Destination weddings are by far my favorite nuptial events to photograph. They provide limitless opportunities ranging from a weekend away from the usual routine to really getting to know people who may be new acquaintances or even long time friends. The weekend of July 24 – 26th was one such destination wedding that I will not soon forget. My friends Kallie Wren and Curtis Crandal chose the banks of the Salmon River in Lucile, Idaho (three hours north of Boise) as their espousal setting. Lucile sits nestled deep in a canyon near Riggins where the confluence of the Salmon River and the Little Salmon River lies. This quaint location is a hotspot for fishing, hunting and my personal favorite, white water rafting. I was super stoked that Kallie and Curtis were able to bring together such a great group of people in a gorgeous little spot for their special day.
I arrived mid day on Friday with just enough time to scout out the locations before sneaking in a quick raft trip down the Salmon. One hundred degree temperatures made the cool river waters incredibly inviting. The eight mile stretch is a rather mellow run similar to the Main Payette offering up a few decent rapids that are sure to kick up some water. Three hours of relaxation was just what the doctor had ordered. We arrived back at the Riggins Motel to find the brunt of the younger crowd freshening up and preparing for a night out on the town.
Our evening had us checking out the local fare at Seven Devil’s Steak House and enjoying some live music down at the Rodeo Club. It was a rockin good time.
Another bright sunny day slowly began to warm the valley as guests arose to the sound of coffee makers dripping. Round two of rafting awaited everyone who was adventurous enough and had time to spare before the ceremony. I opted to stay and prepare for the days events back at the hotel. I was able to make time for a quick trip to one the Salmon’s countless sandy beaches for a nice swim. The refreshing waters kicked me right into high gear before the afternoons events.
By 3:00pm I was dressed and ready for action. I began at the Motel where a few of the bridesmaids and the majority of the groomsmen were preparing. From there we hopped on the shuttle bus bound for Lucile. We arrived to family and wedding parties bustling around as they finished getting ready.
“Fresh, dressed like 50 cents” – I grabbed the boys for a few quick shots while the girls fine tuned their last little adjustments.
The long awaited reveal of Kallie came as no surprise. Her jaw-dropping good looks stopped Curtis in his tracks as he watched the bride-to-be descend elegantly down the stairs.
It was clearly evident that these two were madly in love. The two sat there embracing one another for quite some time. I had to coax Curtis into letting me take Kallie away for a few pictures of her with her bridesmaids.
Now that Curtis had waited patiently it was their turn for some shots together.
Glistening with sweat from the blazing summer sun, Kallie found the nearest fan for a pre wedding cool down.
The tranquil sound of rushing water echoed in the background as the ceremony began. Curtis sat anxiously with his back to the Salmon River as he waited for his bride to accompany him. Glimmering rays of sunlight fell across Kallie’s face as her father Rob escorted her down the aisle. Kallie was graciously handed over to an eager Curtis by Rob and the wedding ceremony was all but ready to commence. But wait, there was a surprise guest entrance. Since Curtis couldn’t bring their dogs to the ceremony, Kallie took the liberty of blowing up two photos of their pups and had them marched down the aisle to accompany them. Now the ceremony was officially ready to begin. Papa Dick spoke touching words of wisdom to Kallie & Curtis before they went on to exchange their own handwritten vows. Each was creative and heartwarming but Kallie one upped Curtis with a bit of an inside story at their ongoing competitive nature. She passed along a $20 bill that had been bet back and forth since high school. Smiles spread across the audience as Curtis reluctantly took the $20 back. Before exchanging rings they were treated to a heartwarming song played by Kallie’s cousin and uncle. It just so happened that Kallie’s cousin was the Grammy nominated pop singer-lyricist, Stacie Orrico. Her soothing yet powerful voice brought tears to several of the attendees. Still wiping tears from her eyes, Kallie extended her hand to receive her beautiful ring. Kallie presented Curtis with his after a bit of nervous fumbling. To close, those long awaited words, “you may now kiss the bride” came from Papa Dick’s mouth. Curtis wasted no time with a classy kiss before being presented as Mr. and Mrs. “Randal” (ask Curtis about the inside joke).
A short while after the ceremony had concluded, guests were invited to the reception just down the road. The location was “Bob’s House”, a family friend of the Wrens with a beautiful spread over looking the river complete with an expansive lawn and stone laid dance floor. A delicious feast consisting of pasta salad, veggies, red potatoes, grilled chicken and even a whole roasted pig brought water to the guests mouths as they sat anxiously in line. Everyone was given ample time to enjoy the succulent meal before asked to grab drinks in preparation for the toasts. Curtis’s best man and uncle, Tyson, was first up to bat. He managed to stay calm and collected with every word he spoke. Next came Kallie’s sisters Megan and Addie. Each gave praise to Curtis and affectionate remarks to Kallie.
All cheery from the toasts, the couple made their way to the dance floor where Curtis enclasped Kallie for their first dance.
Kallie’s father Rob took over from there for the father-daughter dance.
Things moved right along. Cake cutting followed the dances. Being the gentleman that Curtis is, he let Kallie have it. Fortunately, Kallie’s kind heart took it like a champ and attempted to get Curtis back.
Not soon forgetting his mother, Curtis headed back to the dance floor for his mother-son dance.
Friends and family were invited to the dance floor to join in on the action. A group collaboration of “Shout!” made for a fun shot.
A reception isn’t complete without the bouquet and garter toss. Curtis gave Kallie a little show before heading commencing the search for that frilly band hidden on Kallie’s leg. Once the garter had been tossed, DJ One One asked the garter-catcher to place the garter on the bouquet-catcher’s leg. Here’s the catch, they switched the female bouquet-receiver for one of the groomsmen. Let’s just say the guy was a little confused..
After a lengthy duration of dancing, Kallie and Curtis said their goodbyes and departed on a raft strapped to a trailer. This bad boy was fully decked out with decorations. It was a rather fitting way to end such a great day.
I’m so thankful to have been a part of the whole experience. I met some great people and genuinely had a fantastic time! More photos will be made available by clicking here. All images are copyright of Steve Smith Weddings.
Here’s a couple other fun random shots from the reception.
Posted by Ray J. 
Steve Smith Weddings Blog - Boise, Sun Valley, McCall - Idaho 