Gorgeous Golden Hour Wedding at Red Earth Venue in Moab, Utah
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 7 MINUTES
Disclaimer: Micaela, a dear friend of mine, graciously allowed me to capture some detailed shots of her wedding setup before the ceremony began. Please note that the official photographer for the wedding was Matt Davidson Photography, a talented wedding and elopement photographer based in Moab, Utah. All of the photos within this blog post are my own. For the official wedding photos and more of Matt’s amazing work, visit his website and check him out on Instagram.
Exquisite Venue and Scenic Landscape
Tucked away in the stunning canyons of Moab, Utah, the Red Earth Venue is a magical spot for weddings, just like Jonathan and Micaela’s beautiful day showed us. This amazing place shines in golden light, surrounded by breathtaking red rocks, wide-open views, and a peaceful vibe that brings out the romance and intimacy. It turns any celebration into something you’ll never forget, giving couples a spectacular spot to mark the start of their journey together.
Red Earth Venue
Red Earth Venue isn’t just any place; it’s a dream come true for weddings, nestled among gorgeous red rocks. This spot has flexible outdoor areas perfect for both cozy get-togethers and big parties, and it beautifully mixes indoor and outdoor vibes to reflect the beauty of the national park. Its unique setup invites everyone on an unforgettable adventure. With its stunning views and amazing atmosphere, the venue is all about creating personal and memorable moments that you and your guests will cherish forever.
Beauty of Canyonlands National Park Landscape
Imagine saying your “I do’s” with the amazing Canyonlands as your backdrop, creating a serene and majestic vibe for your big day. The stunning views make for the perfect picturesque setting, turning your special day into something truly magical. The natural beauty around you acts as the best kind of decor, changing hues as the day goes by, making sure your celebration is always shown in the best light. This incredible setting not only wows everyone but also makes for unforgettable wedding photos.
Exceptional Service, Sincere Vows, and Enchanting Dining
Beautiful Wedding Service
As the groomsmen and bridal party made their entrance one by one, the excitement built up for the bride’s arrival. It was clear how deeply in love and connected the couple was, all wrapped up in the warm and friendly atmosphere of friends and family who came to celebrate their big day.
It was such a beautiful wedding! As Micaela walked down the aisle, all eyes were on her, especially Jonathan’s. He looked at her with so much love and admiration, it was like he was seeing her for the very first time. Every step she took brought them closer, not just physically but in their hearts too. When Micaela finally reached him, they shared a look that said it all – their connection was real and deep. They then turned to Micaela’s dad, who was beaming with pride and emotion, ready to make their union official. That exchange of looks among them just sealed the deal, marking the start of their journey together.
Act I – The Ceremony
The ceremony hit its heartwarming peak when Micaela’s dad (Dan) stepped up to lead their vows, making their journey feel like a beautifully written play. He shared the story of Micaela and Jonathan with warmth and pride. They’re two theater buffs whose paths crossed in college, tied together by their love for the stage. He talked about their meeting not just as chance, but as destiny bringing together two stars, sparking a love and shared dreams.
He shared how, back in college, Micaela and Jonathan dived deep into the theater world, their passion for the stage growing alongside their love for each other. This time was all about growing, both in their personal lives and in their careers, as they tackled challenges and polished their skills together. Their commitment to theater mirrored their commitment to each other, meeting every hurdle with elegance and strength, just like the heroes of a hit play.
Looking ahead, Dan painted a bright picture of what’s to come, with new roles, scenes, and acts waiting to be explored. He talked about a future full of chances to grow, learn, and love more, all cheered on by family and friends. Wrapping up, he highlighted that love, like theater, is all about teamwork, passion, and the bravery to step into the unknown, making Micaela and Jonathan the stars of their own amazing love story.
Act II – Exchange of Vows and the First Kiss
Micaela and Jonathan stood together, holding hands and ready to share the vows they’d written with all their hearts. Jonathan went first, his voice full of emotion as he talked about how much he admired Micaela’s strength, her constant support, and the incredible love he’d felt from the moment they met. Micaela’s eyes sparkled with tears as she held his hands even tighter, silently promising a forever together.
Then it was Micaela’s turn. Her voice was like a gentle melody, floating in the breeze, as she shared stories of their adventures, the laughter, and those quiet moments that made their connection so strong. She talked about Jonathan being her rock, her partner in everything, and the love that lights up her life, promising to be by his side through every scene of their life together.
As they put on their rings, symbols of their unending love, the beautiful desert around them witnessed their commitment, the sunset painting everything in golden light. The moment they shared their first kiss as a married couple, their friends and family cheered, the sound bouncing off the canyon walls. There were tears, laughter, and so much joy, making the air buzz with the magic of their love. That kiss, so passionate and meaningful, sealed their promise to share a life full of dreams and an everlasting bond.
