Not every love story starts at the beginning. Some begin again—with more meaning, deeper connection, and the joy of blending not just two lives, but an entire family.

That was exactly the case for Chris and Liz. I had the honor of capturing their intimate wedding on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and I still find myself thinking about the quiet beauty of that day.

One Couple, Three Little Hearts

C+L didn’t just come together as a couple—they came together as a family of five. Between them, they brought three sweet kids into their lives: her son, his daughter, and their newest baby boy. This day wasn’t just about two people getting married—it was about all five of them, becoming a family. A true and beautiful blend.

The Airbnb they chose sat right on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Tucked away in a quiet spot, it gave their celebration an intimate, peaceful backdrop. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the love—real, grounded, and joyful.

Getting Ready—Upstairs, Downstairs, and Everywhere in Between

Getting ready moments were relaxed and full of sweet energy. Liz and the two youngest kids were upstairs while Chris and their other son stayed downstairs—but as with most family mornings, the kids moved freely between the two. Laughter echoed up and down the stairs, little feet padded back and forth, and there was a comfortable rhythm to it all.

One of my favorite memories from that morning was Liz’s daughter quietly admiring her wedding dress, then helping her mom slip into her shoes. It wasn’t posed—it was simply love in motion. These are the kinds of moments that make intimate weddings so meaningful.

A father’s love is one of the greatest parts of a wedding for me,

When Liz came down the stairs to meet her father. I captured her descent in three quiet frames—each step building toward that moment at the bottom where he stood waiting. When they embraced, it wasn’t just a hug—it was full of history, love, and emotion. A quiet pause in the day that said so much without a single word.

Surrounded by close friends and family,

C+L  stood with their children by their side as they exchanged vows. There were tears, laughter, and that kind of deep emotion that comes from two people who truly understand what it means to build a life together.

Their older son also had a big role to play: he brought up the wedding rings. And in true kid fashion, he added his own little flair—accidentally dropping them just before handing them over. It brought a wave of laughter and a dose of lighthearted charm that made the moment even more memorable. Those perfectly imperfect little things? They’re what make a wedding feel real and unforgettable.

At just six months old, the baby was fully present for the day in his own sweet way. During the ceremony, he was cradled in his parents’ arms—wide-eyed, wiggly, and clearly wanting in on the action. He may not have known exactly what was happening, but it was obvious he felt the energy and love all around him. He was held close as the rings were exchanged, right there in the heart of it all—and honestly, It was perfect.

Family Photos, Cake, and a Deck-Side Dance

After the ceremony, the whole family gathered for portraits along the lakeshore—just as the couple had hoped. With the sun shining through the trees and the lake glimmering behind them, it was the perfect setting. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all the kids came together to mark the moment. It felt less like posing and more like celebrating—everyone relaxed, smiling, and soaking in the joy of the day.

A family joined in LOVE

A sweet cake cutting followed, and then a first dance on the deck of the Airbnb, with the lake just beyond and golden light pouring in. It was one of those scenes you don’t forget—quiet, simple, and full of heart.

Earning Trust, One Smile at a Time

One of the most touching parts of the day for me was working with their son. He was shy at first—quiet and observant. I made sure to give him space and time to warm up. And by the time the cake was cut, he was stealing the show and striking poses like a little pro. Watching that transformation was one of my favorite parts of the day.

Just the Two of Them

Sunset, a Stretch Limo, and the Start of Something New

As the sun dipped low over Lake Coeur d’Alene, C+L, their children, and their loved ones all climbed into a stretch limo to head off for a dinner reception. There was laughter, cheers, and a sense that something really special had just begun.

A Quiet Reflection

Intimate weddings like Chris and Liz’s are such a reminder that love doesn’t just bring two people together—it creates something entirely new. A new chapter. A new home. A new kind of joy.

Watching their kids be part of the day—helping with shoes, sneaking extra frosting, holding hands during the vows—was the heart of it all. It wasn’t perfect in the polished, scripted way some weddings aim for. It was better. It was real. Full of warmth, laughter, and the kind of moments that turn into lifelong memories.

As they pulled away in that limo, with the light turning soft and golden, I couldn’t help but feel grateful to have witnessed it all. These are the stories I love to tell.

Planning an intimate wedding or elopement in Idaho or Washington?

Whether you’re starting fresh or blending your family, I’d love to help you tell your story in a way that feels relaxed, natural, and completely personal to you.

Every couple’s story is different, and I love discovering what makes yours unique. If you’d like to know a little more about me and how I approach telling love stories, you can read more here