A bride and groom embrace and kiss outdoors at night, surrounded by snow. Warm backlighting creates a glow around them, highlighting the bride's veil. Tall trees and snow-covered ground are visible in the background.

A bride in a white gown and veil stands in a snowy forest holding a bouquet. Her image is overlaid on a translucent silhouette of a groom in a suit, creating a double exposure effect. Snow-covered trees surround the scene.

A groom in a dark suit covers his face with emotion as he sees his bride in a white dress and veil. Set against stone walls and snow-covered trees, this winter moment captures raw, heartfelt feelings.

A bride in an off-shoulder wedding dress and veil stands in a snow-covered forest, holding a bouquet. Her long, dark hair cascades over her shoulders as she gazes into the distance. The black-and-white image highlights the contrast between the snowy

A bouquet is held up against a snowy forest backdrop, featuring a striking red rose surrounded by pastel flowers and lush greenery. The blurred tall trees in the background add depth to the winter scene.

In a black and white photo, a couple smiles and faces each other. The man is wearing a suit, and the woman is draped in a fur shawl, with long dark hair draping around her. Both exude the joy of the moment.

In a snowy forest, surrounded by ponderosa pines, a bride and groom stand together. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white gown and veil. The groom wears a suit. Snow covers the ground and tree branches, creating a wintry scene which is reflec

A bride and groom share a joyful embrace in a snowy landscape. The bride’s radiant smile and bouquet stand out in this black-and-white image, creating a timeless and romantic moment.

A bride and groom stand closely together in a snowy forest, surrounded by snow-covered trees. The bride’s long veil flows as she holds a bouquet, while the groom, in a suit, shares a quiet moment with her in the serene winter landscape.

A groom in a dark suit and patterned tie smiles as he stands in a snowy forest, his hands tucked in his pockets. The snow-covered trees in the background add to the wintery charm of the scene.

A bride in a white dress and veil and a groom in a blue suit embrace closely against a soft, pale sky. She holds a bouquet of red and white flowers as their foreheads touch, capturing a quiet, intimate moment.

A couple in formal attire embraces in a snowy forest, smiling warmly. The woman holds a bouquet of red and white flowers, while snow-covered branches surround them, adding to the winter charm.

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a snowy terrace. The groom kisses the bride's cheek as she holds a bouquet of flowers. Snow covers the ground and surrounding railings, creating a serene winter backdrop. Payette Lake is seen in the backg

Fresh snow blanketed the mountains as Sarah and Petar stepped into their greatest adventure yet—an elopement surrounded by the wild beauty of McCall, Idaho. With snowflakes drifting softly through towering pines, their day was filled with laughter, wonder, and the kind of magic only a winter wonderland could provide.

Their love story unfolded at Shore Lodge, a historic lakeside retreat offering stunning views of Payette Lake, all wrapped in a dreamy layer of fresh snowfall. From an emotional first look to an adventurous trek through the forest, their elopement was everything they had hoped for—and more.

A snowy landscape with a large wooden sign reading "Shore Lodge, Established 1948, McCall, Idaho." Surrounded by snow-covered trees and parked cars, indicating a winter setting at the lodge.

Black and white image of a snow-covered wooden building entrance with a peaked roof. Snow is falling, and a large SUV is parked by the entrance. Pine trees are partially visible on the left.

Snow-covered Shore Lodge with stone lanterns line a snowy pathway. Leafless trees surround the area, and tall evergreen trees stand in the background under an overcast sky.

Black and white image of a snow-covered patio with two cushioned chairs and a small table. The background shows a dark building with large windows, and snowflakes are falling gently.

Cozy room with a stone fireplace and a mounted moose head above it. A fire is burning in the fireplace, and soft lighting creates a warm atmosphere. Plants and wooden accents are visible around the room.

Snowy lakeside scene with a dock and trees covered in snow. Thick fog obscures the background, creating a quiet, serene atmosphere. The landscape is mostly black and white, enhancing the wintery mood.

Snow-covered Shore Lodge with large windows and balconies. Leafless trees stand in front; heavy snow blankets the ground and roofs. Snowflakes are falling, creating a serene winter scene.

Bride in an elegant wedding gown holding a bouquet, standing by a window with sheer curtains. The black and white image highlights the dress's intricate details and her serene expression.

Black and white photo of a bride holding a bouquet of roses and other flowers. Her hands are clasped around the stems, with a visible ring on her finger. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the floral details of her dress.

A bride in a lace wedding dress stands indoors, holding a bouquet of flowers featuring red roses, white blooms, and greenery. She is facing the camera in front of softly lit curtains.

