Eden and Dillon's Hayden Idaho Backyard Wedding
Eden and Dillon are special. From the first time I met them, to watching Eden say "yes" on the beach in Mexico, I have enjoyed every moment I have had with them. They aren't just cool people, but they are kind, and easy to talk to. They make you feel like you are a part - even if you're just the photographer. I have loved being there for so many of their big family moments, and i'm so proud that I get to share some of those moments here with you today.
Funny enough, my history with this family goes back further than Eden and Dillon's story even does. I first met the Lanpheres years ago, photographing Brayden and Aeva's engagement and then their wedding at Settlers Creek - Brayden is Dillon's older brother, and it was one of my favorite days that year. So when Dillon's mom reached out a couple years later to book his senior photos, I already knew I was going to love working with this family again. Dillon was exactly who I remembered - kind, quick to laugh, easy to talk to, and just a little bit crazy (ask him about his marathon). It was on that senior session that I actually met Eden for the first time.
About a year after that, I got to photograph their engagement session in Coeur d'Alene - not long after Dillon had proposed. But before that engagement session even happened, I had the honor of being there for the proposal itself, on a beach in Mexico, surrounded by their whole family who'd flown in just to be part of the surprise. Eden had no idea. I'll never forget her turning around after saying yes and realizing everyone she loved was standing right there, ready to celebrate with her. If you haven't seen it, go relive that moment here - it's still one of my favorite proposals I've ever documented.
So by the time their wedding day in Hayden finally rolled around this past July, it genuinely felt like I was showing up for family - especially because we were standing on the very property where Eden grew up. As a Coeur d'Alene and Spokane wedding photographer, I get asked a lot about backyard weddings, and I'll tell you, there's nothing quite like photographing a bride on the same North Idaho ground she grew up running around on. Eden and her mom were in hair and makeup and Dillon was off getting ready with his guys. We spent the afternoon soaking up the details, the getting-ready moments, family photos, and all the in-between glances these two can't help but give each other. As the sun started dipping low, we made the call to chase that golden light for a few final portraits together before the night took over with the people they love most.
Getting to walk alongside Eden and Dillon's story - from a senior session, to a proposal on a beach, to an engagement in the town where they grew up, to finally saying "I do" - has been one of the true privileges of doing this job. Thank you both for trusting me with every one of those moments. I can't wait for you to see the rest below.
