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.

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.

Ashley Nichols and Benjamin Rosenbaum Wedding

We always hope for nice weather on wedding days, but unfortunately Mother Nature doesn’t always co-operate. Such was the case this past Saturday (10/3/09) for Ashley Nichols and Benjamin Rosenbaum’s wedding.

The day started out promising, but even the most positive of intentions couldn’t hold off the rain. The beauty of it was that the weather really didn’t matter that much to the bride and groom. It was their wedding day, and their primary focus was becoming husband and wife. As it should be.

Steve and I arrived at the Woodriver Cellars, in Eagle, ID early afternoon to capture the wedding party during their getting ready process. I found Ashley, and her Maid of Honor, Molly Conein, in the spacious and beautifully appointed Bride’s room. Ashley was in the midst of having her hair done by Christina Hudson.

Soon bridesmaids Kelley Smith, Rachel Nichols, Janel Papadakis, Judy (Ashley’s Mom), and Chris (Ben’s Mom) joined the others and set about putting the finishing touches on their hair and make-up.

Once the girls were ready, they helped Ashley into her dress.

Then they toasted the bride-to-be.

Meanwhile Steve found Ben and his groomsmen, Andy Rosenbaum, Chris Smith, Jason Nichols, Michael Papadakis, Ben’s Father, Dirk, and Doug, (Ashley’s Dad) in the Groom’s room drinking beer and watching football on TV.

The first order of business was to re-position the antique fire truck, (borrowed from the Eagle Fire Department)  that was in the parking lot to a nicer setting. The truck was to be used as a prop for some of the pictures—appropriately so, as both the bride and groom were fire fighters (Ben with the Eagle Fire Department and Ashley with the Boise Fire Department).

Ben and Chris got the old vehicle cranked up and drove it to an area Steve and I had determined would provide a nice backdrop.

Then the guys headed back to the groom’s room to dress.

After getting one another’s boutonnieres pinned on, Steve took them outside for a fun series of shots.

Though there was a chill in the air and a brisk breeze, the weather was holding, and we were able to do the “reveal” outside.

Ashley looked beautiful, and Ben was duly impressed when he turned around and saw his bride.

We were able to get several different shots of the wedding party before the rain started to fall.

Judy really wanted a picture of herself driving the fire truck.

Everyone quickly retreated to the wine tasting room to keep dry.

The rain halted just long enough for us to grab Ashley and Ben for a few couple shots, though our time was pretty limited.

The ladies sequestered themselves back in the Bride’s room as guests began to arrive.With no sign of a break in the weather, the executive decision was made to move the ceremony from the picturesque outside area (now thoroughly soaked) to inside the tent. Though the change of setting was somewhat of a visual disappointment, the ceremony, officiated by Randy Majors, was just as beautiful and touching as ever.

Vows and rings were exchanged,

the two were pronounced husband and wife, and Ben kissed his bride.

Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Rosenbaum.

The Boise Fire Department Pipes and Drums, donned in dress kilts, performed the recessional as Ashley and Ben led the wedding party out of the tent. It was a wonderful tribute to the newlyweds, and a great conclusion to the ceremony.

The wedding party and family members, huddled under umbrellas, and made their way to the wine tasting room for portraits.

With my help coordinating the groupings, Steve took pictures of various combinations of the wedding party and the bride and groom’s families.

Once the family portraits were completed, everyone headed back to the tent.  There, formal introductions were made as the parents, the wedding party, and the bride and groom made their grand entrances into the reception.

The bride and groom were invited to the buffet line where Me Time Catering had prepared a lovely array of food.

The crew of Summit Dental, (where Judy Nichols works).

Shortly after all the guests had been through the buffet line, the Bride and Groom cut their cake and respectfully fed a piece to one another.

Ashley’s father, Doug started off the toasts.

Best Man, Andy Rosenbaum, followed. During his speech, Andy thanked the couple for their help and support with his Health Club Business.  He admitted to his surprise and respect of Ashley when she came into the club one day and demonstrated her strength by cranking out 150 pull ups.  Looking at this beautiful, feminine young bride, it is hard to believe underneath it all she is a woman of steel.

Maid of Honor, Molly Conein, informed the guests that Ben is rarely found without a hat on his head.  She surprised him by producing and returning his beloved ratty old red baseball cap that had been missing (inadvertently left in her car) for the past two years.

He was thrilled to get it back.

Daniel of Aardvark Entertainment, (the D.J. at the event), invited Ashley and Ben to take to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

As the song ended, Daniel presented the couple with a plaque commemorating their first dance music.

Then, as is customary, Ashley danced with her Dad, and Ben danced with his Mom.

Two of the couple’s friends performed an over-the-top rendition of “The Time of My Life“, much to their amusement and many of the guests’.

There was plenty of dancing going on throughout the night.

Skip Pierce and Judy Nichols really got down. This  is called the alligator, and from what I now understand, these two are notorious for doing this dance together.

Skip happens to be my dentist. I had never seen him in a social setting before and was quite surprised and amused to see him “come out of his shell”. You go doc!

Judy was not to be outdone, though you would have thought that wearing a skirt might present some limitations.  Let me just say, I won’t be sharing all of the photos of her performance with you.

In addition to dancing, guests had fun hamming it up in the photo booth, provided by David Schneider of photoboothboise.com.  A big box of props was on hand to add to the humor.

Two sets of pictures were printed out. The subjects got to keep one set for themselves, the other was put into to a scrap book for the bride and groom.

Ashley tossed her bouquet, but they opted not to do the garter toss.

Towards the end of the evening cigars were passed out.

To top off the celebration, Ben and Ashley and some of their studly friends showed off their strength by doing push ups and pull ups.

This was definitely a first, and we’ve photographed a lot of weddings!  What a cap off to the evening!

The weather may have been inclement, but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits, joy or fun of this event.

Thanks to Ashley and Ben for choosing us to photograph their wedding.    It was a terrific celebration and we wish them a lifetime of bliss!

To view all the images from this event, click here.

All images copyright 2009 Steve Smith Weddings.