Sheila Peterson and Brandon Fairbrother Wedding

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.

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.