Flipping for Love: Two Gymnastics Coaches and Their Wedding in Utah

Asilia Connelly & Cameron Wingrove | 9.20.24

Asilia and Cameron both grew up doing gymnastics, and it’s ultimately what would bring them together in 2020. They even went to the same gym growing up—but never knew each other. Luckily for them, their siblings did, and when they both began coaching at the same gym it was their connection to one another’s families that began their close friendship. And that friendship would lead to a beautiful September wedding in Utah, captured by the one and only Images by Jami.

“We became best friends. You’d find us constantly texting, or one of us staying after we got off so we could wait for the other to finish work. Obviously we both liked each other, but neither of us would ever say anything, so we just pretended like nothing was happening.”

In the months and years that followed, the timing just never seemed to work out for them. Between other relationships, internships, and surgeries, Asilia and Cameron were always so close, but that seemed to be where it ended.

“That is until Christmas 2023 when Cameron wrote me a poem to tell me how he felt, and I told him that I feel the same way. Finally, after four years of friendship, four years of laughter, four years of late night calls, or random hangouts, the relationship that we’d wanted since day one, fell into place. And it’s been so much better than we ever thought it would be.”

Amazing Wedding Photos from Images By Jami

We’re flipping out about how sweet their story is! But that’s just the beginning—from a live painter at their proposal to a surprise appearance from Cosmo the Cougar on their wedding day, these two have us jumping and springing with excitement.

And that’s all thanks to their incredible photographer Jami, AKA Images by Jami. She perfectly captures the joy in their love story and the stunning details of their wedding in Utah. These photos are simply amazing!

“I knew Jami, our photographer, before engagements, so I knew she would be the perfect person to capture our wedding. But I never thought it would go as well as it did. From the second we started engagements, I knew that these were pictures we were going to cherish for a lifetime, and an experience that we wouldn’t forget either. She made it so much fun, and we were all laughing the entire time.”

Who wouldn’t want a photographer like Jami to make this once in a lifetime experience even more memorable?

“Bridals were no different. She picked the most beautiful spot, and took her time getting every shot that we wanted and more. During the wedding day, she went above and beyond, capturing moments that we can now relive through her pictures.”

To say Jami did an incredible job is an understatement! Take this as your sign to book her as your photographer for your wedding in Utah.

A Flipping Good Time

But that’s not the only vendor Asilia loved. “I’ve wanted my wedding reception to be at Walker Farms since I was in high school. But, as we started planning, it just didn’t seem like it was going to work out. Cameron’s twin brothers were both leaving on missions in September, and Walker Farms only had one Friday left, September 20th. I still remember when they were opening up their mission calls, I was so stressed. When they finally opened them, I was cheering and screaming, not necessarily because of where they got called, but because they were called to leave September 30th. So, we were able to have the wedding at Walker Farms, with time to spare before Cameron’s brothers left on their missions.”

Talk about meant to be!

Their wedding in Utah was fun for everyone, right on down to the 14 flower girls—who were all girls Asilia coached! When she was planning, it was a priority for her that everyone had a great time dancing.

“We wanted there to be games, and food trucks outside, to make it feel like everyone was coming over for a party. And lastly, we wanted there to be ample time for dancing, especially with Cosmo, to let everyone let loose and have some fun.

And it definitely looks like everyone had a flipping good time!

Florals and Wedding Planning

When it comes to wedding planning, everyone knows it can be stressful, but for Asilia and Cameron it was everything they hoped it would be and more, thanks to their wedding planner Irene & Co Events.

“Our wedding planning process was so much easier with a wedding planner. I loved getting to tell her the vision of what I wanted it to be and to look like, and have her take that and turn it into something I couldn’t even imagine was possible. I loved getting to talk about the florals, and what that would look like throughout the reception and ceremony, along with the vibe we wanted to try and create for everyone that came. We were lucky in the wedding planning department.”

One of the most important things for Asilia was their florals—she wanted it to seem like they “were in a greenhouse with vines, flowers, and greenery.” And we’d say Mille Fleur Design definitely achieved that vision in the most stunning way possible.

“Before the luncheon started, we were able to have a room reveal with Irene. We were speechless. She made the whole space look exactly how I imagined it, with the smylax hanging from the ceiling, and the flowers all over the tables and staircase, it was perfect.”

A Private Last Dance for Their Wedding in Utah

And through all of the hustle and bustle of their big day, Asilia’s favorite moments were the ones she got to spend with just her and her new husband.

“My favorite moments from my wedding day were the couple times Cameron and I got to be alone, for our private vows, and our last dance, where we were able to take a step back and really soak up what was happening. We did our vows privately before the reception, with the photographer and videographer hiding behind the trees capturing the moment. It was special because the pressure of everyone listening was taken away, and we could really just talk to each other, and tell each other what we were feeling and what we see going forward.”

“Then, to end the night, we did one last dance together while everyone was outside getting ready for the run out. It was nice because the wedding day felt really fast-paced and busy, but we were able to have a moment to enjoy the last couple seconds of it all before it was over.”

Take it from this perfect couple, it’s the small moments together on your wedding day that make it all the more special. Her advice to couples in the middle of wedding planning is to enjoy it as much as possible.

“It all goes by so fast, and you wish that you were able to soak it in more, and relive it after it’s over. And even though it’s hard sometimes, it’s such a special time to enjoy with your future spouse.”

From connecting over coaching to their awesome bubble exit, these two have a love story and a wedding in Utah that makes any wedding guest feel like hand-springing right along with them. We know we do!