Cathie Doudy and Bill Jonakin Tie The Knot!

Cathie Doudy and Bill Jonakin had a beautiful spring day for their wedding, Saturday, March 27, 2010. The jubilant bride arrived at the Cathedral of the Rockies promptly at 3:00 PM, with THE dress in hand (she had purchased about 8 different dresses and hadn’t decided which one to wear until the last minute).

The Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, Idaho

She made her way to the dressing room to change and apply a little lipstick.

Bill arrived shortly thereafter, and once the two were ready, Steve and I took the couple outside for a few pictures prior to the ceremony.

Cathie’s beautiful flowers were provided by Carpenter’s, The Florist at Edward’s Greenhouse.

While we were out taking pictures, Cathie found a feather. To Bill and Cathie it was a very significant and special sign.

The ceremony took place in the intimate Cana Chapel.

Cathie’s son, Christopher played the piano as guests were ushered in by Cathie’s other two sons, Graham, and Patrick.

Christopher Doudy

Bill waited patiently in the hallway with the officiant, Sandy McFadden.

Bill and Officiant, Sandy McFadden await the service to begin.

Once everyone was seated, Cathie’s sister and Maid of Honor, Ginny Broilier, was escorted down the aisle by Bill’s son, James.

James Jonakin escorts Maid of Honor, Ginny Broilier.

Next, the officiant, Bill and James took their places.

Bill and his son James watching for Cathy to make her appearance.

Cathie was escorted by her brother, Steve Harder.

Cathie is escorted down the aisle by her brother, Steve Harder

In my experience, it’s usually it’s the women who tear up the most at weddings, but Bill got the prize for being the most emotional at this one. He frequently pulled out his red handkerchief to dab his eyes. It was pretty touching.

The ceremony was beautiful and one of the most personal I have ever witnessed.

Sandy McFadden performs the ceremony.

The adoring couple took their vows, exchanged rings, and  lit their unity candle.

Cathie and Bill exchanging vows.

The bride and groom exchanging rings.

The lighting of the unity candle.

The final blessing was given and the ceremony concluded as the two were pronounced husband & wife to the applause of the audience.

Officiant, Sandy McFadden, giving the final blessing.

The happy couple is pronounced husband and wife.

Happy family and friends congratulated the newlyweds in the foyer.

Bill's daughter, Kate, and granddaughter, Grace Holgate.

Cathie's Mom, Pat Harder.

Cathie's brother Steve Harder and his wife, Lisa

Cathie with her siblings, Steve, Ginny & John.

Bill and Cathie with her son, Patrick.

We gathered the officiant and family members and took them into the chapel for portraits.

Cathie and Bill with the officiant, Sandy McFadden.

Bill with his children, Kate Holgate and James Jonakin.

From Left to right: Christopher & Patrick Doudy, Ginny Broilier, Pat Harder, Cathie, Bill, Graham Doudy, Steve and John Harder.

From left to right: James & Lynn Jonakin, Kelly, Joe Jonakin, Cathie, Bill, Kate, Grace, Blake & James Holgate.

Shortly thereafter, everyone headed to the reception at Berryhill & Co. We grabbed a few shots of Cathie and Bill making their way there.

Once at the restaurant, Cathie requested one more additional important group shot: her YaYa friends.

And then on to the reception:

The first item of business, was for Cathie to change out of her uncomfortable shoes.

Ah! Flip flops are so much more comfortable!

Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, wine and good conversation.

This would be the table of texting teens.

The dinner menu offered three delicious options.

Once everyone had finished their meals, the toasting began and went on for awhile. (A total of 10 toasts were presented). Bill’s son, James started things off with an incredibly touching tribute. He had written it on a paper towel, which came in handy when he needed to dab his eyes.

James Jonakin dabs his eyes during his toast to his Dad and Cathie.

The additional 9 who raised a glass to Bill and Cathie:

Judging from all the happy faces, I think it’s safe to say that everyone had a good time.

Even the photographers had a great time!

Evidently this group of gentlemen (with the exception of Harry Trumanjan, far right) have a history of getting their picture taken together dropping trou. This occasion was no exception. Seriously! We’ve opted not to include that particular photo in this blog.

Cathie and Bill needed a little help to get everyone’s attention when it was time to cut the cake. Lisa’s whistle solved the problem.

Their whimsical cake was created by the one and only, Greg Marsh of Greg Marsh Designer Cakes. Included in the design, were the letters e + B,, which intrigued those of us who weren’t already privy to their meaning. The story is as follows:  One of Bill and Cathie’s first dates was to “The Festival of Trees” Gala.  Cathie had no formal attire and had to go shopping for an appropriate gown. She told Bill she felt like Vivian in “Pretty Woman”. From then on, Bill started referring to himself as Edward (who was the main character in the movie portrayed by Richard Gere), which he shortened to “e” (always in lower case).  The B came from Bill watching Cathie buzz around her kitchen and he started referring to her as “Brownie”, which she erroneously thought meant elf. Bill’s reference was to that of a very small quick moving enzyme that can only be seen under a microscope.  The Brownie became shortened to “B” and is always capitalized.

