Utah Photography Retreat with Remy Photos

In May 2022  I hosted my FIRST destination photography retreat in Salt Lake City, Utah! Six wonderful, fun and talented photographers attended, along with my trusty assistant Meg who helped me with all the logistics behind the scenes. 

In 2021, I took a completely spontaneous trip to Utah after dreaming of seeing the Salt Flats for years. But it was so much more than just a quick trip – it was soul reviving, freeing, and empowering. 

That first crunchy step onto the Salt Flats was like MAGIC. I instantly felt so alive and so determined to soak in all the beauty the world has to offer. I knew I wanted others to feel that feeling too, so the first Remy Photos Destination Photography Retreat was created!  

Meg and I poured our hearts into planning three full days of stunning styled shoots and an all-inclusive retreat experience. We seriously lucked out with the sweetest models and vendors, and a group of photographers that were always ready to embrace the adventure.

STYLED SHOOT #1 – Bonneville Salt Flats

For our first styled shoot, we headed to the iconic Bonneville Salt Flats. Five models, a florist, and two ALPACAS (named Macaroni & Cheese) met us out there! We were hit with an unexpected, very cold 50 mph wind storm out of nowhere, but this group had ZERO complaints. The wind actually made for super cool windblown shots and lots of fun movement in the models’ gowns! It’s hard to be disappointed at the Salt Flats; they truly feel otherworldly. 

STYLED SHOOT #2 – Utah Lake

Our second styled shoot took place at golden hour along Utah Lake. The shimmering water against the breathtaking mountains and golden sunshine on our sweet models was more than I could ask for. We had multiple setups: a cute picnic for two, a stroll in the sand, and a champagne shower! Macaroni and Cheese (the alpacas from the Salt Flats) joined us again, and we reused Stem + Bloem’s colorful florals to make the most of her incredible work! 

STYLE SHOOT #3 – Antelope Island State Park

The last day of the retreat started bright and early (4 am!) for a sunrise shoot at Antelope Island State Park. Once we saw the sunrise over the mountains making pastel skies, EVERYONE agreed it was worth it! Our models Maddy & Kobe braved the crisp Utah morning air, frolicking in the completely empty streets, and snuggling on the beach. It felt like the whole park was reserved for us!

In between our styled shoots, we forced Meg to model for us, exchanged headshots, went on In-N-Out and soda shop runs, and spent lots of time editing altogether on the couch of our AirBnB. We left this trip with new friendships, unforgettable moments, full hearts, and even fuller memory cards!

Xo, Remy

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Assistant/Bestie/Coordinator: Meg Harlow of OBX Bright Booth and Bright and Social CoFlorals: Stem + BloemGown Rentals: Utah Gowns | Alpaca Rentals: Pepper Grass Ranch | Salt Flats Models: Jakelle, Liz & Ashley | Utah Lake Models: Sara + Remington, Tessa | Antelope Island Models: Maddy + Kobe

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Great Marsh Estate Wedding | Laura + Matt

Laura and Matt’s Great Marsh Estate wedding was a beautiful, special day filled with so much love! The couple have been best friends since they were sixteen, but didn’t start dating until college. With so much history and such a solid foundation, all their closest friends and family were overjoyed to finally celebrate them.

I’m so grateful I got to be a part of this wedding day. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Meres!

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Venue: Great Marsh Estate | Officiant: Kathleen Ayers | Videography: Justin, Glass Jar FIlms | Dessert: Amy Herring | DJ: Jackie Richie, Dream Day DJs| Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Sue | Catering: Serendipity | Gown: Essence of Australia | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey | Shoes: Betsey Johnson | Rings: Mervis Diamonds (Bride), Jared (Groom)| Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Invitations: Shutterfly/Minted

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Emily and Josh’s Engagement Session

How adorable are Emily and Josh?! We hit three of my favorite spots for their Richmond engagement photoshoot – Brown’s Island, VMFA, and Libby Hill!

