The backdrop was picturesque lake Coeur d'Alene. Located about one hundred miles south of the Canadian boarder, it is one of the best kept secrets of the North West. The day, only made more special by the fact that the venue was the family cabin. A place where four generations of the bride's family had come to call a second home.
The mood was relaxed. The bride, comfortable and calm with her home field advantage, was setting up signs and arranging flowers when I showed up. Family and friends were working away, transforming the cabin grounds into a wedding venue. I was able to briefly chat with the bride about her plans for the day and discussed a few last minute photo ideas she had before she was pulled away, whisked back into wedding prep mode.
I wandered around shooting photos and gathering detail shots for several hours. The bride had chosen, in lieu of a traditional gift registry, to have a wishing well where guests could leave cards and small gifts of their choosing. I later found out that the well had been made by the groom's mother. Making it all the more special and significant to the day. Something about the well just fit so perfectly into the scenery it became my backdrop for the entire bridal accessory shoot.
A few hours in and it was time for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready. The girls all packed into a small room in the upper floor of the cabin. Make-up, hairspray, and laughter filled the room as the ceremony drew ever closer.
Next came the dress. Simple and elegant, it embodied the tone and feelings of the day. A perfect fit in so many ways.
Excitement was in the air as Tara took those last steps of preparation. Her smile, ear to ear as she put on her veil. After she was ready we headed out to the front of the cabin where her son met us for Tara's final once over.
If you're wondering why there has been no mention of the groom yet then you're have been paying attention, thanks. The absence of the groom in this story is a direct reflection of his absence at the cabin. The groom and the groomsmen were patiently waiting for a signal. A signal that came at the tap of a button from the brides phone. I made haste to the lake.
Standing on the dock behind the cabin, a boat became visable at the mouth of the cove. As they made their advance, the groom and his men approached the dock with all the swagger of Frank Sinatra and a floating Rat Pack.
It was memorable entrance to say the least. Josh came ashore as the groom's men secured the boat.
They made there way the towards the ceremony, meet up with their counter parts and the ceremony commenced.
Flower girls.
The bride was given away.
It was a short, sweet ceremony at twilight. The last bit of sun, basking in the waves of the lake as the two said "I do."
And of course, they kissed.
After that there was a short photo session with the Tara, Josh, and their wedding party.
The Girls.
And just a few more special photos of the bride and groom.
Gregarious celebration continued on into the night.
Stories and laughter filled the other wise still, quiet bay. I couldn't help but feel the joy and hope that everyone surrounding this couple seemed to be emanating. The energy was nothing less than well, inspiring. Smiling, I packed up my gear. While my part in this is over the story is just beginning. Best of wishes to you Tara and Josh. Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.
