Wedding days can be inundated with utter chaos. Choosing to shoot an engagement session with your wedding attire can alleviate part of the ceremony day stress. Dan Johnson and Traci Sterling choose to keep their wedding day simple by allocating a few hours from their wedding day photography package to a prior date. The couple chose their current Meridian residence as the setting for this lovely little Sunday afternoon shoot. It was truly evident how madly in love these two were with every click of the shutter. Such inspiration!

A nice bottle of champagne to mellow the mood.

Traci getting a helping hand.

Dan anxiously awaiting.

A quick note to remind Traci of his deep affection for her.

Sassily strutting down the stairs.

Gazing out at the beautiful November afternoon.

Dan’s platinum wedding band.

Fits like a glove.

Some of the great architecture that Dan designed himself.

Ahh yes, I think it’s time for that champagne.

“The Love Tub”

A quick transformation in to the casual attire.

Looking out over Dan’s expansive six-acre view.

Lean with it.

Another gorgeous Idaho sunset.

Showing off the dance moves.

Such a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thank Traci and Dan for bringing me into your home to capture the true connection you have for one another! I can’t wait for the actual wedding in December.

More pictures can be found by clicking here.

In my line of work I tend to see wedding dates falling most frequently in the summer months or ones that coincide with days that match months and years (9-9-09…). That being said, Halloween weddings are a bit of a nontraditional place in my world. Season Hamilton and Glenn Thornton were the perfect couple to break this unconventional status quo with their October 31st wedding. These two brought a breath of fresh air into my often unvarying routine. Don’t get me wrong, every wedding that I’ve photographed thus far has been an absolute joy. However, I tend to get a little more wide-eyed with destination and unique weddings.

It was a warm overcast Hallows Eve afternoon when we first caught a glimpse of Season and her father strolling down the walkway of Kathryn Albertson Park.

Season joined Glenn at the alter with officiant, Jake Schizel

Touching handwritten vows were given by both Season and Glenn

Season made a fitting boutonniere for Glenn signifying his passion for music

Guess what, they made this beautiful bouquet too!

Shoes’n'Socks

After the ceremony, I grabbed Season and Glenn for a few couples shots at various textural locations downtown

Season and Glenn took a break from the wedding day activities to hang at their room in the Grove Hotel the post ceremony session. The reception ensued several hours later in the evening at the chic Fifty-one Fifteen clothing boutique. Tina Maxwell rents this great space out at a super affordable price. Check them out off of Orchard on Gage Street. Following in the Halloween spirit, a line of S&G lanterns led the way to the entrance of Fifty-one Fifteen.

A eerie mad scientist invited guests in at the entrance with a framed version of Season and Glenn’s wedding invitation sitting close beside

Aged yet relevant images of Season and Glenn’s parent’s wedding gave a glimpse into their family history as they hung by clothes pins throughout the store

A fun make-shift photo booth with masks and mustaches invited guests in for a fun quick pic

A magnificent Corpse Bride cake caught everyones attention. And yes, it tasted as good as it looked!

Glenn and Season toasted to their family and friends for joining them on such a special day

Season keeping Glenn in check

Fellow friend Mark Beaver ran the tunes to get people movin

Glenn wasn’t afraid to showcase his air guitar genius

Or his air saxophone skills

Season picked up a few pointers from her new nephew

Ring Pops all around!

Time for those pesky shoes to come off

The first dance

Followed by an epic air guitar solo

Ahh, the bouquet toss. You never know how it’s going to turn out

A little carnage never hurt anyone

Especially when they’re still friends after all is said and done

I can’t thank Season and Glenn enough for bringing me on board for their wedding. Their smiles, inviting attitudes, great friends and warm family made this truly a special Halloween that I will not soon forget!

More images will be made available by clicking here.

These days it can be quite a struggle when deciding how many guests to invite. Do you want everyone in the world that you might know there or would you rather spend it with just close friends and family? From the weddings I’ve shot, my humble opinion is that the 50-100 person range is just about right. It’s not too overwhelming, not too intimate, just the perfect balance. This past weekend I was graced with the delightful Ellingson-Ellis wedding in which fifty lovely guests attended. With such a small group I actually had an opportunity to get to know a few people here and there while shooting their picture rather than being overwhelmed by the need to move from one group of attendants to the next.

Comfortable low seventy degree temperatures comforted guests on a marvelous October afternoon outdoors at the Sawtooth Winery. My day began with the groom, Nolan Ellis and his groomsmen piecing together their “penguin suits”. Nolan had a little bit of flair under his suite. Being a huge Spidey fan, he opted for the Spiderman undershirt.

