Grand Wedding 2021

2021 EDITION

MICRO WEDDINGS

—

Macro ideas for trendy, intimate gatherings

OVER THE MOON

—

An astrological guide to relationship compatibility & wedding planning

Unforgettable Event O U R T E A M W I L L H E L P Y O U C R E AT E A N

Let us help create one of the most important days of your life, with a variety of wedding packages and customizable offerings.

7680 Granite Loop, Teton Village, Wyoming 83025

|

307.732.5060

jacksonholewedding.com

|

www.fourseasons.com/jacksonhole 91

moose head ranch Made

FOR

Memories

Photo Credit: Erin Northcutt

mooseheadranch.com 3 07-733-3141

A BACKDROP THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET, FOR THE DAY YOU’LL ALWAYS REMEMBER.

Setting Perfection

Western Elegance Unique Details

Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club offers unbeatable Teton views in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Taylor Glenn Photos - TRGPhoto.com

Choose from two amazing outdoor venues offering unmatched Teton views. Featuring specialized menus complemented by a lengthy wine list, and a professional staff eager to make you smile. For the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, please contact Steve Cole at SCole@vailresorts.com or 307.733.7787 to learn more.

307-733-3111 • jhgtc.com

CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS FOR ALL OCCASIONS Visit jacksonholegiftbaskets.com or visit us at our market and bottle shop at 4125 Pub Place in Jackson. bill@jhmarketplace.com 307-733-4468

P h otos by Après Ev en ts

SPay “I D o” C C

T eTon

ines

ounTry

lub

tetonpines.com/celebrate/weddings Contact Robin Gallivan at robin@tetonpines.com to begin planning your special day.

A FULL SERVICE AUDIO-VISUAL COMPANY

Audio, Lighting, Power, Staging, Video Conferencing, and Streaming Services.

Proudly Serving Jackson for Over 40 Years!

307.733.6505

info@hughesproduction.com www.hughesproduction.com

SPRING 2021

112 Center Street | Jackson, Wyoming | TheCloudveil.com | 307-699-6101 ROOFTOP TERRACE | EVENT SPACE | PRIVATE DINING | LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS Photography by Taylor Glenn | TRGPhoto.com

bistrocateringjacksonhole.com 307.739.4682 A member of Fine Dining Restaurant Group

TABLE OF CONTENTS

26

THE DÉCOR

34

16

THE BOND

THE FARE THE PARTY

30

20

THE LOOK Clockwise from top left: Peter Lobozzo, Jamye Chrisman, Erin Wheat, Erin Wheat, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

cover

ON THE : Newlyweds Sarah and Garrett share an intimate moment in the snow during their winter wedding atop Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Bridger Gondola. Afterward, they enjoyed a candlelit dinner and dancing with their favorite people inside the Rendezvous Lodge as the snow continued to fall. Photograph by Amy Galbraith Photography • AmyGalbraith.com jacksonholewedding.com

11

Lauren Odderstol Publisher Kevin Olson Associate Publisher Adam Meyer Editor Christina Shepherd McGuire christina@tetonmediaworks.com Art Director Samantha Nock Copy Editor Cherisé Forno

43

Contributing Writers Britney Magleby Christina Shepherd McGuire Samantha Simma Jessa Smout Advertising Sales Alyson Klaczkiewicz alyson@jhmagazine.com

TETON LOVE STORIES Jamye Chrisman

THE DETAILS

40

THE GIFTS

82

Distribution Jeff Young Jayann Carlisle Candace Whitaker

P.O. Box 7445, Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 732-5900 Hannah Hardaway © 2021 Teton Media Works, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine’s original contents, whether in whole or part, requires written permission from the publisher.

MICRO WEDDINGS

76 Amy Jimmerson

Ad Design & Production Sarah Wilson Lydia Redzich Luis F. Ortiz Heather Haseltine Chelsea Robinson

Advertise in Grand Wedding to reach prospective brides and grooms selecting the greater Teton region for their wedding location. Please contact the sales department at (307) 413-1568, or log on to our website, jacksonholewedding.com, to download a media kit in a PDF format.

Contribute. We’re always looking for real weddings to feature in Grand Wedding. Please submit your story via our website if you’d like us to consider it for publication.

12

Grand Wedding ° 2021

BEFORE, DURING AFTER THE I DO’S.

&

Relax and enjoy the day.

Jackson Hole Weddings are unforgettable experiences, and not just for the bride and groom.

Our companies are here to help you and your guests create memories before, during and on the big day.

307-222-0412 greatwesternexpeditions.com mtnrct.com

• Family Vacation Travel Design • Custom Tours, Activities and Events • Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks • Explore the Wild West. Wyoming Beyond.

Authorized Permittee of the National Park Service

• Rehearsal Dinner & Wedding Day • VIP Wedding Parties • Guest Shuttles Large & Small • Group Tours & Activities

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T

Sarah Gardner (a newlywed bride) states this perfectly on page 54, “The pandemic gave us a chance to review our guest list and only invite those nearest and dearest. It also gave us some space to re-center on what our wedding was all about. … The only thing we knew for sure was, come the day after, we would be husband and wife.”

his sentiment goes out to our community of vendors, photographers, caterers, newlyweds, and couples who most recently got engaged.

Say “goodbye” to the wild ride of 2020! It was a tumultuous journey.

Even still, there were glimmers of wonderfulness.

If you are a provider in the wedding industry, maybe you reinvented yourself ? And maybe this reinvention brought you one step closer to your true calling or to a niche you’ve always wanted to fill, but never had time to pursue when things were “normal.”

If you’re a couple in love, maybe you eloped, like Erin and Tanner on page 60, or significantly downsized your event, like virtually all of the other couples in our stories.

Maybe you even canceled your wedding altogether. If so, my heart breaks for you, but I know your celebration will be better when the timing is right.

One theme I noticed throughout the passage of navigating pandemic times, is that every one of us—family, friends, and especially newlywed couples—took the time to shift our focus to the things that mattered the most. No one was immune to this! Not even the couples whose guest list was cut from 150 to 40 or the parents whose kids were learning from home, March through December. The result of everyone’s sacrifice was an alternative point of view, and a much more wholesome one, too.

Husband and wife. That’s the entire essence of what this magazine is about. Right?

Sure, our stories this year may deviate from the standard, but that’s why they’re so special! (In fact, if your jaw doesn’t drop while viewing Melanie and Ryan’s Mormon Row wedding photos Shannon Corsi on page 68, I don’t know how else we can top it.) And, who knew that micro weddings—a growing trend we outline on page 76—would be so relevant this year?

Soon, the large soirees, complete with seating for 250, will return. Grand celebrations with generations of families will again become commonplace. And we’ll look back on this year and long for the time when things were simpler. Yet, we’ll never forget the intimate relationship we formed with the soul of experiencing love in it’s purest essence—free of fancy bells and whistles, except for maybe a few.

Christina

WEDDINGS

WWW.KATYGRAY.COM | KATY@KATYGRAY.COM | JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING 14

Grand Wedding ° 2021

THE FARE

PERSONALIZED PAIRINGS

W

Words by Jessa Smout + Photography by Peter Lobozzo edding planning …

Very few people report it to be a stress-free and simple process. Properly tailoring the perfect dress or suit, securing a venue with all the boxes checked, and dealing with difficult family members can all make for a journey fraught with wrinkle-inducing conversations.

What shouldn’t be tedious, however, is picking the food. Whether you want a fancy plated dinner served by a professional waitstaff or a good old-fashioned barbeque with gingham tablecloths and paper plates, here are a few ways to pair wedding food with your personality.

First and foremost, what’s the most important, non-negotiable element that gets you excited about the food for your special day?

What came to mind for me were the tiny, delicious, bursting-withflavor, orange tomatoes grown at Alpen Glow Farm in Teton Valley. I just knew they had to be at my wedding! I wanted them all dressed up in fresh basil, parmesan, and balsamic, with just the perfect amount of salt and pepper. I think I planned my whole wedding around these tomatoes. Every other dish was only there to support them, which actually, made all the other menu decisions incredibly easy.

