Ladies of the West

BDT Camp in Park City, UT

Oestana's. Translation: Ladies of the West

 This group of beautiful young ladies are whom I get the honor of spending every other early morning with and who I have the pleasure of coaching. They go by the West High Oestanas and they are true trailblazers. West High is part of the Salt Lake City School District and the Oestanas are the ONLY Drill Team in the District.

Kick Practice

This year, their journey began in Park City at the begining of Summer For the first time, the girls were able to go to Drill Camp. The camp was run by BDT (Basic Dance Training) and Nikki Gilbert (great great GREAT program!). The first day was....overwhelming (they danced from 8 in the morning till 6 at night). But they had a blast.

They crammed into the hot tub.

And did fire birds into the pool.

Wax on....Wax off!

This summer, the girls have participated in a successful car wash, where they got down and dirty with automobiles of all sizes. It drizzled all day ( just my luck ) but alumni of West and people from Rose Park really came out help the girls out.

They even did their Kick Line routine on the sidewalk to attract cars that needed washing. 

and more kids!

Kids..

One of the other fundraising events the girls put on this summer was the Mini Oestanas. We had a GREAT turnout and had alot of anxious boys and girls that were ready to get their groove on. The girls choreographed everything and taught all the kids. We had three age groups and each had their own twist on the choreography. They performed to the song Wings by Little Mix, the audience LOVED it!!

As you can see...there's a whole lot of personality, smiles, glitz and glam these girls bring. Love 'em! :]

We had our first Team Banquet at Bucca Di Beppo (who was generous enough to donate the dinner and dessert). The girls were able to bond and get all dressed up for a nice dinner in town. 

Beauties

The girls performed a Jazz routine for their Year Kick Off Assembly, choreographed by miss Kaitlyn Katter herself. It was to "Girls Wanna Be Her" by Peaches and the girls ROCKED it. It was hard, edgy, and full of personality which the student body loved. 

And with a prayer....

a salute to the Flag...

and a silly pic..... they were ready to kill it!

These girls are awesome, and they make dealing with the craziness of being a part of the public school system all worth it. They are often overlooked and the Drill Program is considered a "Minor Sport" at West High School, but these girls are set out to out do and overcome any and all low expectations and shallow thoughts about what Drill is. They are some of the most hardworking human beings I have ever met and I love every bit of them!!!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152040418609873&l=1335819237050887758

My Children have Four Legs and Bark

About a year ago I my new husband and I decided we wanted a puppy (more like birth control but we didn't know that just yet). Anyway, after much persuasion of the reluctant landlords, we got the O.K. and started looking around on KSL and at shelters. Originally I wanted to get a rescue but after looking, we realized a boxer was going to be the best option for us and our lifestyle, and boxers were far and few between at the shelters. So with much tedious web searching we found this bundle of joy: 

Our baby Tucker

            And boy was he a bundle. We chose him out of 3 male fauns because of his hobby of "watching the TV". He came prancing out of the room, stopped right in front of the Tele, and watched... As you can suspect, Wes was very drawn to him from that moment on. To this day he still enjoys watching TV every so often. His favorite seems to be when Wes plays video games. When we brought him home we were finding it hard to name him.  We threw around names like Beau and Jack but Beau was one of Wes's dogs name growing up and Jack just didn't seem to fit. We were finding that he would have spurts of energy (just like any puppy) and then get so exhausted he could sleep for hours at a time. "Boy, are you tuckered out!". AHHHA! Tucker!!! And thus the name was made. He has since been the kindest, sweetest, easiest to train, and easily going dog we could ever ask for. 

He LOVES car rides

Even though he has had some health scares like dermatitis  hives, and seasonal alopecia he is the most well mannered and kind companion. Winter was fun with him, with the snow and visiting family and Christmas, but when spring came around and we were running into more dogs at the farmers market and outside on walks, we realized how much he craved other dog interaction. We also read that boxers are usually better in two's. So we started looking into another boxer! We knew that we wanted a brindled girl.  After a couple months of searching, we found one that was about 3 hours away...so we started driving. And ended up with this little stinker:

Baby Margo

We decided to call her Margo (it just fit, and I LOVE the name). She is the COMPLETE opposite of Tucker, But we love her for it. She has definitely taken on the dominant role of their "pack" and has taught Tuck how to play that doesn't include just licking the crap out of everything (Boxers enjoy licking their owners and other things then most). She has given him a few scars due to their rough housing but it's all out of love.

She has been harder to train and really hold her own (kinda like her mommy) but she loves Tucker and can't get enough of him. They have been each others best friend, and even though they fight over who gets to chew which end of the raw-hide, we love them probably more than two people can love two dogs. 

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things!

So ever since being married to this hunk of man.......

One of our engagements done by the wonderful
and talented Tresa Ruger

I have always wanted to blog about my favorite things that I did at my own Big Day and that I have seen at others I have had the chance to attend. (DRUM ROLL PLEASE)

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I. Social Media

One of my favorite things I was able to do a couple days after my Big Day was going back on Facebook and Instagram and seeing all the pictures that were taken at the Temple and Reception. I have heard of and been to a few weddings where the bride, groom and family asked those attending not to take pictures during the special day in order for it to feel more intimate and keep the attention on the two love bugs, which I TOTALLY get. I just remember personally, how fun it was to see others perspective and vantage points of the whole experience and to see how they saw and interpreted the love we have for each other. 

