A Heartfelt New Year's Eve Wedding | The Minimalist Wedding

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When college sweethearts Kelly and Stephen (who met in high school) said their vows on New Year’s Eve, they were surrounded by loved ones and heartfelt touches, from DIY done by the bride to the cake made by her mother to the cake topper created by her brother. Haley Hodges Photography beautifully captured the celebration which was punctuated with a minimal color palette of deep navy and gray.

From the photographer:

Kelly and Stephen are both Utah natives and met each other at their high school, Judge Memorial High School. However, these two lovebirds did not actually begin dating until college, where they both attended the University of Utah. Kelly just finished medical school at the University of Utah and decided to have their wedding on New Year’s Eve at the beautiful Heritage Gardens.

The color scheme for their wedding was a deep navy blue and gray, and what makes this wedding unique is the breathtaking combo of elegance and everything being made by friends and family. From the intricate centerpieces designed by the bride herself, to the cake (made by her mother) and cake topper (made by the bride’s brother), and especially the stunning mink coat provided to the bride by her grandmother, every detail of this wedding was made and contributed with love. We of course cannot forget that they included their darling puppy, Franklin, in their wedding as well.

One thing to know about these two is that Kelly was uncertain on if she was going to change her name when she graduated from medical school. She made the announcement in the middle of her vows that she would graduate as Dr. Kelly Stahl, and in fact, take her husband’s name. There was not a dry eye in the chapel.

From the bride:

[Our wedding] occurred in the middle of my fourth year of medical school on the middle of interview season for my General Surgery Residency. It was an incredibly busy few months planning everything out. I chose to do all my own decor for the wedding to both make it more affordable and add a personal touch.

For the flowers I chose sola flowers because they were unique, beautiful, timeless and inexpensive. As for the centerpieces I wanted to include clocks given that it was a New Years Eve wedding and I was able to find all the pieces for the centerpieces from thrift stores and repaint or polish them into their former beauty.

For the cake topper, my brother is an amazing artist and he handcrafted our silhouettes using metal pieces based on one of our engagement photos. My mom had experience making her own wedding cake and offered to make our cutting cake and all the cupcakes for our guests. My grandma also made the tuxedo for my dog, Franklin, so that he would looks stunning as the Ring Dog.

Everything went perfectly and I was even on time (for the first time in my life). Standing in front of my family and friends and expressing the love and commitment I have for my husband and hearing his in return is a moment I will never forget. After dating for 5 year and being engaged for 1 year, it felt amazing to finally call Stephen my husband. Seeing all of my hard work come together was amazing. Luckily I am able to look back on my wedding day with the beautifully artistic moments that Haley Hodges captured.

The Wedding:

The Couple: Kelly and Stephen

Location: Heritage Gardens, Sandy, UT

Date: 12/31/2016

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: Haley Hodges Photography, Second Shooter: Mari Bryson | Dress: Gateway Bridal | Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal | Venue and Catering: Heritage Gardens, Sandy, UT | Cake: Kathy Frappier (Bride’s Mother) | DJ: Corey Maxfield, Salt Lake City, UT | Videographer: Complete Events, Salt Lake City, UT | Hair and Makeup: Got Beauty, Salt Lake City UT | Cake Topper: Nick Frappier (Bride’s Brother)

Congratulations, Kelly and Stephen (and Franklin)!