Real Weddings
Claire & Marcus, A Golden Afternoon Wedding at Sundance Mountain Resort
Ninety guests, aspen groves in full fall color, a hand-written song, and a first dance that lasted six minutes. A real wedding story from the Utah mountains.
The Venue
Claire and Marcus chose Sundance Mountain Resort in late September, when the aspen groves surrounding the property are in full fall color. I've photographed at Sundance in every season and fall is unambiguous, the two-week window when the aspens turn produces a gold so saturated it looks retouched in photographs, and yet it never is.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the outdoor lawn at 4pm as the afternoon light was beginning its descent behind the mountain. Claire wore a simple silk gown with a long cathedral veil that caught the breeze off the canyon. Marcus had written her a song and performed it during the ceremony with his best man on guitar. He held it together through three verses and completely fell apart in the bridge. Nobody minded.
The Reception
Ninety guests filled the main lodge for a reception that lasted well past midnight. The tables were set with dried flowers and candlelight that turned the interior amber and warm. Claire's mother gave a toast that was funny for four minutes and then devastating for two. Marcus's grandmother danced to every song. The first dance lasted six minutes because Marcus had written the song specifically to be long enough that he wouldn't have to let go.
What Made It Special
What I remember most about Claire and Marcus's wedding isn't any single image, it's the quality of attention in the room. Everyone there had made an effort to be present. Phones were mostly away. People were watching each other rather than documenting. That kind of collective presence is rare and it shows in photographs in a way that's hard to quantify but immediately visible.
Real Weddings
Claire & Marcus, A Golden Afternoon Wedding at Sundance Mountain Resort
Ninety guests, aspen groves in full fall color, a hand-written song, and a first dance that lasted six minutes. A real wedding story from the Utah mountains.
The Venue
Claire and Marcus chose Sundance Mountain Resort in late September, when the aspen groves surrounding the property are in full fall color. I've photographed at Sundance in every season and fall is unambiguous, the two-week window when the aspens turn produces a gold so saturated it looks retouched in photographs, and yet it never is.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the outdoor lawn at 4pm as the afternoon light was beginning its descent behind the mountain. Claire wore a simple silk gown with a long cathedral veil that caught the breeze off the canyon. Marcus had written her a song and performed it during the ceremony with his best man on guitar. He held it together through three verses and completely fell apart in the bridge. Nobody minded.
The Reception
Ninety guests filled the main lodge for a reception that lasted well past midnight. The tables were set with dried flowers and candlelight that turned the interior amber and warm. Claire's mother gave a toast that was funny for four minutes and then devastating for two. Marcus's grandmother danced to every song. The first dance lasted six minutes because Marcus had written the song specifically to be long enough that he wouldn't have to let go.
What Made It Special
What I remember most about Claire and Marcus's wedding isn't any single image, it's the quality of attention in the room. Everyone there had made an effort to be present. Phones were mostly away. People were watching each other rather than documenting. That kind of collective presence is rare and it shows in photographs in a way that's hard to quantify but immediately visible.
Real Weddings
Claire & Marcus, A Golden Afternoon Wedding at Sundance Mountain Resort
Ninety guests, aspen groves in full fall color, a hand-written song, and a first dance that lasted six minutes. A real wedding story from the Utah mountains.
The Venue
Claire and Marcus chose Sundance Mountain Resort in late September, when the aspen groves surrounding the property are in full fall color. I've photographed at Sundance in every season and fall is unambiguous, the two-week window when the aspens turn produces a gold so saturated it looks retouched in photographs, and yet it never is.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the outdoor lawn at 4pm as the afternoon light was beginning its descent behind the mountain. Claire wore a simple silk gown with a long cathedral veil that caught the breeze off the canyon. Marcus had written her a song and performed it during the ceremony with his best man on guitar. He held it together through three verses and completely fell apart in the bridge. Nobody minded.
The Reception
Ninety guests filled the main lodge for a reception that lasted well past midnight. The tables were set with dried flowers and candlelight that turned the interior amber and warm. Claire's mother gave a toast that was funny for four minutes and then devastating for two. Marcus's grandmother danced to every song. The first dance lasted six minutes because Marcus had written the song specifically to be long enough that he wouldn't have to let go.
What Made It Special
What I remember most about Claire and Marcus's wedding isn't any single image, it's the quality of attention in the room. Everyone there had made an effort to be present. Phones were mostly away. People were watching each other rather than documenting. That kind of collective presence is rare and it shows in photographs in a way that's hard to quantify but immediately visible.