In true Remy Photos fashion, we included a champagne pop to get the party started and kept the energy up with shots from the most beautiful bottle of tequila I’ve ever seen. It even matched their outfits, down to her stylish shoes.

I just love these two and their chemistry- what a dream photoshoot!

Xo, Remy

  

Independence Golf Club Wedding | Danielle + Mike

Danielle and Mike’s Independence Golf Club wedding was a wild, wonderful time! From the minute I saw the bridesmaids step off their bus, I knew they were ready to get the party started. And party they did – dancing the night away, riding in golf carts, and popping champagne with their best friends!

These two both went to JMU, but it wasn’t until post-grad that they got to know one another. When Danielle started a new job as an accountant, she immediately recognized Mike (her new BOSS!) from college. After spending too many hours together at work, they started dating and the rest is history. 

I loved that their mid-September Independence Golf Club wedding day was equal parts fancy AND fun. The bridesmaids wore gorgeous light blue gowns and their bouquets had pretty pops of coral. Danielle sported classy Bella Bella bridal pumps for the ceremony, then changed into customized Converse for the reception. Their cake was a traditional white wedding cake, but they did something different for favors: scratch-off for the lucky guests. 

Danielle also gifted each of her bridesmaids a pair of pink Vans sneakers to change into for the reception, so they had no excuse not to be on their feet! Not that they would have wanted an excuse – the dance floor was packed and poppin’ all night with help from Level Up Entertainment.

This was such a fun one, and I’m so glad I got to capture all the action. Thank you, Danielle and Mike! Cheers to the Chelenas!!

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Venue: Independence Golf Club | Venue: Estate at Independence Golf Club | Florist: One Sweet Day | DJ: Level Up Entertainment | Hair: Transformation Artistry | Makeup: Avenue 42 | Gown: Lovely Brides Exclusive Lovers Society Gown | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Shoes: Bella Belle | Men’s Attire: Indochino | Transportation: TNT Limo & Executive Sedan/ Winn Transportation | Save the Dates: Minted | Invitations: Papeterie Fine Stationery & Gifts

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Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Wedding | Kim + Brendan

Kim and Brendan’s VMFA wedding was one for the books. Kim dreamed up the most classy, chic, fun, and colorful wedding day with so many amazing vendors! She packed in 3 dress changes, 3 venues, and 1 visit from her fur baby – also named Remy – all before their getaway in an antique Bentley. 

In true Richmond fashion, they took the RVA Trolley from their ceremony at Pro-Cathedral of St. Peter to the reception at VMFA. Once inside, guests could get a caricature of themselves or watch as a live painter painted a scene from the church!

These two dated for 12 years before Brendan proposed. Then, they had to reschedule their big day due to COVID. Their faces walking down the aisle showed how long awaited this day had been, and how happy they were that it was finally here! Congratulations, friends!

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Ceremony Venue: Pro-Cathedral of St. Peter| Reception Venue: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) | Florist: Tommy’s Garden | Cake/Cupcakes: Pearl’s Bake Shoppe | Cookies: Donna Wellman with That Much Sweeter | Pies: Proper Pie | DJ: Elliott Ness with East Coast Entertainment | Hair: Kia Lee, Healthy Hair Studios| Makeup: CHUSBEAUTY by Christal Knight | Ceremony Gown: Tiffany’s Bridal | Reception Gown: Annalise Bridal, Made with Love | Getaway Gown: Alice + Olivia | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Saks Fifth Avenue | Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes (Ceremony), Badgley Mischka (Reception)| Rings: Carreras Jewelers, Cool Natural Jewelry| Men’s Attire: Peter Blair | Transportation: RVA Trolley/ Richard Bradshaw (Getaway Car) | Invitations: Faye Street Studios – Emily Ripka | Planner: Emily Mathews | Officiant: The Reverend Monsignor Walter Barrett, Jr | Alterations: SEAMS Alterations | Signage: Letterful – Molly Walker| Live Wedding Painting: Sincerely Sarah Studios – Sarah Tisdale | Caricatures: River City Caricatures | 