Larry Ellis, showing his son how it’s done

Mad Hops!

On to the beautiful gals for their getting ready shots.

Tiffany’s dress elegantly laced up in the back.

Nolan anxiously awaited the arrival of his bride to be.

Lucky Shades

Sarah Hart of Story Book Weddings payed amazing attention to detail with beautiful seat covers, tent decorations, aisle lanterns.

Tiffany, her daughter Vanessa and Nolan poured individual vases filled with their own uniquely color sand into one large vase in a lovely unity ritual.

Tiffany’s father, Larry Ellingson gave a welcoming blessing.

We took advantage of the vibrant fall sunset for a few pre-reception couple shots.

Greg Marsh created yet another master piece cake incorporating the same flowers used in the bouquet as well as focusing on the unity sand vase.

Who said you could have a little with the cake cutting.

First Dances

Nolan and his mother Jean put a little twist on their mother-son dance. These two brought the heat to the “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper before inviting guests to join them. It was a fun way to get people siked on the dance floor!

Thanks so much Tiffany & Nolan for giving me the opportunity to capture your wedding day!

More pictures will be made available by clicking here.

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 8^th 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 9^th 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.

We always hope for nice weather on wedding days, but unfortunately Mother Nature doesn’t always co-operate. Such was the case this past Saturday (10/3/09) for Ashley Nichols and Benjamin Rosenbaum’s wedding.

The day started out promising, but even the most positive of intentions couldn’t hold off the rain. The beauty of it was that the weather really didn’t matter that much to the bride and groom. It was their wedding day, and their primary focus was becoming husband and wife. As it should be.

Steve and I arrived at the Woodriver Cellars, in Eagle, ID early afternoon to capture the wedding party during their getting ready process. I found Ashley, and her Maid of Honor, Molly Conein, in the spacious and beautifully appointed Bride’s room. Ashley was in the midst of having her hair done by Christina Hudson.

Soon bridesmaids Kelley Smith, Rachel Nichols, Janel Papadakis, Judy (Ashley’s Mom), and Chris (Ben’s Mom) joined the others and set about putting the finishing touches on their hair and make-up.

Once the girls were ready, they helped Ashley into her dress.

Then they toasted the bride-to-be.

Meanwhile Steve found Ben and his groomsmen, Andy Rosenbaum, Chris Smith, Jason Nichols, Michael Papadakis, Ben’s Father, Dirk, and Doug, (Ashley’s Dad) in the Groom’s room drinking beer and watching football on TV.

The first order of business was to re-position the antique fire truck, (borrowed from the Eagle Fire Department)  that was in the parking lot to a nicer setting. The truck was to be used as a prop for some of the pictures—appropriately so, as both the bride and groom were fire fighters (Ben with the Eagle Fire Department and Ashley with the Boise Fire Department).

Ben and Chris got the old vehicle cranked up and drove it to an area Steve and I had determined would provide a nice backdrop.

Then the guys headed back to the groom’s room to dress.

After getting one another’s boutonnieres pinned on, Steve took them outside for a fun series of shots.

Though there was a chill in the air and a brisk breeze, the weather was holding, and we were able to do the “reveal” outside.

Ashley looked beautiful, and Ben was duly impressed when he turned around and saw his bride.

We were able to get several different shots of the wedding party before the rain started to fall.

Judy really wanted a picture of herself driving the fire truck.

Everyone quickly retreated to the wine tasting room to keep dry.

The rain halted just long enough for us to grab Ashley and Ben for a few couple shots, though our time was pretty limited.

The ladies sequestered themselves back in the Bride’s room as guests began to arrive.With no sign of a break in the weather, the executive decision was made to move the ceremony from the picturesque outside area (now thoroughly soaked) to inside the tent. Though the change of setting was somewhat of a visual disappointment, the ceremony, officiated by Randy Majors, was just as beautiful and touching as ever.

Vows and rings were exchanged,

the two were pronounced husband and wife, and Ben kissed his bride.

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Rosenbaum.

The Boise Fire Department Pipes and Drums, donned in dress kilts, performed the recessional as Ashley and Ben led the wedding party out of the tent. It was a wonderful tribute to the newlyweds, and a great conclusion to the ceremony.

The wedding party and family members, huddled under umbrellas, and made their way to the wine tasting room for portraits.

With my help coordinating the groupings, Steve took pictures of various combinations of the wedding party and the bride and groom’s families.

