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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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

            

John Marshall Ballrooms Wedding | Katie + PJ

Katie and PJ are married…. AGAIN! A year after their intimate ceremony at Barns of Kanak, Katie and PJ finally got their big celebration at John Marshall Ballrooms.

The all-indoor ceremony and reception in the heart of downtown Richmond was nothing short of elegant! Sparkling vintage chandeliers and grand windows in the Marshall Ballroom made the ceremony light and bright. We moved into the ballroom for the reception, where large LOVE marquee letters and string lights added extra glow and fun for dinner, drinks and dancing!

Vendors

Venue: Barns of Kanak| Photographer: Remy Photos| Videographer: Alex Wheeler Media | Florals: Black Creek FloralsGown: Urban Set BrideMake Up and Hair: BRIDEFace Richmond | Planner: Water & Wine VA | Cake: Jae’s Cakes | Hand Lettering/Signage: Pencraft + Post

        

The Barns Of Kanak Wedding | Katie + PJ

Katie and PJ decided to go through with an intimate ceremony at Barns of Kanak of April 2021 and to reschedule their big celebration for April 2022. This was so special being a part of a short and sweet ceremony surrounded by their closest family members. This venue was the perfect location for this, making everything easy and giving us a beautiful backdrop to work with. I can’t wait to share the second Leegan wedding, but for now enjoy these pretty pictures!

Vendors

Venue: Barns of Kanak| Photographer: Remy PhotosFlorals: Black Creek FloralsGown| Urban Set BrideMake Up and Hair: BRIDEFace Richmond

     

Mountainside Orchard Farm Wedding | Gabrielle + Colin

Gabrielle and Colin had the backyard, mountainside wedding of our DREAMS. This family-owned orchard farm was the perfect location for this whimsical couple to tie the knot alongside all their sweet family and friends. This was an eventual day from the start…while the groom and his guys did a little skeet shooting, the bride sipped champagne with her favorite gals, and the pups roamed the hills of the wedding site. The rain came and went, the ceremony was incredible, the portraits were magical, and the party was the perfect mix of emotional, meaningful, and a load of FUN.

See all the pretty details and special moments of their beautiful wedding day as you keep scrolling. Congratulations to this dreamy couple- I’m so happy I could capture this day!

Vendors: Venue: Dickie Brother’s OrchardPhotography: Remy Photos| Florist: Willow Branch FlowersCake: Cakeview LLCDJ: David SmaltHMU: Brideface RVACatering: Avenue FoodsBridal Gown: Ellie’s BridalBridesmaid Dresses: Azazie, ASOS, Morning Lavender, Lulu’sShoes: Betsey JohnsonJewelry: Charles and Colvard, Etsy, Yadav| Groomsmen Attire: Black TuxGroom’s Attire: IndochinoStationery: MintedVideography: Amanda Monoroe FinnPlanner: Erin Cleveland EventsRentals: Aztec Rentals, Classic Party RentalsTransportation: Camryn Limousine

     

The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing Wedding | Meredith + Ryan

Meredith and Ryan got married on the most beautiful Spring day last May! These two cuties said their vows in a stunning church in downtown Richmond. They first shared a sweet first look on the front steps of the church and enjoyed portrait time with friends and family- the best way to do it! They celebrated their wedding day riverside at The Boathouse and got the golden hour portraits of my dreams. Every detail of this day was absolutely perfect, classy, full of romantic blooms, and pretty blues.

Meredith and Ryan share the kind of love we can all appreciate and adore.. from what I could see, their love is kind, gentle, joyful, and endearing. Photographing this wedding was amazing from start to end and I’m so grateful I was a part of it. Congratulations to this sweet couple!

