Pilgrim Cove Idaho Summer Camp Wedding

Ian and Jennifer through one heck of a Pilgrim Cove Idaho Summer Camp Wedding. Was it a wedding or was it a party? You can decide below when you look through their entire wedding day.

Pilgrim Cove McCall Idaho Wedding Venue

Pilgrim Cove Summer Camp is one of my all time favorite Idaho wedding venues. Located in McCall, this sweet summer camp sleeps up to 75 people. Rustic cabins line the forest covered property and one giant lodge contains a large kitchen big enough to feed all your people. You may recognize this amazing wedding venue from the many times I’ve photographed weddings here. Abby and Koji, one of my favorite couples, are featured on my blog here. Sarah and Sada’s fall wedding at Pilgrim Cove can be read on my blog here. Also, Jen dreamed of a forest wedding venue with lots of trees. She imagined a boho forest wedding and Pilgrim Cove is the perfect setting for exactly that.

Idaho Summer Camp Wedding

Ian and Jennifer’s love language is quality time with their favorite people. They love a big party. Jennifer told me she wanted a giant party with a sprinkle of a wedding thrown in. And, wow, they delivered. Early on in wedding planning, Jennifer also told me wedding photography was her top priority. She found me after searching for LGBTQ wedding photographers. Finding an inclusive photographer with experience photographing queer people was important to her because a lot of her friends are queer. Immediately, I knew when she said that we were going to be friends. These are my people. As a queer wedding photographer, I’m honored every time someone comes to me specifically because they feel safe and seen in my work.

All 200 of Ian and Jennifer’s guests traveled to McCall, Idaho Friday morning before their wedding day. One of the best features of Pilgrim Cove Camp is the private beach access on Payette Lake. They planned a full beach day and welcome party for all their guests to kick off wedding weekend.

Private Vows Alone in the Forest

A lot of couples I work with tell me that while they love a big party, they aren’t big on PDA. Or large declarations of love. I love reminding couples that they can choose to share their own personal vows privately and exchange traditional vows in front of their guests. The best of both worlds! Ian and Jen loved the idea of having a private first look off site, so we hiked into a stunning location in Ponderosa State Park. They exchanged self written vows alone they wrote in leather bound notebooks. It felt so true to who they are and so romantic.

A Heartfelt Casual Wedding Reception

It feels rare to say that my favorite part of Ian and Jen’s wedding was their amazing wedding reception. These two really prioritized an amazing experience for all their guests. I loved their guest book, which was a vintage telephone where every guest recorded a special message for them to archive. Their open bar had custom his & hers drinks. Once the evening cooled down, a S’Mores bar was placed around the fire pit. Also, it was important to make their wedding reception feel as casual and family friendly as possible. Custom puzzles and coloring books were designed with their wedding logo for t ahe kids to enjoy. Lawn games covered the entire grass area. Jen told me she dreamed of watching her favorite friends and family sharing a meal together under the canopy of forest trees. The golden hour light that filtered through the forest trees was so stunning at dinner.

Canoe Sunset Photos on the Lake

With only a little light coaxing, I persuaded Ian and Jen to hop in the vintage canoes to take a few sunset photos on the lake. The golden hour light couldn’t have been more magical. I always want to ensure couples that their experience is what matters most. Jen didn’t want to leave her party for more than 5 minutes, so we only spent a few minutes taking some bride and groom wedding portraits. As an Idaho Wedding Photographer, all you need is a few minutes in the mountains to capture gold. The landscapes just make it that easy.

Thank you Jen and Ian! Your Idaho Summer Camp Wedding was a dream to be a part of!