 

     

Independence Golf Club Wedding | Maureen + Nick

Maureen and Nick had the most gorgeous wedding at the Independence Golf Club. It was classic, chic, and so much fun! We kicked off the day with the absolute best first look. Nick had one of the cutest reactions I’ve ever seen from a groom. He could not get over how stunning his bride looked! They shared a couple’s tequila shot before boarding the bus to their ceremony at the Church of the Epiphany. After the ceremony, we took golf carts out for fun bridal party shots. In true Remy Photos fashion, they went for the big champagne pop! We lucked out with a beautiful sunset and Maureen’s grandmother’s fur coat was the perfect touch for the end of those portraits. After their party came to an end, Maureen & Nick shared a private last dance that literally brought me to tears. They have one of the most precious relationships I’ve ever witnessed and I’m so grateful I was able to capture this special day for them.

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Reception Venue: Independence Golf Club | Ceremony Venue: Church of the Epiphany | Photographer: Remy PhotosFlorals: Flowers Make ScentsGown: Urban Set Bride| Makeup: Meg Sadler, Avenue 42 | Hair: Brigid Hudson | DJ: Paula Shrum | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Men’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Jewelry/Rings: Diamonds Direct | Transportation: Winn Transportation | Cake: Pudgy Cakes and Treats

            

The Boathouse at Sunday Park Wedding | Anne Clarke + Alden

Anne Clark and Alden aren’t just some of my sweet friends, but they are also my next-door neighbors. It felt like such an honor that they asked me to photograph their wedding day! The hydrangea-themed celebration at The Boathouse at Sunday Park was full of summery, colorful, floral beauty! From the cool-toned, colorful bridesmaid dresses to the Gelati Celesti ice cream truck, all the way to the exciting bubble grand exit- it was the perfect day!

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Venue: The Boathouse at Sunday Park | Florist: Flowers Make Scents | Dessert: Gelati Celesti Truck | DJ: Bunn DJ | Hair/Makeup: Cam Carson & Co| Catering: The Boathouse at Sunday Park | Gown: Milk and Honey Bridal | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal | Shoes: Katie Whitcomb| Rings: Diamonds Direct | Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse | Transportation: Richmond Limo | Invitations: The Knot | Officiant: Tammy Akers | Favors/Gifts: Etsy – A Day to Remember Studio | Singer: Lisa Goetchius | Pianist: Karen Johnson | Ceremony Sound Equipment: Josh Murrell

 

Creek’s Edge Winery Wedding | Christy + Chad

Christy and Chad celebrated their wedding day at the beautiful Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville, Virginia!  I LOVED photographing a new venue with luscious vineyards, beautiful stone archways, and those pretty barn doors. This wedding basically included all the best things- a great party, pink, a pearl veil, and a popcorn machine (their FAVORITE snack)! 

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Venue: Creek’s Edge Winery | Florist: Affordable Arrangements | Cake: Honeybee Pastries | DJ:I-76 entertainment | Hair & MU:Best Face Forward

   

Hazy Mountain Wedding | Mireille + Elliott

Mireille and Elliott had the most romantic Spanish-inspired wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia! Bold pink florals (and shoes!) perfectly complemented the Blue Ridge mountain views at Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery. 

Their beautiful day started with a ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. They included such thoughtful details, like incorporating Mireille’s parents’ wedding lasso – a Hispanic tradition and symbol of unity. It was a really special moment, followed by an exciting exit to their reception with blue & white ribbon streamers!

The celebrations continued at Hazy Mountain – the perfect venue for their theme. Blue tile table numbers and tequila bottles were the ultimate nods to their heritage, and to Mireille’s tequila business. I just loved this unique theme and LOVE their love!

Xo, Remy

VENDORS: Venue: Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery | Florist: One Last Avocado | Dessert: Country Confections – Jeffrey Cox | DJ: Bunn DJ – Sean Taylor | Hair/Makeup: Beyond Beauty by Ralphann | Rings: Blue Nile |