For you, maybe it's a local brewer’s seasonal IPA or your shared love 16

of tacos. Perhaps it’s the Pongal recipe passed down from your Nani, empanadas from your first vacation together, or fried chicken because … well, it’s fried chicken. Whatever you choose as your must-have item, make it a beacon for all your other food decisions, as, I assure you, this will be one of the most memorable aspects of your event.

Secondly, go with something that fits the true style of you and your fiancé. If you both prefer filet mignon with demi-glace paired with a French Burgundy, you might not want to rent a taco truck. However, there are many ways to incorporate two different family food traditions into a personalized menu. For example, I’ve attended a wedding of a fifth-generation Key West bride who married a good ‘ole boy from Wyoming. Their table was adorned in fresh-caught fish that the bride’s family brought from Florida and wild game from the groom’s family freezer for a completely customized surf-and-turf spread.

When Lindsey Johnson of Lady in the Wild West builds cakes for people, she wants to know the style and design of the wedding, the flowers the couple chose, and what the wedding dress looks like. She asks her clients, “What was the first thing that got you excited about your wedding?” Then, with these tidbits in hand, she creates a custom-built, tiered cake of such

Grand Wedding ° 2021

M y j o b i s t o t e l l a s t o r y, make time stand still, capture the moment...

Your job is to enjoy every minute of it

w w w. mi c he lle erwi n .co m | 307.272.1830

THE FARE

stunning quality you forget it’s even edible!

Dan Janjigian, one of the head chefs for Maho Catering, makes it sound Traditional Sit down table-service like a breeze. From local Cultural Eat while mingling beef and wild-foraged Farm-to-table Late night snacks morel mushrooms to Dietary restrictions synchronized plate service, the team at Local / Organic Maho prides itself on making the food an unforgettable cornerstone of any event.

Check these boxes for a personalized food celebration:

Casual You can always incorporate elements High-end into two different Plate service evenings, as well. The Buffet rehearsal dinner could Food Truck be a night of oysters and champagne, while the food on the day of the ceremony could include more casual fare.

Finally, consider how many people you are going to feed. Twelve or 300?

This answer may dictate who will best deliver your personalized feast: a private chef, a caterer, or a food truck.

A private chef will provide an experience with a tailored touch, a wide variety of cuisine options, and exemplary service. Chef Scott Nechay is a Jackson-based private chef that specializes in highend, custom food. With incredible talent in the kitchen, Chef Scott has a passion for local, organic, and fresh food as he draws inspiration from the mountains, rivers, and farmer’s markets.

Nechay focuses on small, intimate gatherings, but he is also able to service larger groups.

With an extensive and highly-trained staff, caterers can often accommodate large parties with limitless choices. When asked about service options, menu items, and general event organization,

18

For a more casual experience, Big Hole BBQ, located in both Victor, Idaho, and Jackson serves up southern-inspired cuisine.

They offer whole smoked chickens, mini sliders, and burnt brisket ends (yum!), in addition to more traditional offerings like mac-and-cheese and pulled pork. For a really authentic barbeque experience, Big Hole can bring the smoker and the pig to you!

From tacos to cheeseburgers and wood-fired pizza to gourmet doughnuts, food trucks are a great option for made-to-orderfood. If you don’t need everyone to eat at the same time, or if you want food available for late-night lingerers, food trucks are readily accessible throughout the summer months.

Pairing the wedding food with your personalities should really be one of the easiest boxes to check when planning your wedding.

Just ask the right questions to find out which local talent is the best fit for your event. You can’t go wrong by staying true to the traits that brought you to the altar in the first place.

Grand Wedding ° 2021

provisionsjh.com LIMITLESS CATERING FOR ANY EVENT

THE LOOK

CEREMONY-TO-STREET A Mountaintop Showcase of Wedding Wear Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire + Photography by Erin Wheat

20

Grand Wedding ° 2021

S

o, the bride-to-be puts you in charge of sourcing your own bridesmaid’s dress. You have no idea where to start, as she simply gave you a color and let you roll. Maybe, like us Teton-based locals, you live in the middle of nowhere with little access to any type of fashion scene, and you actually want to buy something you’ll wear more than once.

Enter … expert Tanya Hartman, owner of Gilded Social, a fancy occasion shop in Columbus, Ohio, that also services a nationwide clientele via virtual appointments. Let’s just say, she knows style, and she especially knows what looks good on women’s bodies. Hartman’s shop focuses on wedding occasion dresses for bridesmaids and mothers-of-the-bride that can segue from wedding party to street with a simple switcharoo of accessories.

In the pages that follow, Hartman shows us her dresses on everyday people (herself and two college friends, Audrey Russell and Cammie Trainer) during a Teton-based photoshoot conducted by local photographer Erin Wheat. Hartman demonstrates the way different dress styles fit a diversity of sizes (size 4, size 10, and, herself, a size 18), as she meticulously selects local accoutrements that meld Western wedding fashion with timeless offerings.

Flowers by Chloe

“It was great to show that we can dress every size,” says Hartman.

“There are some dresses that don't look good on me; and the same goes for real petite gals, as well. We [at Gilded Social] use our knowledge of our stock to hone in on what works on certain body types.” * Florals were sourced regionally and provided by Flowers by Chloe.

Featured designers ( from left to right): Hayley Paige, Jenny Yoo, Jenny Yoo

LOOK #1: SUNSET COLORS, EARTH TONES, AND HATS Sunset colors like terracotta and English rose represent an enduring trend in wedding fashion. Similarly, earth tones, like sage and cashmere, work well for bridesmaids’ dresses, as they nicely complement a cream or beige-colored bridal gown (a trend that is gaining popularity). The Crown + Brim hats and Hide Out Leathers coverups featured here

fully complete this over-the-top Western look.

When accessorizing with hats, Hartman says, “Be considerate when timing your photos and styling your hair. Choose a low bun or long curls to one side, so that you don’t have hat head. And, work the timing of the sun into the photos, so that the hat doesn’t shade your eyes.”

jacksonholewedding.com

21

THE LOOK

Featured Designer: Hayley Paige

LOOK #2: NON-SEQUINED METALLICS AND WHITE BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES “Satins, metallic mesh, and other metallic-like fabrics work for ladies who want a ‘blingy’ look, but think full head-to-toe sequins are too much,” says Hartman.

Additionally, she notes a growing trend in brides purchasing a white bridesmaid’s dress

22

instead of a traditional bridal gown due to a change in plans during the pandemic. The white bridesmaid’s dress (in the middle on Audrey) also offers an alternative for brides who want something more casual or understated. Here, Pendleton wool blankets and Sing Hat Company hats bring in texture to offset the metallics.

Grand Wedding ° 2021

LOOK #3: TIMELESSNESS Long-standing trends like crepe solids and embroidered patterns coordinate beautifully together. Hartman built this look off of the printed dress (featured in the center on Audrey) and paired it with two other dresses that pull colors from the print. Similarly, you

could dress a Maid of Honor in a print and match it to coordinated bridemaids’ dresses. Prints work well for mothers of the bride, too, by offering a standout style from that of the wedding party. Hideout Leather wraps and laughter accessorize this look perfectly.

Featured Designers ( from left to right): Amsala, Jenny Yoo, Watters

jacksonholewedding.com

23

Featured Designers ( from left to right): Joanna August, Jenny Yoo, Monique Lhuillier

LOOK #4: RE-WEARABLE CHIFFON “Chiffon is the ultimate bridesmaid fabric, so there’s a big range in what’s available,” says Hartman. “Some styles are absolutely beautiful and re-wearable, some are just terrible.”

Featured here are bridesmaids’ dresses that can also be paired with flats for a summer dinner outing. Hartman’s wrap dress, as well as the Deep V design on Audrey and Cammie, delivers 24

a flattering neckline on most body types. (The blue dress even has pockets!) Also, using cool greys and blues for an “ombre” theme represents a trend now seen in bridal party wear.

Accessorize these dresses with Copperdot Leather Goods clutches and a Gallery Wild backdrop for a fundraiser event or community outing.

