Southern Weddings

After our dreary North Carolina weekend, I have to admit I’m more than a little excited about Aly + Justin’s cheery jewel-tone wedding at the Salt Lake City Temple, photographed by Kate Benson.  (Perfect timing, since it’s now bright and sunny here in the Tar Heel state!)  As a pink fanatic, it’s not surprising that I love the bright pink color palate, but what I’m really swooning over are the fun splashes of orange and blue in the bridesmaids’ summery Barbara Grant frocks and blooming bouquets from Hollyhocks.  Even the couple’s towering five-tiered cake (courtesy of the talented Marilyn Jenkins) has a fresh white-and-blue color scheme.  We only wish we could have seen the bride, in a vintage-inspired Abella Bridal high-neck gown, peddle away on the newlyweds’ get-away bike!  Adorable!

How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story.  I met Justin at church in a singles ward. I noticed that he would always stare at me and then come over and talk to our mutual friend whenever I was with her. One night, we ended up hanging out after a ward activity. Justin found out that my birthday was later that week, so he took me skiing to celebrate that Saturday, which conveniently happened to be Valentine’s Day. The rest is history: he courted, we dated, we got engaged, and now we are married and happy as ever!
Describe the proposal:  We had traveled to Phoenix Arizona so I could meet his family for the first time. Halfway through the trip, Justin took me on a motorcycle ride to the White Tank mountains, but when we got there the gates were locked, so we started to hike up the mountain (I should mention that I was wearing a dress, heels and pearls!). When we got to the top, we looked out over the city and Justin began to tell me how much he loved and appreciated me. He also said he had spoken to my dad, and then surprised me with the ring I didn’t think he would be able to purchase for another month. It was such a perfect moment!
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? Funny enough, I got the inspiration from a wedding I saw on a blog where the couple was from India. I just loved all the colors!
Favorite design element of your big day: Photography was one of my focal points in the wedding so I loved the pictures everywhere!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: It was definitely a process, mostly because I had just had neck surgery and the weight of all the dresses didn’t feel too great that soon after surgery. But I wanted something that was lace, modest and classic and I found just that! The dress was perfect!
What was your most memorable moment about your wedding day?  Being sealed for all time and eternity.
Scariest moment? Seeing Justin’s jeep decorated by all the groomsmen. A month later and it is still decorated!
Funniest moment?  Walking away from the SLC LDS Temple we were crossing the street and I jumped up to kiss my new husband and he tried to catch me, and instead he caught my dress causing me to flash everyone my underwear!
Three adjectives that describe the day are: Fun, exciting, and perfect!
What’s next for you as a couple? We’re planning on moving to Colorado to do summer sales (my husband is a business major), and I am launching my photography business!
What are you looking forward to in the future? Everything! First house, kids, vacations, and becoming a master cook!

Congratulations, Aly + Justin!  We can’t wait to hear more about your lives together!

Written with love by Lara Casey