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!

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

Freshly married Jacob and Amber in the Aspen grove behind her parent’s backyard in McCall, Idaho.

Amber and Jacob

Talk about the MOST. PERFECT. COUPLE! These two were absolutely the sweetest and most down to earth duo! Amber knew exactly what she wanted and she had the perfect vision right down to every detail. The original plan was for a much bigger wedding, but as Covid would have it, things were downsized some. We had also originally planned for photos at the lake before the wedding, but after seeing Charlie’s Garden, a local secret and incredibly beautiful garden nearby, Amber knew that’s where she wanted the first look, and family shots to be. Lately, life is more full of changes than we anticipate, though, and in the end, their day was exactly as it was meant to be! Just perfect!!

It was a lovely 89 degrees and sunny. From Charlie’s Garden, we headed over to her mother’s stunning backyard, where the ceremony and reception were held. Things were set up beautifully! Her brother was the officiant, and their families and their wedding party were welcoming and loads of fun! At dusk, we snuck away and took a few family shots in the open space behind Amber’s mother’s yard, including her adorable kids, Hunter and Hadlee. Once the sun went down, the string lights lit up the garden and made for a truly magical place. The great familiar hits from DJ Ian Willams totally set the stage for an incredible night to remember. I was thrilled to be able to document this beautiful union between Amber and Jacob, who by everyone’s assessment - were destined for one another. 💫