The couple had a clean feed. Cathie not only fed Bill a piece, but several of the guests as well.

Christopher played piano awhile during the reception, to the crowd’s enjoyment.

Here’s a photo of Cathie’s whole fam damily.

And one of her with her boys.

Here’s James and his girlfriend, Kelly.

Kissing in the curtains.

The evening wouldn’t have been complete without a select few taking turns to perform the renown “Alligator”.

Here, Bill is getting geared up.

You go guy!

Like father, like son.

A few final hugs

And congratulatory clinks

And it was time to call it a night. The happy couple made their way to the car.

It was a wonderful celebration from start to finish. Steve and I felt so blessed to have had the opportunity to photograph the service and festivities, but even more so to have made two new friends in the process. We wish Cathie and Bill all the best in their new life together.

To view all the photos from this wedding click on this link

All photos copyright Steve Smith Photography, 2010.

The Wedding Celebration of Liz Lunstrum and Glenn Summa

Liz Lunstrum and Glenn Summa tied the knot with fun, flair and style on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at the Boise Depot. Though the weather outside was a bit dismal, it was obvious early on that neither the bride, nor the groom, nor any of those in attendance were going to allow that to dampen their spirits. Talk about a bunch of happy people!

Steve and I arrived at the depot at about 2:00 to find a multitude of people busy setting up for the celebration. Teena Steele’s Significant Moments provided the lovely decor.

Our first task was to re-arrange the bride’s room in an attempt to keep one corner “clean” for photos of the getting-ready process. Liz’s bridesmaids and flower girls arrived and soon thereafter, the bride, made her appearance.

While the ladies began dressing, Glenn, his groomsmen and ring bearers arrived at the Depot pretty much dressed and ready to go in black tuxedos, white shirts, and baby pink vests and ties.

After a few final touch-ups, Glenn ushered the guys outside for a special presentation. He handed a long narrow box to each of Liz’s sons, Matt and Ben.

After recently having had back surgery, Ben opened his gift from the comfort of his wheelchair.

Inside the boxes, each of them discovered a personally engraved .22 caliber Henry Goldenboy rifle.

Once everyone had a chance to admire the  gifts, groomsmen Greg Harms and Mike Overcast pulled out the personally engraved .45 caliber Beretta pistols Glenn had given them earlier, and the manly hamming began.

What can I say? Boys will be boys.

Okay guys, hold on there. This is a wedding, not an execution!

The gentlemen retreated to the men’s room to partake in more manly activities.

This would be a picture of the men enjoying a Baha Fog; corona beer, tequila and lime.

While the guys were being manly, the ladies readied themselves.

Amidst the flurry of activity, Liz’s niece and Maid of Honor, Amy Morris, discreetly presented her beloved Aunt with a special bracelet. Liz was obviously quite touched.

With a little assistance, Liz got into her dress.

Her dear friend and wedding coordinator, Treva Jurs, better known as T.J., laced up her dress.

Liz put on her garter, and with Amy’s help, her shoes.

The flowers arrived. Liz was positively thrilled with her bouquet. It was just exactly what she had hoped for.

Once everyone was dressed, I took a few pictures of the lovely group. All the ladies had been to Avante Salon, in Meridian (where Liz is a nail technician) to have their hair and make-up done. Kudos to hair stylists, Becky Robling and T.J. Jurs, and make up artist, Delila Gutierrez, for making all the women look absolutely fabulous.

The picture above is missing Liz’s granddaughter, Taylor, who, at that moment, could not be coaxed into coming out from her brooding place underneath the table.

Liz happened to peer out the window just at the right time and spied the guys outside “hamming” with their guns.

At the videographer’s request, (Jim Seany of Foreverlasting Productions),  she got into the act too, and mimicked firing a gun and blowing the smoke off the barrel.

Amy helped Liz with her jewelry and T.J. helped her with her veil.

The bride was ready and maybe just a tad bit excited!

As evidenced by the steam on the windows, the bridal room got pretty warm with the 8-12 people that were in there at any given time. An icy bottle to cool the skin and a little sip to take the edge off was just what the doctor ordered.  Ahhh!

At the appointed time, we sequestered Glenn behind a side door adjacent to the canopied altar where the “reveal” was going to happen. Liz took her place. Glenn was brought out and turned so his back was to Liz.

When everyone was ready, Glenn slowly turned around to see his bride. His expression spoke volumes.

A lot of admiring looks, hugs and kisses between the two of them followed.

We gathered the entire wedding party and Steve photographed the group inside, and then outside.

The ladies donned their Ugg boots, and shawls before heading out in the cold.

The inclement  weather and unexpected early arrival of some of the guests forced the group inside sooner than anticipated. Liz and her attendants made their way back to the bridal room.

The day had been a dreary one, but as the sun began to set, it dropped down under the cloud banks. For a brief moment, bright beams of light streamed across the valley igniting the Boise skyline and foothills. It was a spectacular scene and a fitting omen for this man and woman about to be joined in marriage.

