There’s a special magic to winter photography that makes every session unique. When Christie, a radiant bride-to-be originally from Canada, chose McPolin Farm in Park City, Utah, for her Winter McPolin Farm Bridal Session, I knew we were in for something extraordinary. This shoot was about more than just capturing stunning photos; it was an adventure through the cold, snow, and breathtaking winter landscapes of McPolin Farm and the nearby mountains.
The Bravery of a Bride in 20-Degree Weather
It’s not every day you meet a bride as fearless and full of grace as Christie. Dressed in a backless white wedding dress, she stood confidently in 20-degree weather, seemingly unaffected by the chill. Her smile and warm personality brought a sense of comfort and joy to the entire session, making the cold seem like a minor inconvenience. People often ask if the brides on my website are models because of how effortlessly they carry themselves, and Christie was a perfect example of why that question comes up. Despite the freezing temperatures, she exuded a genuine joy and beauty that made each photo stunning.
Originally from Canada, Christie seemed perfectly at ease in the cold, whether she had her jacket on or not. Throughout our session, I learned a lot about Canadian winters, and it was clear that she was no stranger to snowy adventures. Meanwhile, I had on a heavy coat but regretted my decision to forgo ski pants, realizing too late that this would mean frozen and soaked pants after hours in deep snow. But when you’re in the moment, focusing on capturing the perfect shot, you barely notice the cold until you step back into the warmth of your vehicle.
McPolin Farm: A Winter Wonderland
McPolin Farm, with its iconic white barn, vast open fields, and majestic mountain backdrop, is a favorite location for many of my shoots, but this session with Christie was unique. The snow was deeper than I had ever experienced here, making it both challenging and rewarding. Walking around the farm in knee-deep snow wasn’t easy, but the winter beauty of the landscape made every step worthwhile. The white barn stood out beautifully against the backdrop of endless white fields and a blue sky that seemed to stretch on forever.
Christie navigated the snow effortlessly, making it look easy as she gracefully posed against the rustic wooden fences and leaned into the natural beauty of the landscape. Her dress, a stunning backless gown, seemed almost poetic against the frosty backdrop, blending elegance with the raw, untouched beauty of winter.
Into the Aspen Trees Above Park City
While McPolin Farm is stunning in its own right, we decided to push further into the mountains above Park City to capture some shots among the aspen trees. The journey up the mountain was not for the faint of heart. In some places, the snow was four to five feet deep, and more than once I sank down to my chest. Thankfully, I was near trees that helped me pull myself out without too much trouble. It was cold, challenging work, but the payoff was more than worth it.
When we reached the grove of aspens, the scene was like something out of a winter fairytale. Tall, graceful trees stretched toward the sky, their branches dusted with snow. To capture the perfect angles, I had to lie on my back in the snow, getting shots that looked up into the branches. Despite the chill seeping through every layer of clothing, the beauty of the moment made it all worthwhile.
Capturing the Perfect Shots
As the session progressed, we raced against time, hoping to capture every beautiful aspect of the winter landscape before the light began to fade. Christie’s natural beauty, combined with her vibrant personality, made each photograph something special. The contrast of her elegant dress against the rustic white barn and the towering aspens created an exquisite blend of timelessness and nature’s raw beauty.
In the end, we achieved what we had set out for: stunning photos that combined aspen trees, an old white barn, a striking blue sky, and a beautiful winter bride. Despite the challenges of deep snow and freezing temperatures, the joy and warmth Christie brought to the session made the entire experience incredible. As a photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than capturing these moments of joy and beauty in such a stunning environment.
Final Thoughts
Christie’s McPolin Farm Bridal Session is a testament to the magic of winter weddings and the incredible spirit of those willing to embrace the season’s challenges. If you’re considering a winter bridal or engagement session, don’t be afraid to embrace the cold and make the most of Utah’s stunning winter landscapes. Remember to dress warmly (take it from me: ski pants are a must!), and bring your sense of adventure.
For more inspiration and to learn about my favorite Utah photography locations, visit my Utah Photography Locations page. If you’re planning a bridal session and want to capture something truly unforgettable, give me a call. Let’s make magic in the snow, just like Christie did!