Once the family portraits were completed, everyone headed back to the tent.  There, formal introductions were made as the parents, the wedding party, and the bride and groom made their grand entrances into the reception.

The bride and groom were invited to the buffet line where Me Time Catering had prepared a lovely array of food.

The crew of Summit Dental, (where Judy Nichols works).

Shortly after all the guests had been through the buffet line, the Bride and Groom cut their cake and respectfully fed a piece to one another.

Ashley’s father, Doug started off the toasts.

Best Man, Andy Rosenbaum, followed. During his speech, Andy thanked the couple for their help and support with his Health Club Business.  He admitted to his surprise and respect of Ashley when she came into the club one day and demonstrated her strength by cranking out 150 pull ups.  Looking at this beautiful, feminine young bride, it is hard to believe underneath it all she is a woman of steel.

Maid of Honor, Molly Conein, informed the guests that Ben is rarely found without a hat on his head.  She surprised him by producing and returning his beloved ratty old red baseball cap that had been missing (inadvertently left in her car) for the past two years.

He was thrilled to get it back.

Daniel of Aardvark Entertainment, (the D.J. at the event), invited Ashley and Ben to take to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

As the song ended, Daniel presented the couple with a plaque commemorating their first dance music.

Then, as is customary, Ashley danced with her Dad, and Ben danced with his Mom.

Two of the couple’s friends performed an over-the-top rendition of “The Time of My Life“, much to their amusement and many of the guests’.

There was plenty of dancing going on throughout the night.

Skip Pierce and Judy Nichols really got down. This  is called the alligator, and from what I now understand, these two are notorious for doing this dance together.

Skip happens to be my dentist. I had never seen him in a social setting before and was quite surprised and amused to see him “come out of his shell”. You go doc!

Judy was not to be outdone, though you would have thought that wearing a skirt might present some limitations.  Let me just say, I won’t be sharing all of the photos of her performance with you.

In addition to dancing, guests had fun hamming it up in the photo booth, provided by David Schneider of photoboothboise.com.  A big box of props was on hand to add to the humor.

Two sets of pictures were printed out. The subjects got to keep one set for themselves, the other was put into to a scrap book for the bride and groom.

Ashley tossed her bouquet, but they opted not to do the garter toss.

Towards the end of the evening cigars were passed out.

To top off the celebration, Ben and Ashley and some of their studly friends showed off their strength by doing push ups and pull ups.

This was definitely a first, and we’ve photographed a lot of weddings!  What a cap off to the evening!

The weather may have been inclement, but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits, joy or fun of this event.

Thanks to Ashley and Ben for choosing us to photograph their wedding.    It was a terrific celebration and we wish them a lifetime of bliss!

To view all the images from this event, click here.

All images copyright 2009 Steve Smith Weddings.

As much as Steve and I love and adore Boise, we can’t help but admit, it is always a pleasure to be hired to photograph a wedding outside our normal stomping grounds. We were thrilled when Eric Gross and Ellen Cope asked us to photograph their wedding in Malibu, California.

The celebration was held at Saddlerock Ranch, a thousand-acre, privately owned estate (part of the Malibu Family Wines) nestled deep in the Santa Monica Mountains.

As we drove into the property, we found it to be a veritable cornucopia of visual delights, with fruit and avocado orchards, acres of vineyards snaking up the hills, and an abundance of pasture-land, all framed by pristine white fencing.

A view of Saddlerock

This working ranch hosts a menagerie of animals ranging from horses, cattle and llamas to more exotic species such as zebra, camels, ostrich, peacocks and parrots.

The natural beauty and secluded rustic charm of this venue provided a beautiful backdrop for Eric and Ellen’s wedding celebration.

As we turned into the driveway, canopied by stately trees, we saw the pristine setting for the ceremony. Bamboo chairs had been set up on an expanse of green lawn facing a huge old graceful willow tree. In front of the willow stood a  log and grapevine altar.

Steve and I made our way to the Cabana, where Ellen and her bridesmaids were getting ready.

We found Ellen in the bathroom where make-up artist, Amber Kerns was busy working her magic on the lovely bride.

As Ellen and her bridesmaids beautified themselves, Steve and I took the opportunity to photograph the bride’s stunning custom-made Caroline Herrara gown and Jimmy Choo shoes (flown in from Italy for the occasion).

The gentlemen, not needing quite as much time to get ready, arrived a bit later.

They also changed in the Cabana, but were directed by the ladies to do so up in the loft.

Numerous attempts were made to get Eric’s tie tied just right.

