Idaho Wedding Photographer | Sun Valley Idaho | Stanley Idaho Wedding

For Idaho locals Kirstin & Jeff, having an adventurous 3-day weekend wedding wasn’t enough. So I also photographed their sunny (and snowy!) wedding adventure session!

If you’re not an avid skier or Idaho resident, you’re probably not fully aware of how incredible the state of Idaho is. In fact, it’s so amazing that Idahoans don’t want the secret let out. But hey, an article about Kirstin & Jeff’s adventure session can’t hurt, right?!

How I Met the Bride & Groom

I went to school in Upstate New York with Kirstin, and actually met her in my praise song group. Fluent in American Sign Language (you’ll see some photos with her subtly signing) and trained in occupational therapy, Kirstin got a job in Idaho, right out of school to work with disabled veterans and wounded warriors. With her endless grin, bubbly personality, and zeal for the outdoors, it was the perfect fit. She’s still with them today, leading outdoor trips and helping participants heal both physically and mentally.

As a destination wedding photographer who has captured images everywhere from below the water to mountains, and tropical islands to lavish resorts, I was thrilled to photograph in Idaho. Kirstin & Jeff flew me out to Idaho to photograph their super-fun weekend, which involved tons of DIY additions Jeff had built in his workshop, lots of family and friends, log cabins, bonfires, BBQs, sunsets, paddle boarding, and more. But to really capture the beauty of Stanley, Idaho and Ketchum, Idaho in summer, she and her now-husband Jeff wanted to add on an adventure session. Jeff himself does ski instruction and since they’re immense lovers of the outdoors, doing an adventure session around their hometown near Sun Valley, ID was a no-brainer.

A Mountain Adventure Session

What’s an adventure session, you ask? A wedding adventure session is a day-after (or two days after, or month/year later) wedding photography session where you wear your wedding clothes for epic photos. Some do this to capture photos in a favorite location, or to re-do wedding photos, or to travel, or to just have an amazing time alone with photos to match.

After Kirstin & Jeff’s Stanley, Idaho wedding at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains (photos below), it was time to head up into these amazing tall peaks.

Sun Valley, Idaho Wedding Adventure Session

We headed to Sun Valley for photos on the ski lift and then the top of the mountain, where our adventure session involved hiking and snow. But honestly, the view was jaw-droppingly gorgeous. It was hard to capture the epic mountain views from the top of the mountain at Sun Valley Resort, so just imagine how these photos barely capture the view!

A few snowball fights were had, and then we headed to a secret location Jeff knew. They wanted photos in a field of wildflowers, and Jeff was insistent that we find the best wildflowers in bloom! Yes, we took their Subaru Outback to get there, because if you don’t have a 4WD pickup truck and/or Outback, and you even Idahoan?!

Kirstin also changed into her second dress—a dress she had specially altered and made out of her mother’s dress following her mother’s sudden passing. It fit her beautifully, and was a lovely way to wear a piece of her mother close to her.

All in all, I fell in love with Idaho, and with Stanley, Ketchum, and the Sawtooth Mountains in particular. Boise is darn awesome too. I was able to hike, go boating, explore on my own, explore with friends, AND capture this wonderful couple during my time in Idaho.

If you’re thinking of an Idaho wedding, the areas around Sun Valley are amazing. Stanley, Idaho is famous for its rustic charm with incredible views, and Sun Valley has always been a popular ski area. But the beauty and hidden spots all around Eastern Idaho’s mountains, lakes, ponds, wildflowers, sunsets, and Milky Way views are unforgettable. I’m so thrilled I was able to capture their full wedding weekend and adventure session, and that they were excited to share their piece of hidden Idaho with me.

Idaho, I can’t wait to come back!~

Kathryn Cooper Weddings: Destination Wedding Photographer for Fun, Adventurous Couples

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