Provo Family Photographer & A Sentimental 20-Year Anniversary Session
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
When Dad first reached out, he told me they wanted updated family photos… but they also wanted to recreate their engagement photos from 20 years ago, right at the spot where it all began. I already loved the idea, but when they showed up with coordinated outfits intentionally designed to match their original engagement session? My photographer heart exploded.
This is why I adore family photography in Utah. When families bring their stories, their history, their personalities, and their memories into the session. It transforms pictures from simple portraits into something meaningful, sentimental, and theirs. And that’s exactly what this session at Riverwoods became.
Returning to Where It All Began In Utah County
The Shops at Riverwoods is one of my favorite places for family portraits in Provo. It’s charming, walkable, colorful, and has such a unique mix of urban textures and natural beauty. But for the T Family, it meant so much more: it was where their love story officially took its first big step.
On the backside of the movie theater (yes, behind the theater) they shared their engagement session 20 years earlier. So of course, that’s where we began.
They arrived dressed in outfits that perfectly matched their originals:
- Girls: jeans + white sweaters
- Boys: jeans + black sweaters
Not only was it intentional, but incredibly adorable. The kids loved being part of the recreation, and Mom and Dad kept smiling at each other in that “I still choose you” kind of way that makes my job so easy.
We started posing them in the exact spot where they sat two decades ago. They slipped right back into those old poses, but this time, surrounded by the life they built together. Five kids. Big personalities. A house full of memories. The recreation pictures were sweet, meaningful, and full of emotion.
Mini Family Session
Starting at $150
- Perfect for holiday cards!
- Session is 20 minutes
- 15 edited images
- $75 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Family Session
Starting at $250
- 2-6 people
- Session typically lasts 60 minutes
- 50-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
Extended Family Session
Starting at $375
- 7+ people
- $10/person additional after 15 people
- Session typically lasts 60-90 minutes
- 70-100+ edited images
- $100 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due the day before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
A Walk Over the Bridge With A Utah Family Photographer
After the recreation pictures, we wandered over to the nature path behind Riverwoods, which is easily one of the most overlooked but beautiful photo locations in Provo. It has:
- Wooden bridges
- Lush greenery
- Tall trees
- Soft natural lighting
- Plenty of room for families to move, be themselves, and breathe
This is where the kids really came alive. Each one got their moment in front of the camera, and I love giving kids that space as a family photographer. It builds so much confidence and makes the whole session more relaxed.
And yes… the youngest was definitely a quirky little goofball.
Instead of trying to “fix” it, we fully embraced it. He gave us silly faces, dramatic poses, and unexpected bursts of energy that had everyone laughing. The best part? Mixed in with his goofy shots were some truly beautiful, sweet smiles. That combination of playful and posed is perfect for family photo albums.
This is the magic of Utah family photography. Families aren’t perfect. Young children aren’t perfectly still. Parents get stressed. But real moments create the portraits you end up loving the most.
Back Into the Heart of Riverwoods
We wrapped up back in the central shopping area of The Shops at Riverwoods. If you’ve ever been, you know this area has a little bit of everything: charming storefronts, bright colors, textured walls, and occasional seasonal décor in business windows. It’s beautiful year round, but particularly in summer and fall.
We picked a few spots that matched the vibe of their original Provo engagement photos and recreated some additional poses. This time the whole family joined in, and it was such a beautiful full-circle moment. Seeing Mom and Dad standing in the same location where they stood two decades earlier with five kids around them, laughing and teasing each other felt incredibly symbolic.
And as if the universe was cheering them on, we stumbled upon something perfect. We were walking between storefronts when we suddenly noticed a mural with the words “20 Years” painted across it.
Obviously, we had to get a shot in front of it; mom and dad were so excited!
It felt like one of those little winks from the universe, like the location wanted to celebrate alongside them. These spontaneous moments are some of my favorites in photography. They’re not planned. They’re not staged. They’re serendipity.
And often, they become some of the most meaningful images of the entire session.
Thank you so much for being patient with us. You did such a wonderful job.
J.T. (Email from client after session)
A Note From Dad
Later that night, I got a message from Dad. Messages from clients like this mean everything to me. I love people. I love families. And I truly love getting to show each person’s unique personality through photos. Whether that’s a big smile, a thoughtful expression, or a goofy kid making faces behind his siblings.
Each family brings their own dynamic, energy, and story, and getting to document that is such a privilege. I’m always so grateful and look forward to the chance to experience your truest form of family.
To the Parents Reading This: You’re Doing Amazing
Let’s be honest: family sessions can feel stressful, especially when you’re trying to coordinate little humans, sibling dynamics, outfits, schedules, snacks, moods, attention spans. And on top of all that, you’re hoping for good lighting AND good smiles.
I want to tell you something from the heart:
You don’t have to be perfect.
Your children or pets don’t have to be perfectly behaved.
Your session doesn’t have to go perfectly smoothly.
Once you arrive at your session, take a breath and hand the stress to me. I know how to help children feel comfortable, how to navigate sibling energy, and how to bring out everyone’s best. We’ll capture a mix of posed shots AND real-life moments that show your family exactly as it is.
Whether we’re recreating old memories or building new ones, my goal is to create a gallery that feel honest and full of life.
Why The Shops at Riverwoods Is One of the Best Provo Family Photo Locations
If you’re searching for Provo family photo locations, The Shops at Riverwoods is always at the top of my list because it offers:
- Urban backdrops and natural spaces
- Seasonal décor that adds charm
- Bridges and pathways that create depth
- Brick walls, murals, and storefront textures
- Easy access + parking
- Plenty of variety in one walkable area
If your family loves a mix of playful, meaningful, and dynamic backgrounds, Riverwoods is a perfect choice.
Advice from a Provo Family Photographer For Planning Your Own Family Pictures
Whether you’re planning a sentimental recreation session like the T Family or you just need updated portraits, here are a few helpful tips:
Wear outfits that feel cohesive, not forced. Neutrals, earthy tones, and soft textures look great at Riverwoods, and throughout Provo.
Choose a location with meaning. Sentimental locations always tell a deeper story.
Let your children be themselves. The more relaxed they feel, the more natural your photos will look.
Trust your photographer. I’ll guide you every step of the way, from poses to prompts to keeping kids engaged and having fun.
Contact Me If You’re Looking for Utah Family Photos in Provo And Beyond
I specialize in family photography across Utah, Utah County, Salt Lake County, and Davis County. I’m always happy to travel to places that are meaningful to your family whether that’s where you got engaged, where your kids grew up, a favorite hiking spot, a sentimental landmark, or anywhere that holds memories. Your stories matter. Your connections matter. And photographing them is one of my greatest joys.
Ready to book your own family session or start planning a meaningful recreation shoot? I’d love to create something beautiful with you. Don’t wait, reach out today for beautiful pictures!