The Perfect Winter Wonderland for a Mountain Elopement

Sarah and Petar's adventure began at the historic Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho. Established in 1948, the lodge exudes rustic charm with its snow-covered rooftops and cozy rooms adorned with stone fireplaces and wooden accents. The couple chose to make an entire weekend of their elopement, which began with finding cozy accommodations at Shore Lodge. The lodge's warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with a stone fireplace and rustic decor, set the perfect tone for their romantic escape.

A bride in a white gown and veil approaches a groom standing on a snowy path surrounded by trees and a stone wall. The scene is set in a wintery, forested area, with snow covering the ground and trees.

A bride and groom stand together with their backs to the camera, embracing while looking at a snowy landscape. The bride is in a white gown and veil, and the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is serene and wintery.

A black and white photo of a groom in a suit, looking at a bride in a flowing wedding dress with a veil. They're outdoors on a snow-covered path, surrounded by stone walls and pine trees. The groom has a look of shock on his face.

A groom in a dark suit covers his face in emotion as he faces a bride in a white dress and veil. They are outdoors on a snowy winter day with stone walls and snow-covered trees in the background.

A couple stands on a snow-covered path, surrounded by trees. The groom in a suit kisses his bride’s hand; she wears a white gown and veil. It’s a wintry outdoor setting with a stone wall and a snowy background.

A bride in a white wedding dress and veil embraces a groom in a suit as they kiss outdoors. Snow gently falls around them, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere.

A bride and groom stand facing each other in a snowy landscape, surrounded by snow-covered trees and stone structures. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a long veil. Both are dressed in formal wedding attire.

A bride and groom stand close together on a snowy pathway, surrounded by snow-covered trees and stone walls. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are dressed in formal wedding attire. The scene is serene and wintry.

A First Look to Remember

The anticipation of their first look was palpable. Sarah and Petar chose the serene lakeside terrace behind Shore Lodge for this special moment, where the snow-covered lake stretched endlessly before them.

As Sarah walked toward Petar, her lace gown trailing behind her in the fresh powder, the world seemed to pause, allowing them to fully save this intimate moment. Snowflakes drifted gently around them, adding to the enchantment of the moment. When Petar turned to see her, his expression of pure joy and wonder spoke volumes.

Then, the unexpected happened—guests watching from inside Shore Lodge burst into cheers, celebrating the couple’s love from afar. It was a moment of pure magic, warmth, and connection—one they’d never forget.

A couple in wedding attire, wearing snowshoes, holds hands in a snow-covered forest. Tall, snow-laden trees line the path, creating a serene, romantic winter scene.

A bride and groom stand together in a snowy forest, surrounded by tall pine trees. The bride is in a white gown holding a bouquet, and the groom wears a suit. Snow covers the ground and tree branches, creating a wintry scene.

A bride with long hair and a fur-like coat watches a deer standing on a snowy hill in a winter forest. Snow-covered trees surround the scene, creating a serene and picturesque winter atmosphere. The image is in black and white.

A bride and groom stand close together in a snowy forest. The bride wears a long veil and holds a bouquet of flowers, while the groom wears a suit. Snow-covered trees surround them, creating a serene winter setting.

A bride in a white lace gown holds a bouquet of flowers, including red and white blooms. She leans on a groom wearing a plaid suit, with her hand resting on his shoulder. They stand against a blurred snowy background.

A couple stands closely together in a snowy forest, dressed in wedding attire. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a suit. Snow blankets the ground and trees, creating a serene, wintery scene.

A bride and groom share an intimate moment outdoors in winter. The bride, wearing a beaded dress, hugs the groom, who wears a dark plaid suit. Snow is visible on their hair, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

A bride and groom stand together in a snowy forest, surrounded by tall pine trees covered in snow. The bride is in a white dress, and the groom is in a dark suit. They hold a bouquet and smile, creating a serene winter wedding scene.

A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom touching foreheads tenderly. The bride is wearing an off-shoulder lace dress and veil, while the groom is in a suit and tie. They both have closed eyes, sharing an intimate moment.

A black and white photo of a groom kissing the bride on the cheek. The bride has long dark hair and wears an off-shoulder wedding dress with a necklace. The groom is in a suit with a checked pattern. Both appear happy and serene.

A woman in a white dress with long dark hair and a fur shawl stands in a snowy landscape, looking over her shoulder and smiling. The background is a blurred winter forest scene.

A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom embracing. The bride, wearing a lace dress and veil, holds a bouquet of flowers and smiles softly. The groom, in a checked suit, leans his head affectionately on her shoulder.

A deer stands on a snow-covered road in a forest, facing a person with long dark hair in the foreground. Snow blankets the trees and edges of the road, creating a serene winter scene.