Another Insta done by Chelsea.

A before and after of sorts  over Instagram done
one of my best and greatest friends
Chelsea Knowles. The left - my wedding day.
The right - when we were in middle school.
(even wearing the same colors...weird)

Zack & Courtney Excell. They officially win the most adorable couple of the year award.

These two love bird's (Zach and Courtney Excell) wedding was flawlessly perfect and just good plain fun! They had the most unique idea to get attendees of their wedding party and guests involved in the big day. They made an Instagram hashtag "#excellpartyoftwo" and had signs up all over their reception so people wouldn't forget to post all pics of their Big Day to the hashtag. It made everyone feel like the were making the whole thing in special in their own way and made it easy for Zack and Court to see all those awesome pictures in one place. I must say it was quite ingenious.  They have been married since June 2013 and are such a beautiful couple!

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II. Bachelorette Party/Bridal Shower

Beautiful Ayley at her Bachelorette Partay.

The Bachelorette Party/Bridal Shower is always a fun/embarrassing/Women Rock experience that I will always remember having and sharing with my friends. This feathered beauty's (Ayley Johnson) Bachelorette Party was full of Bachelorette Party necessities: sweets, story telling, and feather boas. Her party was held in a hotel suite where everyone could embarrass and spoil Ayley as much as we wanted! It was so special to be part of Ayely's festivities leading up to the wedding day and to be part of that incredibly memorable day with her and Adam. More on their wedding day later... get excited.

Chelsea Knowle's Bachelorette Party with family and friends.

One of Chelsea's Knowle's (middle - white and gray jacket) many pre-wedding parties was at a fun Japanese tempanyaki style restaurant where she, her sisters and a couple friends got to spoil her and get her excited for everything coming up! We, of course, topped the night of with a stop at Cold Stone to get our sweet fix and to see her apartment. Her and her hubby, Tyson, got married in April 2013 and are complete mirrors of each-other. They are perfect for each-other in every way imaginable and are always the life of the party. 

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III. Photography

I have had this said to me by so many and I, in turn, have said it to anyone that asks for my advice: the photography for the Big Day and everything leading up to it is the one thing YOU DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON!!! Now, when i say "cheap out on", I don't mean to hire and book the most expensive photographer out there. What I mean is, do not, I repeat....DO NOT settle for anything when it comes to photography. Whether its the rustic, antique, raw aesthetic you want or the royal, modern, and clean look, make sure you do your research, get quotes from all and any photographers your interested in, and choose the one you LOVE. Yes, you will have those memories that are priceless but those pictures are the on thing that allow you to relive those moments time and time again. So special. 

Now I'm convinced that all the weddings mentioned in this post couldn't have 'ugly' pictures, even if they tried, but these ones I just thought were exceptional and all show a different side. These pictures speak for themselves but I'm still going to talk..sorry!

Tori and Jacob Salmon. Timeless.

Tori and Jacob Salmon had an absolutely incredible wedding. From the temple session to the reception, they were both beaming and it made the day so beautiful. They had a rustic kind of theme that fit both of their personalities perfectly. The photographer they used did an exquisite job at capturing their lovely day. This picture is my favorite and the sepia is so unique.  They got married July 2012 and I am so happy Facebook exists so I can secretly stalk their crazy 'never-ceasing-love-for-each-other' relationship. Not creepy at all... :) 

Now this beautiful lady couldn't have an ugly picture taken of her even if she tried really really really hard, but I am still going to talk about her bridals. From her choice to color, dress (holy cow beautiful), and picture venue, you can see that Liz Hales has some beautiful bridals and couple shots that she will be able to show off and cherish forever. Her and her husband Joe are constantly told how cute of a couple they are, and I couldn't agree with everyone more. 

  

Location: Wheeler Farm - Photo Credit: Ayley Johnson

                        Now my turn to brag. 
I was SO lucky when it came to photography. I have an extremely talented friend, Ayley Johnson, who has an unprecedented photography aesthetic, and was lucky enough to have her do my bridals. The whole experience was really low key and nonchalant which is why I loved it so much. I got to walk around the beautiful grounds of Wheeler Farm and she, with her great eye, just took shots now and then. 

I also have a crazy talented sister-in-law, Tresa Ruger, who did our engagements on Antelope Island and in Park City. With her experience and great passion for photography, she was able to get amazing shots without the awkwardness of a random person taking pictures of you that sometimes comes with a photographer that you don't really know. 

Finally, one of my other great sister-in-laws, Jill, gave me a recommendation of a wedding photographer that was reasonably priced and had cool visual take. I looked him up and the stars aligned! I booked him and couldn't be happier with the way he captured that special day for us. 

