Bridal portraits in the backyard of a private chalet in Hailey, ID

Elise and Chris are a laid-back couple who love spending time outdoors. Their DIY wedding reflected their personalities through and through! Tucked into the backyard of a private rented chalet near Sun Valley, the couple exchanged vows and celebrated with 32 of their nearest and dearest. Documenting the day was an honor!

A DIY Pink Wedding with Western Touches

In their pre-wedding questionnaire, Elise and Chris described their wedding theme as “pink Western cowboy boots and hats.” Then, they brought that theme to life with their loved ones’ help! Elise’s dad made the rustic wood wedding arbor, which Elise and her family decorated with pink flowers from Albertsons. The bride also made her bouquet and all the wedding signage! The couple encouraged their guests to come dressed in pink, and many did, wearing shades from blush to fuchsia.

Western-inspired details wove throughout the attire and the decor, from Elise’s metallic cowgirl boots to the pink bandana silverware wraps on the guest tables. Miniature Western trinkets—including cowboy hats, hay bales, and spokes—also decorated the tables. It was the perfect way to pay homage to the wedding location!

A Family-Focused Wedding Day

Elise and Chris have tight-knit relationships with their families, which led to their decision to have an intimate, DIY wedding. The day began with the family working together to decorate the chalet’s backyard space, set up tables and chairs, and prepare dinner. It was truly amazing what they accomplished with all hands on deck! Family members also assisted with passing out drinks before the couple’s outdoor ceremony began (wrapped in custom coozies with Elise and Chris’ faces on them, of course!).

After Elise slipped into her wedding gown, she had a first look with her dad, then an informal first look with her two brothers. Finally, it was time for an emotional first look with Chris outside the chalet. Cue the happy tears! The moment a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day—whether during a first look or their ceremony—is always one of my favorites to capture.

Remembering relatives who couldn’t be physically present for their celebration, especially Elise’s late Grandma Babe, was also important to the couple. After a round of heartfelt toasts during their reception, the couple gifted each guest a scratch-off ticket in her memory.

How the Couple Included Their Pets

Elise and Chris’s dogs, Lola and Flyn, are part of their family. So, naturally, the couple included them in their wedding day, too! Elise walked down the aisle with her dad and Lola, who wore the cutest pink tutu. Chris was supposed to walk down the aisle with Flyn, but the poor fuzzy boy would have overheated on the almost 100-degree day! Thankfully, he was able to join us for portraits later on.

The couple also named their signature beverages and desserts after their fur babies (Lola Margarita, anyone?). Elise made the adorable bar and dessert table signs with custom artwork! As an animal lover, I love it when my couples want to make their pets part of their special day. It’s a blast to capture the bonds between a couple and their beloved animals!

I’m so glad I could photograph Elise and Chris’s DIY wedding. This day had everything I love: a gorgeous outdoor location, authentic emotions, and dogs.

If that sounds like the wedding day you envision, I would be thrilled to connect with you! Whether you’re planning a wedding in Idaho, somewhere else in the States, or abroad, I’m so there. Inquire today to learn more about my all-day wedding photography packages and book yours!