Love is the whole thing

Wedding Planner: Kelly Maybo/Blue Bottles Events

Photographer: Halsey Pierce

Floral Design: Tara Bella Flowers

Awedding hosted at the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is going to be a hard one to beat. With the majestic Sawtooth Mountains as a backdrop, the tightly manicured grounds, the perfectly tamed flower beds, and the beautifully prepared farm-to-table meals, you have a near perfect recipe for success. When you add in the late summer evening glow, a few dozen of your closest family and friends, and select deeply personal touches, you get magic. And that’s exactly what Kelly and Justin’s wedding was. Magical.

The welcome dinner, open to all guests, was hosted across the street from the Ranch and provided the laid-back, yet chic, vibe that was present throughout the whole weekend. Justin made the night extra special, first, by surprising Kelly with a performance of “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds on the piano, bringing everyone – but especially his bride – to tears. Second, he flew in Chad Nelson, a Los Angeles-based illusionist to dazzle guests with out-of-this-world magic tricks that had heads spinning and mouths gaping. It was a beautiful and wildly entertaining evening beneath the Idaho stars that set the stage for the weekend ahead.

On Saturday morning, guests woke up at the Ranch to smoky skies, a sad reminder of the all too common forest fires in the area. While visitors used the day to explore the area and take in the Idaho landscape, Kelly and her friends prepped for the nuptials. Shortly before the ceremony, and just moments after Kelly and Justin met to share their deeply personal vows in private, the winds shifted, the smoke dissipated, and the sun appeared. It was time to party.

The wedding, itself, was infused with special moments. Justin’s sisters performed a custom-arranged prelude set, and shared a truly touching reading. A close friend officiated the wedding, highlighting candid moments along the couple's journey – from co-workers to fiancés.

A beautiful cocktail hour turned into dinner with thoughtful and hilarious toasts from the fathers of the bride and groom, along with the Best Man and Maid of Honor. After a proper Ranch feast featuring local fare, guests made their way into the main lodge where they danced and laughed and made magical memories well into the night. S