Antelope Island | Jackie Siggard Photo + Video

Antelope Island Engagements

How did you two meet

Chad and Joanna crossed paths during her visit to Florida in 2022. During a dinner in Palm Harbor, FL between mutual friends and Joanna as the guest. It dawned on one couple to call Chad and have him join the group for the evening. At first Joanna was a little apprehensive and Chad didn’t have any game. However, it didn’t take too long after that night for the couple to begin something special. Some may say that long distance relationships rarely work out. But Chad and Joanna proved it can work! After a few months of Joanna visiting Florida a few more times. the couple talking on the phone through FaceTime for many hours, and Chad visiting Utah for the very first time, it became apparent they had a deep connection. Through the year together, Chad and Joanna have canyoneered, wakesurfed and hiked across southern Utah. moved Joanna into her first home, grieved the loss of Chad’s father, and vacationed in Costa Rica.

How he proposed

“My friends in Florida had told me they were going to have a holiday party in Clearwater beach while I was there for Christmas. I had gotten to Florida the night before. We got ready that late afternoon and drove to Clearwater beach. Chad had plans to propose to me on the beach where we met up the second time and really connected. The rains started to come in and so 30 minutes before go time they had to quickly change the plan.

Chad pulled up to Clearwater and said that our friends were late and that we were going to go have drinks with Jena and Robert at the hotel. We went to the bar at the hotel and after being there for 3 minutes my friend Jena said I want to go walk and see the Clearwater pier. She said she hadn’t ever seen it before. Then we, 5 of us, began to walk on the pier. It wasn’t raining at that time.

We walked to the end of the pier and Meagan, Chads daughter, appeared and handed me 12 long stem red roses. It was the sweetest and was one of my favorite things of the night. I was so confused and wasn’t even catching on at that time . Chad held my hand and walked me toward the left side of the pier where he had rose pedals and candles laid out in a heart shape. He held one of my hands at that time facing me and began to tell me everything about our relationship and how he felt about me. It still took me about 2 seconds in of that that I realized what he was doing.

It was kind of a long, but sweet speech. Then he got down on one knee and asked me! I was in so much shock and couldn’t believe it finally happened to and for me after 42 years! We got pictures taken from a professional photographer that he hired. It seemed quick and after did end up going to dinner to meet the rest of our friends.”

Why Antelope Island?

One of the reasons why Antelope Island is perfect for engagement and wedding photos is its incredible natural beauty. The landscape is full of scenic spots that offer unforgettable photo opportunities, from the rolling hills to the sandy beaches. The island is also known for its wildlife, including the iconic herds of bison that roam free. Another reason to choose Antelope Island is its accessibility. The island is just a short drive from Salt Lake City, making it an easy location to get to. Once you’re on the island, you have plenty of locations to choose from, each with its own unique features. You can shoot your photos on a secluded beach, or with interesting rock formations in the background.

Be cautious

Yet, we must warn you about one detail to know before planning your photoshoot. Antelope Island is known for being packed with spiders and biting gnats during the summer months. If you plan on doing your photoshoot during the summer. we highly recommend bringing along plenty of bug spray or waiting for a cooler season like fall- spring. With the right precautions, however, you can still get those perfect shots, even during the warmer months. If you’re looking for a specific location on the island that makes for a stunning photo backdrop, head on over to Buffalo Point. This scenic overlook provides you with a stunning view of the Great Salt Lake and the surrounding islands. The site is a popular spot for photographers, and for good reason. The panoramic views make for an ideal location to capture that special moment. Finally, Antelope Island is a budget-friendly option for your engagement or wedding photo shoot. Many other popular photo locations, such as national parks or specialized venues, can quickly become pricey. Antelope Island, on the other hand, only requires a small entry fee per vehicle. That means more budget to put towards other aspects of your special day!