Sun Valley Idaho Wedding at Roundhouse

Natalie & Chase

It was a warm, summer day when I first met Natalie and Chase in McCall for their engagement session. Natalie and I waited on the dock while Chase motored over on his family’s boat. It was here that we connected in the warm breeze, on beautiful Payette Lake, the pretties lake I know. Head to the link of my IG post from that most lovely day. We had such fun! I will always have an affinity for my couples who opt to jump in the lake during their sessions - any season! The conversation was easy, the love was SO evident and I really felt a great connection with them both.

I definitely hoped that further down the line I’d have the honor of documenting their wedding day…

Well, the stars aligned and my dream came true. Their wedding day was nothing short of spectacular! They chose to get married on top of Bald Mountain on the deck of the beautiful historic Roundhouse, built in 1939. Perched on top of the Express Gondola in Sun Valley at 7700 feet, this historic building has amazing panoramic views of the Sawtooth mountains. Their wedding was easily the coldest wedding I’ve shot, though the amount of LOVE that day more than eclipsed the -19 degrees (with wind) we experienced! And that alpenglow - just wow!

They each got ready at different locations and my super talented second shooter (Sage) helped me make it all happen. Sage was with Chase and his guys. I was with Natalie and her ladies.

My favorite part during this time was when Natalie was getting her hair + makeup done alongside her mother. These are the moments I imagine to be the most special.

Natalie had a first-look with her Dad, at the base of the gondola. It was super sweet, and a moment I’m sure they both will treasure forever.

Chase took some reflective time on his ride up the gondola ahead of them, reviewing his vows. I especially love this moment of calm before the festivities of their wedding began.

Once at the top of the mountain, the couple had their first look and it was cold and windy, and adorable.

Their ceremony was held outside and absolutely beautiful. String lights were hung from the stately tree, serving as a lovely backdrop. Candles lined the aisle and it was the dreamiest time.

Inside, the old stone fireplace was roaring through dinner and toasts, and everyone enjoyed good food, great music, heartfelt toasts and cheer.

The evening finished up following a ride back down the gondola to River Run Day Lodge for a full-on dance party. Natalie changed dresses and the night continued on with the utmost happiness! An absolutely amazing time, in every way!

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Looking to get MARRIED IN SUN VALLEY?

I’ve got you! From a seasoned wedding photographer’s perspective, here are my 4 TOP TIPS -

1. Hire a PLANNER

• they have done it before

• they know reputable vendors

• they keep things on track

• they handle all the details for you

• they consider your final photos in much of what they do

2. Budget for FLORALS

• they elevate your wedding to another level

• your photos will be GORGEOUS

• it’s your wedding so it is a justified expense, if possible

3. Factor in TIME for creative photos

• there is always the family + friend list

• if you want your gallery to be special, allow time for truly creative portraits

• be willing to budget in a cushion for really creative work

• you will be SO glad you did!

4. Consider the WEATHER

• weather in Sun Valley is wildly unpredictable, especially on top of mountains

• winter - provide your guests with blankets + hand-warmers (this couple did!)

• summer - provide your guests with ample shade + water

Ultimately, you want to be relaxed, comfortable and able to savor every meaningful moment during your wedding day.

These top tips will allow you to be fully present, culminating in a truly beautiful day that is true to you, and a gallery to look back on with utmost pride and happiness at how everything unfolded.

vendor team

Photographer: Amy Isacson Photography

Planner: Lili Hansen Events

Associate Shooter: Sage Donnelly Imagery

Venue: Sun Valley Roundhouse

Florals + Design: Bloom Theory Studio

Hair: Danielle Anspach Hair

Makeup: Chantelle Makeup

Gown: Sarah Seven

Entertainment: Travis McDaniel + Luke Ross

Rentals: The Little Gem Details + The Event

Lighting: Edge Event Productions

Clean and Elegant Wedding Inspiration at White Barn Weddings - Emmett, Idaho

This clean and minimal elopement aesthetic was inspired by the sleek lines of White Barn Weddings and Venue in beautiful Emmett, Idaho. Our editorial was driven by the desire to celebrate elegance and luxury, complete with neutrals and creams, and a slight nod to western refinement.

