Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! To celebrate the occasion, I am sharing my ALL-TIME favorite Thanksgiving recipe and a gorgeous styled shoot I did with Over the Top Events as well!!
First off, I just have to say- I LOVE my job. Let me tell you why that is. One: I have met some of my absolute best friends because of this job! People I would have never met had I not stepped into the wedding industry. Two: As someone who has never exactly been one to follow rules, I love the freedom and flexibility that comes with my job. I am a blessed and very thankful gal!
I hope you’ll give the dressing a go! If you do, let me know what you think 😉
Enjoy, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe
I’m not going to lie- this stuffing is a TOTAL game-changer for any Thanksgiving feast! It is one of my absolute favorite parts of Thanksgiving Day and I’m drooling at the thought of cooking it in just a few days! Are you ready for this?!
INGREDIENTS:
-One box of Mrs. Cubbinson’s seasoned dressing
-1/2 cup celery, chopped
-1/2 cup onion, chopped
-2 sticks of butter
-1 cup of brown sugar
-1.5 cups of chicken broth
-1 tablespoon sage
-1 tablespoon rosemary
-1 pound of ground sausage (spicy, if you like!)
-1.5 cups of bacon pieces
-1.5 cups of crushed pecans or roasted chestnuts
DIRECTIONS:
Brown the ground sausage and set aside. Cook the bacon and set aside. Crumble the bacon when cool.
Prepare Ms. Cubbison’s dressing as directed (don’t forget to preheat the oven!). Saute celery and onions in butter as directed. Add the chicken broth. Add more broth if you want a less dry texture.
Combine with the dressing, brown sugar and pecans.
Add the sage, rosemary, and meat.
Note: For extra flavor and added cholesterol boost, add the sausage and bacon grease to the mixture.
Bake in a glass casserole pan for 15-20 minutes in a preheated 375-degree oven, or until brown.
About the Styled Shoot
I collaborated with Over the Top Events for this styled shoot. And let me tell you, it was a total DREAM. Not only did they style the shoot, but they did the florals, too! Alex and Heidi are amazing and so creative. I LOVED working with them!
The shoot took place at a private ranch in Mapleton, Utah and it was just so dang dreamy. Take a look at the pics below and you’ll see exactly what I mean!
I’m so excited to be sharing Brooke and Daniel’s romantic New Jersey wedding today on the blog! These two were a ton of fun to work with and their wedding party pictures on the beach are some of my all-time favorite beach pictures I’ve ever captured. Let’s just say those cotton candy skies really worked in our favor!
About the Couple
Brooke and Daniel got married back east at the Icona Golden Inn in New Jersey. Brooke is originally from New Jersey and Daniel is from California, but now they live in Nashville.
Fun fact: We met in person the day BEFORE their wedding! I flew in the afternoon before the big day and got to shoot some mock engagements on the beach for them to help calm their nerves. It also gave them a chance to see how I worked. The beach winds were wild as we took photos on the beach, but they just ran with it. I LOVED that about them! After that, I knew they would be great working with whatever the weather threw our way for their big day- and they were!
Romantic New Jersey Wedding Details
The next morning was WEDDING DAY! I did not have a second shooter with me like I usually do. As crazy as it was doing it solo, I honestly loved EVERY minute of it. Usually, I don’t get to interact with the groom and the groomsmen as much because my second shooter takes care of this. However, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to this go-around because they were AMAZING- such a fun group of guys!! Both parties got ready in the same hotel, so it made everything more manageable for me when it came to capturing everyone. The location we took these shots in was also perfect for the aesthetic of their wedding album.
Here’s another fun fact for ya: The bride’s name was Brooke, her best friend’s name was Brooke and, obviously, my name is Brooke. Thus, we had triple Brooke power all day! It was so funny watching all of us turn around at once any time our name was said.
First Look Feels
When it was time for Brooke and Daniel’s first look, the weather was all over the place. It was freezing outside, and going back and forth between sunshine and rain. That being said, we decided to do their portraits inside. And let me tell ya, the hotel’s natural lighting was drop-dead GORGEOUS. We used a intimate hallway for the first look and a really gorgeous space with a gallery painting of a sailboat, which set the tone for that beachy feel they were going for. After the first look, Brooke requested beach pictures after the ceremony as long as it wasn’t raining. And lucky for me, that’s exactly what happened! The rain cleared out but left some fluffy clouds, making way for the most spectacular cotton candy skies. They are still some of my most favorite bridal portraits on the beach EVER!
All in all, Brooke and Daniel’s special day was a ton of fun and I am grateful they chose and entrusted me to capture the celebration of their love story! Cheers!!
New Jersey Inspiration
Did you enjoy Brooke and Daniel’s romantic New Jersey wedding? Keep the New Jersey inspiration going with this Sea Isle engagement session!