First Angle Attempt. "I think this will work if I pretend I'm tying the tie on me."

The first try was not successful, so a second attempt was made trying a different angle, much to the groom’s parent’s humor.  The efforts continued on until they finally got it.

Once the gentlemen were dressed, Steve took them outside for a series of fun shots.

As the ladies put on their finishing touches, Eric took advantage of the moment to rehearse his vows.

Shortly thereafter, we did the “reveal”. At our request, Eric turned his back to us as we had Ellen step into place.

When Eric turned around and saw his bride, he was truly blown away. Ellen had never looked more beautiful. His facial expressions in the next two photos are pretty telling.

I think it would be fair to say that this man is smitten by this woman, (with good reason!)

Steve took some beautiful pictures of the couple alone, together, and with their wedding party.

Then we photographed various combinations of family members.

As guests began to arrive, the wedding party sequestered themselves in the Cabana. There, they signed the Ketubah; the Jewish wedding contract.

Once everyone was seated the procession began.  The music was provided by the Ambrosia String Quartet.

Officiants, Rabbi Martin Solomon and Reverend George Rushe

Ellen’s father, Larry escorted her mother, Julie down the aisle.  Eric followed, escorted by his parents Paul & Judy .

Once at the alter, Eric patiently awaited his bride.

The wedding party made their entrance.

The children and Sadie (the bride & groom’s dog) required a little coaxing .

At last, it was Ellen’s turn to walk down the aisle on the arm of her proud father.

At the altar, Larry kissed his daughter, and hugged his soon-to-be son-in-law.

And the ceremony began.

Eric and Ellen recited touching vows that they had written themselves. Each was an incredibly beautiful expression of the love they hold for one another. Eric was so excited to be marrying Ellen, he was almost giddy. Ellen was a bit more reserved, but nonetheless delightfully happy to be entering into this union.

The two of them exchanged rings.

The final blessing was given.

And the two were pronounced husband and wife. Eric kissed his beautiful bride.

Then, in the Jewish tradition, he stomped on a cloth-wrapped glass to seal the deal.

The happy newlyweds led the wedding party back down the aisle.

Immediately following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Singer Piper Alvarez, backed up by a band put together by the legendary  Clarence Johnston (on drums) provided music for everyone’s listening pleasure.

As the sun went down, twinkle lights suspended from the giant sycamore trees gave the area a magical ambiance.

Following dinner, toasts were presented.

Then Eric and Ellen took to the floor for their first dance together as husband and wife.  Their movements started out slow and romantically.

But then they picked up the pace.

Ellen danced with her father

and Eric danced with his mother.

And then the rest of the guests were invited onto the dance floor.

Eric and Ellen cut their cake and delicately fed one another.

Wedding traditions continued with Ellen tossing her bouquet,

Eric tossing the garter,

and the Hora dance, where guests sat the bride and groom in chairs, and then hoisted them into the air as the crowd sang and danced to Hava Nagila.

It was a fabulous celebration from start to finish.  Steve and I were honored and grateful to have been a part of it.  We wish Eric and Ellen a life filled with love, joy and adventure.

To view all the pictures from this wedding, click here:

Or if you’d like to view a slideshow of some of our favorite images from the event, click here:

All photographs copyright Steve Smith Weddings.

Tory Duchek and Eric Aitken picked a stunning September afternoon to tie their knot at the Sawtooth Winery in Nampa, Idaho.  My wife, Jeane Gadd-Smith and I arrived to perfect fall temperatures and a classically beautiful setting.

The day and evening were a swirl of delights, so for a quick look, Check out the Wedding Slide Show!

As Tory and her girls got ready, I took the guys (who arrived dressed) out for some fun….

BSU fans, note Tory’s garter

Once the girls were dressed we moved to the Rose Garden for the Reveal, when Tory and Eric would see one another for the first time in their wedding attire

Then a little fun with the Bridal Party before the Ceremony

Here are a few favorites of our time with Tory and Eric before the Ceremony

The short, sweet Ceremony was truly touching

After the Group Portraits we grabbed a few minutes with Tory and her Bridesmaids for some post-Ceremony juice

Ah, the Reception!  A blur of wonderful sweet moments, classic wedding traditions, and a happy ending for Tory and Eric

Thank you, Tory and Eric, for choosing us to be your wedding photographers!  We wish you an amazing journey together.

All photographs copyright 2009 Steve Smith Weddings.

