Lauren: Sun Valley Senior

November 6, 2015

Lauren and I had a BLAST capturing her senior portaits. She is such a unique, fun girl who was open for anything. We got creative on the road and with the horses, which she absolutely loves!!
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I decided to play around with video company called Animoto.  Here’s my first slideshow showcasing Madeline and Reed’s spectacular winter wedding, click on the picture to play!

Last fall I photographed Nandi and Duncan’s wedding and it was AMAZING to say the least.  Nandi grew up in the south, like myself and it wasn’t until after we met that we discovered that we both graduated from the University of Georgia!  She and Duncan are the perfect match and so was their “North Carolina meets Sun Valley, Idaho” Wedding!  Custom furniture and designs from North Carolina and Georgia were driven out for their very special wedding.  Get ready for a MEGA POST!!  One of my favorite moments was when Nandi took her first look inside the tent.  Her tears say it all!

2nd Photographer: Kat Smith
Hair/Makeup: Danielle Anspach of Vertu
Dress: Vera Wang
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Ceremony: Our Lady of the Snows
Reception: Private Residence, Ketchum, Idaho
Flowers, Decor and Invitations: John Paulin of The Grassy Knoll, High Point, North Carolina
Cake: Gloria Weiland, Sun Valley, Idaho
Catering: Mike Burkhardt, Twin Falls, Idaho
Band: High Street Band

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charlotte asked that I capture some portraits of her for promotional use for an upcoming theatrical performance she will be starring in this April in New York.  Here are some of my favorite images from our session:

Marie and Tyler were such a fun couple to spend the afternoon with and photograph!  I am elated to photograph their wedding in March here in Sun Valley!  Here are a few of my favorite images from their engagement session:

 

 

 

Misti and Jason’s wedding was, simply, amazing!  The weather worked in our favor for the day, so the ceremony was held across from the barn with haybales set up as seats (although family and friends spent a good part of the day scaring off the roaming cattle who kept sneaking in to get a taste).  I was totally in awe of Misti literally creating her dream wedding to the very intricate details.  When it became time for toasts, Misti’s Bridesmaids and friends dressed up in cute aprons and delivered red solo cups, on a platter, containing bubblies for everyone to enjoy!

Now, here’s from the Bride :)

Q:  You planned EVERY detail of your wedding, describe how you turned your dream into reality.

A: We wanted an outdoor country kicking wedding but I still wanted a touch of vintage flare. We searched and searched for a venue with the perfect rustic feel that would allow good ole boot stomping country music till the wee hours of the morning. Mission accomplished, Lazy R Ranch was a true resemblance of Jason and I’s character and love for the outdoors. I collected most of the decor from vintage, antique and thrift stores with the help of my mom and aunt Jess. My husband, Jason and dear friend Rocco went to the woods and cut down my cocktail tables and center pieces from ponderosa and aspen tress. As I continued to collect perfect dollies, milk glass and lace table clothes the entire family became inspired. My dad even got out his sewing machine and helped me make the flag banners. Everything was hand picked and made with laughter and love. Music was also an important ingredient to a perfect night. Hank Swank and the Fun Hogs got the party started and The Moon Pies had the dance floor rocking. Honestly, I had no idea what I had created and seeing my vision come to life was magical.

Q: What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?

A: The rain disappearing moments before the ceremony, the sun embracing the day and Jason’s unforgettable vows witnessed by people that support,love and inspire us was a moment I will forever hold close to my heart.

Q: Do you have any additional words you would like to add?

A: I have to say beyond the tiny details, stunning flowers, rocking good music and delicious prime rib the family and friends that came from all over the country is what made the day truly magical. Jason and I are still in awe, blessed and thankful. Thanks to each and every one of you.

Planner: The Bride and her Lumberjacks!
Ceremony/Reception: Lazy R Ranch, Banks, ID
Photography Assistant: Lauren Busdon
Dress: Essence of Australia
Flowers: The Florist at Edwards, Boise, ID
Hair: Angie Graff of Graeber & Co Salon, Boise, ID
Makeup: Hillary Manfredo with Renu Medispa
Caterer: Corner Cafe, Horseshoe Bend, ID
Late night food truck: Free Range Pizza

Photo Booth: Treasure Valley Photo Booth
Opening Band: Fun Hogs, Challis, ID
Band: Moon Pies, Twin Falls, ID

Jamie and Kyler are such a fun and carefree couple.  They married at Galena Lodge and it was definitely a family affair.  Kyler’s sister did Jamie’s makeup, and the talented ladies at Third Floor Saloon created beautiful up-dos for Jamie and her best friends.  Claudia from Atkinson’s provided the flowers for the day, and Kyler’s mom arranged them.  The arbor under which Jamie and Kyler exchanged vows was built by Kyler and his Dad, Kyler and Jamie’s mother decorated it with them.  Here are some of my favorite photos from the day :)

Lauren and Alex’s wedding day was absolutely perfect!  The weather was warm and the skies were clear with a soft breeze.  They also had a great time throughout our time together.  They always had a smile on their faces, and much of the time they were laughing.  It was also great to see Ben Hammond play again!! Now based out of Florida, I first met Ben when I was photographing a wedding in Boston.  It is truly a small world!