5 FACTORS IN CREATING OUR VISION

VENUE

• We had a lot of ideas floating around but not until the venue and Addie’s gown from Laneige Bridal in Boise were secured, did all the parts fall into place. The WHITE theme permeated throughout; the goal was to stay true to the clean and crisp lines of the venue and gown, and highlight all aspects of the luxurious feel inside.

NEUTRALS

• We used a neutral palette to enhance not only the surrounding beauty of the venue and countryside, but to also compliment the striking splendor of Addie and Tyler. After all, the day was centered around the two of them!

ELEGANCE

• All the details, including the gown, jewelry, shoes and florals, were centered around a simple beauty that is timeless and classic. Addie’s pearl gloves brought a more elegant touch to her look, and of course, having her hair down beautifully executed by Trend Studios provided a more whimsical and carefree feel.

FLOWERS

• The full ceremony arch was a celebration of springtime florals, with plenty of whites and textures, with the goal of further enhancing the surrounding natural beauty, and supporting the classic features of the couple.

GLASS

• The elevated table settings complimented the light and airy feel inside the barn reception area, complete with candles, cream linens, glass, gold and reflective surfaces. Victoria of House of Salem Events absolutely crushed it with her vision here - she was hugely instrumental in procuring our vision. The custom place cards included a stylized horseshoe emblem thanks to Penned Creations, a small homage to the barn and rural setting. The delicious cake was buttercream with gold leaf, simple and striking.

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Creating your dream wedding day is no simple task. There are as many ways to make it come to life as there are couples getting married. Working with vendors who really get your vision is key in creating a wedding day that truly speaks to you.

As a wedding photographer, this day was especially fun because it was the culmination of ideas I have wanted to execute for some time. Including wedding vendors allowed us to create a collaborative vision - all within the clean and elegant parameters. Of course, Addie and Tyler were the absolute best in participating enthusiastically and perfectly!

VENDORS

Photographer + Concept : Amy Isacson Photography

Planning : House of Salem Events

Talent : Addie + Tyler

Venue : White Barn Weddings and Venues  

Dress : Laneige Bridal + Justin Alexander

Suit : Sweetheart Manor Bridal

Hair + Makeup : Trend Studios

Florist : Lae Floral Event Design

Stationery : Penned Creations

Cake : Cakes by Cam

Linens : BBJ La Tavola  

Chairs : Event Rent Idaho

Bar + Benches : Blush Creek Rentals

Tabletop Rentals : The Little Gem Details + Flying China

Jewelry : The Diamond Girls + Marmelo

Shoes : Dream Paris Shoes

Hat : @wild_idahoans Stetson

Gloves : Prim and Prairie

Shore Lodge Lakeside Wedding in McCall, Idaho

Maureen and Ben envisioned a classic and natural wedding at Shore Lodge, set on the south side of beautiful Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho. It was nothing short of spectacular, as the weather Gods delivered picture perfect weather.

Shore Lodge

Shore Lodge is one of McCall’s top wedding venues, for good reason. This historic resort has been around since 1948 and offers Idaho mountain luxury at its finest. By its pure proximity to the lake and being right in town, it’s easy to see why many couples call it their absolute dream venue. Not only is it ideal for couples hoping to tie the knot with incredible lake and mountain views, it also offers high-end amenities. With lodging, banquet rooms, massage offerings, spas, hot springs and restaurants on site, it has everything a couple looking to get married could possibly need!

One of my favorite spots at Shore Lodge is The Cove. You can get full massage packages which include access to their private hot springs and their two heated saltwater immersion pools. Romantic date tip = book a couple’s day here! Think experiences over things, always. I gifted this to my husband at Christmas last year and we had such fun. SO decadent!!

