Salt Lake Cactus and Tropicals Summer Wedding

On August 10th, I showed up to the Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City to capture Leizel and her bridesmaids getting ready. I was met with a smiling bride, fresh from getting her hair done, and a sweet bridal party ready to celebrate their girlfriend! As with all getting ready rooms, the atmosphere was full of cheeriness and the smell of perfume. Leizel was calm, and feeling ready to take on the day. She got her makeup done while eating chicken nuggets, and popped off a bottle of champagne to celebrate. This was her big day! She was surrounded by friends, with so much family waiting for her at the venue, Cactus and Tropicals. And in just a few short hours, the man of her dreams would be waiting at the end of the aisle.

Cactus and Tropicals is such a pretty venue! Located in the Sugarhouse neighborhood, it’s an unassuming venue. From the outside, it appears to be just a greenhouse, and technically it is. But they have made it into a beautiful wedding venue, that requires very little decorating. Floor to ceiling is covered with plants and flowers of all color and varieties! The ceremony was held just inside the main entrance, with a large fountain in the middle. Guests were seated all around the fountain, and everyone was anxious to see the beautiful bride!

Leizel and Ben opted out of a first look prior to the ceremony, so the first time Ben saw her was as she was walking down the aisle. Tears sprang from Ben’s eyes when he saw Leizel, and it was such a sweet sight to witness. Love was pouring out of Ben for his sweet bride. Escorted by her two fathers, Leizel made a beautiful bride with her gorgeous lace dress and big, beaming smile. The ceremony was short, but meaningful. The couple asked their parents and a few close friends to bless them in a prayer circle during the ceremony. A few vows later, an exchange of rings, and their first kiss as husband and wife! They were married!!

The rest of the evening was spent celebrating! Leizel and Ben’s families are from the Philippines, and their culture knows how to throw down some food! There was a bounty of dishes to feed all their guests, and everyone was raving about how delicious it was. The bridal party gave fabulous speeches, and the dancing was off the charts. There were the traditional dances, which were so sweet and full of happy tears. And then came the money dance, where Leizel and Ben were pinned with cash from all their guests. Finally, a traditional dance from the Philippines called Tinikling. It was so neat to see them incorporate those traditions into the wedding day, and I know it made their family happy as well.

I am so happy for this awesome couple! Leizel planned a beautiful wedding, but I know that the two of them have also planned a beautiful marriage. These two are so sweet and so full of love, and it was evident to everyone present at their wedding. Leizel and Ben, thank you so much for the honor of capturing your special day, and I hope your honeymoon in Maui has been amazing! And I’m only a little jealous since Maui is one of my favorite places ever haha.

Salt Lake Cactus and Tropicals Summer Wedding, Ashley DeHart Photography