Ceremony/Reception: The Valley Club
2nd Photographer: Kat Smith
Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Custom Suits: Alton Lane  Ties: Collared Greens
Flowers: Tara Bella
Cake: Patti Cakes
Reception Music: Ben Hammond
DJ: Nathan Hudson

Wow, McKenzie and Ryan.  There are soo many words to describe this couple and their wedding, but not enough space on my server!  Since I didn’t know WHERE to begin in describing McKenzie and Ryan’s day, I thought I’d ask McKenzie a few questions, and add a few notes of mine :)

Q: Why did you and Ryan choose to get married at River Grove?
A: Ryan’s parents have run River Grove since it was established in 1982, so the farm truly is home to Ryan. As a kid he used to disappear for hours fishing and playing around the farm. When Ryan and I met, I could see how much the farm was a part of him (and a part of our dog Hank). There was no question that we would get married there and it truly was an honor for both of us. (River Grove is also home to Brentina, an Olympic medalist dressage horse ridden by Ryan’s Mother, Debbie McDonald. The two together are named the first ladies of American Dressage)

Q: You walked down the aisle together, something I have never witnessed before, what is the reason behind that?

A. Ryan and I have been together for four years and we really have built a wonderful life together already. It only made sense that we walk down the aisle together as we took the next big step together. Q. Tell me about your dress, and how you re purposed your debutant ball gown. A: I grew up in Seattle and had the privilege of participating in a Debutante Ball when I was 18. Because of this, I already technically had a wedding gown when I got engaged. I wanted to use it in some way, partly because it was a gift from my grandmother and had sentimental value. I decided to cut the dress off at the knees, primarily because there was no way I could make it through the night wearing a full length dress, but also because I wanted to show off my fabulous new cowboy boots. I then had a more traditional lace ballgown skirt made to go over the dress for the ceremony. That way I could have my bridal moment early on and get to relax and have fun afterwards. 4. Vendors, who were they? We used an assortment of vendors from the Boise and SV area. We also got a little creative when it came to our flowers and wedding attire.

2nd Photographer: Kat Smith
Wedding Planner: Ashley Dyer
Hair/Makeup: Geri Lynn McElhinny from Salon 117
Band: Jonathan Warren & The Billy Goats
2nd Photographer: Kat Smith
Flowers: Our families pulled together an assortment of potted plants and Babies Breath to decorate the ceremony and reception areas.  As for the bouquets, we made
them!  I went to Atkinson's the morning of the wedding to pick out some additional flowers, primarily for my bouquet, to supplement the Babies Breath.  A fabulous friend, Alex Jackson, came to the rental house the morning of the wedding, to teach and help the bridesmaids build all of our bouquets.
Food: Rib Shack Catering ... Eagle, ID casual and delicious BBQ
Cake: Atkinson's whipped up a delicious Lemon Cake the day of the wedding.  It was simple and beautiful.
Wedding Party: For the Bridesmaids, the only requirement was that they wear a green-ish dress.  The Groomsmen were given vests and ties and asked to wear dark jeans and boots.  Everyone ended up looking so great together, it couldn't have
worked out better.



There is an advantage of having the groomsmen hanging around as I’m taking photos…they hold back branches in the way :)

Additional notes from the bride: Best memory that I wish we had Kristin at the rehearsal dinner: Ryan and I walked down the aisle with our dog Hank. After taking our places, Hank started making awful noises right in the middle of the aisle and to our surprise proceeded to throw up all of his dinner. We were all practically crying it was so funny. Needless to say, we wrapped up our rehearsal a minute or two later.

 

I had a BLAST photographing Amy and Scott’s camp style wedding held in Idaho City, ID.  They LOVE photography and dedicated time to capture great images in and around the historic mining town’s buildings.  Amy and Scott are regular Cross-fitters and we took a few photos to showcase that element about them.  Here are my favorite images from their wonderful wedding day!

Ceremony/Reception: Grayback Gulch Campground, Idaho City, ID
Hair: Annie Estvold
Makeup: Gabrielle Marcantonio
Ceremony/Reception Music: The Barking Owls
2nd Photographer: Kat Smith
Flowers: Canyon Floral
Food: Catered by friends and family
Sweet Eats: Carly’s Cookies
Pies: Friends and Family