Idaho’s Old Penitentiary Styled Shoot

June 23, 2017

Wedding / Elopement

Our location isn’t one you’d normally find romantic or whimsical at first, but once you see the breathtaking images that arose from this unique setting you’re sure to understand why we are head over heels for the imagery that became of such beautifully destroyed ruins.

The European inspired styled shoot took place in none other than the Old Penitentiary, located in Boise, Idaho. The Penitentiary, built by inmate laborers in 1870, was a functioning prison for years before the inmates started revolting due to the living conditions they were subject to. In 1935 the “Old Pen” became one of the most violent penitentiaries in America, which inevitably caused the Idaho State Penitentiary to close it’s doors after it was destroyed in a riot fire.

Although many claim to have experienced unexplainably strange encounters within the walls of the Old Pen, our time there was nothing short of breathtaking, in the best of ways.

Each vendor involved brought unimaginable talent to the table, which resulted in an array of stunning imagery I had the pleasure of photographing.

In addition to the team of creatives, we had the pleasure of documenting an undeniable love between a local couple that had us all swooning. Chemistry can be a hard thing to create, and lucky for us Danielle and Conner didn’t need any coaching in that department.

Sam, an event planner and owner of Sprout Design assisted me in every step as she brought her experiences from her travels in Europe. With the old stone worldly textures, the Italian inspired cuisine, and the European attire, I knew we were heading in the right direction. She designed and pieced together a beautiful table setting that fit the aesthetics of our vision flawlessly and the raw woods and soft organic linens were carefully selected to fit our theme.

Paige of Wildflower Florals & Events creates the most unique and timeless arrangements. Paige’s talents can be found throughout this session, from the anklet carefully placed on our barefoot bride, to the bouquet we all couldn’t get enough of! You’ll see florals along the tablescape, and the perfect finishing touch and pop of color on the wedding cake as well. Paige based the bouquet around garden roses because outside the Penitentiary walls are rose gardens still adored today. The color pallet she chose gives an antique-feel that was one of my favorite things to photograph.

The extraordinary gown our bride is wearing came one of Boise’s finest boutiques, LaNeige Bridal. A part of the 2017 Pronovias collection, the Orobia is a refined, gauze wedding dress, fitted at the waist, with a V neck and A-line skirt. Danielle was actually glowing in this gown! Conner’s attire complimented hers perfectly with it’s simplistic linen fabric and soft tan hues allowing his bride and her gorgeous white dress to be the star of the show!

The makeup and hair artists let the gown be their inspiration as they beautified Danielle. Jamie of JC Makeup Artistry used a soft, romantic look with a bolt of color using Bobbi Brown’s Hot Tangerine long wear art stick liquid lip. Mariah, our hairstylist made magic of Danielle’s gorgeous locks with a perfectly imperfect braid and messy bun to create the ideal ensemble.

Emilee, owner of Flour Child showed up to the styled shoot with a cake that I was really disappointed I couldn’t eat right then and there! Emilee created a stylish semi-naked lemon wedding cake with vanilla cream filling, light lemon curd, and fresh raspberries. Coated with a smooth white chocolate buttercream and adorned with fresh spring florals to add the finishing touches to this perfect treat I couldn’t wait to devour! Yes, it came home with me.

The stationery comes from my favorite local calligrapher, Claire of Inkling Calligraphy + Design. Our first tragedy occurred when Claire contacted me prior to the styled shoot with news that she had broken three fingers days before she planned to create the handmade goods. I was devastated for her and didn’t want her injuries to worsen, but HAD to have her and only her for the papered goods! Her unwavering dedication pushed through and ultimately provided us with the perfect stationery! You would never know by looking at her work that she had completed it with a wrap on, would you? She is just THAT good!

As for me, the photographer, I look back at the images I captured and am in awe of the way it all turned out. I am so honored that these vendors committed their time, energy, and talents towards something I’ve been eager to bring to life! Something I was so nervous for and so scared to do, turned out to be such a heartwarming day that I am so grateful for. At the time of the shoot, I had been photographing for 8 months and am so appreciative for this form of art. I am able to take a single moment in time and freeze it for an eternity. How will I ever top this first styled shoot with such an amazing team of vendors in such an unreal location!? We aimed to achieve a styled shoot with a unique look and location unlike any we had seen before! For a moment, we felt as though we truly escaped our beloved Boise, Idaho and found ourselves in Europe exploring historical ruins!