Aroha Photography

I tease my husband constantly and pretend I don’t, but the truth is, I do. I {aroha}  marriage. He tells me I am the best thing to ever happen to him, I tell him he’s in my top 100. All joking aside, even on the crumby days I am thankful to have a husband that supports me, loves me, gets all twitterpatted over me, and generally floats my boat. And I am delighted Rebecca and Wyatt will have the same in each other.

Rebecca looked gorgeous on “her special day”, her gown simply beautiful, her hair and make-up coiffured lovingly by her dear friend Amy, her smile breathtakingly radiant. And she had done everything right to be here. Becca  is one very special gal to me. I’ve known her since she was in her early teen years when I first came to the US. She has lived her life in such a noble way that when she decided to marry, we all knew it would be to someone equally as honourable, intelligent, talented and fun. And so she did.

Wyatt looked so handsome in his tuxedo, it would have been impossible to wipe that smile off his face. His tenderness toward his new bride evident for all to see as we stood around freezing our tooshies off on a miserably cold, icy Salt Lake City day. Rebecca and Wyatt’s love story is unique  in that they were bought together by Wyatt’s grandma Bonnie, who had known Rebecca’s family years ago.   How many people can say they were set up by their grandma? Personally, I kind of think that rocks! (and may I say that Wyatt has an absolutely stunning Grandma!)

I first met Wyatt back in August when he came out to Santa Cruz to meet Becca’s family.(yeah, I kind of consider myself family too!) Patricia and I had the chance to photograph their engagement session at Santa Cruz Harbour while he was here visiting and I was impressed with how natural he was with us. It was a fun night getting to know the man who captured Becca’s heart.

Rebecca and Wyatt were married for time and all eternity at the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. On December 19th, 2011.

It was an early start to the celebration with some pre-wedding yoga, a nice relaxing bath and chit chat from us old marrieds. I think being surrounded by family and friends in a beautiful mountain cabin is the perfect send off  for a bride-to-be into her new life. I know I would have loved that.  And can I say nice bicep sistah!

Rebecca’s stunning bouquet was created by Provo Florist 

as we were leaving the restaurant we bumped into Santa…. a good reason to get married in December!!!

Santa Cruz put on a stunning day for the reception a week later.  The Darling House was the most beautiful location for friends and family to re-gather in the celebration of Rebecca and Wyatt. But first guests were invited to a DELICIOUS lunch at Stagnaro Brothers Restaurant on the wharf . (I highly recommend the pesto pasta TDF!) As we were all gathering for a group photo a flock of  gulls flew over and although people are still moving into positions I love the drama the birds add.

Rebecca’s hair and make-up was done by Cam Halford of Santa Cruz. Cam also reworked the beautiful bouquet into a stunning piece of artistry more suited to the Bride. (I have to say Cam’s work is amazing, Rebecca and her mama both looked stunning)

The Gorgeous (and SCRUMPTIOUS I might add) cake was created by The Buttery . They said their cakes were heaven, and oh my word they weren’t kidding! I have dreams about that carrot cake layer. YUM doesn’t even begin to describe it. The wonderfully clever cake topper was created by Stephanie Halford, of Santa Cruz.

Since the happy couple were returning to Utah to start their new lives together, we HAD to capture images at the beach before they left.  And what better memories of the day than family, friends, good food AND sunset on a Santa Cruz beach!

On Marriage -  Kahlil Gibran

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

wishing you both well in your journey together. ~ arohanui xoxo