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Ty and Amanda were married on July 9th, with a ceremony and reception at Still Water Hollow.

I met Ty and Amanda in a coffee shop for the first time for an “interview” before the big day, and from the get-go, I was received by two very smiley, gentle people. These genuine souls with huge hearts and sweetness running through their veins had a little voice inside me saying, “Oh, oh, pick me, pick me!” and hoping that they would choose me to be their photographer. That kind of connection is such a vital part of the photography process! There are thousands of amazing photographers out there dripping in creativity, but that connection and relationship is about 75% of what puts the magic in your photos. Luckily for me, Amanda and Ty felt this connection too, so they asked me to be their wedding photographer!

They had the cutest engagement story, too. Amanda was sure that they wouldn’t get engaged until after they graduated college, but one day in April, she went to class just like any other Thursday and then found Ty waiting for her at her car with two tickets to Disneyland for later that night. He told her that she had three hours to pack her bags and run off to Disneyland with him. 

Now, Amanda had been obsessed with Disneyland for ages and had always dreamed of getting engaged there, so she woke up the next morning and took a little longer than usual getting ready just in case he proposed. They rode a few rides before they went up to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, where he DID propose! As they were getting their pictures taken, Amanda spotted her mother—her best friend—and realized that Ty had secretly flown both of their parents to Disneyland as well so they could be there to celebrate that day! They spent the rest of the day running around Disneyland wearing “Just Engaged” buttons and generally feeling like the luckiest couple ever. How cute is that? 

On the day of the wedding, Amanda and Ty greeted me with those same warm smiles from when I first met them, and I started off the day with Amanda and her girls as she got ready. When her dad came into the room to see her for the first time, of course, Amanda couldn’t hold back the tears, and her bridesmaids jumped right in to fan back the waterworks. 

Then, it was off to the first look, where Amanda walked across a bridge to meet Ty on the other side for a warm embrace. After they’d shared a moment together, we ventured around the grounds of Still Water Hollow through the barns and small cottages as well as the field-lined street out front.

We had the ceremony out under the hot July sun, but with a breeze and on-and-off cloud cover, all their focus was not on the heat but on their tender wedding vows, heartfelt tears, and commitment to each other. They smiled and kissed their way down the aisle, and I couldn’t help being swept up in their joy just watching them!

After Amanda and Ty were introduced as husband and wife, the glasses were raised high for toasts, and then the first round of fun and silly came during the “shoe game.” I’ve seen more and more weddings do this, and it’s guaranteed entertainment and laughter for all!

The bride/groom, father/daughter, and mother/son dances were all incredibly sweet. Amanda and Ty did a more traditional style of dance—with a little tripping over each other’s feet. ;) The father/daughter dance was darling, as her dad sang along with the song. They had picked a song all about “Mandy” (short for Amanda), which had both of them crying and filled the dance floor with laughter at the same time. During his dance with his mom, Ty pretended to throw out a hook and reel his mom out onto the floor! Their dance was filled with smiles from beginning to end.

Once the dance floor was opened to great music—which is always the case when Sound Wave Events is present—I don’t think the floor was empty once! The only time people weren’t dancing was when they were snapping pictures in the photobooth.

The night ended with a sparkler send-off, and then they were off for an adventure of traveling together for Ty’s job. He’s a professional golfer!! Amazing. What’s more amazing is how humble he is and how not one part of the day was tied into that. Even though it’s a big part of who he is, he didn’t let it define him, and I loved that. I also loved how Amanda started off the marriage right, in complete support of him taking off for the season right after the wedding and holding off their honeymoon for five months before they get to go to Hawaii together.

Amanda & Ty, I’m SO thankful you chose me to capture your day! Your genuine souls shone bright through the day, and I wish you joy in every step of the way. “The best part of life’s journey is who you get to share it with.” Much love, Maija.


kind words from amanda & ty

"Where do I begin?! Maija did an amazing job capturing every aspect of our wedding day. I can't stop looking at all of the pictures! She arrived on time and stayed for our whole wedding day. She was so friendly and I am still receiving compliments on how great our wedding photos look. I would definitely recommend Maija if you are looking for a fun, creative and unique photographer!

Thank you so much Maija for the beautiful pictures you have given my family that we will be able to cherish forever!" 

-Amanda & Ty


Vendors

Wedding Coordinator - Bliss Events
Florist - Bliss Events
DJ - SoundWave Events
Videographer - Goose Films
Make-up & Hair - Behrens Artistry
PhotoBooth - Photobooth Boise
Dress: David's Bridal made by Oleg Cassini
Men's Tux: Sweetheart Manor
Candy Bar: Set up with bowls of candy, large carnival style lolipops, and cupcakes by Suger Rush Cupcakery & Cake from Albertsons Bakery