Sun Valley Wedding Zest: Rebecca Fundy and Chris Letson marry on August 8, 2009

Jeanie and I love to shoot weddings in Sun Valley.  The weather is always beautiful, no matter it’s form. On August 8th we arrived in Greenhorn Gulch as a torrential downpour gave way to sparkling sunshine and the scent of summer rain on the sage.

Arriving guests’ first clue to the spirit and joy of this celebration was the lipstick-painted sign announcing the wedding—in the keynote color theme—Hot Pink.

As I shot outside, Jeane photographed Rebecca putting the final touches on her dressing preparations.

As Jeanie worked inside with the girls, I shot Chris and the guys– Best Man Zack Cloud, Groomsmen Mark Phillips, Robert Fundy, Chris Ward, and Mike Grabow, and Ring-Bearer Tony Venneri–arriving in Engine 60, courtesy of the Sun Valley Fire Department, Chris’s employer.

Stylin’ from head to toe

When couples are willing to see one another before the ceremony we create a special “Reveal” moment when the bride is revealed to the groom in her wedding gown for the first time.  Joyful tears often result.

After the Reveal we really enjoyed a few minutes photographing just Rebecca and Chris near the wedding site.

The Ceremony was sited at water’s edge below the main house.   Officiant Sandy Bazorksky’s  thought-provoking questioning about actions and intentions in a marriage was insightful for all.

After the ceremony (and before the next rain shower) we did the group shots.

Then the Reception, with toasts as effervescent as the champage!

Then the party got started…

Relief from high heels!

The cake and its aftermath…

full smush,

Thank you, Rebecca and Chris,  for allowing us to share your zest!

All photographs copyright Steve Smith Weddings.

To view the entire wedding please click here.

Idaho Bride and Groom Session: Julianna Roeloffs and Jordan Jarvis

It doesn’t get much sweeter than  photographing young love in southern Idaho on a clear, temperate day in June.

Julianna Roeloffs and Jordan Jarvis of Wendell, ID were married in Boise on June 20, 2009.   They asked Jeane and me of Steve Smith Weddings to do a bride & groom session for them at Blue Lakes Country Club in Twin Falls before the wedding.

We choreographed a “Reveal” scenario so Jordan could be presented with his bride in her stunning silk dress for the first time.

Then our entourage of golf carts wove across the property to assorted scenic locations…

A view of the iconic Perrine Bridge over the Snake River Canyon is a signature feature at Blue Lakes.

To Julianna and Jordan, Congratulations!!  Thank you for including us in your celebration.

To see the complete session, please click here.

Thanks for viewing and we welcome your comments!

BSU Wedding: Amanda and Brandon Adams

Boise native Brandon Adams brought his bride Amanda Harrison home to Boise for a wedding at Boise State University on November 22, 2008.  Currently residing in Orange, CA, near Chapman University where they met, the couple chose BSU for their wedding venue:   the historic Christ Chapel for the ceremony with the reception to follow in the spectacular new Stueckle Sky Center above the BSU Stadium.

Christ Chapel

Steve Smith Weddings started with the guys (Brandon and his attendants, brothers Bryan and Brady). This fine bunch opted for the comfort and familiarity of the family home in Columbia Village to get ready.

Bryan, Brandon, and Brady dress for the ceremony

The Girls (Amanda and her attendants, sisters Jeni and Tricia) finished their preparations in a motor home parked just outside The Christ Chapel, adjacent to the BSU Stadium.

It was a cold, damp, late November day.  The elegant simplicity of the settings at Kathryn Albertson Park offered good options for photographing the Bridal Party before the ceremony.  We scouted our chosen locations the morning of the ceremony to be sure nothing had changed since our last visit several days earlier.

The Guys and I arrived at the park in time to shoot a few portraits before the Girls arrived.

brothers Bryan, groom Brandon, and Brady

Jeane is brilliant with so many aspects of our wedding business; the first brainstorm she had was the solution for
transporting the bride the distances within the park.  Amanda wore a spectacular sleeveless gown with an extended train, and 4-inch heels.   The ground was rain-drenched and the temperature frigid.  The bridal gown and shoes would have been destroyed without Jeane’s advance planning;  Jeane borrowed a deluxe wheelchair and outfitted it with heavy comforters in which to wrap the bride between scenes.  Bridesmaids were given advance notice to bring along walking shoes and heavy coats.

Our first scene with the couple took advantage of the beautiful carved stone blocks at the park entrance.

A for Amanda, B for Brandon…

Next, we went lakeside.  The late fall palette of muted grays, browns, and greens was a perfect setting for the bride and groom.

Ready to move to the next location…

and, for a little architectural flavor…

Then, the race back to the Chapel.

The Ceremony began with Amanda and Brandon’s mothers lighting a unity candle.

Amanda’s entrance was stunning…

Pastor John Cochran of Portico Church in Orange, CA led the couple through a moving service, the exchange of rings and vows, the lighting of a unity candle, the sharing of communion, and finally, the long-awaited First Kiss!

A BSU shuttle bus ran loops between the Chapel and the entrance to the impressive Sky Center, site of the reception.  When Brandon and Amanda arrived they went immediately to the dance floor and began the First Dance.

Memorable toasts began after dinner…

Then the cake…

father/daughter and mother/son dances…

citylights portrait on the balcony…

some spirited dancing…

then it was time to go!

off into the first night of their lives together as husband and wife.

Congratulations and good night, Amanda and Brandon!!

All images are copyright of Steve Smith Weddings. Images from Amanda and Brandon’s wedding  can be viewed and purchased at Pictage.