Mariah and Michael’s wedding day at The Wild Oak in Lindon, Utah felt like something pulled from a storybook—effortless, intentional, and quietly magical from beginning to end. Nestled against the mountains of Utah County, The Wild Oak is a former apple orchard warehouse that has been beautifully restored into one of the most romantic wedding venues in the area. With intimate landscaping, pergolas draped in grapevines, and a ceremony arbor framed by a softly tinkling waterfall, the space created an atmosphere that felt warm, welcoming, and deeply personal for both the couple and their guests.
The day began calmly on site, with The Wild Oak’s private getting-ready suites offering the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Having separate spaces for the bride and groom allowed Mariah and Michael to fully soak in the anticipation of the day while remaining close to where everything would unfold. Mariah’s look was brought together by Estrella Beauty Co., who traveled all the way from Arizona to do her hair and makeup. Their work was flawless—enhancing Mariah’s natural beauty and fitting seamlessly with the earthy, refined tone of the celebration.
As guests arrived, they did so dressed in various shades of brown, a thoughtful request from the bride and groom that tied everyone into the overall aesthetic of the day. The ceremony was officiated by Michael’s Fire Chief, a meaningful choice that added depth, humor, and authenticity to the moment. His words were filled with sweet memories and laugh-out-loud stories, creating a ceremony that felt intimate, emotional, and uniquely reflective of Mariah and Michael’s relationship.
Rather than choosing a traditional unity ceremony, the couple opted for something deeply symbolic. Mariah and Michael each held custom locks engraved with their initials and joined them together as a representation of their commitment. They then turned to face their guests and tossed the keys into the crowd, asking their friends and family to help keep them accountable to one another—and to never reveal who held the keys so they could never unlock themselves from each other. It was a powerful, heartfelt moment that left more than a few guests misty-eyed.
After being pronounced husband and wife and sharing their first kiss, we explored the grounds of The Wild Oak for bridal portraits. Surrounded by lush greenery and framed by sweeping mountain views, Mariah and Michael looked completely at ease—radiant, joyful, and deeply in love. The venue’s natural beauty provided a stunning backdrop that elevated every image and made the portraits feel timeless.
As soon as photos wrapped up, the celebration shifted seamlessly into the evening’s festivities. Fiore Pizza arrived in a striking glass pizza truck, repurposed from a shipping container and outfitted with a wood-fired brick oven on wheels. Guests gathered eagerly as fresh pizzas were served, adding a fun and relaxed energy to the reception. Shortly after, Pinguinos Gelato rolled in on a bike, delighting guests with scoops of gelato and adding an unexpected, whimsical touch to the night.
DJ Afrolicious kept the dance floor alive as the evening unfolded, while guests alternated between dancing, visiting the bar, and gathering around the outdoor firepit. The atmosphere was joyful and unhurried—exactly the kind of celebration where time seems to slow down just enough to savor every moment.
As the night drew to a close, guests stepped outside to form a glowing sparkler line. Before making their exit, Mariah and Michael shared one last private dance together, soaking in the final moments of a day that had been thoughtfully crafted from start to finish. Then, hand in hand, they ran through the sparklers surrounded by cheers and laughter, driving away into the night as newlyweds.
Photographing Mariah and Michael’s wedding at The Wild Oak was an absolute honor for J. R. Poole Photography. Their day was filled with intention, beauty, and genuine connection—a true reflection of who they are and the life they are building together.