Grand Wedding ° 2021

THE LOOK Featured Designers ( from left to right): Theia, Jenny Yoo, Amsala

LOOK #5: WEDDING-TO-STREET Velvet, chiffon, and jumpsuits can take you from a wedding celebration to a casual cocktail party in one outfit. The styles featured here are also suitable for a rehearsal dinner, a night out on your honeymoon, or even a receptionready second look (for those who want to slip into something comfier). Hartman’s outfit is actually a jumpsuit (left), Cammie’s velvet dress (middle) can also be worn on New Year’s Eve, and Audrey’s spaghetti-strapped dress (right) pairs well with boots and a jean jacket for a casual look. Just grab a Copperdot tote and you’re ready to go.

jacksonholewedding.com

25

THE DÉCOR

Jamye Chrisman

J

LOVE IN THE WILD

Behold Her Beauty Think about what makes this place special to you and capture it on your It boasts a bold landscape that wedding day. If it’s the mountains, pick is fierce and unrelenting, where Words by Britney Magleby an outdoor venue like Grand Targhee “wild” still flows in the veins of Resort for a high-elevation ceremony its inhabitants and pulses in the heart that captures up-close and personal Teton views. If it’s the freeof the valley. It is a place where open spaces remain sacred and spirited, Western culture that lures you, choose a setting like the revered. Where Mother Nature reminds us daily that she is now, Linn Canyon Ranch where your “I do’s” will be highlighted with and plans to remain, uncultivated. ranching history and tradition.

If you’ve chosen the Tetons as your wedding venue, your love affair For décor, choose simple, earthy elements that help accent the with this landscape and ecosystem has likely already begun. She natural beauty that surrounds you in the great outdoors. Think will make you believe in love at first sight, be impossible to forget, elegant without unnecessary frills and let the landscape take and pull you back every chance she gets. But the same free spirit center stage. that makes her beautiful, also makes her unpredictable, as the region’s openness that draws you in fights to remain unclaimed.

Remember Her Moodiness ackson is a place as beautiful as it is untamed, as open as it is wild.

(Planning an Open-Air Wedding)

“By nature, a majority of our weddings take place outside,” says Cara Rank, owner of XOWYO Paper + Events. “Couples want to be out on a ranch or in the mountains. … We’re fortunate that our event industry didn’t suffer as much as others during COVID because most of our celebrations were already taking place outdoors.”

If you’re planning a wedding in Jackson, or in the surrounding area, chances are you’re thinking open-air. After all, it’s the scenery that makes this place special. Still, while the Teton Range is one of the most beautiful wedding backdrops in the world, planning an event outside is not without challenges.

26

The very reasons why you chose an outdoor wedding in Wyoming can also be your toughest obstacles. A remote, secluded venue will limit both accessibility and amenities. In planning, walk through the entire event three times: as a guest, as a vendor, and as yourself. As a guest, ask yourself questions like: Can I walk on this terrain in heels or access it with a wheelchair? Where will I freshen up?, and How will I get home? Through the eyes of a vendor, think about where to set up, how to move equipment, and how to access electricity, heat, and water. As newlyweds, remind yourself that anything can happen and just be okay with that.

At 6,237 feet high, you may experience sun, rain, snow, sleet, and

Grand Wedding ° 2021

s a ra have ri l l pho t o g r a phy.co m | @s a r a hav e r il l _pho tograph y

THE DÉCOR

Ashley Merritt

sun again—all in one day. It’s an act of beauty, not a bother, so don’t try to fight what you can’t control.

Make sure your photographer and videographer are prepared (if they’re local, they will be) and get ready for something spectacular. If it’s smoky, take advantage of dramatic pictures at the golden hour; if it rains, grab your wedding party and dance in the puddles; if it snows, lace up your Sorels and catch flakes on your tongue. The weather– whatever it may be—is Mother Nature’s wedding gift to you.

Jamye Chrisman

Be Open If you’re going to host an open-air wedding, don’t shy away from a natural setting. Schwabacher’s Landing in Grand Teton National Park rewards guests with a stunning ceremony location after a quick walk. But, take note—nothing is allowed on the land, so it will be you and nature, and that’s it.

At other outdoor venues, consider using picnic blankets or long benches for unique ceremony seating options that don’t distract from the surroundings. Think about turning an existing tree or landmark into your arch. Carry in decorations that can easily be carried out.

For the reception, Nordic Skies rents incredible event tipis with open sides, offering both beauty and protection. Or, Teton Rental Center will bring in bistro lights, allowing you to axe the tent altogether and celebrate under a canopy of glowing bulbs, weather permitting.

28

Grand Wedding ° 2021

www.amritabeverages.com Hannah Haradaway

Leave Her Wild Wyoming is known for its uncultivated places.

So much so that the Teton County Travel and Tourism Board launched a marketing campaign in 2017 called “Stay Wild.” The idea behind the campaign—which received national recognition— was not to limit Jackson’s wild places, but rather to implore visitors to leave them undisturbed for future generations of sightseers.

Grand Wedding 1/4 Page AD _ montserrat medium.indd 1

12/11/20 12:17 PM

LINN Canyon RANCH

Wyoming would ask the same of any newlyweds who use her hallowed land as legal and spiritual grounds to celebrate love. Love her, but leave only footprints.

www.linncanyonranch.com $208.787.5466 $ Ashley Merritt jacksonholewedding.com

29

THE PARTY

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

S

ure, a girl’s weekend clubbing in Vegas makes for an unforgettable (or easily forgettable—depends on who’s counting) bachelorette party. But it’s so passé! Today’s bachelorette soirees focus more on catering to the guest of honor’s personality, and if she’s getting married in the Tetons, chances are she’s an adventure seeker.

This season, we’re bucking tradition—and saving you from a week-long hangover while we’re at it—by laying out three scenarios for a fitness-centric bachelorette A Fitness-Centric party. One that goes down in the memory book as a Bachelorette Party bonding experience (think Girl Scout camp, but better) Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire full of endorphin-inducing activities that will leave you invigorated and free of regret.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

TETON VILLAGE YOGA + HIKE Your ladies’ day at Teton Village begins with breathtaking views of the valley during Yoga on the Deck at the top of the Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (9:30 a.m. sharp, days TBD, July and August). Sign up online ahead of time, and then pack your backpack and hiking shoes and grab your gondola ticket at Teton Village Sports. (Sanitized mats are available for rent.)

After an hour of breathing in the crisp mountain air, 30

Grand Wedding ° 2021

mill around with fellow yogis until Piste Mountain Bistro opens for lunch at 11 a.m. Enjoy locavore-inspired dishes at 9,095 feet before stopping in at Off Piste Market for energy bars and water for your hike.

The Cirque Trail starts at the base of the gondola and takes you 1.8 miles to the top of Rendezvous Mountain.

This is where your real workout begins, so make sure each partygoer is sufficiently fueled, acclimatized to the altitude, donned in sunblock, and has plenty of water.

Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous species of wildflowers, expansive views of the surrounding mountains, and a quick little rock scramble at the top.

Once there, snap some group photos and then ride the tram to the valley floor (COVID dependent) or hike back down the Cirque Trail to catch the gondola down.

Wind down your day with massages and facials at the Chill Spa at Hotel Terra, and a dip in their rooftop hot tub. * Book a suite at Hotel Terra for a girls’ night out in Teton Village.

TETON VALLEY MOUNTAIN BIKING Start off your morning Idaho-style with a trip into Rise Coffee House in Driggs for one of their famous morning buns. (Don’t worry, you’ll soon be working it off!) Then, head up the hill to Grand Targhee Resort to get fitted for bike rentals at their Habitat mountainside location.

(Make sure to book rentals at least 24 hours in advance.

We recommend booking as soon as plans are set.)

Beginner riders can head out from the base on Pika Traverse to the Ricks Basin Loop for a three-mile

One

Contract.

One

Team.

