.

by Opie Janzer

Meagan and Lance had their wedding in July at the Mount Timpanogos Temple located in American Fork Utah.  It was a warm and windy summer day!  Meagan wore a stunning vintage wedding gown she found online.  Their wedding colors were shades of pink with cream and light grey.

 by Opie Janzer

Stepanie & Levi

Stunning groomal session shot in American Fork canyon!  For this shoot I used an off camera flash and it added so much drama to the photos. 

Hair and Makeup: Versa Artistry
Dress: Lily Bride Designs

by Opie Janzer

Liz + Kevin
June 22, 2012
Caternia

Jamie and John

Johnson Mill

100 N Johnson Mill Rd 

Midway, UT 84049

Crystal + Mason

April 27, 2013

Millennial Falls

12375 S 1300 E

Draper, UT 84020