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 I was so excited to collaborate on this styled bridal shoot with Sleepy Ridge Weddings. They are a beautiful wedding and event venue that is tucked in the back of a peaceful golf course by Utah Lake. They offer two different rooms and wedding experiences, one indoor and one outdoor. We used the elegant indoor sunset room for our styled shoot. My favorite element of the ballroom we worked in was the stunning chandelier.

The whole team of vendors for our bridal shoot was absolutely incredible. I feel so lucky to have been able to work beside them. One of these vendors was the talented Natalie Workman. She created the sweet, lace dress that is worn off-the-shoulder. This is especially cool because she was recently at Paris Fashion Week with some of her designs. We all loved this dress because it could be worn for an elopement, a wedding, or as a getaway dress. 

I also can’t say enough about our talented pair of models. Grace and Max are good friends who look incredible together. I met Grace about a year ago at her cousin’s wedding. We kept in touch, and I was so excited that she was able to do this shoot and that she was able to bring Max. Although they aren’t a real couple, they definitely showed major chemistry onset! It was amazing to work with them because they were so comfortable with each other, and most importantly, we just laughed the entire session. I was so excited when they agreed to do the shoot because they are beautiful people, but I was even more excited once I got to see their personalities and how well we all got along. Toward the end, I told them I wanted to do some more intimate shots. They were only a tiny bit hesitant to jump into the intimate poses I directed them into. But once they were in that pose, their smiles just lit up, and the camera loved it. They truly are some of the most amazing people I’ve worked with! 

Vendors:

Styled Shoot Designed and Styled by Taynee Miller Photography & Ashley Legg

-Florals: Urban Roots Floral @urbanrootsfloral Ashley Legg

-Photographer: Taynee Miller Photography

-Makeup: Mati Allison 

Utah is a gorgeous place to live. Not only that, but it is a gorgeous place to photograph! From the red rock arches of Moab to the forested mountains of Northern Utah, there are an unlimited number of possible photo locations. It wasn’t easy to narrow it down, but today I am sharing my top 8 favorite locations for pictures in Utah. If you are looking for somewhere to take family sessions, engagements, maternity sessions, bridals, elopements, etc., I’ve got you covered!

Saltair

The Great Saltair is a historic location along the Great Salt Lake that has been a popular lakeside resort for two hundred years. This is one of my favorite locations to hold unique family sessions. The beautiful architecture of the Saltair makes for a fun backdrop for portraits. There is free parking along a nearby dirt road, and it is a short walk down to the sand if the client is looking for beach portraits as well. 

Squaw Peak Fields

Squaw Peak Fields is a secret location that I love. It is near Big Springs Park in Provo Canyon and is only a five-minute hike from a free dirt parking lot. This big open field is surrounded by amazing mountain views. This is a great location for stunning bridals. 

Aspen Grove

Aspen Grove is another gorgeous spot in Provo Canyon. If you go to Mount Timpanogos Trailhead, there is a paved road and parking lot for you to meet in. You will need to pay to park, but the views here are worth it. This location is best for sessions held in the fall and summer. There is long, golden grass that is so fun to work in. 

Bonneville Salt Flats

The Bonneville Salt Flats is a popular location that is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. The beautiful white sand and salt are unlike anywhere I’ve photographed before. In the winter, you can get amazing reflections off of the water for fun artistic portraits. This spot is every photographer’s dream!

Wheeler Farm

This is a great location, right next to the river. There are beautiful green trees, sandy trails, paved trails, and a wide variety of backdrops. The parking is free, but there is a $10 photography fee paid to WF. This spot is great for extended family sessions because there are a lot of shaded areas near the river and barn. 

Tunnel Springs Park

Tunnel Springs Park offers a wide variety of scenery for any kind of portrait. There are cattails, beautiful green trees, wooden fences, mountain views, city views, golden fields, and more. The best time to photograph here is in the spring and fall. 

Utah Lavender Fields

The lavender fields are only in season for 2-3 weeks from the end of June to mid-July, so you need to mark your calendars for this one! There are acres and acres of gorgeous lavender to work with. The portraits taken here are so beautiful. It is the perfect spot for engagements and senior photo sessions. There is a $75 fee for one hour of shooting, and you must have a reservation. I suggest booking a spot in February so that you can get a prime time slot. 

White Barn 

McPolin Farm in Park City is home to the iconic white barn. On clear days, it has the best mountainous backdrop of any other location in Park City. There is a cute bridge and several fields with gorgeous backgrounds. This is the best place for winter photo sessions, but it is a great location option year-round. 

These 8 locations are only a few of the beautiful places that Utah has to offer. No matter what the session is for, these locations will take your portraits to the next level!