One

Creative Style. diana@backlightcreative.com • Instagram: @lovebybacklight • www.backlightcreative.com • 518 428 6558

(TEXT OK)

OU R E VE NT S PACE O FFE RS LO FT Y CH ARM AND U NIQ U E VE RSAT ILIT Y, CO NVE NIE NT LY LO CAT E D STEP S FRO M T H E JACKS O N H O LE TOW N S Q UARE 140 N Cache Street 307.201.1616 sudajh.com

jacksonholewedding.com

31

THE PARTY Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures

round-trip ride. A more advanced crew can head south from the resort’s base on Andy’s Trail to Lightning Ridge for spectacular views of Teton Canyon and Grand Teton National Park. Ride back through an aspen grove on Action Jackson for a five-mile round trip jaunt. (Hardcore riders can add on an extra two miles by riding the Buffalo Soldier loop before heading back on AJ’s).

Afterward, meet at the Branding Iron for outdoor cocktails and lunch while watching the downhill mountain bike action on the Dreamcatcher Lift.

Top off your day by heading to Teton Springs Resort in Victor where your room awaits. Hang by the saltwater pool or, for those that still have it in them, hit balls on the driving range.

JACKSON HOLE SNOWSHOE EXCURSION Inspired by traditional old-world French bakeries, Persephone, just off the Town Square in Jackson, will fuel you up for a day on snowshoes. (We recommend their Croque Madame.) Next, head to your meeting spot for a previously booked guided National Park snowshoe tour with Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures (you might even get a cute guide if you’re lucky). JH EcoTours offers four-hour treks for groups up to seven, and you can specify the activity level: a leisurely stroll, a moderate hike, or an aerobic workout.

They pick you up and drop you back off at your in-town lodging location.

Or, for a no-frills outing, grab rental snowshoes and poles from Teton Backcountry Rentals, Teton Mountaineering, or Skinny Skis (make sure to reserve them ahead of time), pack a light lunch or snack, and take a gander to Cache Creek, just east of Snow King in Jackson. The trail system offers five miles of groomed winter trails that you’ll share with crosscountry skiers, fat bikers, and—bonus—dogs! Travel off-piste for extra brownie points.

In the afternoon, retire to your downtown rental property for hydrating alcohol-free spirits, care of Amrita Custom Beverages (not drinking is the new drinking, after all), and a gourmet dinner delivery from Provisions.

Ryan Dorgan 32

Grand Wedding ° 2021

Enjoy your moment, leave the details to us.

REHEARSAL DINNERS WEDDING RECEPTIONS SPECIAL EVENTS OFFSITE CATERING

Extraordinary location for your event. info@PalateJH.com (307) 413-2744 PalateJH.com

2820 Rungius Road, Jackson Hole Wyoming

The National Museum of Wildlife Art

WEDDING ASTROLOGY PLAN FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

ERIN AYLMER ARCHETYPAL.YOGA/WEDDINGS

jacksonholewedding.com

COUNSELING ASTROLOGER 208-598-2589

33

THE BOND

OVER THE MOON An Astrological Guide to Relationships

Neil Simmons

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire

34

Grand Wedding ° 2021

W

hen you live in the mountains, much of your life is dictated by nature. It’s nature that we turn to when the world around us becomes too noisy to bear. The subtle nuances of the forests, the sky, and the animals teach us what comes next in the scheme of life.

Everything has a season, including love. In fact, the intricate science of astrology—the study of the relationship between the planets and how they correlate to the natural world— can be used as a relationship guide. It’s an ancient art that’s gaining popularity, as we long to uncover the secrets of how to better get along with one another.

Erin Aylmer, a certified counseling astrologer based out of Victor, Idaho, likens relationship astrology to a trail map.

“If you’re going to hike a mountain, wouldn’t you want to have a map that showed you the optimal way to the top?” says Aylmer. “That’s not to say you won’t have to cross rivers or encounter steep sections. You’ll still have to navigate the ups and downs, but you’ll have a guide.”

The Day You Were Born One of the first tools Aylmer looks at when she counsels a couple is their individual birth charts and the relationship between the two.

A birth chart is a snapshot of the solar system at the exact time and place you were born from the perspective of earth. It shows where the planets were in the sky on the day and time you were born, as well as the geometrical angles they formed with each other. It’s these angles of the planets that reveal their connection to the human experience.

Your birth chart—let’s call it your personalized instruction manual—reveals your individual strengths and weakness, your personality traits, and can indicate the best timing for important life events (like getting married, for instance). Aylmer uses this information in her counseling to show couples how to better work with one another. She explains that it’s important not only to look at the traits of your partner, but to also look at your own traits in relation to his or hers.

jacksonholewedding.com

35

THE BOND

“This helps a person see how they are inherently showing up in life, and how this might be difficult for their partner,” says Aylmer. “It also helps couples understand each other with less judgment.”

sign on the zodiac dictated by their day and month of birth.

Aylmer explains that astrological traits have a lot to do with the seasons and the amount of light there is when we are born. For instance, Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and it’s associated with spring. “It’s the warrior energy that gets a little sprout to come up through the earth and become a plant,” Aylmer says. Hence, Aries tend to be motivated and brave, optimistic and competitive. But like other fire signs, an Aries can also be impulsive and lack patience.

However, the moon, which moves quickly around the zodiac staying in each sign only for a two-day period every month, influences your inner mood and emotions (your feminine energy). If you take the day and month you are born, and then add in the place and time, you come up with your “moon sign,” which Aylmer emphasizes is the underlying sign for relationship compatibility.

The Sun vs. the Moon When we ask someone, “What’s your sign?” we are technically asking about the person’s “sun sign,” or their

“Our sun sign is our predominant sign; it’s our identification,” says Aylmer, noting that a sun sign’s energy is more masculine in nature.

The most compatible sun signs are those with traits that are complementary opposites, whereas compatible moon signs identify with the shared elements of fire, air, earth, and water. Water signs like Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces may not

Lauren Odderstol

36

Grand Wedding ° 2021

COMPATIBLE SUN SIGNS (complementary opposites):

Aries and Libra

Taurus and Scorpio

Gemini and Sagittarius

Cancer and Capricorn

Leo and Aquarius

Wedding Gown Cleaning, Pressing and Preservation Wedding Party and Guest Attire Cleaning and Pressing

Next to MovieWorks Theater & In the West Bank Center Daily Pick-Up and Delivery Service Available

Virgo and Pisces

307-734-0424 • bluesprucecleaners.com pair well with fire signs like Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

“Fire and water don’t go well together because fire evaporates water and water puts out fire,” Aylmer explains. “People that feel safe with fire will feel safe with earth. But, if you take a fish out of water and put them in the air, they’re not going to feel at home.”

Absaroka

So what if your sun or your moon signs aren’t compatible?

Cake Company

Aylmer notes that all relationships are challenging, regardless of astrological compatibility, but giving yourself an opportunity to learn about your partner’s signs expands your perspective of him or her. She equates it to looking at someone through a telescope with a narrow vision, as opposed to taking the blinders off to see more.

Jackson, WY

www.absarokacakecompany.com accchef COMPATIBLE MOON SIGNS (shared elements):

absarokacakecompany@gmail.com (307) 699-5172

With Absaroka Cake Company, you can create a dessert that not only tastes incredible but is a joy to look at. These wondrous cakes are decorated by bakers with the utmost in talent and precision who find joy in bringing each individual element to life.

Find us on www.theknot.com & www.weddingpros.com Fire:

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Earth:

Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Air:

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Water:

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces jacksonholewedding.com

37

Wedding Videography 307/690-0300 - info@jacksonholeweddingvideo.com jacksonholeweddingvideo.com

38

Grand Wedding ° 2021

THE BOND

ERIN’S 2021 GUIDE TO ALIGNING YOUR WEDDING WITH THE MOON SPRING NEW MOON IN TAURUS GEMINI

ARIES

“It can be really good to look at all these gifts you have, as well as the roadblocks,” she says. “Knowing the roadblocks helps you navigate them with awareness—and this completely changes the game.”

Intention: Budding light Ritual: Plant a seed and set an intention for your marriage. Over time, the plant, tree, or flower seed—together with your intention—will grow.

