From Childhood Dance Recitals to Wedding Day
Chrissy and David's wedding at Wadley Farms combined a European-inspired castle, Wyoming roots, and timeless wedding photography into one unforgettable celebration.
Many little girls dream of castles, princesses, and "happily ever after." Chrissy was no exception, but she also dreamed of dance. Every spring, Anne Brande of Ludwig Photography photographed dancers from Laramie Dance Center, capturing girls like Chrissy in their beautiful recital costumes before they took the stage. For more than 30 years, Anne has photographed weddings, events, and families throughout Wyoming as part of Ludwig Photography. As Wyoming's premier wedding photographer, Ludwig Photography has been featured extensively in Wyoming Wedding magazine's printed edition for over a decade.
Years later David Lee picked up the phone and called Ludwig Photography to schedule a time to come in and chat. When Chrissy and David walked into the studio, laughter soon filled the room as Anne realized David’s fiancé was Chrissy the ballerina. The three bonded immediately. The relationship between a couple and their photographer is paramount. Anne invests in each couple by taking the time to fully understand what matters most on an emotional level, on a story level, and on an event level regarding their wedding. Anne has learned through photographing many Wyoming weddings that the strongest wedding photographs come from trust rather than elaborate posing. The photos that develop from a good relationship with the couple truly reflect the joy, emotion, and beauty of the wedding day.
As their conversation continued, David could barely contain his excitement as he shared the news with Anne that they had reserved Wadley Farms in Lindon, Utah, a mere 40 miles from Salt Lake City for their wedding.
David - “The castle and vineyard are dope!”
Anne knew immediately Chrissy had found her prince.
Engagement Photos in Wyoming
Anne's “Reflections of Love” photobook is her wedding gift to couples. The book is leather bound and filled with beautiful, professional, dry mounted and matted photos taken during a day spent with the couple. David and Chrissy wanted outdoor photos with their dogs before the wedding. Yellow Pine in the Happy Jack area, the mountains east of Laramie, was perfect for their reflections. During the session, Anne observes and directs the couple to naturally capture the special moments of the day. These photos document love, friendship, and what makes each couple unique. She calls this observation her “homework.”
Wedding photography was deeply important to Chrissy and David. They cherished the idea of preserving their wedding day in timeless, handcrafted leather albums filled with real photographs. For Chrissy and David, there was something irreplaceable about holding a beautifully printed photograph in your hands, reliving a moment exactly as it was.
From the beginning, they knew they wanted more than a folder of digital files that might be forgotten in the cloud. They wanted heirlooms they could return to year after year, sharing them with family and future generations. For them, investing in their wedding photographs was an investment that would only grow more valuable with time.
Wedding Day at Wadley Farms
Wadley Farms in Lindon, Utah is one of the state's most sought-after wedding venues, featuring a European-inspired castle, vineyards, manicured gardens, and mountain views. The romantic architecture made it the perfect setting for Chrissy's fairytale wedding.
Chrissy's designer gown from Wona Collection was adorned with pearls, and she wore an elegant tiara. To elevate the wedding's elegance and glamour, pearls were incorporated into the décor throughout the castle, an idea inspired by Chrissy's sister, wedding planner, and matron of honor, Caylee. The venue was beautifully decorated in rich burgundy with rose gold and cream accents.
While the couple spared no expense on the gown, venue, photographer, flowers, and music, they opted for a Walmart cake because, after attending countless cake tastings, "we really could not tell the difference. Prioritizing on what means the most to you and not trying to do what everyone else is doing is key to a great wedding.”
5 Wedding Photography Tips Inspired by Chrissy & David's Wedding
- Choose a photographer who invests in your story. - The best wedding photographs come from a photographer who takes the time to understand your relationship, priorities, and the moments that matter most to you
- Make your photos uniquely yours. - Include meaningful locations and let your personalities, attire, and wedding design inspire your portraits and décor for a cohesive, authentic story.
- Invest in memories that last. - Prioritize professional photography and handcrafted albums so your wedding memories can be enjoyed for generations, not just stored on a hard drive.
- Spend your budget on what matters most. - Focus your investment on the parts of the day you'll treasure most, and don't be afraid to save on details that aren't important to you.
- Create a wedding that's true to you. - Don't chase trends or expectations. The most meaningful weddings, and the most memorable photographs, reflect the couple's unique personalities and values.
Chrissy’s and David’s advice - “accentuate what is important to you. Economize on what is not.”
Photographer's Note
After photographing weddings for more than three decades, Anne still believes the best photographs come from genuine relationships rather than perfect poses. Chrissy and David's wedding was a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations aren't defined by trends or extravagance, but by choosing what matters most and preserving those moments for generations to come.
