Steve and I had the distinct pleasure of photographing Sheila Peterson and Brandon Fairbrother’s wedding day, Saturday, October 10, 2009 .
The bride and groom had requested that we start the day by taking pictures of their getting ready process so Steve and I arrived at the Hampton Inn and Suites located in BoDo (downtown Boise) a little after noon. Steve made his way to the gentlemen’s room while I headed for the ladies’ suite.
Brandon and his groomsmen, Robbie Grove and Danny Williams, started dressing soon after Steve got to their room.
Instead of the traditional patent leather dress shoe, Brandon opted for a rather stylish pair of Nike Jordan basketball shoes.
Once the guys were dressed and their boutonnieres pinned on, Steve took them downstairs for a series of shots in and around the hotel.
Meanwhile, I attempted to make my way up to the 8th floor, which I came to discover would be no easy task. Shortly after figuring out I needed a pass key to get to the 8th floor, I discovered that the passkey wasn’t operating properly that particular day because they were doing some security work on the system. I had to find a maintenance person to assist, so it took awhile longer than anticipated, but I finally made my way to the room. There I found Sheila, (looking cool, calm & collected), her sister, Michelle Baughman, and good friend Martha Mendoza.
I set about taking pictures of Sheila’s dress (from David’s Bridal Shop), the garters, rings and her special shoes.
Sheila’s choice of shoes was A FIRST in my experience. I’ve seen everything from flip flops to imported Jimmy Choos, but never had I seen brand new Nike Shox NZ Running Shoes. Too fun!
Once all the ladies hair was styled, (courtesy Clarissa Borup of Studio D Salon in Nampa), Michelle and Martha got into their dresses, then helped Sheila into hers and laced her up.
Sheila’s Mom, Kim, arrived just in time to help her daughter put on her necklace. It was a pretty touching moment when she first caught site of her daughter dressed as a bride.
Next came the socks, the shoes, and the garters.
Once the girls were all ready, we headed to my car and drove to the area where Steve and I had pre-determined the “reveal” would take place. I got Sheila positioned, with Michelle and Martha on either side of her.
As we were getting situated a father and daughter rode past us on the nearby bike path (Boise Greenbelt). The little girl hadn’t seen us, and the father, knowing the sight would thrill his daughter, stopped and told her to walk back and take a look. I wish you could have seen the look of wonder on the little girl’s face once she saw Sheila. It was magical — like the kind of look you see on a child’s face at Christmas.
Steve had driven Brandon, Robbie, and Danny to the location. He called me to let me know when they were approaching, so we could be ready for the big moment. I handed each of the bridesmaids a corner of a bed sheet I had brought to hide Sheila from Brandon’s sight until we could get him positioned and turned around.
Once he was in place, I grabbed the sheet and moved out of the way.
Steve directed Brandon to turn around and face Sheila. His expression when he first saw his lovely bride, mirrored that of the little girl’s. Sheila was equally enchanted by the sight of her husband-to-be. It was a touching scene.
Steve photographed the bride and groom and their wedding party in a number of different areas close to where we did the reveal, as well as several other locations.
Sassy!
Afterward, we made our way to the C.W. Moore Plaza, where the ceremony and reception were to be held.
Sheila sequestered herself downstairs, while guests made their way to the Penthouse of the building which and been decorated in simple elegance. Albertson’s (Ustick & 5 Mile) provided the flowers.
Situated on the 9th floor of the building, the penthouse offers breathtaking, picturesque views of downtown, Table Rock and the Boise foothills; a beautiful setting for a wedding celebration.
At 4:00 PM Kevin Casch, the officiant, (and bride’s uncle), summoned guests to take their seats out on the terrace…..and the ceremony began.
Defying tradition, Brandon, Robbie and Danny marched to the altar to “Crazy Train” by Ozzie Osbourne. Each of them donned impish grins knowing full well this was clearly out of the classical music box (chosen for the rest of the ceremony), much to the crowd’s amusement.
Flower girls, Camille and Mallorie Casch led the procession, followed by Martha and Michelle.
Sheila’s father, John escorted his daughter down the aisle, kissed her and presented her to Brandon.
The ceremony was short, but sweet.
As a symbol of their unity, the couple each took a glass cylinder of sand and simultaneously poured them into a single container; forever entwining the two together.
Vows were emotionally taken,
rings were exchanged,
and the two were pronounced husband and wife. As a signal to the groom, the officiant held up his tie, where he had affixed a post-it note reading “Kiss her now”.
Brandon happily complied.
The bride and groom led the recessional back down the aisle.
Following the ceremony, I coordinated family members into various groupings for Steve to photograph.
Once we had completed the formal family and wedding party portraits, the immediate families formed a reception line to greet their guests. Their were many congratulatory handshakes and hugs.
Following the reception line, guests made their way to the hearty buffet line, provided by A Lively Chef Catering. Salad, Bread, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and Roast Turkey were perfect menu choices for that crisp fall day.
According to the original plan, Fantasia Sight & Sound, Inc., the D.J. for the festivities, had set up shop outside on the terrace, which was the intended dance area for the reception. However, as the temperature continued to drop, the executive decision was made to consolidate areas and move the music indoors.
Those who did brave the cold to check out the view from the terrace were not disappointed.
Once the re-arranging was complete, it was time to start the party. The festivities started out with Sheila and Brandon taking to the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife.
Then John took Brandon’s place for the father/daughter dance.
Cake cutting was next. (This cake came from the Albertsons on the corner of McMillan and Eagle).
Often, the bride and groom cut small delicate pieces to feed one another. Not so, with this bride and groom, (which made us a bit suspect that this was not going to be a clean feed).
Sure enough, both parties pretty much smashed it into the other’s face.
Fortunately, I think they both expected it from one another, so there were no hard feelings.
A bit later, the single ladies were summoned onto the dance floor and Sheila tossed her bouquet. Her first attempt was a little weak, so they gave her a second chance.
Martha was the happy recipient.
The ladies were replaced by the single gentlemen who anxiously vied for position. Brandon retrieved the garter from Sheila’s thigh and slingshot it behind him into the crowd.
Robbie nabbed it left handed.
Once the wedding traditions were completed, guests took to the dance floor and mingled amongst themselves. Based on these expressions, I would say everyone had a good time!
There were some beautiful, children at this wedding, all happy, well behaved, and obviously dearly loved by many.
There was a lot of love swirling around the room that night: husbands; wives; mothers; fathers; children; relatives and friends. Steve and I couldn’t help but be affected by it. That kind of environment warms the heart and brings a smile to one’s face. It reminds us how lucky we are to be able to do what we do.
We want to thank Sheila and Brandon for choosing us to photograph their wedding. It was a truly a heartwarming experience. We wish them all the best as they embark on their new life together as husband and wife.
To view all the pictures from this wedding, click here.
All photographs copyright 2009 Steve Smith Weddings.
Posted by Ray J. 
Posted by Ray J. 
Posted by dstevensmith 
