Often, as a wedding photographer, I am brought in to photograph just the wedding reception. Before gay marriage was legal in Utah, often couples would marry out of state and then return to have a wedding reception with friends and family here in Utah.
In the case of Frank and Preston, the couple had married during the brief 2 week period of time that gay marriage was legal and before the stay was issued, halting all marriage licenses. Well, they wanted to have a party to celebrate!
Wedding invitation for Preston & Frank
The wedding was a package from the Hotel Monaco and it was actually a prize during a silent auction at the Hotel Monaco’s Red Party. I even volunteered my wedding photography skills to add some value to the wedding package. The package itself included overnight stays for a number of guests, cake, food, DJ, invitations, and more. All you would need for a wedding and reception.
Hair stylist
So these are the photos of the day of their wedding reception. I photographed the grooms as they got ready for the reception and then photographed the party itself including a cake cutting that included the traditional smashing of the cake.
The Hotel Monaco provided champagne to the room. If you haven’t had the chance to stay there for a night you are missing out. It is an excellent place to stay even for a staycation.
Champagne in the Hotel room
Hotel Monaco’s Moose
These are the groom’s matching patent leather shoots. Their suits, belts, and shoes all matched. The men’s ties were different colors. The colors were matched to the wedding reception’s purple and blue… inspired by the peacock feather.
Patent Leather Shoes
Toast with the groomsmen
Groom gets ready
Grooms read the card on a wedding gift
Tying the tie
Now that gay marriage is legal in Utah… I would encourage that you get married and have your reception all in one place! And I would love to photograph your special day… including engagement photos, bridals, groomals, formals, or whatever fits your style. The fun thing about gay marriage is the chance to buck normal and do something unique.
Grooms fix each other’s tie
Groom puts on shoes
Grooms’ belts and ties
Grooms receive the wedding gift
Wedding cake at the Hotel Monaco
Preston & Frank celebrate their marriage
Wedding Rings On Purple
Custom wedding napkins
Making cocktails
Grooms cut wedding cake
Grooms share wedding cake
Grooms toast the wedding reception
Grooms smash the wedding cake in each other’s faces
Grooms kiss after cutting the wedding cake
Guest book was a plate