Wedding Planning and the Moon When you align your wedding with the moon, it better connects you to each other and nature. It’s a fitting gesture for anyone looking to create a union with the majestic Teton backdrop as their witness.

In folklore, a new moon symbolized the start of a new cycle. Farmers used this fertile time to sow seeds and plant new crops. (We still see this today in biodynamic farming.) A full moon, on the other hand, indicates the culmination of a cycle, a need for celebration. Historically, parties were held during full moons because there was more evening light.

The mood of your wedding can be dictated by the moon’s cycle, too. If you want to emphasize the start of a new life together, choose a time in your wedding season that aligns with the new moon. Or, if you want to celebrate all the things that came together to make your special day happen—including falling in love, nurturing a relationship, and planning a wedding—choose a date that aligns with the full moon.

If all this moon talk seems hokey to you, take some time to study nature, read historical texts, or reflect on what it really means to be wed, and you may just change your mind.

Astrology is a holistic science that closely relates to human nature. Just think—you’re putting a lot of effort into getting married in a remote setting among the mountains (and you’re doing it for a reason). An equal effort can also be given to understanding how the cosmos have influenced your ways.

FALL NEW MOON IN

SCORPIO LIBRA SAGITTARIUS

Intention: The consecration of a new union Ritual: Practice yoga, meditate, or simply just sit together before your wedding to cultivate balance in mind, body, and spirit for your ceremony.

SUMMER FULL MOON IN LEO VIRGO CANCER

Intention: Blossoming light and maturing relationship Ritual: Charge a rose quartz crystal (stone of love) under the full moon the night of your wedding to capture the love that will feed your relationship. Place the stone in a special spot at home and recharge it on special occasions.

WINTER FULL MOON IN CAPRICORN

“When you align with the energies of nature, nature is more supportive of you,” says Aylmer.

AQUARIUS PISCES

Intention: A celebration of inner light Ritual: Light a candle on your wedding day that represents the flame of your love.

Place it in a special spot in your home so that you can relight it on special occasions. jacksonholewedding.com

39

THE GIFTS

OUT OF THE BOX Wedding Registry Alternatives Words by Samantha Simma

Jamye Chrisman

P

acking along a gift can be cumbersome for guests traveling to a destination wedding, as stuffing their suitcase full of clothing for mountain weather may already tip them over baggage weight limits. Instead, consider a modern wedding registry that provides your guests with intangible gift options. From newlywed experiences to home renovation funds, online registries are fully customizable to your needs and lifestyle.

40

Let your guests play an important part in making your honeymoon the vacation of a lifetime. Websites like Honeyfund and Traveler’s Joy allow you to create an online portal for guests to make contributions. Each site varies on how it handles transaction fees and payment methods, but the real beauty lies in the freedom to use your funds toward different portions of travel: airline tickets and upgrades, accommodations, food and drink, or excursions. Some sites let guests select the experience

Grand Wedding ° 2021

they would like to contribute to, while others host the fund as a lump sum.

User-friendly web interfaces make both your setup process and your guests’ gifting experience easy to execute. Step-bystep instructions walk you through adding your destination and activities into one dreamy fund. On Traveler’s Joy, for example, your profile can include a letter to your guests, a map of your trip’s destination, and categorized honeymoon activities broken into multiple contributions from more than one guest. From scuba diving to sailing, let your guests take the stress out of your trip planning. Also, by adding experiences to your honeymoon registry, those staunch on tradition—who may balk at the idea of gifting cash—can feel like their contribution is concrete.

A home-funding registry may seem even more legit to grandpa when he realizes his funds are going toward a down payment on your future home. Feather the Nest and Home Fund It let you set up cash contributions dedicated to housing. Your fund can be open-ended or attached to a specified goal, which is trackable on your profile page. Giving to a home fund, quite literally, offers guests the chance to help build a solid foundation for your marriage.

For the couple that has it all, consider dedicating your wedding registry to a charitable cause. Pay your happiness and good fortune forward by establishing a goodwill fund in your name. Think about causes that are important to you as a couple: community development, education, the environment, or even social justice. The Good Beginning, a charity-based website, helps you hone in on impactful organizations. You might even consider making the recipient one of the Teton area nonprofits, like the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole or Teton Valley. Or, aligning with POW (Protect Our Winters), a climate advocate, might be suitable if you’re a couple who skis or snowboards.

elevated event planning

Luxury

If you’re looking to combine all options into one easy registry, sites like Zola let you hybridize your profile with both classic wedding gifts and the cash funds we’ve covered.

This allows guests to choose the present that speaks to them and even invites friends and family to go in on large ticket items collectively.

RESTROOM TRAILERS

Finally, when communicating your registry to your guests, make it simple by adding a tab to your wedding website (included on your save-the-date cards) that shows the link to your profile and basic instructions. Provide a heartfelt note telling guests why you’ve selected this out-of-the-box idea and how much their support means to you as a couple.

Resource Directory Honeymoon Sites

Charity Site

honeymoonwishes.com wanderable.com

thegoodbeginning.com Sites that Offer all Three

New Home Funding Sites

homefundit.com featherthenest.com

honeyfund.com myregistry.com zola.com blueprintregistry.com

The perfect restroom solution for your outdoor wedding, private party, or upscale event!

MACY’S SERVICES (307) 733-4687 www.macysservices.com

jacksonholewedding.com

41

BRIDES

BRIDESMAIDS

MOTHERS FLOWER REHEARSAL

GIRLS DINNERS

GALAS

FANCY OCCASIONS

GILDED SOCIAL THE FANCY OCCASION SHOP

Serving the West through Virtual Appointments + Pop Up Shops hosted at Crown & Brim in downtown Jackson, Wyoming.

614.430.9659

tanya@shopgildedsocial.com

shopgildedsocial.com

AMENITIES INCLUDE: A/C & HEAT, HOT WATER, ELEGANT GLASS SINKS, BACKGROUND MUSIC, EXTERIOR DRINK TABLE WITH LINENS, HAND SANITIZER & MINTS, HAND SOAP & PAPER PRODUCTS

Please consider us for all of your Spring, Summer & Fall Off-Site Venues.

We specialize in Weddings, Corporate, and Non-Profit Gatherings and Events at Private Residences.

POSHPOTTY@OUTLOOK.COM | Ph: (307) 690-3018 | JHLUXURYRESTROOMTRAILER.COM | 42

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

@JHPOSHPOTTY

2020

TETON love stories

Love still made its debut in 2020. As for the stories, well, we'll let you see for yourself ...

Hannah Hardaway

jacksonholewedding.com

43

This One's for the Non-Believers ...

ELLIE & MORGAN

M

Words by Ellie Wright + Photography by Jamye Chrisman

organ and I met on the tenth floor of the University Center dorms at Columbia College in downtown Chicago. We were both 19 years old, self-conscious, from rural towns, and curious about the massive city. One night, our group of friends decided to go see Neighbors at the theater. Morgan, a new addition to the group, met me in front of the dorm elevators (our suggested meeting spot). We both realized quickly that everyone else had bailed for better plans, like teenagers often do. It looked like the two of us would be the only moviegoers that night.

44

After an awkward ride on the infamous Chicago “L,” dodging afternoon commuters, we disembarked at the Grand Red Line Station, palms sweaty as we anxiously invented conversation on the way to the theater. We entered the ticket line, and before I knew it, he was buying my ticket. My heart raced throughout the movie (surprisingly not because of Zac Efron).

I was never one who dreamed about a fairy tale wedding.

I grew up in Jackson Hole, where skiing comes first and relationships come last; the typical ski bum was never really my

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

LOVE STORIES

type. So naturally, I thought romantic wedding stories didn’t really exist. You know the ones—where every person you love is doting on you; where the lights sparkling above the dance floor are hung by your dad; where local wildflowers are precisely placed on fold-out tables; where a cream-colored wedding dress is fitted perfectly thanks to a local seamstress; where tears are streaming down your face as your sister and brother-in-law conquer their fear of speech-giving (and nail it, by the way). ... Particularly, I never believed in the feeling I felt while looking over at my new husband—experiencing true happiness—as the sun set over The Grand behind him.

