There is something so refreshing about couples who simply decide, “Let’s just get married.” No overthinking, no drawn-out planning, just two people choosing love and choosing each other. That is exactly the story of Jake and Tamryn.

These two have probably been together longer than I’ve even been a photographer. Truly. Their love story goes all the way back to high school, and if you know them, it makes perfect sense that their wedding would feel effortless, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in family. As a Salmon Idaho Photographer and Idaho Elopement Photographer, I see a lot of beautiful moments, but this Idaho elopement was special.

I’ve known Tamryn since she was a little girl, and she has always been hilarious, warm, and full of life. Photographing her now as a bride felt a little surreal, in the best way. She and Jake have grown up together, and when they decided on a Monday that they wanted to be married by Friday, no one blinked. Their families didn’t hesitate. They rearranged work schedules, canceled plans, and made sure they were there. Even Uncle Ken drove all the way back from Boise just to officiate. That alone tells you everything about how loved these two are.

And truly, only in Salmon do we have backdrops this beautiful right outside our doors. Jake and Tamryn chose to get married in Jake’s parents’ backyard, the Hayden family home. It couldn’t have been more fitting. I’m certain this backyard has been part of their story for years, from teenage evenings to family dinners, and standing there photographing their ceremony felt like watching their journey come full circle. Backyard Idaho elopements have a way of holding all the emotion without any of the fuss, and this day was no exception.

Tamryn wore a simple green dress, what she already had, and she looked absolutely beautiful. Her mom, Jenny, surprised her with a bouquet that fit her perfectly. Jake’s grandparents arrived carrying the sweetest little heart-shaped cake. Loved ones stood beside each of them at the “altar.” Everyone pitched in, everyone showed up, and everyone made sure this day was exactly what Jake and Tamryn needed.

It was intimate, genuine, and meaningful, proof that a wedding doesn’t need months of planning to be unforgettable. Sometimes, the best days are the ones where everyone gathers quickly, joyfully, and with full hearts.

They’ll host a bigger reception next summer when the weather warms up, ready to celebrate their marriage with their huge, wonderful families and all their friends. But this simple backyard ceremony? This was the heart of it. The beginning.

As an Idaho Elopement Photographer, these are the moments I love most, the ones that show that love, family, and connection matter more than anything else.

For couples planning their own wedding or elopement, days like Jake and Tamryn’s are a reminder that your celebration can be anything you want it to be. There is no rulebook. You don’t need months of planning, a huge venue, or a perfect timeline for your day to be meaningful. Whether you choose a backyard, a mountaintop, a courthouse, or a last-minute gathering with the people who love you most, your wedding is yours. The right way to get married is whatever feels true to your story.