Kuna Event Center Wedding | Kuna & Boise Idaho wedding Photographer

Best friends for life & beyond…
(you might want to grab a kleenex- don’t say I didn’t warn you!)
Chris & Samantha’s wedding was beautiful and filled with love just as any wedding. But one thing was missing, the Brides Mom. Dana passed away when Samantha was just 9 years old. So as the couple was planning their perfect wedding, they quickly found out that weddings are expensive! That’s when these two wonderful women, Lori & Jodi, stepped in and did what best friends do.
Several months ago, Lori contacted me and explained that she wanted to gift photography to the happy couple. What a sweet and more than generous gift! But then when she explained to me WHY and I was just amazed. We planned a surprise meeting with the Bride, Samantha and gave her the news. There were lots of tears, but what I remember the most is Lori saying “It would have been really important to your Mom for you to have beautiful portraits on your wedding day” Gah!
But it didn’t stop there. Over the months these two wonderful friends continued to help with the wedding planning & details. The day of the wedding they were both so busy making everything run smoothly that it was near impossible to get them to stop for a portrait. And then I was reminded again, that friendship is one of the most precious gifts we have in this life. That a best friends love & devotion goes beyond the grave.
There were little reminders all through the day to honor Samantha’s Mom. From the special chair where the Mother of the Bride was to sit, decorated with a picture, and memorabilia. The locket on the bridal bouquet that both Mom & Daughter each had a 1/2 of. To the wedding date itself, which was specially picked because it was Dana’s Birthday (she would have been 42). Her Mom may have not been there in person but she definitely was in spirit.
One of the most special moments of the day was taking a trip to the cemetery just before the ceremony. Samantha, her sister & aunt (Dana’s little sister) had a quiet moment at the grave site. Samantha said that after all the hustle & bustle of the day it was really nice to have a quiet moment with her Mom.
I want to say a great BIG thank you to Lori & Jodi for everything they did. And for showing me what unconditional love & friendship looks like.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Oatney I wish you many years of happiness. heart emoticon Your Mom would have been so proud!
Of course the rest of the day was filled with happy tears and laughter too! 


Photographer: Heather Hillman of In His Image Photography
Venue: Kuna Event Center
Floral: DYI by Bride
Catering: Paul’s Market
Bar Services: Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant
Cake: Gimme Some Sugar Bakery
Hair: Brooklyn-Bridesmaid
Make-Up: Amber-friend
Wedding Planner: Lori Lutterman