Location: Salt Lake Temple

Shots that are a MUST

One thing to make certain your getting the biggest bang for you buck for pictures is to have a sit down meeting or email exchange with your photographer a couple weeks before the Big Day. This way you can explain in as much detail as you want (I brought pictures to help him visualize) EXACTLY what you want captured throughout the day. Give them a list of the kinds of shots and the kind of aesthetic your looking for. Your paying them big bucks fo

their talent so make sure they know what you want. 

1. Family Family Family..

Whether it's the traditional shot of both sides of the family, or a fun and organic shot, pictures of the whole fam-dam are a must. Weddings are extremely special days for a number of reasons but to me, ours was most important because of family. Everyone likes a good party and I have found, loved ones will travel from all ends of the country and world to spend those moments with you. That doesn't happen very often so take advantage of most of everyone you hold near and dear surrounding you and take as many as you can! You'll be happy you did :].

2. Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

Sammy Beech, Kaitlyn Katter, Chelsea Knowles, Kylee Painter, myself, Cambree Valdez, Hannah Johnson, Ayley Johnson, & Liz Hales.

Just as before, there aren't too many other moments that you will be surrounded by all the ladies and lads you love surrounding you and lets be honest...there to do whatever you need at any moment. So make sure to get some simple  and quirky shots of you and your wedding party.

Skyler Street, Justin Painter, Guy Mecham, Wes, Callin Hills, Josh Provost, & Landan Reiss

Chelsea Knowles and Bridesmaids at Wheeler Farm

3. The First Kiss

Movie worthy moment. Someone please make a movie about this couple. Their wedding at least. Magical.

Not that you can compare, but I have to say.... Ayley and Adam's first kiss after being pronounced was the coolest and dramatic first kiss I have ever seen! It was so authentic and spontaneous that I am almost positive not even Ayley herself expected Adam to grab her and dip her mid kiss. One word: ROMANTIC.

Tori & Jacob Salmon fresh from the Temple

Zack & Courtney Excell

The whole day goes by so quickly for the bride and groom, so make sure your photographer knows to get a shot of your first kiss as Husband and Wife, Wife and Wife, or Husband and Husband!! 

4. Bouquet Throw

Whatever vantage point you can get, this is a must for a picture. Its always fun for me to go look back and see all the eligible bachelorettes going for the flowers. An after shot of who caught of it is always fun too!

She threw it....

So she caught it!

My own sista caught mine..now shes engaged! Coincidence?

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IV. The Bouquet

Speaking of the flowers...

...even though the bouquet isn't the focal point of the Big Day, it was one of my favorite parts of my wedding because of what it meant to me personally. I wanted to exemplify and show my personality and Wes and I's relationship through the flowers (cheesy I know but it was fun). I originally wanted peony's (who doesn't) but came to the realization that it wasn't realistic, as peonys bloom in the early spring (I was married in June). So i used succulents, hydrangeas, and some other flowers I don't remember...but it turned out BEAUTIFUL (thanks to my mother and mother-in-law :]). I also surprised Wes with some Japanese cherry blossoms in the bouquet (his favorite part of Japan). We incorporated the sudden pink decision into our centerpieces as well to pull everything together. 

Beautiful bouquet Tori!

Chelsea Knowles elegant bouquet

One thing that I thought was so unique and beautiful about Chelsea & Tyson Knowles wedding was the choice for the Bridesmaids and Flower Girls bouquets. She had a bouquet of Baby's Breath for each Bridesmaid and a Baby's Breath flower crown for each Flower Girl. She incorporated the same into her cake decor and it matched her rustic, woodsy theme so well!! Loved it. 

Chelsea's darling niece

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V. Photo Booths

I've noticed this idea is becoming a popular trend these days, and maybe I'm a bit biased, but the weddings that had these fun D.I.Y. photo booths were so creative and fun. Just like Zack & Courtney's Instagram hashtag, it allows the guests to get involved and help make your Big Day that much more special.  

Bridesmaids havin' some fun

For Chelsea & Tyson Knowles wedding, they had the Bridesmaids take pictures of entering guests before they got into the greeting line. They had all kinds of frames and black boards to write cute messages to the happy couple. 

As you can see, Wes and I had a little too much fun at Zack & Courtney's photo booth... They had all kinds of paper and wood accessories and dress up gadgets. They also did their photo booth electronically through an app on a Mac that allowed you to take as many pictures as you wanted. Their backdrop was so fitting and the kids had something they could do whole night and stay entertained. 

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Well there ya go. If I was at your wedding and it wasn't mentioned in this post PLEASE don't feel bad! I used the most recent. I can't believe its been almost a full year and a half since Wes and I were married...time flies when your having fun I guess. I sometimes feel like my wedding was how highschool was for some (key word..some) people, I just want to go relive the "glory day" over and over again!! From the pictures at the Temple, to the bangin' dance party, it was perfect. It went by so fast and looking back at the pictures I found things that I had never even realized were there the whole time (like doves in beautiful bird cages...never even saw them). I want to just reiterate and thank EVERY SINGLE PERSON that helped make our day so special. It wasn't the most extravagant affair but it was the most special day of my life.... TANKS!