Because Shore Lodge provides a full-service wedding venue, there is no guesswork in creating your dream wedding day. The staff is fully equipped to cater to all needs for couples planning their wedding, from day of coordinators to fully catered delicious meals.

Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho

McCall Lake Cruises

Maureen and Ben did it all right. They kicked off their wedding destination weekend with a rehearsal dinner aboard the Payette Lake cruise boat, The Idaho, enjoying dinner and drinks surrounded by their closest family and friends. McCall Lake Cruises offers a variety of cruise options and two levels of boat goodness. The upper level is open and the lower level is a bit more protected. They provide cocktails and dinner, while cruising around the lake. I cannot wait to shoot a wedding aboard this boat this coming summer. Stay tuned!

Following their day out on the lake, Maureen and Ben got ready at Shore Lodge itself and the beauty and energy was absolutely wonderful. Weddings at this magical spot are always on point. They opted to have all photos and celebrations near Shore Lodge or nearby on Payette Lake.

First Look

Maureen and Ben’s first look out on one of the docks was super touching and their supportive bridal party was one of the best out there! Their vendor team was superb; it was fantastic working alongside my fabulous associate shooter, (Sage Donnelly Imagery) and the super talented videographer (Films by Aly). She came all the way from Utah and was an absolute delight. I really enjoyed my time alongside the entire team that worked together to make this day so spectacular.

Details

There was no shortage of wonderful details too. A champagne wall and signature drinks offered to guests provided just the right festive and personal touches. For him: Jack and Coke, and for her: Huckletinis with fresh local huckleberries!

From their wedding vows in the banquet hall surrounded by the pristine lake and mountains, to their reception and dance party, it was truly a day to remember! As always, I am so grateful to be able to witness these monumental moments. I am not just there to photograph love, I am there to celebrate it. And what a fantastic celebration it was!

A big congratulations to Maureen + Ben!

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The Creative Team

Venues: Shore Lodge | McCall Lake Cruises

Dress: Essence of Australia

Hair: The Salty Blonde

Makeup: Styled by Kenzie

Florals: Farm to Market Florals

Videography: Films by Aly

DJ: Ian Williams

Cake: Shore Lodge

Suit: Menguin

Ring: Blue Nile Diamond

Associate photography: Sage Donnelly Imagery

Photography: Amy Isacson Photography

Luxury Wedding at Scandia Inn - McCall, Idaho | Miso + Travis

Scandia Inn

Miso and Travis picked the Scandia Inn as their destination wedding venue in McCall, ID for very good reason. These days, Scandia is the IT spot for couples with its ideal amenities. Scandia has undergone a fantastic transformation from its original look in the 1970s as Finish homesteaders style mountain ski cabins to what is today. It definitely maintains that mountain cabin feel, yet boasts high-end finishes and luxurious bedding which is a welcome to our little town. It’s a smaller venue, with that small-town feel yet high end class. The new managers, Jess and Aaron, are super friendly and accommodating.

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Wedding Vision

When Miso and Travis reached out and described their vision, I knew their day would be indeed special and their wedding was my EXACT vibe. As an Idaho wedding photographer, I see a lot of different wedding styles. This past year especially, there was a wide range of venues and visions! That’s also what I enjoy so much about what I do. I don’t really know what I’m in for until I show up on the day of. Sure, there is a lot of back and forth with my questionnaire and I have an overall sense of the look, but that feeling when arrive and go ok now I get it! This is what it all has been leading up to is honestly one of the most fun parts of my job. I get to capture every part of it. From the small details, to the simple interactions and the big moments!!

Miso and Travis envisioned their day at Scandia Inn to be modern, clean and simple, I knew I’d be in for a treat. And indeed I was! As a first-generation Korean-American, Miso wanted to incorporate her heritage into their wedding. Her mother wrote a touching letter to her in Korean which was also translated into English. She also wore a beautiful traditional red Korean hanbok and looked absolutely stunning.