And of course, a glorious wedding day in no way could exist during a global pandemic!

When planning your wedding, no one expects a pandemic to hit. Our guest list started with a healthy 150 people. Then,

by April of 2020, we whittled it down to 100. By August, we were at 64 and seriously thinking about canceling.

Is it naive to think we can pull this off?

“Seriously?” I said. “Can we just get on, so we can be done?

I’m exhausted and hungry.”

“No,” he said. “For real. Can we please take a picture?”

I rolled my eyes, scooted in next to him, and posed with a very fake smile.

“Um, can you take your backpack off?” he said. I noticed he already had his off.

I reluctantly slid off my pack, once again, rolling my eyes.

Morgan was now kneeling on the ground.

“Hey Morgan, get back up. Hurry let’s go!” I insisted, as Kathleen got her phone out.

He didn’t get up. Instead, he just looked at me with stars in his eyes, still down on one knee.

“Morgan, seriously? Get up! I’m so hungry!”

“Ellie, oh my God! Do you know what he’s doing?!?”

Kathleen blurted.

I looked at her with utter confusion. “What are you doing Morgan?” I said.

How will we keep everyone safe?

What if someone gets sick?

Rewind to exactly one year before when Morgan and I got engaged at the top of Rendezvous Mountain after a 25-mile backpacking adventure. We started in Phillips Canyon on Teton Pass, then made our way up to the tram dock after a three-day trek with my mom, dad, and sister, Kathleen. As we crawled our way up the last stretch, exhausted, muscles aching, and very thirsty, I saw the red tram box making its way up the massive cable. I raced to jump in, so we didn't have to wait for the next car. (I wanted to get down to the Mangy Moose as fast as possible to get a burger and a beer.)

That’s when Morgan called behind me and asked, “Ellie, can we take a picture first?”

Then, Morgan pulled out a white-gold ring with a diamond and held it up for me to see. With patient expectation he asked, “Ellie Lynn, will you marry me?”

Needless to say, we kept our September 12, 2020 date. And I hope we gave those who braved the pandemic to celebrate with us a sprinkle of light, hope, and happiness during a very dark time.

As for that fairy tale love story?

I finally experienced it. In fact, it was way more than a fairy tale. I was lucky enough to be a part of a famous fable—one that I never really believed in. And it turned into a very real, life-changing experience.

jacksonholewedding.com

45

LOVE STORIES

Wedding Date

September 12, 2020 Ceremony Location

Kathy Falconer-Finnegan’s house in Alta, WY Reception Location

Friends’ house in Alta, WY Officiant

Misa Grenier Hair and Makeup

Heather Priemer Photographer

Jamye Chrisman Florist

Red House Flowers Musician and DJ

DJ Cut la Whut Caterer

Fine Dining Restaurant Group Dessert Chef

Seven Confections Rental Service

Peak Tent Rentals Transportation Service

Teton Taxi Stationery Design

Kathryn Hoy Seamstress

DELEGATE. DELEGATE. DELEGATE.

Teton Tailoring and Haberdashery

After the huckleberry macaroons, taco tastings, champagne toasts, and dwindling guest list, after writing hefty checks, and making “please keep a safe distance and wear your mask” signs, we experienced a glorious day. I now know why people call their wedding day the best day of their life, as our special day certainly was mine.

46

Our close family friends provided their backyard for the festivities; my mom handled all the logistics; our mutual friend officiated; my college friend designed our savethe-dates; my sister handled the decor; my mother-inlaw set the tables; my dad hung the lights; my aunt and uncle brought the booze, and my bridesmaid delivered our trellis all the way from Oregon. This is just the beginning of the help we received. Point being: your wedding guests love you and want to help, so let them be a part of your planning and celebration.

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

EVENT

RENTALS

EVENT RENTALS EVERYTHING UNDER THE STARS! We will take care of all the details for your event, from tents to tableware.

Call us today!

(307) 733-2250

The sky’s the limit! We will take care of all the details for your event, from tents to tableware. Call us today! (307) 733-2250

CANVASUNLIMITED.COM | 307.733.2250

PHOTO CREDIT: KATY GRAY

MAKING JACKSON HOLEʼS BEST EVENTS HAPPEN!

The Perfect Setting for your Dream Wedding Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Jackson, the newly renovated Anvil Hotel and newly built Cache House upscale bunkhouse is the place to stay. Our Italian restaurant Glorietta Trattoria is on-site and known for hosting some of the best parties in town. Being within walking distance to dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops means everything you need is steps away. Let us take care of your friends and family while you enjoy the countdown to your big day!

PHOTO CREDIT: KATY GRAY

special event florals & styling gildthelilytoojh.com • 307.413.1747 @gildthelilytoo

ANVILHOTEL.COM | THECACHEHOUSE.COM GLORIETTAJACKSON.COM weddings@anvilhotel.com jacksonholewedding.com

47

The Ultimate Set-up EMILY & TAYLOR

F

Words by Emily Catt + Photography by Annalisa Joy lashback to the late ’70s.

My dad, an avid skier, left his small, northern Michigan town and traveled out West in search of adventure, eventually landing in Jackson Hole. After a stint spent skiing during the day and waiting tables by night, he left Jackson to attend veterinary school (where he later met my mom). Still, he vowed to someday return to the quaint mountain town that stole his heart.

After graduating, my parents planted roots in San Diego, where I grew up, but we frequented the Tetons on family vacations. Eventually—after my brother and I went away to college—my parents bought a home in Jackson.

My journey with Taylor began in March of 2014 in San Diego. He was set up with one of my girlfriends on a blind group date, and I tagged along to play wing-woman for my friend. Taylor and I made casual conversation throughout

48

the night, learning that we attended the same university, although our paths never crossed. Later, Taylor told his parents he had met someone special on his night out … yet, it was not the girl he was set up with. A few weeks went by before Taylor finally got the nerve to ask me to lunch.

From that moment on, we were inseparable.

Similar to my parents, Taylor and I both have a love of adventure. So, a few months into dating, I accompanied Taylor on his first (of many) trips to Jackson. Together, we explored the area and developed a fondness for the beauty and serenity that Jackson Hole has to offer. Thus, began our many years of adventuring together.

On December 21, 2019, Taylor proposed. We planned a dinner date, and, as usual, I was running late. With wet hair, no makeup on, and frantic that I would cause us to miss our dinner reservation, I came running into his house to let him know I had arrived. As I opened the door,

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

LOVE STORIES

my jaw dropped—rose petals decorated the floor in the shape of a heart and more than 500 8-inch by 10-inch photos hung from the ceiling and scattered the floor documenting our adventures together. Taylor’s proposal was a walk down memory lane—reliving all our journeys together, with the promise of more to come.

After five and a half years of dating, I was more than ready to start planning our wedding. We both wanted a destination wedding with an intimate celebration and Jackson seemed like the perfect place. In January 2020, we chose our venue, our wedding coordinator, and many of our vendors. I was simply reveling in wedding preparation!

Then, the news and fear of a global pandemic set in.

As the months passed and COVID-19 cases began to escalate, our anxiety started to build. We knew that hosting a wedding in Jackson was less risky than one held in a densely-populated area, but we still needed to be mindful of the health and safety of our guests.

Wedding planning during normal times is stressful enough, and there we were trying to navigate the uncharted territory that comes with a pandemic.

Throughout the process, our vendors maintained transparent lines of communication. Protocol seemed to change every week, so our motto became “flexibility.”

It’s so easy to get swept away by planning the décor, food, and ambiance of a

jacksonholewedding.com

49

LOVE STORIES

Wedding Date

August 10, 2020 Ceremony Location

Diamond Cross Ranch Reception Location

Diamond Cross Ranch Officiant

Tracy Turner (groom’s father) Hair and Makeup

Kelly Rene Photographer

Annalisa Joy Florist

Floral Art Musician and DJ

A & B Productions Consultant

Special Events Jackson Hole Caterer

Cafe Genevieve Dessert Chef

Jackson Cake Co. Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited Transportation Service

A Black Car Service

DON’T SKIP THE FIRST LOOK wedding. Yet, the uncertainty of the pandemic forced us to shift our mindset to the essence of our wedding, rather than getting caught up in the minutiae.

