I have met so many new couples while photographing their weddings. 

And believe it or not it's usually a couple picking Salmon just as their "elopement" location. That was just the case from Braden and Jenna when they got married over the weekend. 

 The two randomly chose Salmon. 

The couple had original plans of exchanging vows on an Alaskan cruise ship, and well, COVID so they adjusted their plans. Luckily they chose Salmon based on the Williams Lake Resort. They found the resort on the internet and decided to get married there. They brought parents, siblings, grandparents and great-grandparents with them. None of them ever being to Salmon before. 

We live in such beautiful place so it isn't so surprising that people want to visit here and use our gorgeous backdrop of the mountains - but if you live here you probably are wondering, "really, why Salmon?" When I find out that the couple chose Salmon and doesn't have any ties to this place we call home, I know they chose the most perfect area with amazing vendors and people.

The whole wedding party - the family - were able to stay at the Williams Lake Resort with the kitchen, the rooms, the property right on the lake - it really was perfect. Little micro weddings are a new "trend" that I hope stays. It is usually a wedding with well under 50 guests. These are usually short and sweet and really like a big family reunion with lots of love. Plus it's like a little vacation for them. 

A little wedding full of love was just what Braden and Jenna got. This was my first time at the Williams Lake Resort and was impressed with how perfect it is for a wedding like this. They set up their ceremony spot right in front of the lake. It was right at sunset so was even better. The chairs were set out with a great little arch for the couple to exchange vows under. The Resort has one of the best shots of Williams Lake sunset. 

One thing great about this wedding was the family all helped and all chipped in. So it wasn't just a quick wedding it was a family coming together to bring these two together, to make it special and to really enjoy one another's company. Everything from the cake and food to the flowers - everyone there helped and made it perfect. All together. 

I really admired that. 

Pastor Hagen Miller from the Calvary Chapel Salmon performed the Christ-based ceremony. The two exchanged their own vows in front of their families and sharing their loyalty with one another. 

Jenna looked so gorgeous in her princess dress - a real life princess and Braden look pretty dapper in his outfit. It was a great little night. 

Braden did not want to do a first look.

Jenna really did want a first look. 

So now what. . . . 

Well Jenna wanted to respect Braden and wanting stay with "tradition" and not see one another prior to the ceremony but she didn't let that stop her from tricking him. She told Braden they were going to still do a "first look." 

First Look: A first look is an intimate reveal between the bride and groom before the ceremony. This is good to get photos prior, get rid of butterflies/jitters and the two get an moment together before seeing everyone because it can be a lot. First looks also can be with bride and dad, bride and mother - etc. 

Well Jenna continued to tell Braden that they were doing a "first look." But she had a secret. 

Jenna convinced her brother and Braden's friend, Cody to wear a wedding gown. Braden was blind-folded as he anxiously awaited for what he thought was his bride in her white dress all dolled up. 

When he removed the blindfold there was Cody, dress in a white dress. Braden was shocked but wasn't that shocked which was quite funny. 

Tell me what you think below.

Want to see more? Browse other weddings or checkout my wedding planning guide for Salmon. 

Want to add something to it? Email me at hello@BellanetPhotography.com