Snag Your Freebie
Are you a bride-to-be? If so, I created the perfect wedding timeline and would love for you to grab a copy! Download it here.
XO
Brooke
Dreamy Italian Wedding
Since I am back in Europe again (Bonjour, Paris!), I figured there was no time like the present to press publish on this gorgeous Italian wedding!
Meet the Couple
Kiki and Marvin had the most incredible destination wedding in Florence, Italy. It felt like one of those opportunities that was nothing short of a dream come true! A girl from Utah, flying to Florence to shoot a wedding?! HECK TO THE YES. Lucky for me, I have known Kiki since she was in Junior High, so it felt like shooting my little sister’s wedding. I should also mention that I shot her older sister Dani’s Wedding at The Ronald Reagan Library in CA, so really this was one glorious reunion!
I would be lying if I did not disclose that I was TOTALLY crossing my fingers, my toes and throwing coins into fountains WISHING this day would come. I knew Kiki had found HER man (he had been in attendance at a few weddings I was shooting) and when I saw their engagement (he surprised her IN ITALY), I was hoping and praying I would get the phone call. However, since they got engaged in Italy, I wasn’t entirely sure a destination wedding would happen. But really, who can pass up FLORENCE?? It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am SO glad they went for it….along with 100+ of their closest friends and family!
About Kiki & Marvin’s Italian Wedding
Fast forward from their engagement in Italy, to their engagement pictures on the beaches of Malibu, to their wedding day in Florence!
I arrive at the Villa with butterflies in my stomach (yes, even after 9 years of shooting, I still get nervous), and my jaw drops because it is truly breathtaking! It overlooks the city and the ambiance is just perfect. Kiki is going to marry her very best friend in the most glorious place surrounded by so much LOVE. I was beaming from ear to ear.
Just walking the property, I felt inspired with every turn. Honestly, I have never loved my job more. Kiki had just the right amount of details, but also kept things simple. I love how she leaned into the candid moments and let me steal a few fleeting moments of her alone before walking down the aisle. Their ceremony was absolutely perfect. Austin (Kiki’s brother-in-law and my past groom!) officiated and married them. Their ceremony was filled with love, laughter and the perfect amount of sweet sentiment. Austin nailed it (just like I knew he would!). From there it was one giant celebration! The toasts were amazing! Kiki’s mom and dad did an incredible job of toasting and roasting their daughter. I was crying from laughing so hard! Dani sang/rapped a hilarious parody toasting the bride and groom and I was in complete awe of just how much love this family has for one another and for the friends they keep around them.
Every detail was simple and sweet and honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better day for this incredible couple.
Snag Your Freebie
Download my “Here Comes the Guide: How to Plan Your Timeline” guide today- created with you in mind!
Okay, okay- I’m going to stop talking now so you can start enjoying!! Ciao!
XO
Brooke
Check out Alexa and Rob’s bohemian-inspired wedding at Snake River Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Bohemian never looked so good!
Wedding Styles
If you are in the midst of wedding planning or you just love all things weddings, then you know there are a ton of styles you can pick to help reflect your love story on the big day. For example, if you adore rustic things and anything relevant to farmhouse decor captures your heart, then a farm-inspired wedding is your definite go-to! Or, if macrame, earthy details and an abundance of florals steal your attention, then a bohemian-inspired wedding is definitely for you!
Bohemian Inspired Wedding
Today on the blog, I am SO excited to be sharing Rob and Alexa’s bohemian-inspired wedding at Snake River Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This is one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever had the privilege of shooting, and let me tell ya, the pictures don’t even do the day justice! I LOVED all the intricate details that went into planning their day for exactly what it was- truly unforgettable! Alexa’s gorgeous dress demanded everyone’s attention from the moment we first laid eyes on it. There was nothing traditional about its mesmerizing details! And don’t even get me started on their special first look captures! It is everything.
Keep the Inspiration Going
If you enjoyed Rob and Alexa’s wedding photos, be sure to check out their rehearsal dinner gathering here!
Snag Your Freebie
Download my “Here Comes the Guide: How to Plan Your Timeline” guide today- created with you in mind!
Okay, okay- I’m going to stop talking now so you can start enjoying!!
XO
Brooke
*Vendors listed below*
Vendors
Photographer- Brooke Bakken
Videographer- KBG Productions/Mountain Media
Wedding Planner- Destination Jackson Hole
Florist- Magnolia Ranch
Snake River Ranch- Aaron Hamby
Rentals- Canvas Unlimited
Catering- Genevieve
Power/Lighting- Hughes Production
Restrooms- Macy’s
Photobooth- Teton Photo Booth
Transportation- Mountain Resort Services
Hair/Makeup- Tanya Crocker
Cake- Julia Synchuk
Cigars- Tobacco row
Ceremony Music- Phil Round
Entertainment- New Soul Brigade
When it comes to your wedding, you need a rehearsal to help ensure everything goes off without a hitch on the big day! Once you get the ceremony details tied together, it’s time to focus on the rehearsal dinner. This is the perfect time to slow down and savor your last few hours before becoming husband and wife. Today on the blog, I am sharing 5 things you should do to make the night a memorable success!