They were determined to do it all themselves (she did her hair + makeup effortlessly while chatting with her bridal party). And they were committed to having a good time. Miso sent over a timeline that was super organized and I so appreciated. We sorted out the details together and decided to include a separate location for the first look. The only thing I had to come up with was a fun first-look location. The day ended up being very hot and it snowed the following week! Mountain weather - go figure! They were such troopers. I encouraged them to bring a change of shoes and they were like yeah, no. So we hiked around the rocks in the heat and did our beautiful thing.

Details

They had a very small and intimate wedding and invited about 50 family and friends. Every detail was absolutely perfect. Guests dressed in their finest black attire, as did the wedding party; giving it a cosmopolitan feel. The ceremony took place on the lawn adjacent to Scandia, below the towering pine trees. Travis comes from a very large family and his dad was the officiant. One of my favorite photos from the ceremony was immediately after Travis had walked up to the alter and was facing his dad, awaiting Miso to walk down the aisle. The two of them were talking to each other, father to son, as Travis was about to marry his bride.

My other favorite moment was immediately following this private father-son moment, when Miso walked down the aisle with her mother and father. The look on Miso’s face says it all. So emotional!! Their wedding ceremony was beautiful and heartfelt.

Miso knew she wanted a white rose petal tossing after their first kiss. It was fabulous to see them get absolutely blanketed with them!!

Once the sun began to set, the string lights criss-crossed the lawn and were aglow and the candlight inside the lodge set the scene for a clean reception space, complete with a white-washed brick wall. White florals, lovely place-settings and clean everything. The first dances were especially touching, and after Miso and her dad danced, there was not a dry eye in the house.

Reception

The reception dance party was a blast, and I always love the cut- loose time at weddings. I stole Miso and Travis away for a few final outside shots before the sun officially set. These casual, blurry shots may well be my favorite of all. It depicts a happy duo, relaxed and carefree. They are finally married and SO IN LOVE.

We finished things up with a sparkler exit back where it all began under the big tall trees. A beautiful day and night, in all ways.

Scandia Inn set the stage for this couple to celebrate this momentous day in the most glorious way. I am honored to have been witness to the love story between Miso and Travis. If you ever want to do it right in the heart of beautiful McCall, ID - THIS is the place. I look forward to returning to Scandia Inn again this next year!! x

As always - so grateful for my couples who trust in me. Love you, Miso + Travis.

Here is a little reel I made from their wedding day…

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“Amy is everything we could have hoped for and more. She is professional, kind and amazing at what she does. Our wedding photos are beautiful, and she got them back to us quickly. I could not recommend Amy more!”

— Miso + Travis

Photography | Amy Isacson Photography

Couple | Miso + Travis

Venue |  Scandia Inn

Catering | Delish Catering

Florals | McCall Weddings

DJ | Matt Jantz Cajone Alone

Hair and Makeup | Lunatic Fringe Boise

Dress | BB Bridal Boutique Boise

Suit | Nordstrom Gucci

Rustic Idaho Western Wedding at Longhorn Guest Ranch | Stephany + Andrew

Have you ever dreamed of getting married in the mountains surrounded by horses and cattle? Well, the spectacular setting at Longhorn Guest Ranch fit the bill for Stephany and Andrew and set the stage for one of the most amazing days ever!

If you’re looking for some fun wedding inspiration not only from the venue perspective but for super touching traditions, keep on reading…

Stephany and Andrew met at work in September of 2016. He was in the same position as she and was the person who ultimately taught her how to do her job. They started out as just friends, occasionally grabbing a beer or two after work or going out to the pool hall with friends. They officially began dating on Christmas of 2017.

On Christmas morning in 2020, Stephany had one final present to open from Andrew. It was a medium-large sized wrapped box that had no weight to it and inside of that box was another wrapped box, and another, and another.

