Ah, Yulia & Ivan’s downtown Idaho Falls wedding was so sweet! Ivan’s mom, Marina, who is also a photographer found my business and set everything up for this wedding! Most of our communication was through email until we met in person at her studio downtown. I met her and her husband, and Yulia & Ivan and Yulia’s mom, Tatina. They are all from Ukraine, though Marina and her family have lived here for about 20 years. Ivan, however has been back and forth and was living in Ukraine when he met Yulia through mutual friends. When I asked how and where Ivan proposed he said at a restaurant called ‘Paris’ in Kharkiv, which is now under bombing since the war started. … I haven’t personally known anyone that has been affected from what’s happening in Ukraine until now. … It was very humbling to be with them and talk about how they met and the experiences they’ve had leading up to their wedding. …When I asked who of the bride’s family members would be attending the wedding, they said, just her mom. …Whooo. Tatina and Yulia came to the states just 4 months ago. … Because of all they’ve been through, they were so grateful to be at that point of just planning the wedding! They mentioned that Yulia & Ivan’s first dance would be to a Ukraine war song so it might be a little more somber. … So, I went into the day with a little bit of a different perspective and really just wanted to capture all of the big and little moments.
Yulia & Ivan were married in a Greek Orthodox Church in Pocatello and had their reception at the Willard Arts Center in downtown Idaho Falls. I met the couple after their ceremony at a park downtown and we started with photos of just them. Right when I saw them, they were SO happy and just so sweet together! And Yulia was stunning! She had a long cathedral veil which we took advantage of for photos! After the park, we headed downtown and took some shots behind the art center and some inside and then headed up to their reception. They have a special tradition where they have towels that were embroidered by each of their grandmothers and they have a special bread with salt that they each take a piece of and eat. … Tatina and Marina (mothers of the bride and groom) each said some beautiful words and expressed how grateful they were to witness this marriage. The night continued with toasts and dancing and even though the first dance song was somber, it was so beautiful and was a testament to how far they’ve come. … I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be a part of this downtown Idaho Falls wedding and it will be one I remember forever. So happy for you Yulia & Ivan! Congrats!