Elegant European Ballet-Inspired Wedding // Idaho State Capitol
In the heart of Boise, the Idaho State Capitol stands as a beacon of elegance and grandeur, reminiscent of opulent European chateaus that have long captured the imagination of storytellers and artists alike. Constructed in 1902, this Renaissance Revival venue became the perfect stage for an editorial shoot that seamlessly blended my lifelong passion for dance with the art of wedding photography. Featuring two talented dancers from the Idaho Ballet Company, Cyrus and Kaelyn, this shoot was a celebration of movement, romance, and architectural beauty.
Inspiration Behind the Shoot
As a wedding photographer, I am always seeking new ways to tell love stories through my lens. The Idaho State Capitol, with its marble columns and majestic architecture, provided a canvas that beautifully echoed the grandeur of European elegance. Inspired by the delicate yet powerful movements of ballet, I envisioned a shoot that would capture the romance and fluidity that dance can bring to a wedding day.
Growing up, dance was a significant part of my life. I have memories of twirling in my own tutu at the wee age of three and attending The Nutcracker every Christmas, completely entranced by the way dancers could tell entire stories with nothing but movement. I used to imagine what it would be like to capture that beauty through a camera—to freeze the elegance of a pirouette, the weightless grace of a lift. This editorial shoot was a dream realized, a chance to blend the storytelling of dance with the timeless romance of weddings.
Setting the Scene
The Idaho State Capitol, with its marble floors and towering columns, offered an exquisite backdrop that elevated the narrative of our shoot. We began by capturing the intimate details that set the tone for a sophisticated affair: ballet shoes with ribbons, a bouquet of white and pink flowers, and vintage accessories like gold earrings and pearl necklaces, all laid out on the marble floor. These elements created an elegant composition, invoking the timeless beauty of a bygone era.
As Kaelyn laced up her ballet slippers, the soft rustle of ribbons set the tone for an elegant, dreamlike afternoon. The marble beneath her feet held echoes of centuries past, and the delicate bouquet of blush and ivory flowers in her hands felt like an extension of the story we were about to tell.
The grandeur of the Capitol's architecture allowed us to play with light and shadow, highlighting both the couple's movements and the building's majestic features. The marble columns served as a perfect frame for Cyrus lifting Kaelyn into the air, her form silhouetted against the ornate backdrop, creating a scene of weightlessness and harmony.
It was a reminder that weddings aren’t just about a beautiful venue or exquisite details. They’re about movement. The way a veil catches in the wind. The way fingers intertwine in quiet moments. The way love, in all its forms, is never still—it’s always growing, always flowing.
The Perfect Venue for European Charm
For couples seeking a touch of European charm for their wedding or elopement, the Idaho State Capitol offers an unparalleled setting. Its grand staircases, ornate lamps, and intricate stonework provide a palette rich in elegance and history, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. There are four types of marble throughout the building - red marble from Georgia, gray marble from Alaska, green marble from Vermont, and black marble from Italy. The exterior is sandstone quarried from Boise’s quarry at Table Rock.
Vendor Team
This shoot would not have been possible without this incredible Boise talent.
Dancers: Ballet Idaho - Cyrus Bridwell & Kaelyn Lefferts
Florals: Bloom Room Floral
Hair & Makeup: Belle Luxury Bridal Co
Dress: B.B. Bridal
Tuxedo: Boise Tuxedo Shop
A Call to Adventure
Your wedding day isn’t just about the stunning venue or perfect details—it’s about the moments in between. The quiet inhale before your vows. The weight of your partner’s hand in yours. The way your loved ones gather around you, celebrating this new adventure.
Your wedding is a dance—filled with rhythm, spontaneity, and emotion. From the gentle sway of your first dance to the unchoreographed laughter between stolen glances, every moment is part of your story. If you believe in being fully present and savoring each moment as it unfolds, let’s create something unforgettable together. I’ll capture the magic—you just focus on living it.