Ok guys. Brace yourselves for THE SWEETEST love story ever…
Nestled in the central mountains of Idaho lies the lazy little town of Stanley, where I was fortunate to photograph the loveliest wedding weekend of Kelly and Jeff. They approached me with the idea of first hiking up to their favorite meadow in the Sawtooth Mountains to exchange their vows with their daughter, Charlie and their dog Jane. We did just that and our time spent together on this day was one of the most wonderful and most moving. It is here where I not only had the honor of witnessing their deep love but first got to really know this beautiful family. The love between Kelly and Jeff is immense. And their daughter, Charlie, is the sweetest girl ever, as well as a sparkling bundle of energy! Good thing I knew the words to the song The Wheels on the Bus… 😉 I was smitten by her charm from this point forward.
The backstory to Kelly and Jeff’s relationship is the real clincher -
Jeff and I met on a Grand Canyon river trip. By the end of the trip, we were head over heels. But I lived in Idaho and he lived in New York and I never thought it would work out. He came to visit me a month after the trip and three weeks later I found out I was pregnant.
Jeff moved to Idaho and we got to know each other as our baby grew. Neither of us was nervous about the fact that we barely knew each other and were having a baby together. We knew what we'd found in each other. We knew we'd found forever. Fortunately, we were right! Our daughter is now two years old and our family is so damn happy.
We spend our days outside as much as possible. Charlie went on her first river trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon at 16 months. I say this not to brag but to show that our adventure didn't stop when she was born. It just got a bit more complicated and far more meaningful.
Charlie girl has Down syndrome, another thing that has shaped our relationship. We've discovered that the very best therapy for her is getting her outdoors.
We got engaged around the fire in our backyard on New Year’s Eve. I didn't see it coming, which was awesome. My favorite place to be is Stanley, Idaho. Jeff doesn't really have a favorite place. He's spent time sailing, lots of time on the river, time in small towns and cities and loves it all. He's an obsessive mountain biker and amateur carpenter and drummer (he's already teaching Charlie the drums...not sure how I feel about that). He is a salesman by profession and personality. I mountain bike to spend time with Jeff (though loving it more every ride) but love to run and am an amateur writer. I work in conservation with a focus on wilderness and that suits me just fine.
The next day, Kelly and Jeff prepared for a bigger celebration amongst family and friends. Kelly got ready at a super amazing Airbnb with epic Sawtooth views surrounded by her girl tribe. They doted on her and contributed to the preparations of the big day, from doing hair, makeup, flowers, childcare - you name it! Kelly wore her grandmother’s pearl bracelet and her hair partly up with flowers in it. An incredibly sweet detail was the copper cuff she wore, which had a topographic map of the Grand Canyon river where they first met and fell in love.
We ladies arrived fashionably late to an excited (and HOT!) group of family and friends. They had chosen a picturesque spot in the hills above Stanley, where Kelly’s brother was the officiant. Their intention for this day was RAW and EPIC. Indeed it was!! After a moving exchange of vows with a to die for backdrop of the Sawtooths, champagne was popped, family photos were taken and Kelly and Jeff hopped on their BIKES with a couple of friends and rode a few miles to town! I was adamant that Kelly stay in her wedding dress (and not change out of it for that part). She was glad she did!
We welcomed them as they rolled into town at the rustic and intimate Danner’s Log Cabins, where most of the guests were staying. These cozy cabins were originally Idaho’s first ranger stations back in the late 1800’s. They are situated in an L-shape, with a central grassy courtyard, right in the center of town - super easy to walk almost anywhere. The celebration went full swing once the newlyweds arrived.
They went for an autumn sagebrush theme, with colors that blended in with the landscape - lots of lavender, sunflowers and native plants. The tables had crisp white linen tablecloths with burlap runners, and small wooden rounds decorated with flowers and lights. The goal was a to create a high mountain bar scene. It was truly magical! The festivities were complete with drinks, dinner, fantastic music by Tylor and the Train Robbers, heartfelt toasts, a toasty campfire, lawn games, and a whole lot of love.
It was an absolutely perfect weekend in every possible way. I am so grateful to have witnessed a few epic days of this delightful union. Life ahead of this sweet family of 3 looks bright and beautiful! x
Full disclosure: No trip to Stanley is complete without this. I was fortunate enough to say at the famous Mountain Village Resort and will be forever grateful for the time I spent in this natural hot spring with the most incredible view. x
Their Google Review:
We hired Amy for our wedding. She went above and beyond what we expected. She was professional and her images were outstanding. I highly recommend using her if you need a professional photographer!!
VENDORS
Venue - Danner’s Log Cabins
Florals - Fiddler’s Green Farm
Dress - Wtoo by Watters
Earrings - Cindy Rivera @original_wanderluster
Catering - Kanak Attack
Music - Tylor and the Train Robbers
Cookies - Stanley Baking Co & Cafe
Charlie’s dress - Joyfolie
Considering a destination wedding weekend? Check out this lovely wedding from the beautiful Wallowa Mountains near Joseph, Oregon.