Act III – A Dinner That Surpasses All Expectations
The dinner service at Red Earth Venue was nothing short of amazing. The caterers and waiters went above and beyond, providing exceptional service that added to the extraordinary dining experience. The atmosphere was loud and boisterous, filled with joy as family and friends of the bride and groom reunited, making every moment unforgettable. With every exquisite bite, the breathtaking views served as the perfect backdrop, ensuring that each moment was savored just as much as the food.
Family and Friends, Dancing, Cocktails, and S’mores
Act IV – First Dances
The mother/son and father/daughter dances are always so touching, aren’t they? They manage to squeeze a whole lifetime of love and guidance into a few sweet minutes. You can almost feel the excitement and warmth of family bonds in the air during these dances.
But, you know what often steals the show? The couple’s first dance. At first, the bride and groom pretended to be a bit awkward on the dance floor, making everyone chuckle with their not-so-smooth moves. But don’t let that fool you! These two have a knack for the dramatic, thanks to their theater background, and they’re about to blow everyone away. Suddenly, they switch gears, showing off a dance routine so perfectly in sync and full of energy, it’s as if they made it up on the spot. This amazing performance wasn’t just fun to watch but left everyone laughing and cheering for more.
Act V – Open Dance Floor, DJ, and Great Vibes
As the bride and groom wrapped up their dance and turned away from the crowd, the venue staff cheerfully had the accordion glass doors open, the groom motioned for everyone to join them outside on the open dance floor for a true desert party. Under the stars, with the DJ pumping up the night with awesome music, the vibe was just right for a fun celebration. Family and friends all joined in around the newly married couple.
Vendors and Secure Transportation for Safe Journey Home
Photo Booth Bus
One of the unique features provided by the bride and groom was a photo booth bus, which came equipped with props and offered 4 segmented pictures, both a physical and digital copy, along with a memory book that guests filled out, creating a keepsake for the couple to treasure forever.
360-Degree Video Booth
Another unique vendor featured a 360-degree video booth where guests could step onto a platform and showcase their favorite moves, creating a video collage full of memories. This was a hit with both the young and old, adding a modern touch to the wedding festivities.
The Perfect Ending – S’mores Table and Brick Oven Pizza
After a night filled with dancing and fun, the bride and groom had a wonderful surprise for everyone—a cozy s’mores table and a super cool brick oven pizza station for the perfect late-night munchies. There was this awesome s’mores table, all warm and welcoming with 6 individual flames that invited you to roast gourmet marshmallows, and pair them with rich chocolates and graham crackers to make your own mouth-watering treats. And oh, the smell of fresh pizza straight out of the brick oven was just irresistible, with loads of toppings to choose from, making sure there was something for everyone. This thoughtful addition kept the party going strong and brought everyone together in the coziest way possible, creating memories and flavors we’d all cherish forever.
Secure Transportation
The bride and groom made sure that all their guests had safe transportation home at the end of the night. They provided shuttle buses that was making rounds to different hotels in the Moab area. This not only ensured everyone’s safety but also allowed everyone to fully relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about driving.
Conclusion
And just like that, we wrap up Jonathan and Micaela’s magical wedding day. It’s a beautiful reminder of love’s incredible power and the happiness it spreads when celebrated with loved ones. Their day was truly special, packed with laughter, dancing, and so many warm moments. It was more than a marriage celebration; it was an unforgettable gathering for everyone there. From their heartfelt vows under a stunning desert sunset to the lively dance floor under the stars, every bit reflected their unique journey together. Those special touches, like the quirky photo booth bus and the delicious s’mores and pizza, added that extra sprinkle of magic, making their wedding not just an event, but a treasure chest of lifelong memories.
To Jonathan and Micaela, and to all the amazing family and friends who made their day unforgettable, thanks for letting us share in your beautiful start. Here’s to a future filled with joy, adventure, and a love that keeps growing and inspiring. May you always find reasons to dance, laugh, and come together to celebrate love. Cheers to the happy couple and to all the wonderful chapters still to come in their love story.
Let’s Capture the Magic of Your Love Story
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and your photos should reflect every laugh, tear, and tender moment. As your wedding photographer, I’ll be there to preserve the story of your day—exactly as it unfolds. From the quiet moments as you get ready to the joy on the dance floor, my goal is to create images that feel as timeless as your love.
If you’re ready for a photographer who truly cares about capturing the heart of your wedding, let’s connect! Together, we’ll ensure your day is beautifully documented for you to treasure forever.
Wedding Session
Starting at $750
- $250/hour, 3 hour minimum
- 70+ professionally edited images per hour of coverage
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due one week before the session
- Discounted rate available for Engagement and/or Bridal Session if you book 4 or more hours of wedding day coverage
