Maris and Spencer’s story is a reminder of everything we love about summer weddings in Utah: long evenings, warm air, a green lawn and flowers at their peak. It is also a good example of how to handle the season’s biggest photographic challenge — bright, high sun.
Summer light: the challenge and the reward
Between late morning and mid-afternoon in a Utah summer, the sun is high and the light is hard. Faces get dark eye shadows, white dresses lose detail and everyone squints. The reward comes later: the hour or so before sunset is long, golden and forgiving.
- Use open shade — the shadow side of a building or a large tree — for family photos in the middle of the day.
- Turn your back to the sun. Backlit portraits give a soft glow around hair and veil, and nobody squints.
- Save couple portraits for golden hour. Even ten minutes slipped away from the reception makes a difference.
Garden details that shine
Garden weddings invite texture: linen runners, mismatched bud vases, herbs tucked into place settings, handwritten signs. These details read beautifully in photographs, especially when there are a few minutes to capture them before guests arrive.
In summer, the light you wait for is worth more than the light you’re given.
Keeping everyone comfortable
Provide shade and water for the ceremony, schedule the ceremony for later in the afternoon, and give the wedding party somewhere cool between photo sessions. Comfortable people look relaxed in photographs — and they enjoy the day more. Planning a summer wedding? Get in touch.
