A Fantasy-Inspired Wedding at Thieves Guild Cidery | Salt Lake City Wedding Photographer

A Love Story That Started with Engagement Sessions

I first connected with Tess last year when they reached out about photographing not only their wedding, but also a double engagement session. We planned two completely different engagement sessions to reflect different sides of their relationship.

A Custom Wedding Dress with Meaningful Design

After details, it was time for Tess to get dressed, and their outfit was truly one-of-a-kind. Their mom custom made the entire dress, and every piece was fully detachable: sleeves, skirt, cape/train, and veil. The back featured a corset-style design that required careful lacing.

While Tess and their mom worked on the final adjustments, I briefly stepped downstairs to photograph Corey getting ready. He was adding his belt and finishing his hair. These simple, quiet moments balance out the energy of the day beautifully.

Pro Tip for Future Couples:
If your dress includes a corset or intricate closure, time how long it takes to get into it ahead of your wedding date. Some dresses can take 15 minutes or more to lace properly, and building that into your timeline makes a big difference in keeping the day stress-free.

A Joyful Wedding Party Reveal

We moved outside to the backyard, where their wedding party waited eagerly. When Tess and Corey stepped through the French doors, everyone turned, and the reaction was instant. Tears, laughter, hugs and then, one of their friends came forward and sprayed glitter over them, completing their fantasy-inspired look in the most celebratory way possible.

A Heartfelt Ceremony Officiated by Family

As guests filled the space, standing room included, the ceremony began. The wedding party processed in, followed by Tess joining Corey at the front. Once everyone was in place, the guests sat, leaving just the couple, their maid of honor, best man, and officiant standing. The officiant was Tess’s father, which added another personal layer to the ceremony.

Their vows were everything you hope for: funny, emotional, and deeply sincere. Hearing couples speak their own words to each other is one of the most meaningful parts of what I get to witness as a photographer. They exchanged rings, shared their first kiss, and walked back down the aisle as the room erupted in cheers.

First Dance and Special Moments

Tess and Corey shared their first dance surrounded by friends and family, followed by special dances that honored important relationships. Corey danced with his mom, and Tess shared a dance with their dad. In a heartfelt surprise, Tess also danced with their mom, an emotional and beautiful addition to the evening.

A Night Full of Laughter, Games, and Connection

As the evening continued, the celebration became a lively mix of conversation, laughter, and activity. Guests enjoyed drinks, took photos in the booth, and played board games provided by the venue, another thoughtful nod to Tess and Corey’s shared love of games and storytelling.

It felt less like a traditional reception and more like a gathering of adventurers in a tavern, exactly the vibe they had envisioned. Some of these candid, precious moments are my favorite to include in my clients’ wedding galleries.

Thank You, Tess & Corey

It was an absolute honor to be part of Tess and Corey’s story. It was such a fun and creative event to photograph, filled with candid moments and so much joy. They kindly chose to allow me to share their photos and story. Being able to showcase real wedding photography helps future clients feel more confident in what their own experience can look like. Working with amazing couples is a huge part of why I care deeply about what I do. My goal with every wedding is to create images that not only look beautiful, but truly reflect your story and help you relive those moments for years to come.