Autumn is a magical time of year here in Idaho, and Eli and Jenny’s Nampa fall wedding was absolutely stunning! Since this was during the pandemic, they chose the Nampa Calvary Chapel’s outdoor amphitheater so their guests could be present to share their special day, but also practice social distancing. A practical and considerate choice on their part, but it was also a gorgeous location for an autumn wedding. The October weather was perfect, golden light filtered through the tall trees surrounding the amphitheater, and even the vines covering a wooden fence had begun to turn orange and red. Yet all of that was secondary to the joy of their day. Eli and Jenny’s love and commitment to each other was beautiful to witness. Weddings are always a time of celebration, but their wedding was especially joyful! So many smiles, so much laughter, I love it!

As I was getting ready to photograph their first look, I chatted with Eli. He told me, “Everyone keeps asking me if I’m nervous. If I were nervous, I wouldn’t be marrying her!” He was so calm and collected the whole day. It was obvious he had no doubts that Jenny was the one. Jenny, too, was all smiles. She was radiant in her timeless lace cap sleeve gown. Her bouquet featured sunflowers and its burgundy ribbon matched Eli’s bow tie.

The bridesmaids all wore shades of burgundy, and the groomsmen chose mismatched autumn neutrals. I’m not sure if they coordinated their outfits, but it certainly looked like it! I’ve never seen both the gents and the ladies in differing colors, but they pulled off the autumn vibe really well!

During the ceremony, Jenny and Eli took communion. I might be mixing up the words, but the song included a line about, “In a thousand lifetimes, I would still choose you.” What a beautiful commitment!

A reception followed in the field beyond the amphitheater. Wedding guests brought their chairs over to table and were able to spread out or sit close at their own discretion. Jenny and Eli personally served cupcakes to their guests in a sort of combined receiving line and dessert table. This humble gesture gave the reception a close and intimate mood in spite of social distancing requirements. After a bubble send off from their reception, Eli and Jenny also hosted a drive-up reception. They passed out individually wrapped cookies to guests who drove through the parking lot to congratulate them.

The ladies all wore burgundy and they looked fabulous! We all had a laugh making sure Jenny’s train was adequately fluffed.

With all the golden light coming through the trees, this was the perfect place for Eli and Jenny’s first look!

The glowy sunlight filtering through the trees and warm tones of autumn all around felt like a fairytale!

Guests walked up these steps and under the arbor to be seated in the amphitheater. Nothing says fall wedding like pumpkins and changing leaves. Probably my favorite image of the day!

Isn’t Jenny beautiful?!

Somewhere in here, I was photographing the groomsmen and I wanted to back up to get more of the vine-covered fence in the shot. Not looking where I was going, I stepped on a sprinkler control box and fell over (I was 7 months pregnant at the time, by the way). To their enduring credit, not one of the men laughed at me. They were all concerned and asked if I was all right. Luckily for me, I was fine. It was uphill behind me, so I didn’t have far to fall and I just landed on my side.

Many thoughtful details tied the day together.

Eli’s reaction to seeing Jenny and her father.

Just before their first kiss as husband and wife, the bridesmaids had a surprise for Jenny: a step stool! Ha ha ha!

Just married!

Eli’s adorable nieces and nephew did such a great job!

So much care went into Eli and Jenny’s cake and the guests’ cupcakes. I couldn’t get over the placement of the cake table in front of these Virginia creeper vines!

After the ceremony, guests moved their chairs to the tables set in the field adjacent to the church’s amphitheater. There they watched Eli and Jenny share their first dance in the gazebo.

Next, Jenny and her father had a special dance together.

Hooray, time for cake!

How do you blow bubbles with a mask on? Wave the bubble wand back and forth! Jenny and Eli walked a short distance from their reception in the field to the parking lot, where guests could drive up and wish them well.

Several people who weren’t able to make it to the wedding–whether for health concerns or other reasons–stopped by to congratulate Eli and Jenny.

Eli and Jenny, I’m so happy for you two! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your special day!