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.

Engagement session for Cathie Doudy and Bill Jonakin

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite types of shoots because our subjects are always relaxed, in love, and fun!

At Steve Smith Wedding Photography we are blessed with an amazing team.  Second on our team is my wife Jeane.  In addition to her talents as photographer, stylist, and art director, she is a professional hair and make-up stylist.  Our clients, including men, always get make-up before a session.  Bill, though reluctant, was a good sport.

After finalizing wardrobe and makeup, the four humans (Cathie, Bill, Jeane, and myself) headed up the hill behind the studio.  Charging along with us, straining at their leashes, came Wally, the ferociously  grumpy Chihuahua, Sadie with her white chest blaze, and Dub.  Once on top we hurried to pose everyone in the fading light.  First, Bill and Cathie with the dogs…

Bill Jonakin, Cathie Doudy, and dogs

Then the lovely couple…

Then the dog-led charge to the next photo spot…

As the daylight faded we moved into the studio.  Here are some of my favorites from the inside session:

Thanks, Cathie and Bill, for choosing us to photograph you.  You are wonderful human beings.

To view the complete session please go to:  http://pictage.com/804382

Deseree Hempleman and Joel Garcia Wedding Celebration at the Ste. Chapelle Winery

For us, there’s something extra special about photographing a wedding. We can’t help but be swept up by the love and joy. It’s an honor to witness the union of a man and woman who care deeply for one another. It is also an honor to be the ones entrusted to capture the celebration as it unfolds in pictures. The wedding of Deseree Hempleman and Joel Garcia was no exception.

Saturday, the 6th of September was a gorgeous day.  Joel, his best man James Jensen, and groomsmen Chance Goody, Justin Hempleman, and Brandon Hempleman arrived at the Ste. Chapelle Winery with tuxes in hand about 2:30 in the afternoon.

They proceeded to the Bride’s Room to dress prior to the girls arrival. These guys were a little rusty doing the tuxedo thing, and needed a little of Steve’s sartorial advice on tie management and where and how to put in studs and cufflinks. Once dressed, it was, to say the least, quite a transformation. Steve led the gentlemen outside for a series of photos.

Meanwhile Deseree arrived, followed shortly by her maid of honor, Roumena Kratchunova, and bridesmaids Emily Roberts, Lacy Holmes, Rhyan Garcia, and Kristen Nimmo.

Once in the bride’s room, Deseree couldn’t wait to put on her dress. No wonder. The gown was positively gorgeous. Threading the back lacing of her dress was a process, requiring a few assisting hands, but it was well worth the effort. The lacing provided a beautiful element to the back of the dress.

   

The ladies wasted no time dressing or putting on their finishing touches, and were ready for pictures quickly. 

  

Joel and Deseree had agreed to see one another prior to the ceremony so that we could take pictures of the wedding party and of the two of them ahead of time.

Joel and his groomsmen were requested to turn around so Deseree and her bridesmaids could get into position for the “reveal”, that special moment when the bride and groom see one another for the first time in their wedding attire.

 

 

 

Needless to say it was a “WOW” moment. I think Deseree was as equally impressed with her husband-to-be’s appearance as he was with hers.

 

 

 

Steve photographed the wedding party in various locations on the winery grounds, then excused the bridesmaids and groomsmen, in order to take some (of what we call) “signature shots” of the bride and groom alone. They made a stunning couple.

  

As wedding guests began arriving, Deseree and her bridesmaids sequestered themselves back into the Bride’s Room until the wedding started.

Rose petals were scattered down the aisle prior to the procession. The bridesmaids, escorted by the groomsmen made their way down the aisle. Deseree’s niece, the flower girl in the wedding, started down the aisle at the appropriate time, but got spooked after a few steps, and would go no further.

  

Deseree was escorted down the aisle by her father, Dana.

At the altar, Deseree’s father presented her to Joel, and they took their places in front of the Officiant. Though Joel and Deseree recited traditional vows, the ceremony was very personal. The wisdom in the words the Buddhist Priest offered was touching and thought provoking.

Before pronouncing the two married, she wrapped a prayer cloth around the two of them and offered up a Tibetan prayer spoken in the native language.

As she declared the happy couple “Man and Wife”, applause and hoots of approval were sent up by family and friends in the audience.

 

Afterward, the guests were asked to drag the chairs they were sitting in at the ceremony down to the tables  where dinner was being  served. Meanwhile, the  family members congregated at a designated area for pictures.

 

 

 

 

Leslie Charles of Incredible Edibles had prepared a beautiful spread of food including artisan cheeses, colorful fruits and vegetable platters, an assortment of salads, red potatoes, and skewers of chicken and beef.

 

 

 

 

For dessert, there was a Chocolate Fondue Bar that few people could resist.

 

Dinner was followed by toasts,cake cutting, first dances, the bouquet toss and the garter toss — each event interspersed with dancing……lots of dancing.

 

 

 

  

Everyone thought they were going to be disappointed by a nice, clean cake exchange, but delighted when at the last minute, both bride and groom got a little mischievous.

The first dance…

the bouquet toss….

the garter toss, once, twice, thrice…

       

Joel had a little trouble with the garter toss. The first two attempts fell a little short. The third and final attempt landed on the roof of the gazebo. Not to worry, it was rescued by a friend who really wanted to be the recipient!

Oh, and the dancing!, lots of dancing!

As the evening wound down, Joel and Deseree headed to their car which they found decorated so heavily, it was difficult for them to get in.

Once in, and seat belts securely fastened, the couple drove off to live happily ever after…..as husband and wife.