Real Weddings: Life is Sweet at Salt Lake City LDS Temple

June 12, 2017

Shae O’Brien & Sam Orchard – 6.3.16

THE COUPLE

Shae and Sam met at a karaoke night their freshman year at Utah State University. They dated for a few months before Sam left on an LDS mission. Shae, too, went on a mission, but the couple reunited “right where we left off,” Shae says. Sam sealed the deal when he proposed to Shae at her Big Cottonwood family cabin.

THE WEDDING

“My whole life, I’ve dreamed of having a summer wedding and getting married in the Salt Lake City Temple,” Shae says. Sam’s uncle performed the LDS Temple sealing in June.

THE MOOD

Shae’s family hosted the reception at their home. “I [also] wished for a fairy tale wedding,” Shae continues. “Having it in my childhood backyard just made it that much more special.” Wedding colors included cream, navy, pink and orange.

THE CUISINE

Sam opts for meats, but Shae prefers salads. Menu items included a mix of their favorites like tri-tip sandwiches and salads, mixed berry salads, macaroni and cheese and sweet-potato fries—deep fried on the spot for guests. But the dessert table stole the show. “My Grandpa Lee, who passed away a few years ago, owned Lee’s Donuts in Ogden,” Shae explains. “We used his big shop sign and displayed a photo of him when he was younger making donuts.” They served maple bars, donut holes, sprinkle donuts, whoopie pies, soft-serve ice cream, watermelon sours, gum balls and a three-tiered cake featuring layers of poppy seed, coconut, and red velvet and chocolate.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT

“Before dancing, the DJ introduced the wedding party,” Shae recalls. “Each groomsmen walked in with a bridesmaid, then did a fun dance move. Then, hearing the DJ announce us as Mr. and Mrs. Sam Orchard made the day so real.”