A Redfish Lake Wedding with a Dog of Honor

Sandy and Justin created an unforgettable Redfish Lake Wedding that included a beautiful reception space, unexpected showers, and a furry four legged friend. S & J’s elopement started with a private hiking adventure and then transitioned to a ceremony and reception with family and friends.

An elopement couples bends down and talks to their dog of honor. Couple is in a green grassy meadow with short sagebrush. There are cloudy mountains and pine trees in the background. Bride is wearing a white, lacy wedding dress with a high neckline.

Goodluck Showers

You never know what kind of weather you are going to get in the mountains. For this wedding, the cards held a spring thunderstorm and with it came a cloud cover that created a beautiful, moody Redfish Lake wedding.

Years of photographing outdoor elopements in the mountains has taught me to always be prepared. I bring an emergency kit to every elopement which includes clear umbrellas. Rain on your wedding day always means good luck and you can still take awesome photos in the rain.

Couple walks down a trail during their elopement hike in Stanley, Idaho. Couple is wearing wedding attire and holding clear umbrella. Their dog of honor walks in front of them.

Couple kisses under a clear umbrella during their Stanley, Idaho elopement. Couple is standing on a hillside covered with short sagebrush. There are cloudy mountains covered with snow behind the couple.

Sandy and Justin’s elopement began with a rainy walk to a mountain meadow. The grass in the meadow was a vibrant shade of green and snow still clung to the sides of the Sawtooth Mountains. I snapped a few photos of the couple in their element, along with Charlie, a dog that was clearly more family than pet. We then headed to Redfish Lake for S and J’s intimate ceremony celebration with family and friends.

Groom kisses brides forehead during their elopement in Stanley, Idaho. Couple is standing in a green mountain meadow with cloudy mountains behind them. There is snow on the mountain and the couples dog of honor is sitting at their feet.

Eloping couple stands together in a green mountain meadow with their dog of honor. Bride is hug groom from the side. Groom is hold a bouquet of red Ranunculus and Seeded Eucalyptus. Groom is wearing a blue suite with a red tie. Bride is wearing a white lace dress with an open lack and high neckline.

Couple laughs together during their adventure elopement in Stanley, Idaho. Couple is standing in a grassy meadow. Bride is wearing a lacy dress with a low back. Groom is holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a red ranunculus boutonnière.

Detail photo of an adventure elopement backpack holding a bouquet of flowers and sign that reads 'just married'. The bride bouquet features red ranunculus flowers and seeded eucalyptus greenery.

Personal Touches for a Redfish Lake Wedding

Sandy and Justin integrated aspects of their life into their Redfish Lake wedding, including a favorite hiking backpack for their afternoon photos in the meadow. Their dog Charlie was front of mind when they were choosing a ceremony location (it had to be dog friendly, so he could attend!) Charlie had his own “Dog Of Honor” bandana and carried their rings down the aisle.

Detail photo of a dog dressed in a bandana that reads 'dog of honor'. There are wedding rings tied to the bandana.

Mother of the groom walks down the aisle with the dog of honor.

Benches and rugs brought from S and J’s home created a cozy feeling for the ceremony. Sandy’s mom and dad, one on each of her arms, walked their daughter down the aisle. The weather cleared just as the ceremony began and Sandy and Justin were able to exchange their vows without being soaked. Sawtooth Flower Company designed the ceremony and reception floral pieces.

Photo of a ceremony arch setup for a Redfish Lake wedding. There are two large floral arrangement on either side of the aisle that include pampas grass, Seeded Eucalyptus greenery and red Ranunculus flowers.

Bride walks down the aisle with both of her parents at her side.

A couple exchanges vows during their Redfish Lake wedding ceremony. The couple is standing on a beach with their wedding guests. Guests are seated on wooden benches and covers with umbrellas. Cloudy mountains and pine trees are visible behind the couple.

An eloping couple smiles at each other during their Redfish Lake wedding ceremony. Couple is standing on a rug and there are large pampas grass and red Ranunculus flower arrangements on either side of the couple. Cloudy mountains and a lake are visible behind the couple. Groom is wearing a blue suite with rain boots. Bride is wearing a white, faux furry quarter length sleeve jacket and a white lace dress.

A couple kisses during their Redfish Lake wedding ceremony on a mountain lake beach. There are large flower arrangements on either side of the couple. The Sawtooth Mountains are cloudy and visible behind the couple.

The Epic Location & an Intimate Reception Space

It can be hard to strike a balance between epic landscapes and intimate dining. Caitlyne from Foxx and Fern helped J & S create an intimate reception for their Redfish Lake wedding. A gathering space was defined using an old farm table and benches rented from Blush Creek Rentals. Colorful charcuterie boards, customized mugs, and flower centerpieces brought a touch of Sandy and Justin’s style to their celebration space.

Detail photo of a reception table at a Redfish Lake wedding. Table is set with beige plates and sage green napkins. Table is decorated with deer antlers and red ranunculus and seeded eucalyptus greenery flower arrangements. There are wood benches on either side of the table.

Detail photo of a reception table for a Redfish Lake Wedding. There is a red Ranunculus flower centerpiece with green candlesticks on either side. The table is set with beige plates and sage green napkins. There is a deer antler sitting next to the flower centerpiece.

Detail photo of a reception table setting. There is a watercolor name plate sitting by a set of silverware and a sage green napkins sits to the right.

Detail photo of a reception table with a cheese and fruit charcuterie board.

White and black personalized tin wedding mugs. The mug reads "Our adventure begins" on the front and has the couples name on the back.

I was incredibly happy with how Justin and Sandy’s wedding day unfolded despite the weather. Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine loved their wedding day too! Check out RMB’s online feature of this wedding here.

Other vendors include: Makeup by Chantelle and hair by Sun Valley Spa. The reception tablescape featured Little Gem Co and Flying China.