The ceremony wasn’t quite like anything I’d ever witnessed before. In my opinion, it was a reflection of the bride and groom; whimsical and fun. The groom appeared at the top of the stairway overlooking the crowd.

Glenn made his was down the stairs where he was greeted and congratulated by various members of the wedding party. He walked over to the table where his Mom was sitting, presented her with a bouquet of flowers and gave her a big hug.

Then he led the wedding party back up the stairs, in preparation for the ceremony to begin.

Glenn was first to walk down the aisle and take his place at the altar next to his dear friend and officiant, George Slaughter.

Maid of Honor, Amy Morris, and Best Man Greg Harms were next. This is when the real fun began. These two did not walk down the aisle, they danced down the aisle, as did the rest of the adult wedding party. It was pretty fun to watch.

Mike Overcast and Shar LeNoue       Carmen, Matt and Mandy Lunstrum

Flower girls, Alexa and Taylor Lunstrum were escorted by ring bearers, Andrew and Braden Lunstrum.

At last, Liz made her appearance.

Liz’s sons, Matt and Ben, escorted their mother down the aisle. This was an especially amazing and emotional moment. Liz’s oldest son,Ben, had suffered a serious injury resulting in his inability to walk. He had been confined to a wheelchair for the past several months and had been living at the Elks rehab hospital trying to learn how to walk again. His burning desire to escort his mother down the aisle was the incentive he needed to do it. That evening was the first time his family, including Liz, witnessed him walking. She was thrilled.  What a gift!

Both sons kissed their Mom before sending her off to join her husband-to-be.

Liz and Glenn two took their vows, exchanged rings, and were pronounced husband and wife.

To the applause of the crowd, the two sealed the deal with a kiss.

Immediately after the ceremony, the bride and groom were the first invited to visit the buffet table, followed by their guests. The delicious looking spread was provided by Two Brothers catering.

Meanwhile, Steve and I took the opportunity to photograph many of those in attendance.

Glenn’s parents, Shirley & Paul Summa

D. J. Dave, (of D. J. Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey Entertainment) summoned the couple to the cake table to share some words of marital wisdom provided by some of the guests. Then Liz’s Maid of Honor, Amy Morris, took the microphone and made the first toast.

Next, Glenn’s best man, dear friend, and Chugach powder guide, Greg Harms toasted the happy couple.

The final toast was given by, Jeremy Nobis, co-owner of the Tordrillo Mountain Lodge in Alaska, and a Chugach powder guide.

Liz and Glenn cut their whimsical cake created by Greg Marsh of Greg Marsh Designer Cakes.  The four tiered cake was a tribute to Glenn’s profession as a heli-ski pilot with Chugash Powder Guides in Alaska, (who recently partnered with Sun Valley Heli Ski guides to create EpiQuest).  It featured a helicopter, floating snow flakes, and powder guide figurines.

First Glenn fed Liz a piece.

Then Liz fed Glenn. In the event that Liz had any ideas of smooshing the cake into his face, Glenn was ready to retaliate with a plate of cake in hand.

Thankfully, there was no mess.

Liz and Glenn opted to not go for the traditional bouquet and garter toss. Instead, Liz took the microphone and made a tribute to Shirley Summa, Glenn’s mother. She explained to  the crowd that Shirley was more of a mother to her than a mother-in-law. After living 20 years without her own mother, Liz was so very grateful for the love and acceptance that Shirley had shown her.

As a token of her appreciation, Liz presented Shirley with her bouquet. Shirley was quite touched.

Then Glenn removed Liz’s garter.

Instead of tossing it into a crowd of single men as is commonly done, he strode over and handed it to his Best Man, Greg Harms as a token of his appreciation for their deep friendship.

Shortly thereafter the dancing commenced. The bride and groom took to the floor for their first dance together as Mr. and Mrs. Summa.

Liz danced with Glenn’s father Paul, while Glenn danced with his mother, Shirley.

Liz’s son, Matt grabbed the microphone and he and his brother Ben made a tribute to their Mom. Those men obviously loved and appreciated her greatly.

I think the feelings were mutual.

Matt danced with his mother.

And then Ben took his turn with her on the floor. It was an emotional moment. Liz never imagined her son would be able to walk down the aisle, let alone dance with her on her wedding day.

Shortly after that, the pace of the party picked up after that …..with dancing. Lots and lots of dancing!

From start to finish, it was an amazing celebration. It’s been a long time since I’ve met two people (my age) so incredibly happy and full of life. Their energy was infectious. It was a joy and an honor to have been a part of the festivities. We began the day as strangers, and ended the evening friends.  Thank you Liz and Glenn for choosing us to photograph your wedding!

Steve and I wish you a happily-ever-after lifetime of love, joy and adventure!

To see all the images from this wedding, click on this link:  Lunstrum/Summa Wedding

All photos copyright Steve Smith Photography.

Dan Johnson & Traci Sterling Engagement Session – Private Residence

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.