LDS Backyard Wedding Reception in Syracuse,Utah
The Reception Details
One of my favorite things about Mia and Sam’s wedding reception in Syracuse, Utah, was how personal everything felt! Most of the decor was completely homemade, and every little detail added to the fun, festive atmosphere they created. Pops of red, green, blue, and orange brought everything together, making the whole space feel bright, playful, and full of personality.
The tables were decorated with colorful table runners and fresh fruit, and framed photos from their bridals (which I got to photograph!) were displayed throughout the space. Above the dance floor, they even had a disco ball and a hanging floral arrangement, which made the perfect centerpiece for all the dancing to come. A big letter M celebrating their new shared last name sat near the dance floor, and a large tent gave everyone plenty of room to gather, eat, and celebrate together.
Outside, there was no shortage of things to do! Guests could play yard games like Yahtzee and bean bag toss, or even take a turn in the bouncy house. It was such a fun way to make the reception feel like a big celebration for everyone, not just the newlyweds.
And of course, we have to talk about the food! They served tacos alongside Mexican drinks, including horchata (my personal favorite!). White cutout banners with phrases like “Mi Boda” and “Eternidades” added another sweet touch to the decor, tying everything together beautifully.
Honoring Her Father
One of the most tender parts of Mia and Sam’s wedding reception was the way they honored her father, who passed away when she was young. Even though he couldn’t be there to celebrate this milestone with her, his presence was felt in so many thoughtful ways throughout the day.
They created a special little space in the decor just for him, featuring his director’s chair, his suit, and a photo of him. It was such a meaningful way to include him in the celebration and make sure he had a place there, too.
One of the most emotional moments came during the dances. Instead of a traditional father-daughter dance, Mia shared dances with several important men in her life who had played a fatherly role over the years. She ended the dances with her new father-in-law, making it such a sweet moment to witness.
Watching the two of them brought to tears was incredibly moving. There was so much joy in welcoming a new family and celebrating Mia and Sam’s marriage, but also the bittersweet ache of missing someone who should have been there. Even after all those years, her father’s absence was still felt, especially in a moment as meaningful as this one.
Cake Cutting
Mia and Sam’s cake was just as fun and colorful as the rest of their reception! They had the cutest long, flat white cake decorated with flowers and fruit, with a whole row of candles lined up along the top. It was such a unique look, and I loved how it fit right in with the colorful, festive feel of the day.
Before cutting the cake, they blew out the candles together, then it was time for the fun part! Of course, they couldn't resist smashing cake into each other's faces, making for some hilarious photos. It was playful, a little messy, and the perfect ending to such a colorful celebration!
The First Dances
After the tender dances honoring Mia’s father, it was time for Sam to share a dance with his mom, followed by Mia and Sam’s very first dance together as husband and wife! These are always such sweet moments to photograph, especially knowing that they mark the beginning of a whole new chapter for the couple.
One more special dance of the night was Mia’s dance with her mom! The two of them shared the dance floor together for a while before Mia’s sisters joined in, turning it into such a sweet family moment. I love when these dances become something more than just the traditional parent dances and turn into a chance for the whole family to celebrate together. It was such a lovely moment to capture, full of love, laughter, and the excitement of celebrating Mia and Sam’s new marriage!
But then, the dance floor opened up for something I had never seen before! As part of a Spanish wedding tradition, guests could pay to dance with the bride and groom. It was such a fun way to get everyone involved, and I loved watching their friends and family take turns dancing with the newlyweds. It brought so much energy and excitement to the reception and made the celebration feel even more personal!
The Dance Party
After the special dances and cake cutting, it was finally time for everyone to hit the dance floor! With the disco ball spinning overhead, the dance floor filled up with friends and family ready to celebrate Mia and Sam. The music was a mix of Mexican and American songs, and everyone had an absolute blast!
One of my favorite parts was finally getting to join in on some of the Mexican line dances I had watched people do while I was serving my mission! It was so much fun getting to participate instead of just watching from the sidelines. Between the music, the dancing, and everyone celebrating together, the whole night was full of so much energy and joy. It was the perfect way to end such a colorful, personal, and love-filled wedding reception!
