There are wedding days that just feel right from start to finish — and Alyssa and Jordan’s was one of them. The weather couldn’t have been better: a crisp, sunny fall day with just the right amount of warmth, surrounded by colorful leaves and mountain views at the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise.
Everything about their day was thoughtful and personal. Alyssa’s mom is an incredibly talented musician and played in the quartet for their ceremony — even performing a solo during their unity portion. It added such a special touch that perfectly fit the calm, intimate vibe of their day.
And let me just say — I loved all the first looks. Jordan shared the first one of the day with his mom, and it completely set the tone. It was emotional, genuine, and such a special moment between them. Alyssa followed with a sweet first look with her dad before seeing Jordan, and when she and Jordan finally met for their own first look, they shared private vows that couldn’t have been more “them.” Simple, heartfelt, and full of personal stories — one of my favorite moments of the day.
Their ceremony was set in the English garden’s open lawn space, surrounded by trees showing off their best fall colors. With about 50 guests, it felt relaxed and intentional — and the soft sounds of the quartet made it even more peaceful.
Afterward, we snuck away for sunset portraits, and wow — the light did not disappoint. The Idaho Botanical Garden has some of the best golden-hour spots in Boise, and we definitely took advantage of it. Those photos ended up being some of my favorite frames from the entire season.
The evening wrapped up with dancing under the string lights — and let me tell you, this crew came ready to dance. From spins to the full-on Macarena, the energy was super fun! Between the music, great food from Whatever Works Catering, a gorgeous cake by Greg Marsh Designer Cakes, and drinks from Jo’s Traveling Bar, it was the perfect way to end a beautiful day.
If you’re thinking about getting married at the Idaho Botanical Garden, it’s a solid choice — especially if you love nature and variety in your photos. There are multiple ceremony and reception spots, from open lawns to tucked-away garden paths. The light here is chef’s kiss — soft, clean, and perfect for golden-hour portraits. It’s also close to downtown Boise, which makes travel and logistics easy for both vendors and guests.
The venue has clear timelines (no early arrivals before noon), which keeps the day structured but still flexible enough to allow for a relaxed pace. It’s ideal for couples who want a garden setting without the long drive to the mountains.
Alyssa and Jordan — thank you for trusting me to capture your day. From your sweet first looks to your epic sunset photos, you made the entire experience such a joy. You two are proof that a wedding doesn’t need to be huge to be unforgettable — it just needs heart, family, and a little bit of sunshine.
Enjoy a few of my faves while I work to get your full gallery delivered!
xo, Tina
Ceremony & Reception | Idaho Botanical Gardens
Dress Store | David’s Bridal
Florist | Wendy Smith – Spyglass Gardens
Wedding Invitations | by Bride’s sister Kenzie Felzien
Wedding Planner | Maya Renee with Maid of Honesty Wedding & Event Management
Hair & Make Up | Skyla Dawn Designs
Cake | Greg Marsh Designer Cakes
Catering | Whatever Works Catering
Live Band | Tangled Strings Double Quintet
Bar | Jo’s Traveling Bar
Videographer | Yasinki Photography
2nd Photographer | Erica with Beyond The Lens
View their engagement session HERE!
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Your Boise based Wedding and Senior Photographer with BIG dreams! At the age of 23 I invested in my very first "pink-Sony" digital camera. Little did I know, that camera would ignite a passion for capturing the most precious seasons of life! If you're reading this, you've made it to the part of my online home where I show off TRP senior's and couples in their special seasons of life, as well as share helpful tips and resources to ensure you are well prepared for your special day!
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Tina Ricketts is a Boise photographer for weddings and senior portraits, serving Idaho and destinations worldwide.
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