Anna + Eli | Utah and Virginia | August 1st + 8th
Some love stories deserve more than one celebration — and Anna + Eli’s was exactly that. These two met while attending Utah State University, bonded over their shared love of travel and hiking, and have been adventuring together ever since. When Eli proposed, it was on one of their favorite hikes — the perfect nod to the kind of life they’ve been building: full of nature, joy, and playfulness.
They’re the kind of couple who is silly and adventurous but also deeply connected — Eli is patient and intuitive, and Anna radiates warmth. For their wedding, they wanted to honor both of their heritages and families with a celebration that blended tradition, travel, and a whole lot of heart.
Day 1: Logan Temple + Backyard Reception
august 1, 2025 – logan, utah
The first chapter of their wedding took place at the Logan Utah Temple on a perfect summer day — a little overcast for bridals and the reception, which kept everything cool and comfortable.
Anna stepped out in her grandmother’s wedding dress — beautifully altered for the day — while Eli and the groomsmen wore olive green ties with khakis. The bridesmaids were in olive green dresses, and their sisters coordinated in floral prints (orange for Anna’s side, green for Eli’s).
As they exited the temple, family and friends surrounded them with smiles and cheers. One of my favorite shots from the day is the two of them standing in front of the temple, framed by a brilliant blue sky — classic and timeless.
Their reception was held at Anna’s grandparents’ backyard, filled with sentimental touches:
Heritage table with photos of ancestors on their wedding days
Origami cranes sprinkled throughout to honor Anna’s heritage
Whimsical flowers picked from gardens, adding a fresh and personal feel
It was a warm, family-filled evening, the perfect start to their marriage celebrations.
Day 2: Ring ceremony + reception at flying ace farms
august 8, 2025 – purcellville, virgina
A week later, Anna + Eli continued the celebrations in Virginia so more family and friends could be part of their day. The venue, Flying Ace Farms, was a family friend’s property — and it was stunning.
The ring ceremony was held under a grove of trees by a lake. Antique rugs lined the aisle, benches provided seating, and fabric draped between two trees framed the ceremony site beautifully. They incorporated a hand-fasting tradition, a meaningful nod to their heritage.
Afterward, guests enjoyed a mocktail hour with fun drinks and appetizers, followed by a barbecue dinner (the cornbread was unforgettable). Each table was dismissed to eat by first coming up to take a photo with the couple — a sweet way to personally connect with every guest.
The reception took place inside a white barn with long banquet tables set with mismatched china, candles, and overflowing wildflower arrangements. Later, we snuck away for sunset portraits that were pure magic — soft light, big smiles, and the kind of candid joy that sums up who they are.
They ended the night with cake cutting and dancing, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.
A Celebration Rooted in Family + Tradition
Across both days, one thing was clear: Anna + Eli’s wedding was about connection. From wearing her grandmother’s wedding dress to showcasing family heritage, from backyard laughter in Utah to sunset portraits in Virginia, their wedding was a reflection of who they are — adventurous, playful, and deeply devoted to family.
📍 Venues: Logan Utah Temple, Anna’s grandparents’ backyard, Flying Ace Farms (Purcellville, VA)
📅 Dates: August 1 & 8, 2025
🎨 Colors: Olive green + orange
💐 Florals: Picked from gardens (Utah), whimsical wildflowers (Virginia) helped put together by Hannah reynolds
👗 Dress: Bride’s grandmother’s gown (altered), loose reception dress for both receptions
🌟 Word to describe their wedding: Family + Tradition
