Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
When Ryland cancelled a dream reservation at The Hampton's Baker House bed-and-breakfast, Cameron was confused. "I was sure he was going to propose," she says. "But I suppose that's what happens when a gal says she wants a horizontal marquise-cut diamond&mdash a shape many consider out of style. It was quite a process to track down the right stone, a process that dragged on so long that Ryland finally just went out and bought a temporary ring. I adore both rings."
Cameron and Ryland didn't have quite as much trouble when it came to planning their September nuptials, the bride says, over "11 agonizing, joyous months."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The Jackson, Mississippi-born-and-bred bride may have longed for a formal Southern fete, but "with guests coming from all over, the small Jackson airport made for exorbitant flights with not-so-easy connections," Cameron explains. When the bride started brainstorming alternative locations, her mind wandered to Park City, Utah, a "cool resort town with gorgeous scenery" nearby a former family residence.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The inclusive St. Regis Deer Valley offered the couple a chic venue in the otherwise rustic locale. It was also nearby "other weekend goings-on," an important plus for a Cameron and Ryland, whose guests would be coming from out of town.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
"Having the ceremony and reception at the same venue was incredibly convenient," the bride says.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Cameron says "I traipsed around the country but never fell in love with a single dress." With time running out, the bride ordered a strapless Marisa with a lace overlay that formed a V pattern on its bodice and skirt. "And then I deconstructed it," Cameron says.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
When she was done with it, Cameron's gown had gone from a strapless sheath to a corseted design complete with straps.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Cameron also wore gold Gucci heels.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Her bouquet burst with yellow and creme-colored blooms flanked by leafy greens.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Bridesmaids chose different green chiffon dresses from Monique Lhuillier. "Everyone had different body types and different styles, so I wanted everyone to choose her own," Cameron says.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
"We saw each other hours before the ceremony and took advantage of our amazing photographers and the gorgeous mountains," Cameron says of the couple's first look.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The couple's ceremony was held on the St. Regis Deer Valley's mountain lawn, where from rows of espresso-stained Chivari chairs guests could catch a glimpse of the Wasatch Range.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Ryland's goddaughter, Claudia, served as the couple's flower girl.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Cameron and Ryland included poetry, Scripture and a song—All I Ask Of You from the infamous Phantom of the Opera—in their ceremony program.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Guests went straight from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, which was held on the resort's mountain terrace. "There's a chic, behemoth of a bonfire called the fire garden," Cameron says, describing the cocktail space, "so flames danced around all the mingling guests."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The reception was held beneath a clear-topped tent on yet another of the St. Regis Deer Valley's outdoor terraces. Guests found their seat assignments on white tented cards.
"We took pains with seating," the bride says of their decision to mix banquet-style and traditional round-top tables. "I wanted to have flexibility to make sure all my guests were comfortably seated with kindred spirits."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The bride and groom sat in chairs tied with sheer white tulle.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Calligraphy was used on everything from the couple's invitation suite to their table numbers. "We didn't want to lose some of the old-fashioned southern elegance," the bride explains.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
"We wanted to keep as much al fresco as possible and opted for natural tones and bursts of deep, autumnal orange," Cameron says of the couple's seasonal wedding palette, reflected in their centerpieces.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Flowers and votive candles were held in small mercury glass containers.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Cameron and Ryland gave guests white and dark truffles as favors. To each favor bag they attached a note that read, "The night is sweeter because you are here."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The St. Regis Deer Valley served up a filet mignon alongside locally-caught trout and pumpkin creme brulee. Cameron and Ryland also opted for buffet service, which included more casual fare like quesadillas, grilled cheese, tomato soup and fries.
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
"Dinner was quick and simple though," Cameron says. "A salad, the main course, then as dessert was being passed out, we went ahead and did the first dance."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
Cameron describes their Mississippi-based reception band as "lots of brassy horns playing mix of Motown and contemporary hits. They punched up the tempo of the night from the moment we sat down to eat."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
An electric-blue groom's cake was topped with a Jacksonville Jaguars' logo. "It didn't fit in with the decor at all," Cameron says, "but I wanted him to have whatever he wanted."
Photo: Paul Johnson Photography
The couple's decisions revolved around their guests, from choosing a clear-topped tent to expose the mountain views to extending their cocktail hour . "We really cared about our guests having fun," Cameron says.
—Jillian Kramer
Ceremony Venue: St. Regis Deer Valley || Reception Venue: St. Regis Deer Valley || Bride's Wedding Dress: Marisa || Bride's Shoes: Gucci || Bride's Wedding Ring: Juniker Jewelry Co. || Groom's Wedding Ring: Juniker Jewelry Co. || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier || Mother of the Bride's Dress: Theia || Florist: Honey of a Thousand Flowers || Caterer: St. Regis Deer Valley|| Stationery: Key Neville Whitehead || Cake Baker: St. Regis Deer Valley || Rentals: RSVP Party Rentals || Entertainment: The Compozitionz || Photography: Paul Johnson Photography