Christina & TK
The Red Earth Venue, Moab, April 15
Photography by Jessie Lyn Photography
HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS
Christina and TK met through mutual friends in high school at the end of their junior year. What started as a simple conversation grew into more and even though they went to different high schools they were inseparable. Whether going to school dances, sporting events, lunch dates, or doing homework together, many great memories were made! But, of all these events the most substantial was Christina and TK applying and being accepted to the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Through the years, TK and Christina went on to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry and a career in the craft brewing industry, respectively which led them to living in different states. “But eventually enough was enough, and long distance needed to end!” says Christina. So in May of 2020, through a lot of help, friends support, mentorship from parents the pair were able to bring our lives back to Salt Lake City, Utah. “Utah is our home and a place that we find so special, full of love, and honest people who love the outdoors, each other, and the world around them.”
A SOUTHERN UTAH PROPOSAL
When Christina’s best friends Stasha and Ben suggested a tour of Utah’s National Parks, she immediately began planning an adventure of a lifetime—little did she know it would also be the beginning of a brand new chapter for both her and TK. Secretly, TK had told both Stasha and Ben that he wanted to propose at The Temple of the Sun and Moon, a very special place in TK and Christina’s hearts. After a day of exploring Cathedral Valley, the group made their way to The Temple of Sun and Moon where TK led Christina to a scenic spot on the ridgeline.
Lowering to one knee, TK said to Christina: “As the temple of sun and moon have stood by each other’s side for eternity will you stand by mine?” After she accepted, the group went on to celebrate a lifelong commitment of adventure together. The happy moment wasn’t even soiled when TK accidentally slipped on a loose rock back at the campsite. “He gained not only a fiance but the scars to prove it,” Christina says with a laugh.
MOAB MATRIMONY
Christina and TK tied the knot on April 15th of, 2022 at Moab’s rustic event space The Red Earth Venue. “The Red Earth Venue in does a perfect job capturing the open nature of the desert surrounded by red rock and cliffs, with a beautiful vista of both Arches National Park and the La Sal Mountains,” says Christina. “These attributes perfectly capture why we love spending so much of our time in the red dirt.”
OUTDOOR CHIC
“We wanted our wedding to feel like a desert party!” Christina says. To accomplish their vision of “outdoor chic” they dressed the venue with simple table designs, lots of hanging lights, coolers with beer, and an open dance floor. Both the ceremony and reception were held outside. “TK and I wanted to feel glam while our guests could understand why we spend so much time camping and embracing the desert.”
THE DETAILS
To embrace the warm hues of the surrounding desert, the bridesmaids wore revelry velvet dresses in red earthy tones, Dusty Rose, Terracotta, and Romantic Rose. The men wore Indochino teal suits and were complemented by matching Revelry velvet ties to the bridesmaids dresses. Christina’s bouquet had green succulents complimented by dusty orange and pink flowers.
After the ceremony, the wedding group enjoyed margaritas, tacos and dancing on the venue’s outdoor wooden dance floor. Christina and TK’s wedding cake was made by Baked by Rachel in Moab. “Rachel did an amazing job with our cakes, giving us a simple texture in the buttercream and decorated them with succulents! We had one large vanilla cake with fresh raspberry filling and raspberry buttercream. Then we had a small vegan lemon cake with fresh strawberry filling and vanilla vegan buttercream.”
VENDORS
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Intimate Moab Weddings
Photographer: Jessie Lyn Photography
Second Shooter: Amanda Avery
Florist: Succulents for Hire
Venue: The Red Earth Venue
Rentals: Moab Event Services
Gown Shop: Alta Moda
Cake: Baked by Rachel Moab
Catering: Fiesta Mexicana
DJ: Kya Marienfield, @dj_sparklefists
Officiant: Stephanie Kravitz
Hair and Makeup: Sage & Stone Salon
Shuttle Service: Road Runner Shuttles
Couple: Christina Howard @steenzz_ and TK Coody @tk.cood
See more desert weddings here!