Five Tips to Have a Rehearsal to Remember
Make it Yours! Rehearsal dinners do not need to be at a fancy restaurant. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ with corn hole or at a special restaurant on the river where he proposed, all that matters is making sure your rehearsal is an authentic representation of you as a couple.
Soak in Each Moment. This is an incredibly special time for you and your fiance. Do not stress to the point where you are not able to enjoy. Focus on celebrating your final moments before “I Do!” with your loved ones! You will be so glad you did.
Open the Floor. Some friends and family will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate your marriage by giving a toast. This is the perfect time to let them do so!
Thank Your Bridal Party. Take the time to audibly thank your bridal party for all they have done to help you plan for the big day. Participating in a wedding is an investment. Be sure to let them know how much you both appreciate the ways in which they invested in your day in order to be an unforgettable part of it!
REHEARSE. In case you’re wondering, yes, forgetting to do a walk through the ceremony with your wedding party is a thing. It does not matter whether your rehearsal dinner is a casual gathering or a black and white tie event- do not forget to do this! Your wedding coordinator will know exactly what to do to ensure the rehearsal is quick, easy and successful! Do this before the rehearsal dinner so that the rest of your evening can be spent the way it should be…with your loved ones.
Terra in Teton Village Rehearsal
Today’s session is brought to you by Alexa and Rob’s wedding rehearsal at the Terra in Teton Village Hotel based in Montana. Their rehearsal was filled with intentional touches from start to finish, making way for an unforgettable evening with their dearest friends and loved ones.
Enjoy!
Snag Your Freebie
Are you a bride-to-be? If so, I created the perfect wedding timeline and would love for you to grab a copy!! Download it here!
Get in Touch
Don’t let the memories of your wedding experience ever slip away! Book your wedding package today.
XOXOXO – Brooke
Blackhawk on the River Wedding
Today on the blog, I am sharing Mckenzie and Toby’s unbelievably beautiful wedding!
In case you missed it, though, a few weeks ago I blogged my beautiful, long-time college friend Mckenzie’s Maple Mountain bridal session!
Mckenzie lives in Idaho, but grew up on a ranch on Maple Mountain in Mapleton, Utah. That being said, the decision to have her bridals done on the ranch was an easy one to make. Did I mention there were horses involved?! Check it out here.
About the Wedding
Kenzie and Toby live in Idaho, but they wanted to have a more destination-type feel for their wedding. One thing you should know about these lovebirds is they are extremely active and LOVE the outdoors. That being said, McCall, Idaho perfectly fit into who they are as a couple, so they decided to get married in McCall at a beautiful venue called Blackhawk on the River.
Kenzie had her sisters and a girlfriend she played soccer with in college as her bridesmaids. Her soccer friend played with Kenzi on my rival team in college before Kenzie and I played on a semi-professional team after college. It was so fun getting to see the soccer gals all dressed up!
Something you should know about Kenzie is that she is the type of friend who always makes an effort and makes you feel important. You better believe there was not a dry eye in the reception while everyone was toasting her. This gal has a heart of gold and Toby is one blessed man to have her!
Another fun little fact about Kenzie for you is that she is an AMAZING chef. She has her own Instagram, where she meal preps and plans for clients and makes the most delicious food. Her food for her wedding was seriously to die for. This was super fun for me because I am a total foodie! She should seriously be on The Iron Chef because of how creative and talented she is!
CONGRATS, Kenzie and Toby. Cheers to forever!
Grab Your Freebie
Are you a bride-to-be? If so, I created the perfect wedding timeline and would love for you to grab a copy! Download it here.
XO
Brooke
Keep calm on your big day by creating a day-of wedding timeline. Today on the blog, I’m sharing the ideal timeline to help get you started! Be sure to use the wisdom of your coordinator and photographer to craft a timeline unique to your wedding day!
The Importance of a Wedding Day Timeline
When I got married, I literally knew nothing about planning a wedding. This included setting a timeline for my day. I was pretty clueless. Lucky for me, however, I had a BOMB photographer (Carly) and wedding coordinator (Dalise) to educate me on all things wedding and how the day should flow!
I was a bride who opted for a first look with my man, which meant adding hours of coverage to ensure I could also have my photographer there for my sparkler exit, too! Yes, I wanted it all! How lucky I was to have had a photographer put so much hard work into such a long day!
I love the story my wedding day captures tell and I loved how our wedding day went by with very few hiccups- all thanks to my wonderful coordinator and photographer! They were the true power team!
