A bride walks up the steps to TRICA alongside her groom, with the building’s arched windows and peaked roof behind them. Lush plants and flowers frame the entrance, and a partly cloudy sky stretches overhead as they approach the venue. — Photo by Katy Kahla Photography

Sam and Michael’s wedding at TRICA in Boise was a true celebration of local art, friendship, and community. It was rooted deeply in the people and places that shaped them.

Their choice of venue reflected that perfectly. With Michael’s years spent building connections through Treefort Music Fest and Sam’s background as a graphic designer, they leaned fully into creativity, collaboration, and meaning. From double exposures to playful motion blur, their wedding day was designed to feel expressive, personal, and unmistakably them.

Why TRICA is Perfect for Creative Couples

The TRICA building (Treasure Valley Institute for Children's Arts) offers a unique backdrop for wedding photography. This restored cultural landmark combines historic architecture with modern artistic elements, making it ideal for couples wanting something beyond traditional wedding venues. For couples drawn to historic architecture with a modern edge, this venue offers a rare, almost European feel in the heart of Downtown Boise.

What Makes TRICA Special

What truly sets this venue apart is how seamlessly it blends art, history, and flexibility

A building with purpose: As a nonprofit arts organization, TRICA exists to support creativity, education, and access to the arts. Values that resonate deeply with couples who care about meaning over tradition.
Historic architecture with soul: Original details, tall windows, and thoughtfully preserved elements give the space character and warmth without feeling dated.
Natural light that enhances artistry: Designed to inspire creativity, the building fills with soft, directional light that photographers and artists love.
An urban North End Boise setting: Located in Boise’s North End neighborhood, the venue is surrounded by historic homes, tree-lined streets, and local businesses. Perfect for couples who want an urban wedding that’s genuinely convenient for guests, with nearby places to stay and easy transportation options, rather than asking friends and family to navigate long drives or limited pickup options.
Flexible, gallery-like spaces: The open layout allows weddings to feel personal and immersive, adapting easily for both ceremonies and receptions without feeling rigid or overly structured.
Deep ties to Boise’s creative community: Long a gathering place for artists, educators, musicians, and makers, this space feels especially meaningful for couples rooted in Boise’s creative culture.

TRICA stands among the most distinctive wedding venues in Boise (and the surrounding area), particularly for couples looking for artistic and urban settings.

A film photograph captures a wedding ceremony moment as a couple faces one another at the altar in front of a tall arched window, exchanging vows while natural light floods the space. Guests are seated in the background as sunlight streams through. — Photo by Katy Kahla Photography

Sam + Michael's TRICA Wedding Story

As one of the last of their friend group to get married, Sam and Michael's wedding held special meaning. They focused on creating an amazing guest experience while staying true to their local values.

The couple highlighted everything Boise has to offer, from featuring local brewery Lost Grove Brewing for food and drinks (served from the venue's midcentury bar) to Michael's suit from Boise Tuxedo Shop. Every detail celebrated their connection to the local community.

One of the most touching moments happened at the end of the night. Following a tradition from their friend group's previous weddings, everyone gathered in a circle around the couple for the last song, "Rivers and Roads." Their friends sang to them before ending with one giant group hug - a moment that gave me chills to witness. Moments like this are why I photograph weddings the way I do. Quietly observant, people-focused, and centered on how the day actually feels.

For this wedding, I chose to incorporate a small amount of film photography, an intentional creative choice rooted in the way the day itself felt. Film has been having a resurgence for a reason: it captures moments in a way that feels honest, imperfect, and deeply human, which feels especially fitting in a space built around creativity and community.

When Sam shared how much she loved the look and feeling of film, I knew it was worth leaning into. I pulled out my grandmother’s camera and loaded a roll of color film for the first time, after years of working primarily in black and white. It was a fun, creative challenge, and more importantly, it added another layer of meaning to their story, one that Sam connected with immediately.

A double exposure photograph combining a close-up portrait of a man in a suit with a mustache and sunglasses layered over a bride wearing a white gown standing outdoors near a stone building, surrounded by greenery and red bushes. — Photo by Katy Kahla Photography

5 Tips for Planning Your Own TRICA Wedding Session in Boise

Schedule around good light: The building has amazing windows. Plan your photos for when natural light filters beautifully through them.
Include the neighborhood: The North End location offers charming streets and urban settings that complement TRICA's artistic vibe. Even better, the Boise Foothills are a short 5-minute drive from the venue, meaning you don’t have to give up your love of nature when booking this spot.
Embrace the building's history: Incorporate architectural details and original features in your photos.
Plan for weather options: Boise weather can change quickly. TRICA offers both indoor and outdoor photo spots.
Coordinate with staff early: Work with TRICA staff to plan which areas you can access for photos on your wedding day.

A just-married couple shares a kiss at the end of the ceremony aisle inside a bright, sun-filled room as their guests cheer and applaud around them. The bride is holding a bouquet of white calla lilies — Photo by Katy Kahla Photography

Frequently Asked Questions About TRICA Weddings

How far in advance should we book?

Most couples book 8-12 months before their wedding date, but popular dates fill quickly. Couples should contact the venue directly to book a tour and determine available dates. TRICA takes a very limited number of weddings each year, focusing on couples who align with their values.

Can we take photos both inside and outside at TRICA?

Yes! The building offers beautiful indoor architecture and light, plus the surrounding neighborhood has charming urban spots.

What makes TRICA different from other Boise wedding venues?

Its history as a cultural center, unique architecture, and connection to the arts community make it perfect for couples wanting creative, non-traditional wedding photos.

Is TRICA available year-round for weddings?

While the venue hosts events throughout the year, availability varies. TRICA has several annual events they custom-design and do not book weddings during, such as their Snowglobe event in December.

A black and white photograph shows a mixed group of men, women, and a child standing close together at an energetic indoor celebration, lifting their hands and raising glasses in a joyful toast. — Photo by Katy Kahla Photography

Ready to Book Your TRICA Wedding Photographer?

If you’re planning a wedding here and want photographs that feel just as connected, creative, and people-centered as Sam and Michael’s day, I’d love to hear from you!

Let's talk about creating artistic wedding photographs that tell your unique story at TRICA.

LET'S CONNECT!