Meeting up with John and Katie for their Shelley Idaho bridal portraits seemed surreal to me. I was just graduating from high school when I met John and his family! He was just a little kid then, and his family had just moved up the road from my family. He’s obviously all grown up now, and it never ceases to amaze me how fast time goes.

As I walked with Katie to their first look spot, I asked her about her beautiful veil. My jaw probably dropped to the ground when she told me she made it. It was stunning and it worked perfectly with the lilac trees we found at the end of the session. It was probably one of my favorite details from their whole session. What a special piece I hope she treasures forever!

After a sweet first look, Katie gave John some cuff links for a gift. I love the photos from that. He was so genuinely surprised and happy. I loved witnessing that moment. It was such a kind and thoughtful thing to do.

As we drove to our second location, we drove past a fence that was lined with the most perfect lilac trees I have ever seen! I knew I wanted to try and stop by afterwards to see if we could shoot there. I told them my idea at our second spot and they agreed that it would be perfect! As we made our way to the lilac property, the light was going to be perfect. We couldn’t have timed it any better! The owners said yes and we got some of my favorites of the night there! I love it when a session has a serendipitous moment like this. And I’m so grateful for kind neighbors who don’t mind sharing their beautiful property with us. Of course this session just made me all the more thrilled to be photographing their wedding because these two are just the sweetest!