The Wedding of Lynn Bryfczynski & Michael Boughton – The Boise Train Depot

Time and time again I am reminded that I quite possibly have one of the greatest jobs in the world. I have the opportunity to photograph people gleaming with joy on perhaps the most momentous day of their lives. When adrenaline is on high and grins stretch from ear to ear it’s hard not to capture a few special glimpses into such a celebrated day. I can safely say that it is an incredibly rewarding “job”.

September 25th was no exception to my past experiences shooting weddings. It was another one of Boise’s 210 average days of beaming sunshine, the iconic Boise Train Depot was the backdrop and I had one of the most gracious groups of people that I have encountered on my photographic adventures.

This lovely Friday I was fortunate enough to photograph Lynn Bryfczyski and Michael Boughton. As soon as I stepped on the property I was  met me with cheerful cordial salutations from the bride, groom and both of their families. I spent the afternoon and evening getting to know this awesome group of people a bit better all while shooting photos. Without a doubt, this was yet another rewarding day at the office. Below you’ll find a selection of photo’s from the days events. I hope you enjoy.

Lynn, her sisters and mom traded laughs and smiles while getting ready in the gals changing room.

Those giggles and pearly whites carried right on through to the outdoor bridesmaid shots.

They weren’t having any fun..

Here’s Michael and his groomsmen out and about around the depot.

Lynn anxiously awaiting her husband to be.

Fairy-tale kiss..

Lynn, here mother and father all grinning from ear to ear as they walked down the aisle.

Lynn’s aunts reciting touching biblical passages.

Which finger does it go on again?

A passage from Ecclesiastes 4:12 4: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Lynn and Mike brought a tangible translation to this reading by braiding their very own cord of three strands.

You may now kiss the bride!

I took Lynn and Mike throughout the exquisite grounds of the the Boise Train Depot for a few signature shots. It was truly evident how madly in love these two are.

Lynn’s sisters and Bridesmaids, Paula and Lisa gave a delightful heart-felt speech that evoked belly laughs and loving tears.

Mike’s younger brother Adam gave praise to his new sister-in-law as well as congratulations to his big bro.

Collectively, Lynn and Mike gave their thanks to friends and family who travelled near and far all to be with them on their special day.

Traditional reception rituals continued on with the cake cutting, first dances and all around good times.

It’s not too often that you’ll see the Polka performed here in Idaho. But then again, today was a special day. Lynn’s side of the family hails from Wisconsin, a state steeped in Polish tradition and boy did they sure know how to lay down a mean Polka. My eyes grew large in fascination along wide a widening smile. It was quite a treat. Pictures don’t do justice. You really have to witness this galloping dance first hand.

This was one of my favorite shots. The DJ invited all of the guests to hop on the back end of the bride and groom as this train wriggled throughout the Depot.

There’s nothing like a little “Sweet Caroline” to get everyones hands waving and voices belting.

I want to thank Lynn, Michael and both of their families for being so kind an generous to me throughout the evening. I felt incredibly welcomed!

More images are available by clicking here. To check out our sweet new slideshow feature click here.

Kallie Wren & Curtis Crandal Wedding – Lucile, Idaho

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.

Kelsey Cordingley & Jon Atkins Wedding – The Secret Place

One of the greatest elements of shooting weddings is having the opportunity to witness two people madly in love. This past weekend I was fortunate to photograph two people who embodied every component that an idyllic  couple should possess. It was safe to say that Kelsey Cordingly and Jon Atkins were head over heals for one another and truly committed to spending the rest of their lives with one another. 

The Secret Place in Nampa, Idaho was the destination of choice for the wedding ceremony and reception. This quaint location offers expansive grounds landscaped with several water features, ample shade trees, separate changing room and a lovely centralized gazebo. Beautiful decorations and settings staged by Kristin Lowman of Bliss Events only accentuated the picturesque location. Throw in some soft light provided by encroaching clouds in the sky and all together I was one happy photographer.

The ceremony was eloquently administered by pastor Tom Velasco of Calvary Chapel. He interjected humor amidst powerful words of wisdom. Jon and Kelsey looked intently into one another’s eyes throughout the ceremony, just one of the unspoken displays of love and affection for one another. Rings and vows were exchanged before the sacred first kiss pronounced the two as Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. 

 

Soon after the ceremony I grabbed the immediate wedding parties for a few shots before sneaking off with just the bride and groom for several newlywed photos.

The reception took off immediately following the pictures. A quick prayer was given by one of Jon’s friends before guests were invited to dig in to a delicious buffet provided by Big Sky Catering. As guests finished their meals, touching toasts were given by the best man, Ryan “Chopps” Bradshaw, maid of honor, Michelle Atkins, Jon’s father, Dave Atkins and Kelsey’s father, Warren Cordingly.

It was only fitting that a delicious cake provided by Greg Marsh be cut to satisfy everyone’s appetites.

Dancing ensued beginning with the first dance and carried on with the father-daughter dance. Kelsey and her father Warren busted out some sweet moves in the middle of their slow song. This hyped everyone up for an evening of epic moves. 

Briefly interrupting the cavort moves came the bouquet and garter toss. 

 

The air of the last dance was filled with bubbles blown by guests creating a very etherial ambiance. The final send off had attendees lining the aisle wishing the newlyweds the best!

Thank you so much Jon and Kelsey. You, your friends and family were all truly kind, genuine people. It was an honor shooting your wedding! More pictures will be available by clicking here. Al images copyright Steve Smith Weddings.