Arely & Ed | COVID Elopement at the Mt. Timpanogas Temple
about the session
Are you ready for a true love story? This is Ed and Arley. Ed drove all the way from California to Utah to take Arely on their first date. After being introduced by his cousin, Ed knew Arely was worth whatever it took to get to know her. After that romantic weekend of their first date, they were immediately a couple. Shortly after becoming a couple, Ed moved to Provo, Utah to be with the woman he knew he wanted to spend forever with. Soon they were engaged to be married, which is where I come into their love story. I had previously met Arley while doing bridals for her future sister in law and I instantly fell in love with their whole family. Never have I met people who are more gracious, kind, and loving! If I spent the rest of my life only photographing this family, it would be a dream come true.
Arely and Ed had planned to be sealed in American Fork, Utah at the Mount Timpanogos LDS temple. But then COVID struck yet again for another couple hoping to be married in 2019 and everything changed. With the whole world in confusion, Arely and Ed made the choice to move forward with getting married at the place they originally decided, but in a much different way than they originally planned. They gathered their closest friends and family outside the temple grounds and with people lined on either side of them, they made promises to each other.
Arely’s dress was a jaw-dropper. The detail, the simple elegance, that long veil--every bit of it was perfect. Plus, as a fun surprise, for her sealing she had the sleeves shortened and it was like a whole new gown. Now not only did they think about Arely’s look, but they also took the time to plan out Ed’s as well. His bowtie, shoes, watch, all of it spoke to his classiness. He looked like he stepped right out of a men’s fashion magazine.
During the ceremony, Arely’s dad walked her down the aisle and paused halfway down to have a dance with his daughter. I’ll never forget the tears that were shed as he whispered to her that she was about to marry a really good man. He told her he believed she was making the right choice. The ceremony was performed in Spanish and it spoke of family, togetherness, the love of God, and the promises of marriage. After sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, the couple exchanged vows they’d written to one another. They laughed, they cried, and they both promised to be sealed as soon as they could. After their vows, they were introduced as husband and wife and then shared their first dance. Following the dance was a small cutting of the cake and a drive-by reception to thank their family for coming. It was light-hearted, sweet, and full of family love.
Even though COVID threw Arley and Ed’s wedding plans out the window, they never let it distract them from what mattered most, nor did they let it dampen their excitement and love. Their special day was full of peace, comfort, contentment, and love. They both shared the glow of resting peace in the confidence of a choice well-made and a future full of bright things to come. I followed their love story, and a few months later they were able to keep the promises made on their elopement day and were sealed for time and all eternity in that same temple they were married in front of.
These two were absolutely my ideal client because they’re so gracious, kind, and really focused on what matters most. They even dropped a pack of diet coke on my porch when they got back from their honeymoon and left me a hand-written card thanking me for being there! But I should be thanking them because the pleasure was all mine!
fast facts
A wedding doesn’t have to be large or extravagant to make it an absolutely perfect day.
Her dress was one of my favorites. The detail, the simple elegance, that long veil…it was perfect.
Talk about a handsome groom. He looked like he walked straight out of a magazine. These two looked incredible.
Such a sweet, intimate, creative elopement for a couple trying to get married during COVID craziness.
