A Chinese-Vietnamese Wedding Celebration at Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah

Ryan and Trinh’s wedding at Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City was a day overflowing with culture, emotion, and the kind of connection that reminds you what love really looks like. As a documentary wedding photographer in Utah who grew up in the Philippines, I immediately felt at home documenting their day: rooted deeply in tradition, gratitude, and family.

From the moment I arrived, the energy was warm and welcoming. Ryan and Trinh wore vibrant Chinese and Vietnamese attire, honoring both sides of their heritage. Even their dog, Dahlia, joined in the tradition wearing her own little red outfit, proof that yes, dogs absolutely belong at weddings. And because this celebration was at Tracy Aviary, we even had a surprise bird guest drop by during photos, one of the perks of getting married at a bird sanctuary. (Tracy Aviary actually includes a bird encounter for couples who inquire!)

The tea ceremony was one of the most emotional parts of the day. Surrounded by their closest people, Ryan and Trinh knelt before their parents, offering tea as a sign of respect and thanks. It was quiet, intentional, and powerful; every gesture layered with meaning. The space was just filled with love and connection.

Later, during cocktail hour, we brought Dahlia back for portraits. She couldn’t be inside the venue, but she was still very much part of their story, and she even made an appearance as their cake topper. Little touches like that are what make a wedding feel uniquely yours.

As the sun set, the celebration shifted from dinner and speeches into full party mode. The dance floor exploded with nostalgic music, big laughs, and the kind of dancing that tells you this is a group of people who truly know how to celebrate (one of the best dance floors I’ve been a part of!). No stiff posing. No perfect choreography. Just real joy in motion.

They ended the night with a send-off that was 100% them: a wheelbarrow ride home. No sparkler tunnel, no staged goodbye, just two people having fun, surrounded by their people. It was authentic, chaotic, and perfect.

Planner: Red Canyon Events

Keywords: Salt Lake City wedding, Chase Mill at Tracy Aviary, cultural wedding, Chinese-Vietnamese wedding, tea ceremony, wedding photography, Utah documentary wedding photographer, Utah candid wedding photographer, Utah cinematic wedding photographer, Salt Lake City wedding photographer