And, it worked.

Our event was nothing short of magical! We didn’t have a bridal party or groomsmen, so we were able to focus on ourselves. Our “first look” took place at The Wedding Tree— where Taylor was strategically staged, and I was able to walk up behind him with breathtaking views in the background.

Then, we caravanned to Diamond Cross Ranch for the ceremony and reception.

Taylor and I are not much for tradition and wanted our wedding to be fun. We rented a mechanical bull, played cornhole games, and danced the night away. My highlight was taking pictures with the ranch’s horses in the pasture at sunset, with the Tetons as our backdrop. I grew up with horses, so this act incorporated my passion into our special day. Overall, we could not have imagined a more magnificent wedding celebration, complete with 46 of our closest family and friends. We love that they were able to experience what we consider our little piece of paradise.

50

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Our photographer convinced us to do a “first look,” and we don’t regret it. We were able to sneak in a lot more photos that way, too. Taylor cried when he first saw me at The Wedding Tree, and then again when I walked down the aisle. Having a first look didn’t dampen the emotions of the day in the least.

.

,

TETONVALLEYCABINS.COM (866) 687 1522

Teton Valley’s best special occasion venue

Teton Valley’s best special Teton Valley’s best special occasion venue

Teton wedding catering at its finest for over 20 years FRESH, LOCAL, PROFESSIONAL Casual, comfortable atmosphere Outdoor Venue • Kitchenettes • WiFi Jacuzzi • Family Reunions

TetonValley’s Valley’sbest bestspecial specialoccasion occasionvenue venue Teton

Teton Valley’s best special occasion venue 800.787.9178 or 208.787.2667 diningincateringinc.com

Find us on Facebook: Dining In Catering Jackson Hole and The Wildwood Room jacksonholewedding.com

51

A Miraculous Deployment SARAH & BRIAN

I

Words by Sarah Fallon + Photography by Roslyn Smithers

was born and raised in Jackson and grew up in the outdoors skiing, backpacking, biking, and most importantly, fishing.

Brian and I met through mutual friends and went fishing on our first date. We initially connected by recognizing each other’s impeccable backcasts, but quickly we also found that our hearts were one and the same.

letters to each other) and a deployment to the Philippines and the Middle East. Brian was never in the same place for very long, so I tried to follow him by obtaining a traveling physical therapy job.

Eventually, it became too difficult to predict his schedule. Luckily, love conquers all, and after moving to Jackson in 2019, Brian asked me to be his wife.

It was 2016, and Brian had just enlisted in the Navy, and I was in graduate school studying physical therapy. Our unconventional and mostly long-distance relationship consisted of US Navy Basic Training in Illinois for seven weeks (when we could only write

Brian couldn’t have picked a location closer to my heart to pop the question. He got down on one knee in cross-country skis in the middle of untouched powder at the top of Shadow Mountain.

The sun was shining and the Tetons were towering behind

52

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

LOVE STORIES

us, reminiscent of my entire childhood. It was the easiest decision I’ve ever made.

Planning a wedding amidst the COVID-19 pandemic—and with the US Navy changing deployment plans—was no easy task. We considered waiting until 2021 and booked a date for June of that year, but we were then told that Brian would be on the other side of the world by that time. So, we canceled that date and decided to get married on August 30, 2020.

After that, everything fell perfectly into place.

I grew up skiing at Snow King, Teton Village, and Grand Targhee. But when Brian and I started dating, we found ourselves mountain biking and skiing at Targhee more than any of the other resorts. For this reason, we decided to make the resort the backdrop of the most wonderful day of our lives. The venue was perfect, as it provided lodging for guests, catering for the reception, iconic views of the Tetons—making for dramatic pictures—and the home-town Wyoming feel that we both love.

We chose local friends as our vendors. I grew up with our florist, photographer, wedding cake baker, and even my makeup artist. I saw an opportunity to support friends and provide for them in an industry that sometimes overlooks the beauty of simplicity and authentic, local tastes. We had a tight budget, but we were able to work with the resort, friends, and family to make a “destination wedding” that was located in our own backyard.

Brian and I were busy during the months leading up to the wedding: Brian prepared for his deployment, and we readied ourselves for a possible move to San Diego, all while dealing with the looming possibility of altering our wedding plans due to pandemic restrictions. During this time, Brian was continuously patient and loving when approached with hundreds of

Wedding Date

August 30, 2020 Ceremony Location

Grand Targhee Resort Reception Location

Aspen Meadow Tent at Grand Targhee Officiant

Justin Hawkins Hair and Makeup

Bernadette Gwilliam and McKenna Beard Photographer

Roslyn Smithers Florist

Samantha Shorts, Heidi's Fresh Cut Flowers Musician and DJ

Wildfire Entertainment (DJ Chris Davis) Consultant

Suzanne Rees-Smith at Grand Targhee Caterer

Grand Targhee Dessert Chef

Glee Bakery Stationery Design

zola.com

jacksonholewedding.com

53

LOVE STORIES

questions. I consulted friends, Google, and the Zola app to make sure all the boxes were checked before our big day. I received inspiration and ideas from my patients at ALL Body Therapy in Jackson, along with complete support from both my photographer and DJ. Planning our wedding was a preoccupation for me and a beacon of light that shone in a summer riddled with coronavirus news.

The pandemic gave us a chance to review our guest list and only invite those nearest and dearest. It also gave us some space to focus on what our wedding was all about. I initially prioritized the dance party. However, we didn’t really know who would show up, how close people could dance, or if the resort would even be open to hosting a dance party at all. The only thing we knew for sure was, come the day after, we would be husband and wife.

Our wedding turned out to be a succession of miracles. Our guests were ready for a party, but compliant with wearing masks throughout the entire weekend. The weather was perfect, despite waking up to snow the morning after. Everyone was healthy, and

no reports of illness followed. Our officiant collaborated closely with our DJ, subsequently performing a magnificent ceremony unique to the setting and our union. The relentless August smoke from the California wildfires cleared right before our photo session. And, the staff and event planner at Targhee, Suzanne Rees-Smith, made our wedding day revolve around us.

Using Grand Targhee as our venue meant our guests were there for an entire weekend. Every time we walked outside, we saw someone we loved. I hopped on my bike at 7 a.m. to ride singletrack on the day of the wedding and fulfilled my dream of hiking in the shadow of The Grand in my wedding dress. Brain got the chance to show his family from Arkansas why he loved the area and watched his nieces ride horses for the first time. No transportation or relocation planning was necessary.

Looking back, we have no regrets. We are happier than ever and are looking forward to a life together chasing powder and casting for trout.

REMEMBER YOUR REASON Prioritize your ceremony. Everything else can go wrong, but it won’t matter as long as you walk away married in the end. The Tetons are beautiful, but love outshines all when you choose vendors you love and trust, delegate jobs to friends and family, and provide coverup couture for your bridesmaids (it is always cold here). Also, make sure to find a venue that lets you have your dog.

54

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

UNIQUE FLORAL DESIGNS for your SPECIAL OCCASION

Wedding Videography (207) 778-1714 taylormtnfilms.com | taylormtnfilms@gmail.com

PHOTO: COLBYANDJESS.COM

GRANDTARGHEE.COM | 800.TARGHEE (827-4433) jacksonholewedding.com

55

No Need for a Redo PAYSON & NICHOLAS

N

Words by Payson Houfek + Photography by Lindley Rust

icholas and I met when we were purposefully seated next to each other at my sister's rehearsal dinner in 2016. About a year later, our first date was a trip to Terreton, Idaho, (with a wake-up call at 6 a.m.) to "see" a new litter of white Labrador puppies. That day, I put down a deposit on a pup who would become our Greta just a few weeks later.