Exploring the Snowy Wilderness: Snowshoeing in Ponderosa State Park

After their emotional first look, Sarah and Petar ventured through Ponderosa State Park, strapping on snowshoes for the first time. They explored the heart of the forest, where towering ponderosa pines stood like sentinels, their branches heavy with fresh snow. The couple embraced the silence of the snow-covered woods, their laughter echoing through the trees.

One enchanting moment came when Sarah experienced a "Snow White" moment, connecting face-to-face with a deer in the park. This magical connection with nature is a testament to the wonder and joy they embody.

A bride in a white dress and veil and a groom in a blue suit embrace closely against a minimal, pale sky background. She holds a bouquet with red and white flowers. Their foreheads gently touch, creating an intimate moment.

A bride and groom joyfully embrace on a snowy landscape. The bride smiles brightly while holding a bouquet. The scene is in black and white, adding a timeless and romantic feel to the photograph.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a snowy landscape. The bride wears a long white dress and veil, holding a bouquet, while the groom wears a dark suit. They are standing close together, embracing against the wintry backdrop.

A black and white photo of a groom kissing the bride's cheek. They are standing outside in a snowy setting. She is smiling with long dark hair, in an off-the-shoulder dress. The groom is in a suit, gently holding her face. The image is slightly blur

A bride and groom stand in a snowy landscape. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a blue suit. Both are smiling and looking at the camera, surrounded by a wintry backdrop.

A groom in a blue suit kisses the cheek of a smiling bride in a white lace wedding dress with off-shoulder sleeves. They are outdoors in a snow-covered setting, creating a romantic and joyful moment.

A couple in wedding attire embraces on a snowy landscape. The bride wears a flowing gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit. The expansive snow-covered ground and overcast sky lend a serene, romantic atmosphere to the scene.

A bride and groom embrace closely in a snowy setting. The bride wears an off-shoulder lace wedding dress, and the groom is in a checked suit. They stand intimately with their foreheads touching, surrounded by falling snowflakes.

A bride and groom embrace in a snowy landscape. The bride wears a veil and holds a bouquet, while the groom is in a suit. Snow falls softly around them, with trees in the distant background. The black and white image conveys a romantic and serene at

A couple in wedding attire embraces in the middle of a vast, snowy landscape. The bride holds a bouquet. The sky is overcast, and a distant line of trees marks the horizon, creating a serene and intimate winter scene.

A black and white photo of a couple on their wedding day. The groom kisses the bride on the cheek. The bride smiles softly, eyes closed, wearing a lace gown and necklace. The groom is in a suit and tie.

A bride and groom stand closely together in a snowy landscape. The bride is holding a small bouquet and wearing a long veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. Both are smiling joyfully. The scene is in black and white.

A bride and groom stand together on a snowy landscape. The bride is in a flowing white dress with a long veil, holding a colorful bouquet. The groom wears a dark suit with a bow tie. The sky is overcast, and the background features a snowy expanse.

A bride and groom embrace in a snowy outdoor setting. The bride wears an off-the-shoulder lace gown, and the groom is in a checkered suit. Both have eyes closed, smiling gently, with snowflakes dusting their hair and clothes. The scene is peaceful a

couple embraces in a snowy landscape, capturing their wedding photo. The bride wears a long white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. They stand on an expansive, snow-covered field under an overcast sky. Trees line the distant horizon.

A Magical Evening Under Falling Snow

To continue the adventure, we hopped back into our cars and drove to the ranger station. We learned earlier that day that we could hike to the edge of the lake and even onto it by taking a trail nearby. There are only a handful of days each year you can take advantage of this, and did we take advantage of it! Sarah and Petar bravely hiked out onto the lake, and we captured their love as the sun set over the mountains. For the first time that day, the sky turned pink and purple, creating a timeless, romantic atmosphere.

As the day closed, Sarah and Petar were more than ready to warm up in their car. And just as we fired up the engine, I saw an opportunity for a moment they would never forget. With snow falling softly, they captured an epic moment illuminated by car headlights. The result? A cinematic, dreamlike portrait—pure winter magic.

A bride and groom stand close together in the snow, faces gently touching. The bride's long veil catches the soft light, creating a warm glow against the winter backdrop. Snowflakes drift around them, adding to the intimate, serene atmosphere.

Silhouette of a couple standing close, the man on the left in a suit and the woman on the right in a dress with a textured wrap. They are set against a sunset sky, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.

A couple smiling and facing each other in a snowy setting. The man is wearing a suit, and the woman is draped in a fur shawl, with long hair cascading down. Both exhibit joyful expressions in the black and white photo.