Finally, there was one remaining box left to unwrap and inside of that box was a set of instructions for a scavenger hunt which included the first clue. Each clue had a sweet note or inside joke that outlined our relationship and the fourth and final clue led her out to her car. From there, she was instructed to come back inside to warm up (while doing this all in her pj's).

When she got back inside and shut the door, she turned around to see Andrew on his knee holding a ring and asked, "Will you marry me?"

Then, in Stephany’s words, she “Ugly cried and of course, said yes!”

They chose to get married at Longhorn Guest Ranch, deep in the mountains of SW Idaho. It’s a fantastic venue with the perfect blend of natural beauty, friendly Longhorn cattle + Highland cows, a nice mix of horses and dogs and ridiculously cool old rustic buildings with just enough improvements to make them feel perfectly dressed up. As a working ranch, guests can interact with the cows and horses!

I always do a site visit ahead of my weddings and first visited Longhorn the week leading up to Stephany and Andrew’s big day and I can confidently say it is on top of my favorite wedding venues. The weather was incredibly gorgeous and the kindest owner, Victoria, took me on a scenic tour by quad. The entire venue encompasses 214 acres. Along the way, we soon realized we share a deep love for animals, and we happily rode around like two peas in a pod.

On their wedding day, Stephany got ready upstairs in the main lodge with the help of her mother and bridesmaids while Andrew got ready with his best men in one of the quaint rustic cabins.

WEDDING TRADITIONS

Below are some of the noteworthy wedding traditions they used, which included special personal touches:

• Before putting on her boots, Stephany’s dad gave her a lucky penny to put in her boot!

• Stephany had an extremely emotional first look with Andrew’s sons and read a super sweet not a dry eye in the house letter to them.

• The bride and groom asked their grandmothers to be their flower girls and it was one of the sweetest things I have ever seen!! The granny flower girls later danced together at the end of the night.

• Andrew’s son was ring security for the ceremony - with a special sheriff badge - making him extra official.

• Both Stephany’s father and step-father walked her down the aisle, one passing her on to the other.

• Following their first kiss + dip at the alter, the entire bridal party donned their shades, walking down the aisle like total rock stars.

After the ceremony, we headed out to the pasture for photos with the super-friendly Highland cows, horses and Longhorn cattle. I was honestly in paradise! The trees and grass were green, there were blankets of purple flowers everywhere and we were surrounded by the stillness and these fabulous creatures. Hanging out with Stephany and Andrew was a blast - they were such fun and so easy to kick back with!!!

We returned to friends and family awaiting and the big celebrations began! Pour Choices Country Style Mobile Bar served drinks to guests out of their beyond cute trailer and DJ Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey cranked up the tunes. The food from Big K BBQ was delicious and the toasts were pretty dang sweet.

The final touching traditional element they incorporated was a money dance (set to the song Could I Have This Dance) in which the male guests - especially the little boys - paid to dance briefly with the bride, and the female guests - especially the little girls - paid to dance with the groom. It was adorable! Each held a little white bag to carry their loot.

To sum up, touching traditions, often with a fun twist, can really bring emotional elements to your wedding day. Here are my top 7 favorites from this most wonderful day:

• Dad giving the bride a lucky penny for her boot

• First look with her sons-to-be and a heartfelt message

• Both grandmothers as flower girls

• Groom’s son as the ring bearer wearing a sheriff badge, called ring security

• In the case of both a dad and step-dad, having each walk the bride part way down the aisle

• Bridal party donning shades as they exit

• A money dance

There were countless other fun touches, but these really stood out to me. Details like these culminated in making this day that much MORE heartfelt.

By the end of the night, both young and old were cutting it up on the dance floor and the love between Stephany and Andrew was absolutely glorious. Once again, I am so grateful to get to document moments like these and am constantly blown away not only by the magical way true love originates but how it radiates in every way outwards.

Following all my weddings, I typically make a short Instagram reel set to music. There are some moments that need video and motion. In this case, I used the song they used for their money dance:

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Thank you again, Stephany + Andrew!