Why You Need a Coordinator
If you are considering NOT having a coordinator and hoping the day will form and take shape on its own, I suggest looking over your budget one more time and finding money in the couch cushions if you must have —at the very least —a “day of” wedding coordinator. Besides a wonderful photographer, it will be some of the best money you will spend!
So, in effort to educate my brides, and future brides (or pretty much anyone thinking they will be planning a wedding in the near future….mine or not) I have put together an ideal wedding timeline from a photographer’s standpoint. This timeline includes a “first look” because honestly, I LOVE them and truly believe every bride needs one!
Every wedding day has its own uniqueness, and this can obviously be adjusted based on ceremony time, but in my opinion, this is a great starting point!
Be sure to grab your free copy of the ideal wedding timeline below!
10 Things to Consider When Creating Your Timeline
1. Remember to consider travel time to and from your ceremony and reception location(s).
2. Remember you are investing in photography. These images are all that remain after the day comes to an end. Do yourself (and your photographer) a HUGE favor and give them as much time as possible for portraits. You will not regret it.
3. Wedding days go by quickly. Try to give your photographer time to photograph your details untouched. After all, it is a reflection of all your hard work!
4. Remind your family to remain in one place until family formals are over. It will streamline the family portraits and make everything run smooth. I also do my best to encourage brides to send over a shot list prior to the big day so that no family picture gets left out.
5. Allow a little extra time during bridal prep. For some reason, this is what can cause the biggest delay. It is always a good idea to give a little bit of flex room.
6. To allow all your details to get some camera time, have all your details gathered together for when your photographer arrives (rings, shoes, bouquet, invitations, perfume, jewelry, etc).
7. Remember to EAT. This one seems like a no brainer, but trust me- make an effort to eat and stay hydrated.
8. Hire a hair/make up artist specifically for the bride, and another (or two depending on how large your bridal party/what your budget is) so that everyone can be ready on time and together.
9. If you haven’t already, consider hiring a wedding day coordinator. Review the wedding day timeline with your coordinator and photographer to make sure everyone is on the same page.
10. Take a deep breath. Relax, smile and, most importantly, SOAK IT IN!
Download Your Timeline
Download my “Here Comes the Guide: How to Plan Your Timeline” guide today- created with you in mind, for the sake of your sanity!
XO
Brooke
Grace and Steve’s light and airy Little River Farms Wedding in Milton, Georgia will give you all those southern feels! Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!
About the Couple
Grace and Steve were friends in college. And by friends, I mean in the friend zone completely! But that friendship slowly over time turned into LOVE. Then they couldn’t imagine their lives without each other in it. How cute is that? I was fortunate enough to meet them through one of my past brides, Diane, while in Mexico! You can check out Diane’s wedding here. Brooke’s Bride Tribe baby!!!
About the Wedding
There is so much to say about Grace and Steve’s wedding, but instead of telling you all about it, I am going to let the bride do all the talking!
First Look Feels
When asked if she enjoyed their Little River Farms First Look, Grace said,
“Yes! It took the jitters/nerves out. I think if we had not of done the first look, I would have giggled at the altar. It definitely made me more calm for the ceremony itself. It was nice to have a moment to ourselves, all dressed up and nice before getting all sweaty and the chaos from ceremony straight to reception, etc.”
CONGRATS, Grace and Steve!!
Meet the Couple
Kaylie and Henry are the type of couple that go together like peanut butter and jelly. You just can’t have one without the other! These lovebirds compliment one another so well with their strong faith, kind hearts, and adventurous spirits. They are so fun to be around!
I met Kaylie through her sister, Sariah. Sariah and her husband Skylar entrusted me to be their wedding photographer! You can check out their wedding here.
How They Met
When Kaylie and I first got to chatting, I asked her how she and Henry met. Her answer is TOO Cute not to share:
“It was the craziest story!! We met at an RKS (an indie band) concert in Salt Lake back in April! I Barely got into the concert at all (my tickets were never delivered to me!) but had the strongest feeling I needed to do whatever it took to get into the concert! My friend and I pushed our way to the front and Henry was the guy standing right behind me! The very next day, Henry went to Taiwan to visit where he served his church mission for the entire month of May!
We talked every single day and sent huge novel paragraphs to each other. Then, he asked me out on our first date in June when he got back. So we’ll be married on the year mark of when we met!”
Let the Wedding Bells Ring
Fun fact: TODAY is the year mark of when these two met!! Happy wedding day, Kaylie and Henry!! SO excited to capture the moments of this day alongside you two. Thank you for letting me celebrate your love story in such a special way!!
To celebrate their wedding day, I’m sharing Kaylie and Henry’s Greenhouse First Look session. You are going to LOVE these pictures! Enjoy!!
Xx
Brooke
