The wedding celebration of Julianna Roeloffs and Jordan Jarvis was a beautiful and generous tribute to a handsome young couple being joined together in marriage. It was nothing short of spectacular. Every detail was carefully thought out, meticulously executed, and thoroughly enjoyed by the 700+ guests in attendance.
Steve (Smith) and I (Jeane Gadd-Smith) were grateful and honored to have been chosen to photograph this extraordinary event.
The day began at 7:30 Saturday morning, June 20th, 2009, as the bridal party and select family and friends began gathering in a suite at the Grove Hotel for hair and make-up.
Make-up artist Frances Alves worked her magic,
while three hair stylists created beautiful up-dos for each of the ladies.
Everyone looked terrific.
At 11:30 the gentlemen arrived at a different suite at the hotel, and began dressing.
Meanwhile, the ladies loaded onto the lavish Boise Party Bus and were transported to the First Presbyterian Church.
Once at the church, the bridesmaids all got into their dressess and then helped Julianna into her exquisite gown.
Next came the bride’s jewelry,
and her colorful shoes.
While I was with the ladies photographing them as they were getting ready, Steve took the gentlemen outside of the hotel for a few pictures before they loaded onto the Boise Party Bus.
The “reveal” took place in the church sanctuary.
Jordan was quite “wowed” by his beautiful bride.
Steve and I took photographs of the bride and groom and various combinations of the wedding party, and family members prior to the ceremony.
The wedding party sequestered themselves as guests began to arrive.
The church was overflowing with people.
Just prior to the procession, the grandparents and parents were seated, as Kellen Bennet sang “I Will Be Here”, followed by Carol Visser on piano and Jennifer Fife on violin performing “The Ludlows”.
Julianna’s mother, Coralee, and Jordan’s mother, Tracey, made their way to the Unity Table to light the candles as Marsha Anderson sang “You Raise Me Up“.
The processional started with the entrance of Jordan and his Groomsmen.
Once the gentlemen had taken their places at the altar, the bridal party made their way down the aisle followed by the flower girls and ring bearer.
At last Julianna, escorted by her father, Arie, made their entrance.
The bride was breathtaking. Jordan beamed as Julianna approached.
Julianna’s father kissed his daughter before presenting her to Jordan.
The service began with the Greeting and Opening Prayer, followed by the Parental Blessing and the Meaning of Marriage. John Donaldson offered the scripture reading, then Jordan Diepersloot and Jessica De Jager sang “How Beautiful”.
The minister led the couple through their Declaration of Intent, Wedding Vows and the Exchange of Rings.
Julianna and Jordan then lit the unity candle while Marsha Anderson sang “Through your Eyes”.
After the Meditation, and Prayer of Blessing, the happy couple were pronounced husband and wife, kissed, and led the recessional of the wedding party out of the sanctuary.
After signing the marriage license, the bride, groom and their wedding party exited the church, loaded onto the Boise Party Bus and were transported to the Boise Centre on the Grove for the reception.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were served to guests in The Meadows (lobby).
The buffet table had been decorated to look like an outdoor French Market.
The bride and groom mingled among their guests, enjoying their well wishes and hugs along the way.
At 6:30 the ballroom doors opened, and guests were ushered in for dinner.
Sarah Hart of Storybook Weddings, did an amazing job creating the lavishly decorated interior. Richly colored spot lights splayed up the walls of the room provided a warm atmosphere.
Elegantly draped tables were festooned with candles and beautiful flower arrangements (provided by Aphrodite’s Garden). It was a spectacular scene.
Once guests found their seats, Master of Ceremonies, Laurie DeHaan introduced each member of the adult wedding party and they made their entrance into the ballroom.
The wedding party took their places at the head table.
In honor of the family dairy business, milk shots were delivered to each of the guests.
Maids of Honor, Sarah and Kristin Roeloffs and Best Men, James and Jonathon Jarvis presented heartfelt and humorous toasts in honor of the newlyweds.
Following dinner, a photo montage of Julianna and Jordan’s lives was presented. Some of the most touching images were those of Jordan proposing to Julianna on the Eiffel Tower.
In honor of that significant time and place, Eiffel Tower sculptures were incorporated into the decor of the room.
Much to the delight of many, there was a candy buffet set up for the children, (and anyone else with a sweet tooth).
The M.C. invited the bride and groom to cut their uniquely decorated cake, which had been designed and created especially for them by Greg Marsh of Greg Marsh Designer Cakes.
The newlyweds were then summoned to the floor to have their first dance together as husband and wife.
Next, Julianna danced with her father, Arie, and Jordan danced with his mother, Tracey.
Then all the guests were invited to the dance floor, and few people hesitated.
The classic rock music was provided by the band Rockola, from San Diego, California. I think I can safely say it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The band invited various members of the audience on stage at times to join them in their performance.
As the evening progressed, the M.C. halted the dancing just long enough for the bride to throw her bouquet and the groom to toss the garter. There was no shortage of hopeful and competitive participants.
At one point, the band requested everyone grab a chair and bring it out to the dance floor, audience style.
The four band members took their seats on stools in front of the crowd, and in this very intimate setting, performed a very impressive set of songs sung a cappella.
Then the dancing and festivities continued on into the night.
From start to finish, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.
Steve and I were so pleased to have been a part of this extraordinary celebration. It was a wonderful, warm, beautiful, & touching experience. We wish Julianna and Jordan all the best as they embark on their new journey together as husband and wife.
To view all the images from this wedding, click here.
All photographs copyright Steve Smith Weddings.