Crystal Weber & Will Jensen Wedding – Ste. Chapelle Winery

Outdoor summer weddings in Idaho can be truly unpredictable. So far this summer I’ve seen everything from chilly 60* rainy evenings to near perfect 80* sunny days. As June slowly faded to July, the weather turned from cool and dubious to downright scorching. This past weekend was first wedding of the summer that I was not entirely excited to be shooting in blazing 100* heat. But you know what, there’s something special about my job that allows me to forget about the weather and be immersed in the moment. It’s a profoundly beautiful thing to witness people on their wedding day when they are madly in love.

For Crystal Weber & Will Jensen, July 18th was their big day to show a group of close friends and family their devotion to one another. And although this day was to boast temperatures well above 100*, they weren’t going to let the heat get to them. The couple chose Ste. Chapelle as their destination wedding location on. This quaint winery located in the Snake River Valley hosts a delightful experience just outside of the Boise area. With its close proximity to the Snake River and large shade trees, this venue offered up cooler temperatures for visiting guests to enjoy.

I grabbed Crystal and Will prior to the wedding for a few solo shots before the evenings events were to ensue.

A lovely heartfelt ceremony began close to 6:00pm. Lovely vows were given by the officiant before Will & Crystal exchanged wings. A touching surprise had Will inviting Kirsten up to the stage where he presented a necklace to her, thanking her for welcoming in to him into their family. A final kiss marked the end of the ceremony. Crystal and Will beamed with joy as they sauntered down the aisle as Mr. & Mrs. Jensen.

After the ceremony was all said and done I grabbed Crystal and Will for some couples shots amidst the beautiful grounds surrounding Ste. Chapelle.

The reception kicked off without a hitch. Guests were invited to grab some food catered by Table Rock before toasts were given. Following came the first dance. It was profoundly evident how in love Crystal and Will held for one another as they tightly embraced one another throughout their dance. Cake cutting followed and tasty jams by Polyphonic Pomegranate really got the party started. Guest were caught by surprise as Will grabbed a vibrant red guitar and put down some mean tunes with the rest of the band. I was quite impressed! As the hours slowly faded, so too did the sun. The suns glowing red orb reappeared from behind the clouds to grace everyone with a gorgeous sunset.

(How many bridesmaids does it take to fix a bustle…)

This was yet another gratifying wedding to be a part of. Thanks Crystal & Will!

More images will be made available by clicking here. All photos are copyright of Steve Smith Weddings.

Kelsey Cordingley & Jon Atkins Wedding – The Secret Place

One of the greatest elements of shooting weddings is having the opportunity to witness two people madly in love. This past weekend I was fortunate to photograph two people who embodied every component that an idyllic  couple should possess. It was safe to say that Kelsey Cordingly and Jon Atkins were head over heals for one another and truly committed to spending the rest of their lives with one another. 

The Secret Place in Nampa, Idaho was the destination of choice for the wedding ceremony and reception. This quaint location offers expansive grounds landscaped with several water features, ample shade trees, separate changing room and a lovely centralized gazebo. Beautiful decorations and settings staged by Kristin Lowman of Bliss Events only accentuated the picturesque location. Throw in some soft light provided by encroaching clouds in the sky and all together I was one happy photographer.

The ceremony was eloquently administered by pastor Tom Velasco of Calvary Chapel. He interjected humor amidst powerful words of wisdom. Jon and Kelsey looked intently into one another’s eyes throughout the ceremony, just one of the unspoken displays of love and affection for one another. Rings and vows were exchanged before the sacred first kiss pronounced the two as Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. 

 

Soon after the ceremony I grabbed the immediate wedding parties for a few shots before sneaking off with just the bride and groom for several newlywed photos.

The reception took off immediately following the pictures. A quick prayer was given by one of Jon’s friends before guests were invited to dig in to a delicious buffet provided by Big Sky Catering. As guests finished their meals, touching toasts were given by the best man, Ryan “Chopps” Bradshaw, maid of honor, Michelle Atkins, Jon’s father, Dave Atkins and Kelsey’s father, Warren Cordingly.

It was only fitting that a delicious cake provided by Greg Marsh be cut to satisfy everyone’s appetites.

Dancing ensued beginning with the first dance and carried on with the father-daughter dance. Kelsey and her father Warren busted out some sweet moves in the middle of their slow song. This hyped everyone up for an evening of epic moves. 

Briefly interrupting the cavort moves came the bouquet and garter toss. 

 

The air of the last dance was filled with bubbles blown by guests creating a very etherial ambiance. The final send off had attendees lining the aisle wishing the newlyweds the best!

Thank you so much Jon and Kelsey. You, your friends and family were all truly kind, genuine people. It was an honor shooting your wedding! More pictures will be available by clicking here. Al images copyright Steve Smith Weddings.

Marianna Jimenez & Matt Edwards Wedding – The Botanical Gardens

I have grown to love the opportunity to shoot friends weddings over the past few years. The potential for awkward photographic moments with a complete stranger are all but wiped away. There is also an expanded possibility of shooting outside the box that comes in to play. This past weekend I was fortunate enough to work with a guy who took me on to his indoor soccer squad about a year ago. 

With the smell of fireworks still lingering from the night before, Matt Edwards and Marianna Jimenez tied the knot at the lovely Idaho Botanical Gardens. The ceremony was held in the delightful Meditation Garden where shade trees gave relief from the intense summer sun and the flowing waterfalls soothed the soul. It was a splendid ceremony with words of wisdom from the pastor and touching vows given by both Matt & Marianna. Final words were spoken and before you knew it, Matt and Marianna sealed the deal with a kiss. 

  

Following the ceremony was a laid back reception just a mere short stroll down to the main courtyard. Delicious eats were provided by Casa Mexico while contemporary tunes were mixed by one of Matt’s good friends. Amidst the dinner, Matt’s brother and Marianna’s two sisters gave speeches that brought back fond memories of their pasts and welcomed each party into their respective family. 

 

The first dance, father-daughter dance and the mother-son dance marked the transition period to the dance floor. Epic dance moves ensued as the guests were now invited to  transition from the dinner tables to the dance floor. A tribute to Michael Jackson’s recent passing brought out the best in all that participated. It was quite a treat to watch the seemingly unsuspecting come alive with enthusiasm and fervor when Billie Jean came over the P.A. Guests feet only stopped moving to take in the cake cutting before getting back to the rhythmic moves. All in all it was truly another great wedding to be a part of. Thanks Matt and Marianna for choosing me to document your special day!

All images copyright Steve Smith Weddings