Jordan and Rachel were both a part of the astrophysics department at Utah State University. In fact, they even met while working in the observatory together. They started dating 22 months ago and will be married the day after their second anniversary! In order to make their engagement session unique to them, we decided to meet at USU. We started in the library, where they have spent many hours studying and researching. From there we got special access to the Special Collections room. There was furniture and books dating back hundreds of years. We also hung out in the stacks upstairs before heading over to the top of the observatory. Rachel and Jordan’s mom both had keys to the two buildings so we were in the library and science building completely alone. I loved shooting in these unique, special places for this adorable couple.

USU Library Pictures

USU Library Engagement Session

More about the Hatch Room at the USU Library

What makes up the Hatch Room:

In 1952, the Hatches proposed creating a reading room that would house the Ella Gardener McQuarrie Hatch Book Collection and other rare materials. Antique furniture and decorative arts were, and are, important elements in the room’s design and in its educational purpose. The proposed gift included a 16th century English refectory table, English oak linen-fold panels, a Ming Dynasty vase, 15th century Italian faldistorium (folding chair), a 17th century Flemish tapestry and other fine antique objects. The items were acquired from collections of international importance, including those of William Randolph Hearst; Davanzati Palace, Florence, Italy; and the Charles of London collection.

Golden Anniversary

On Oct. 30, 2003, USU’s Merrill Library celebrated the golden anniversary of the Hatch Memorial Library. Shortly after, Special Collections and Archives began planning the move from the existing Milton R. Merrill Library to the new Merrill-Cazier Library. The relocation project required great care, expertise and collaboration among library administrators, art and architectural conservators, project architects, Special Collections curators and highly skilled craftsmen. The objective was to retain the historical integrity of the artifacts and to recreate in the new building the dimensions and layout of the room as it was designed for the USAC library in 1953.

Access to the Book Collection

The Ella Gardener McQuarrie Hatch book collection includes many rare publications that have aesthetic, artifactual and textual value. For a time, the materials were housed in secure, climate-controlled storage in Special Collections and Archives. But now, many of these items have returned to the shelves in the Hatch room and can be used for study. Appropriate procedures must be followed when handling these historical items, but the books are where they belong — on the shelves of the Hatch Room.

That would certainly please L. Boyd and Anne McQuarrie Hatch.

The Hatch Room is open during the regular schedule at Special Collections and Archives.

Kylee Maughan

Kylee started Kylee Ann Photography 9 years ago, and has since grown from a one woman amateur show to a full associate team. We shoot 50-75 weddings a year, and thrive on kindness and service. After a year of teaching Intro to Photography at the local technical college, she discovered that helping other entrepreneurs create thriving businesses is what fires her up! She hosts semi-annual Kylee Ann Sleepovers all over the US, speak at conferences and teach online courses about running a small business and marketing.

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee