One of the best parts about getting to be a local photographer? Getting to follow along with the lives and journeys of my clients! It’s extra sweet when clients become friends. It’s been a long-term goal of mine to make our blog more centered around the people who make this community so special. And I’m excited to start making that a reality with today’s post catching up with the Ward Family!

My first time working with Lindsy and Justin was during their engagement shoot back in 2013. Shortly after that, I got to photograph their wedding, and then several years later, I got the chance to do family photos with them and their little boy Joseph! Linsdy and Justin moved out of state for a bit, but recently came back to their beloved Idaho. I had a chance to catch up with them recently!

Give us a highlight reel of your story and what life has been like since getting married:

Life has been a blessing since Justin and I met in Napa, CA in 2008 when he was working in the tasting room at Laird Family Estate winery. He had recently moved there from Richmond, VA and my parents were wine club members. I'll never forget the poignant conversation I was having with my parents as we drove into Laird that day. I wanted to find my person, and who would have known that a quick visit to the winery would prove to be a life-changing encounter that we are thankful for each and every day. Justin proposed to me in Carmel, CA in 2012 and we got married in Hailey in September of 2013. In July of 2018, we welcomed our sweet son, Joseph, and we finally moved our family to Meridian, ID in July 2021. We enjoyed many memories in California, but it was time for us to find our forever in Idaho.

Tell us about your connection to the Wood River Valley and what you love about this place:

My extended family is from various parts of Idaho and I grew up spending many vacations and experiences in the Wood River Valley. A lot of memories were made for me as a little girl, especially at the Sun Valley Lodge Ice Skating Rink skating for hours and hours!! When Justin and I got engaged, we knew it would be such a perfect and meaningful place for us to get married. We love everything about Sun Valley - the overall beauty of the Wood River Valley speaks for itself and we are always in awe of the amazing hiking trails, Big Wood River, fly fishing, and of course, the delicious restaurants in Hailey and Ketchum!! 

And just a side note, my favorite vice is getting a schooner and a burger at Grumpy's as soon as we roll into town! The Wood River Valley is always in the Ward Family's hearts and tummies! haha!

What made you want to move from California to Boise?

To us, it was a long time coming to move to Idaho. Since our wedding, we have said to each other, "Idaho shouldn't just be a destination that we go to - It should be our home!" 

We love everything about it. We are SO happy with the environment, the Idahoans, the four seasons, everything...

California, while beautiful, meaningful, and a huge part of our lives, became a tough place for us to see a future for our family. We are excited to live here now - in a loving, supportive community with more freedom and incredible outdoor experiences!

Give us a little toast to/about your family:

It's important to always let your family know they are loved and appreciated. We wouldn't be here today if it weren't for our family and their support and love. Showing love to one another is paramount to us and we strive to do so each day. We are fortunate to have a family that loves and supports us at all times.

What do you value about having photography/pictures of your family?

Photography captures a memory and every time we look back on pictures, it transports us to that place and time and we can laugh, love, and cry about it. Memories are the most valuable thing in life, and pictures keep those memories forever!! Thank you, Dev!! You are family to us!