Vendors

Venue : Longhorn Guest Ranch

HMU : Primadonnamakeover

Florals : Boise at It’s Best Flowers   

Gown : The Bespoke Bride

Music : DJ Dave’s Mobile Disc Jockey

Cake : Honey Cakes Bakery

Bartending Service : Pour Choices Country Style Mobile Bar

Ring : Zales

Catering : Big K BBQ

Photographer : Amy Isacson Photography (that’s me!)

Couple: Stephany and Andrew

Tamarack Resort Idaho Vow Renewal | Allison + Scott

Allison and Scott had eloped last June on the ridge of Hum Lake outside of McCall, but due to Covid restrictions, their family was not able to join them. This June, they planned a family weekend to do a vow renewal and dinner party at beautiful Tamarack Resort and reached out to me to photograph it. Little did I realize what an incredibly sweet couple (and family!) I was in for!! We hit it off immediately, and after a lot of back and forth in hopes of riding the chairlift up, we found the perfect spot for them to exchange their vows, with sweeping views of the valley and lake. True to our Idaho summers, the day was HOT.

Scroll to see my first ever Gif, as well as a perfectly timed photo-bomb at the end of a local, who drove past us, complete with classic car and husky! 🐕 We found it rather fitting, considering the dog lovers amongst us!!

Florals - Farm to Market Florals

Makeup - Katelyn of Shawna Hines Hair + Makeup

Dress - BHLDN Portland

After the ceremony, we headed back down the mountain for some reception fun and got a few photos with their adorable dog, Lou, a Pudelpointer, an old German hunting breed. I was smitten by him and he totally took the show! Everyone should have a dog like Lou. Everyone. 🧡

If you are considering including your dog in your day, DO! Know that I’m totally down for it - they are part of the family. You won’t regret it!!

We got everyone in the grand entrance to the rental, which was fun with the double stairwell. It was a tight squeeze since I couldn’t get the door to get completely open without taking it off the hinges (which my husband would probably do!) but it worked.

Allison arranged for a little maternity session for her pregnant sister, Emily, and her husband Matt, to document this sweet season, before their baby arrives in August. They, too, had a dog, named Gary (did I mention this family not only has rad dogs, but also GREAT dog names?!) who inspired Allison and Scott to get Lou. Needless to say, Gary, also won me over. Big time!!

Following dinner, we chased the sun and got perhaps my favorite photos from the day - some in the fields of flowers and some across the road with cows.

Our Dancing Couple

Setting Moon Over Lake Cascade

Burgdorf Hot Springs Idaho Same-Sex Wedding | Megan + Clare

Talk about a heartfelt day! Megan and Clare got married at Burgdorf Hot Springs and the emotions ran deep. Any local knows a favorite rustic hotel is Burgdorf. Set in an old mining town in Payette National Forest, it’s only accessible by snowmobile in winter so it’s a super fun destination for those of us who seek out adventure!

Preparations took place in one of the historic cabins called the White House. Clare had made her own gorgeous dress and it was exciting to see photos of her progress. With flower petals and tea lights their mothers scattered on the bed, these two remained calm and grounded in the little cabin. It was truly special.

Prior to the ceremony, they went to a field behind the cabin and read letters they’d written to one another This intentional and very simple, yet private exchange served as a good reminder to savor every minute of this day. And breathe. Their time spent focused on another was super touching - even I was crying with them! It was extremely touching and emotional.

Once the wedding kicked in, things moved quickly. Vows were exchanged, the live music began and the celebrations went full-swing. There were games for young and old, dogs (and goats!) ran free, the bonfires were lit and life was sweet! As they danced together with family and friends through the warm summer night, family and friends soaked in the hot springs until the late hours, under a dark sky full of bright stars, lit by the light of the moon…. 🌙

* If you’re looking for a wedding or elopement photographer to work within McCall, Idaho, or beyond, I’d love to connect!

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