To view the entire wedding please visit http://pictage.com/725309

Time and time again I am reminded that I quite possibly have one of the greatest jobs in the world. I have the opportunity to photograph people gleaming with joy on perhaps the most momentous day of their lives. When adrenaline is on high and grins stretch from ear to ear it’s hard not to capture a few special glimpses into such a celebrated day. I can safely say that it is an incredibly rewarding “job”.

September 25th was no exception to my past experiences shooting weddings. It was another one of Boise’s 210 average days of beaming sunshine, the iconic Boise Train Depot was the backdrop and I had one of the most gracious groups of people that I have encountered on my photographic adventures.

This lovely Friday I was fortunate enough to photograph Lynn Bryfczyski and Michael Boughton. As soon as I stepped on the property I was  met me with cheerful cordial salutations from the bride, groom and both of their families. I spent the afternoon and evening getting to know this awesome group of people a bit better all while shooting photos. Without a doubt, this was yet another rewarding day at the office. Below you’ll find a selection of photo’s from the days events. I hope you enjoy.

Lynn, her sisters and mom traded laughs and smiles while getting ready in the gals changing room.

Those giggles and pearly whites carried right on through to the outdoor bridesmaid shots.

They weren’t having any fun..

Here’s Michael and his groomsmen out and about around the depot.

Lynn anxiously awaiting her husband to be.

Fairy-tale kiss..

Lynn, here mother and father all grinning from ear to ear as they walked down the aisle.

Lynn’s aunts reciting touching biblical passages.

Which finger does it go on again?

A passage from Ecclesiastes 4:12 4: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Lynn and Mike brought a tangible translation to this reading by braiding their very own cord of three strands.

You may now kiss the bride!

I took Lynn and Mike throughout the exquisite grounds of the the Boise Train Depot for a few signature shots. It was truly evident how madly in love these two are.

Lynn’s sisters and Bridesmaids, Paula and Lisa gave a delightful heart-felt speech that evoked belly laughs and loving tears.

Mike’s younger brother Adam gave praise to his new sister-in-law as well as congratulations to his big bro.

Collectively, Lynn and Mike gave their thanks to friends and family who travelled near and far all to be with them on their special day.

Traditional reception rituals continued on with the cake cutting, first dances and all around good times.

It’s not too often that you’ll see the Polka performed here in Idaho. But then again, today was a special day. Lynn’s side of the family hails from Wisconsin, a state steeped in Polish tradition and boy did they sure know how to lay down a mean Polka. My eyes grew large in fascination along wide a widening smile. It was quite a treat. Pictures don’t do justice. You really have to witness this galloping dance first hand.

This was one of my favorite shots. The DJ invited all of the guests to hop on the back end of the bride and groom as this train wriggled throughout the Depot.

There’s nothing like a little “Sweet Caroline” to get everyones hands waving and voices belting.

I want to thank Lynn, Michael and both of their families for being so kind an generous to me throughout the evening. I felt incredibly welcomed!

More images are available by clicking here. To check out our sweet new slideshow feature click here.

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Jeane and I love to shoot weddings at the Idaho Botanical Garden, so we were excited when our online hosting partner, Pictage.com, offered a new slide show tool to showcase their September 5th wedding .

Check out the Wedding Slide Show!

The wedding day began with the girls getting ready inside a spacious party tent outside the English Garden.

The guys enjoyed a spacious conference room in the main IBG building for their changing spot.

The guys often get ready in time to allow us some shooting before the girls have finished.  Here are a few of my favorites from the Groomsmen session:

The Old Idaho Penitentiary is a classic clean backdrop

Chad leaps into the future

The girls are now winding up their preparations for their Bridesmaids series:

And then a last touch up for Ashley before….

The Ceremony begins!

Ashley’s joy was infectious

Mr. and Mrs. Chad Wetzel!!!!!

After the ceremony and family shots we were fortunate to have some time to photograph Ashley and Chad around the Garden

and reflected in the giant Hummer limo from Ultimate Limo

which whisked them to the reception at the Boise Basque Center

After their entrance the bridal party went outside for a few shots…

One of the reasons the reception was held at the Boise Basque Center is that all of Dina Pisani’s brothers are talented chefs and wished to prepare the wedding feast themselves.  The Basque Center was a perfect venue for the beautiful family effort.

Ashley and Chad’s First Dance opened the reception festivities…

Ashley’s dad, Steve Pisani, began the toasts…

followed with the Father-Daughter dance,

Groom and Mother dance,

and toasts from the Bridal Party…

a gracious wedding cake sharing,

and one of the many sweet moments of the wedding–the girls dancing in place with Ashley’s grandfather during a favorite song.