Vendors: Venue: The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing| Photography: Remy PhotosFlorals: Vogue FlowersCake: WhiskBand: Klaxton Brown BandHMU: Avenue 42Gown: Anne BargeBridesmaid Gowns: Eliza JShoes: BHLDNJewelry: Diamond’s DirectMen’s Attire: Jos A. BankTransportation: James River LimousineStationary: Zola & Paper SourceFavors: Bomboys Chocolates

 
   

          

The Renaissance Wedding | Mary Jean + Josh

Mary Jean and Josh celebrated their wedding day during COVID which meant downsizing and moving a few things around. They decided to have their intimate ceremony with their closest loved ones and leave the reception for 2021! This day was still so special as Mary Jean got ready and took pictures at her parent’s house before the ceremony- I love it when the getting ready location is close to the bride’s heart and spent with her family and bridesmaids. After arriving at the venue, the couple did their sweet first look outside on Broad st. where we also took all the portraits. I loved the Richmond vibe for this day, along with a Christmas-themed wedding… it’s cozy, colorful, warm, and happy! The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and even better that they added a mini cake cutting to it instead of having the reception that day. Although it wasn’t the day they had pictured for a while, it was still so perfect.

Congratulations to the lovely Mr. and Mrs.- see you at the reception in a few months! 🙂

VENDORS:

Venue: The Renaissance | Florals: Over The Top Flowers | Makeup and Hair: Richmond Hair Artist and Looks By Lex | Gown: Celebrity Bridal

                    

The Vineyard Estate at New Kent Winery Wedding | Kaitlyn + Cameron

Oh, friends… This October wedding of 2020 was one of my favorites! Kaitlyn and Cameron’s special day at The Vineyard Estate at New Kent Winery was beyond stunning. Every detail of this day was so carefully planned out with personal touches and it all went together so so beautifully. Between the napkins with their sweet doggy’s face engraved on it, the unique and beautiful florals, the detail in the bride’s gown, the colors, and subtle hints of Fall at the reception.. it was perfection. The day ended with that golden sunshine we all LOVE and finished out the night with a banger of a sparkler exit!

Kaitlyn and Cam were surrounded by so many loved ones and created one amazing wedding celebration. It’s obvious that their love for each other just grows stronger each day and allows them to blossom together through everything life brings them. I admire the relationship that they have built since high school and adore the sweet way they hold each other, look at each other, and laugh together. Nothing better than being truly forever in love. Cheers to the Mr. and Mrs. and all the blessings coming their way!

VENDORS

 Venue: Vineyard Estate at New Kent WineryFlorist: Eden’s Floral DesignCake: Bakers Saved by GracePhotography: Remy PhotosBand: East Coast EntertainmentHMU: Nicole LaughlinCatering: Cater 2 EventsGown: Lana Addison BridalBridesmaids: Show me your MumuJewelry: AJaffeMen’s Attire: The Black TuxStationary: Minted
                        

Bandit’s Ridge Wedding | Rachel + Tyler

Rainy days just don’t stress me out like they used to, friends. If anything, they can be even more romantic and magical than you could ever imagine… just like this perfect day at Bandit’s Ridge! Rachel and Tyler were a dream couple to work with, always so kind, joyful, and their love radiates for one another. They shared so many special moments this day with family and friends, but my favorite being when Rachel’s brother walked her down the aisle with tears streaming down his face. I enjoyed every moment of the day and wish nothing but endless blessings in Rachel and Tyler’s marriage. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson!

Vendors: Venue: Bandit’s RidgePhotographer: Remy PhotosFlorist: Flowers by Zoie| Cake: Lark Bakery| DJ: Joel R.HMU: Lisa Robertson| Catering: EAT Catering| Gown: Ashley Grace Bridal| Bridesmaid Dresses: Baltic BornShoes: Tori Burch| Bride Jewelry: Diamonds DirectMen’s Jewelry: Metal Crafted JewelryMen’s Attire: Men’s WarehouseStationary: Shutterfly  

         

Richmond Engagement Session | Christa + Rob

Christa and Rob are without a doubt one of my favorite couples. They are joyful, silly, fun, and madly in love with each other. Their cuteness is overwhelming and their love for each other makes my heart so happy! Their engagement session last Fall was absolutely stunning. We started at the VA State Capitol with soft colors and formal outfits. Then we made our way to Belle Isle while they changed into the most perfect Fall outfits! The shoot was complete with golden sunshine over the river and a colorful sunset while walking over the bridge. It was a beautiful evening for two beautiful souls. I can’t wait to share their recent wedding pictures based in Richmond with a church ceremony and Monument Avenue portraits!