What is a first look? A "first look" is when a couple sees each other on their wedding day before their wedding ceremony. It is a private moment for the couple, away from the eyes of family and friends. It's a lovely newer wedding day tradition and it is especially popular amongst those who get married in a temple setting.
Nolan and Abby came to me looking for a place for their first look session that had a mountain setting but was also easy to get to. The first place that came to mind was, Tunnel Springs Park! Tunnel Springs offers wide open fields with an AMAZING panoramic view of downtown Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. On a clear day, you can also see the Great Salt Lake, its wetlands and the Oquirrh mountains.
One of the key features of Tunnel Springs Park is that it's only a short 5-minute drive from the freeway exit just north of Salt Lake City. Not only is it easy to get to, but it's also easy to traverse which makes it widely popular for families and especially brides like Abby, who showed up in their wedding day heels.
In addition to its vast rolling hills, Tunnel Springs also offers an area thick with tall cattails which are vibrantly green in the Spring and Summer and turn a lovely shade of yellow in the fall.
I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the rustic thicket pole fence that borders the entrance to the property. Other than the ground, this is the only place to pose a couple sitting down and I always make sure I capture a few candid shots of the couple enjoying each other's company and marveling at the vast scenery.
One thing to keep in mind about this location is that there is little to no shade available so the closer we shoot to sunset, the better. This also gives us a great chance to get an epic sunset shot if weather permits.
Take a look at the pictures below and let me know if you think Tunnel Springs Park fits the bill for the setting you've always dreamed of for your bridals, engagements, or first look session.