Soon thereafter, Chad skillfully removed Ashley’s garter

and celebrated the moment with the young, future groom

Next, it was Ashley’s turn for wedding tradition–the Tossing of the Bouquet

Then, more dancing into the night.

Bravo! Ashley and Chad!!  Thank you for choosing us as your photographers!

We wish you the absolute best in life; may your dancing together continue forever.

Ashley and Chad’s entire wedding can be viewed here: http://pictage.com/695843

All Photographs copyright (2009) Steve Smith Weddings

]]> http://stevesmithweddings.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/ashley-pisani-and-chad-wetzel-wedding/feed/ 0 dstevensmith 0002_MG_5315-copy-copy 0009_MG_5362-copy-copy 0018_MG_5392-copy-copy 0019_MG_5397-copy-copy 0023_MG_5416-copy-copy 0006_N4Y8108-copy-copy 0007_N4Y8136-copy-copy 0013_N4Y8192-copy-copy 0014_N4Y8194-copy-copy 0017_N4Y8227-copy-copy 0025_MG_5428-copy-copy 0026_MG_5434-copy-copy 0027_N4Y8319-copy-copy 0029_N4Y8335-copy-copy 0030_N4Y8353-copy-copy 0031_N4Y8362-copy-copy 0033_MG_5494-copy-copy 0034_N4Y8484-copy-copy 0035_N4Y8499-copy-copy 0037_N4Y8514-copy-copy 0040_N4Y8541-copy-copy 0042_N4Y8566-copy-copy 0043_N4Y8572-copy-copy 0045_N4Y8720-copy-copy 0046_N4Y8732-copy-copy 0048_N4Y8758-copy-copy 0052_N4Y8782-copy-copy 0058_N4Y8855-copy-copy 0060_MG_5591-copy-copy 0061_N4Y8925-copy-copy 0062_N4Y8958-copy-copy 0063_N4Y8976-copy-copy 0069_MG_5650-copy-copy 0073_N4Y9140-copy-copy 0076_N4Y9208-copy-copy 0077_N4Y9243-copy-copy 0079_N4Y9298-copy-copy 0080_MG_5842-copy-copy 0083_N4Y9351-copy-copy 0086_MG_5904-copy-copy 0089_MG_5965-copy-copy 0091_N4Y9491-copy-copy 0093_N4Y9493-copy-copy 0094_N4Y9497-copy-copy 0096_N4Y9546-copy-copy 0100_N4Y9592-copy-copy http://stevesmithweddings.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/sun-valley-wedding-zest-rebecca-fundy-and-chris-letson-marry-on-august-8-2009/ http://stevesmithweddings.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/sun-valley-wedding-zest-rebecca-fundy-and-chris-letson-marry-on-august-8-2009/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:44:03 +0000 dstevensmith http://stevesmithweddings.wordpress.com/?p=3267 ]]>

Jeanie and I love to shoot weddings in Sun Valley.  The weather is always beautiful, no matter it’s form. On August 8th we arrived in Greenhorn Gulch as a torrential downpour gave way to sparkling sunshine and the scent of summer rain on the sage.

Arriving guests’ first clue to the spirit and joy of this celebration was the lipstick-painted sign announcing the wedding—in the keynote color theme—Hot Pink.

As I shot outside, Jeane photographed Rebecca putting the final touches on her dressing preparations.

As Jeanie worked inside with the girls, I shot Chris and the guys– Best Man Zack Cloud, Groomsmen Mark Phillips, Robert Fundy, Chris Ward, and Mike Grabow, and Ring-Bearer Tony Venneri–arriving in Engine 60, courtesy of the Sun Valley Fire Department, Chris’s employer.

Stylin’ from head to toe

When couples are willing to see one another before the ceremony we create a special “Reveal” moment when the bride is revealed to the groom in her wedding gown for the first time.  Joyful tears often result.

After the Reveal we really enjoyed a few minutes photographing just Rebecca and Chris near the wedding site.

The Ceremony was sited at water’s edge below the main house.   Officiant Sandy Bazorksky’s  thought-provoking questioning about actions and intentions in a marriage was insightful for all.

After the ceremony (and before the next rain shower) we did the group shots.

Then the Reception, with toasts as effervescent as the champage!

Then the party got started…

Relief from high heels!

The cake and its aftermath…

full smush,

Thank you, Rebecca and Chris,  for allowing us to share your zest!

All photographs copyright Steve Smith Weddings.

To view the entire wedding please click here.

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