Celebrate Independence Day with the Wedding of Two Army Veterans in their Summer Destination Wedding in Utah

Kristen Hansmann + Harrison Rooney | 7.5.2025

Fifth of July Fireworks

Happy Independence Day America! On this very special anniversary of 250 years of independence, we are featuring a very special summer destination wedding in Utah, with an anniversary that’s just as special. Kristen and Harrison’s love story isn’t just romantic and tear-worthy; they met while serving in the United States Army!

From the very start, they knew their connection was undeniable, which led to them moving to Southern California together with their perfect golden retriever, Jessie. When Harrison popped the question, they decided on the best location for their I dos—Utah!

When two Army vets get married in a beautiful summer destination wedding in Utah, the choice for a wedding date is obvious: the day after the Fourth of July! As we celebrate BOTH anniversaries this year, we can’t help but obsess over their summery wedding details.

Elegant, Chic, and Romantic Black and White Wedding

Between the lace trim on her veil and shoes, and that stunning reception dress, Kristen wasn’t just the most beautiful bride; she took all the best, most lovely parts of a summer destination wedding in Utah and kicked them up a notch. And what’s the most reliable way to make an elegant tuxedo even more beautiful? Give the groom a white jacket, of course!

Here’s your sign to wear white with your spouse and have your bridal party and family in black.

Every black and white detail, even Kristen’s bouquet of delicate calla lilies, is perfection. With the fluffy all-white aisle markers, bows tied on every ceremony chair, and the adorable branded white fans for their guests, this wedding is proof that simplicity is what really makes your wedding elegant beyond compare.

Utah’s Beautiful Mountain Backdrops

These aerial shots of their ceremony and cocktail hour, combined with the green vistas of Utah’s best feature, the mountains, don’t just make us wish we were there… It makes us need to see it for ourselves.

Add in the awe-inspiring backdrop at the top of Snow Pine Lodge in Alta, Utah, and you have a masterpiece of a ceremony. With the sleek block bridesmaids’ dresses and the breezy summer weather, Kristen and Harrison’s I dos are enough to make even the most stoic of soldiers get a little teary-eyed.

And we can’t mention these beautiful bridesmaids without bringing up these stunning parasols. It’s chic, timeless, and romantic all at the same time!

Reception Details and Dancing

Their reception space was just as gorgeous, bringing in all the elegant details of the outdoor ceremony with flouncy florals, a sparkling champagne tower, a checkered dance floor, and a vintage cake with cherries on top. We’ll never get over how stunning these satin linens look in every single photo!

As the sun set, the night got even more magically romantic, with candlelight illuminating the dance floor and flash photography illuminating this bride’s iconic second look. Why hold a bundle of roses when you can be the bundle? It’s giving runway model meets Army Ranger in the best way.

With that and the CO2 cannons, it’s clear that they ended the night with the most exuberant dance floor, partying the night away with all their favorite people. One look at these photos and we’re adding ‘cardboard cutouts of the bride and groom’s faces’ to our list of reception must-haves.

Summery Pink Western Elegance Rehearsal Dinner

But we can’t end this article without bringing up their rehearsal dinner too; what do you do when your wedding is black and white? You have a bright and colorful rehearsal dinner!

These bright red and pink floral accents and decor are so pretty we might never recover. But the best part of all? It matches the embroidery on the groom-to-be’s jacket! Here’s how you do western elegance: between the boots, candlelit cocktails, and Kristen’s eye-catching satin dress, their night before was just as lovely—and exciting—as their I dos the following day.

Turns out you can have it all in a summer destination wedding in Utah: elegance, romance, and a whole lot of partying to celebrate a truly timeless love like Kristen and Harrison’s.