You might notice today is Wednesday, and typically we crank out wedding after gorgeous wedding for a day full of inspiration (full is actually an understatement) on this pretty day. Well this week we are changing things up to make room for a week of giveaways (see the first here and here) to thank you for all the love you’ve given the SMP Best of 2011 Magazine – because a simple thank you just doesn’t seem enough. But have no fear, we’ve filled the day with weddings that will inspire you and THEN some – starting with this Idaho lovely by Ken Kienow Photography. It is just overflowing with those understated details that tug at our heart strings, and this couple’s Italian-market inspired reception looks like a dream come true. The entire gallery is full (full is actually an understatement) of so much more Idaho inspiration, so be sure to set aside some time to dive in for your daily dose of lovely! And stay tuned for today’s giveaway!
Click here for the FULL wedding!
From the bride… Brandee and Christian have always loved to travel. As they started talking about getting engaged and where they would go on their honeymoon, Italy was a strong contender. As Brandee was looking at an online gallery of pictures of Europe, she came across a colorful market picture and she thought planning an Italian Market-themed wedding would be a fun way to get excited for an Italian honeymoon. Christian loved the idea as well. When it came to location, they knew right away what the perfect backdrop for the wedding would be: Christian’s family property in St. Charles, Idaho, where they had spent a lot of time exploring and having some down-time with each other. The sunny, golden fields, tree-lined mountains and the sounds of the creek around the field set the scene for a classy, romantic, Italian market wedding in an outdoor setting.
Food was very much a part of wedding festivities and decor. Brandee and Christian both love authentic Italian food and wanted there to be an assortment of food to thank their guests for their involvement in their lives. The market place displayed the food and drinks for the cocktail hour and was an affordable option for decor. The colorful and earthy fruits, vegetables and market flowers blended perfectly with the adjacent early autumn woods and fields that housed the Italian-themed market. The caterer brought in a wood-fired pizza oven to cook Margherita, Italian sausage and Mediterranean artichoke pizzas and served a variety of handmade pastas, fennel meatballs, deli meats, caprese salad, plenty of bruschetta, cheeses and asparagus-wrapped prosciutto, along with Italian sodas and San Pellegrino to drink. Luckily, their pastry chef was Italian and baked an assortment of pastries, including cannolis dipped in chocolate and pistachios, almond fruit tarts with a poached pear, zeppoles with chocolate and fruit dipping sauces, not to mention the Italian cannoli wedding cake and two other delicious cakes. To compliment the pastries and cakes, selections of gelato were available, including chocolate, pistachio and lemon.
The dinner was amazing and it was fun to hear family and friends say a few words to the bride and groom, but then came the first dance. Brandee and Christian had been looking forward to dancing under the stars and lights with each other as sweethearts in a place that holds so many special memories for them. They were really in their own little world at that point. They didn’t realize their first dance was so emotional to others as well. Brandee’s good friend told her afterwards that she couldn’t help crying at the sight of Brandee so happy with her soul mate. Thank you to the vendors and especially Ken Kienow. You captured a wedding photographer’s own wedding day perfectly.
Photography: Ken Kienow Photography / Ceremony: LDS Temple in Logan, Utah / Reception: The Groom’s Family Home in St. Charles, Idaho / Dress: Anne Barge via Alta Moda Bridal / Bride’s Belt: Modern Trousseau / Bride’s Shoes: Grazia / Bride’s Hair Accessory: Twigs & Honey / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff via The Perfect Dress / Men’s Suits: Ralph Lauren / Bride’s Hair: Mindee Soto (Bride’s Sister) of 987 Studio Salon / Makeup: Cynthia Dean of Enizio / Getting Ready Location: Riter Mansion / Catering: Culinary Concepts / Cakes + Pastries: Grace Harvell of The Graceful Baker / Pizzas: Jack’s Wood-Fired Oven / Dining Tables & Tents: Diamond Rental / Market Chalkboards: Sweet to My Heart / Sign-in Book: Emerson Bindery / Dance Floor, Sign-In Table, Cake Table, Crate Dining Tables, Market Stands + Event Layout: Groom, His Brother + His Father / Raspberry Jam Favors: The Bride + The Groom’s Mother / Market Baskets + Berry Containers: Texas Basket Company / Wedding Invitations + Blackberry Design: Laurie Robison