A couple in formal attire stands closely, embracing in a snowy forest. The woman holds a bouquet with red and white flowers. Both are smiling warmly, surrounded by snow-covered branches.

A black-and-white double exposure image showing a couple standing back-to-back, overlaid with a smaller image of them facing and holding each other against a snowy landscape.

A couple dressed in formal attire poses lovingly in a snowy forest. The man wears a dark suit, while the woman wears a white dress and holds a bouquet of red and white flowers. Snow-covered trees surround them, creating a serene winter atmosphere.

A bride and groom stand close together in a snowy landscape at night, with her veil illuminated against the darkness. They face each other affectionately, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

A black-and-white photo of a couple embracing outdoors in a wooded area. The woman is wearing a fur shawl and holding a bouquet of flowers. They are leaning in close, surrounded by trees and soft natural light.

Why Choose Idaho for Your Snowy Mountain Elopement?

If you’re dreaming of a winter elopement that’s as breathtaking as it is adventurous, Idaho is the perfect destination.

Unparalleled Beauty: From the frozen shores of Payette Lake to the quiet majesty of Ponderosa State Park, McCall is a winter wonderland like no other.
Intimate & Stress-Free: Escape the pressures of a big wedding and focus on what truly matters—your love story.
Adventure & Romance: Snowshoeing, cozy fireside moments, and the chance to experience a real-life snow globe make this an unforgettable elopement destination.

Sarah and Petar’s story is proof—McCall offers a fairytale setting for adventurous couples looking to celebrate their love in a way that feels uniquely theirs.

A man in a suit adjusts his tie while smiling, standing in a snowy forest. The background features snow-covered trees. The image is in black and white.

A bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands in a snowy forest holding a bouquet of red and orange flowers. Tall trees surround her, and the ground is covered in snow. She is smiling and laughing.

Black and white image of two rings on a wooden surface, partially covered by delicate lace fabric. One ring features a pear-shaped gem, and the other is a plain band.

A hand holds up a bouquet of flowers against a snowy forest backdrop. The bouquet features a prominent red rose, surrounded by soft pastel flowers and various green leaves, with tall trees blurred in the background.

A man in a dark suit and purple patterned tie stands confidently in a snowy forest. His hands are in his pockets, with snow-covered trees in the background, creating a serene winter scene.

A bride with long dark hair stands in a snowy outdoor setting, smiling. She is wearing an off-the-shoulder white lace gown and a veil, and holding a bouquet with red and white flowers and greenery.

A delicate silver necklace with an intricate design featuring small crystal leaves and pearl-like beads is laid out in the snow. The necklace has a vine-like appearance, creating an elegant and sophisticated look.

A wedding bouquet featuring a mix of red roses, white roses, pink anemones, and delicate greenery. The flowers are held together with a lace ribbon, creating an elegant and romantic arrangement.

A man in a dark blue suit adjusts his tie while standing in a snowy forest. He has short hair and wears a patterned tie. The background features snow-covered trees.

A bride stands in a snow-covered forest, wearing an off-shoulder wedding dress and veil. She holds a bouquet of flowers and gazes thoughtfully into the distance. Her long, dark hair falls over her shoulders. The image is in black and white.

A close-up of a bridal bouquet with red and white flowers, including roses and anemones, resting on a soft, textured fabric. Next to it are two elegant rings and a sparkling necklace laid out on the fabric.

Bouquet of pink and white flowers with greenery, featuring a red rose in the center adorned with wedding rings. The arrangement rests on a white lace surface, creating a romantic and elegant display.

A groom in a dark suit and patterned tie smiles while standing in a snowy forest. Hands are in their pockets, with snow-covered trees in the background.

A bride in a white gown and veil holds a bouquet of flowers, standing in a snowy forest. She has long dark hair and is looking to the side. The scene is serene and wintry.

A close-up of a red rose with a black ring and a silver ring with a pear-shaped stone nestled on top. Surrounding the red rose are white and pink flowers with green leaves in the background.

A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet featuring a large red rose, white and pink flowers, and green foliage. Her long dark hair cascades over her shoulders, and she's wearing a delicate necklace.

A groom wearing a dark plaid suit and a patterned tie stands confidently with hands in pockets in a snowy forest. Snow-covered trees surround the figure, creating a serene, wintry backdrop.

Capture Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Memories

Dreaming of a snowy mountain elopement that captures your adventurous love story? Let us bring your vision to life with breathtaking photography highlighting the wonder, joy, and connection of your special day. Contact me today to book your Idaho elopement photographer and ensure your memories are captured stunningly

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venue: shore lodge & ponderosa state park
florals: bloom room floral
hair & makeup: nicole dey
dress: david’s bridal
suit: men’s wearhouse