We quickly went from raising two puppies together to talking about marriage, and in August of 2019, Nicholas proposed during a mountain bike ride to the top of Ferrin’s Trail. We spent the day driving around the valley, visiting our families, and sharing the good news. Then, just when I thought we were returning home to decompress on the couch, Nicholas surprised me with an engagement party in our backyard, complete with the nearest and dearest people in our life.

Like most newly-engaged couples, 2020 threw a curveball into our wedding planning once COVID-19 came into the picture. In May, we postponed our original 200 guest celebration until 2021— prioritizing our marriage over a party—and began planning a micro wedding for our original date, September 5, 2020. With a completely 56

new plan, we had the opportunity to reconsider what was most important to us. “People” and “place” immediately stood out.

Our new guest list consisted of our immediate families, bridal party, and groomsmen. One of Nicholas' best pals, Mike Trombetta of Farm to Belly Catering, was originally booked to cook our rehearsal dinner. Within our new plan, however, he swiftly changed gears and provided the most delicious hors d'oeuvres, plated dinner, and dessert. Our bartender and servers were all dear friends that work at Sidewinders—our favorite local haunt—adding to the familial feel of the night.

As for “place,” luckily, we have no shortage of family history in the valley. Nicholas' family homesteaded in Wilson in the 1880s, while my family arrived to the area in the 1920s. His grandfather even warned us, "You all better check that you’re not related before this goes too far!"

We were married in St. John's Episcopal Church chapel where both sets of Nicholas' grandparents married a week apart in 1955. We followed the ceremony with a cocktail hour and seated reception on the front lawn of the cabin that my great-grandparents built in the 1930s.

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

LOVE STORIES

Yet, the biggest surprise of the day was when the chapel doors opened.

I ordered my wedding dress from a boutique in New York City which closed during the pandemic. After making many calls and sending emails and Instagram messages begging for an update, my dress finally arrived in Jackson two weeks before the wedding.

I sheepishly texted the local alterations magician, Calla Grimes, asking if she would even consider looking at my dress under such a crunched timeline.

“It’s not a definitive ‘no,’” she responded. “We'll see how much work needs to be done."

Wedding Date

September 5, 2020

Low and behold, Calla turned my dress around in seven days and Nicholas knew nothing of it. When the chapel doors opened and

Ceremony Location

St. John’s Episcopal Church Reception Location

Snake River Ranch Officiant

Jimmy Bartz Hair and Makeup

Jackie Harmon of Frost and Stephanie Broome (makeup artist) Photographer

Lindley Rust Florist

Flowers by Chloe Musician and DJ

Cody Barber Consultant

In Any Event Caterer

Mike Trombetta, Farm to Belly (Truckee, CA) Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited and High Country Linens Stationery Design

Xowyo Paper Press Other Specialty Vendors

Bobbin Grey

jacksonholewedding.com

57

LOVE STORIES

Nicholas first saw me in my dress, his best man leaned in and whispered, "She freaking tricked us!" Nicholas was floored. And, I was able to wear my dress and cathedral-length veil—as I had always dreamed of—when my dad walked me down the aisle.

For us, the little details made the day perfect. I FaceTimed my 94-year-old grandmother in New Jersey while I was getting ready; my two-year-old nephew, Wyatt, joyfully yelled "Hi Pace!" throughout the ceremony; our dogs joined the reception (in fact, Greta the Labrador played an instrumental part in “assisting” the food runners); my necklace, which contained a pearl from my great-grandmother, was a gift from my sister that she designed

58

with Jeter Case of JC Jewelers; Nicholas' mom, an avid quilter, sewed stunning napkins for each place setting, and the weather cooperated, making my open-air dinner dream a reality.

A playlist my brother created on Spotify played quietly in the background while we ate and drank the night away under the stars. Our friend Cody, who played ceremony music earlier in the day, brought his guitar out after dinner and, spur-of-the-moment, played a song for us to enjoy our first dance as a married couple.

All told, it took us about 24 hours after the wedding to decide that there was no way to top our perfect celebration. We immediately canceled our 2021 plans and haven’t looked back since.

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Erin Wheat

from boujee...

Full Service Wedding and Event Planning, Wedding Coordination & Elopements ASHLEY ROSE WOLD WILDROSEJH.COM (307) 699-4901

weddings + parties

SteadyJake DJ dances + corporate events

JACKSON HOLE WEDDINGS Casual & Relaxed (with prices to match!)

Accommodations & Private Chef Onsite since 1954

Historic Hatchet Resort 307.543.2413 • www.hatchetresort.com

jacksonholewedding.com

…to bounce Setting your event to music. w w w. S t e a d y J a ke .c o m ( 3 07 ) 41 3 -1 4 8 8 59

FEATURES

Plan B= Adventure ERIN & TANNER

T

Words by Erin Daly Davenport + Photography by Shannon Corsi

anner and I met in Minneapolis in 2017 through our friend—the internet—and quickly realized we had a mutual love for the outdoors. We saw each other four times during our first week of dating, despite Tanner’s “busy season” as a CPA and me working two jobs. This started things off on a good foot, as we've never stopped making time for each other.

Tanner and I formed our bond by embarking on escapades big and small around Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. We spent the night together camping on the North Shore of Lake Superior (which is still quite cold in April!). And, with the exception of Tanner forgetting a water filter and me dropping a perfectly cooked 60

pancake, we exceeded each other's standards for potential adventure partners.

The ensuing years brought road trips to Idaho and Wyoming, Kentucky and Tennessee, and even a trip to Paris and Croatia, with a few days spent in Rome. We pitched tents all over, from Oregon to New York, sharing in the great outdoors and creating one incredibly long bucket list. Still, it was making the most of the little things in between these grand journeys that solidified our partnership. Tanner turned me into a morning person with countless early-morning canoe outings on our neighborhood lake before my weekend shifts at REI. Tanner’s late nights at the office lead to moonlit lakeside snowshoe jaunts. Even trips to the grocery

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

store provided priceless time to laugh together, grow together, and for me to peer pressure Tanner into eating more green foods.

wasn’t worth putting our friends and family at risk. So instead, we postponed the big party until 2021.

In May of 2019, after navigating 2.5 successful “busy seasons” and 3.92 grad school semesters as a couple, Tanner blocked out an afternoon on my calendar for a bike ride around Minneapolis.

Writing final papers was my only other alternative, so I graciously agreed. Tanner led me to a park along the Mississippi and casually suggested a surprise picnic. However, the real surprise was the cause for the mini bottle of champagne chilling in his hydration bladder. With a backdrop of the Minneapolis skyline, Tanner proposed and I immediately asked if this meant we could get team tattoos (in other words, YES!).

That got us thinking about Plan B.

We spent the next year planning a fall 2020 wedding on the North Shore of Minnesota, where we first adventured with each other.

As the reality of COVID sank in, we decided that our celebration

We both pride ourselves on spontaneity and the ability to have fun wherever we are, so we enthusiastically jumped into planning an elopement. The more we talked about “just the two of us” exchanging vows, ideally somewhere in the mountains, we kept coming back to the Tetons. We visited Jackson Hole on our first road trip together in 2017 and were blown away by the beauty of the Teton Range. The more we thought about returning, the easier it was to envision signing up for our “forever” under the watchful eye of The Grand herself.

And that brings us to September 2020 …

I bought a cheap dress online (saving the gown for 2021) and

jacksonholewedding.com

61

FEATURES

ADVENTURE IS YOUR FRIEND Don’t be afraid to make your wedding an adventure, especially during COVID times. Make the ceremony as intimate as you want, and do it wherever you want. You can always throw a big party later, but remember, your day is about you and your commitment to each other.

62

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Tanner watched YouTube videos on how to fold a suit without wrinkling it. We packed up our Subaru with an “Almost Married” sign on the back window and headed west. Our ceremony started with a 2 a.m. wakeup call and a 3 a.m. meetup with our phenomenal photographer, Shannon Corsi, who I knew from high school summer camp. We headed into Grand Teton National Park and were met with the sound of bugling elks at the trailhead and a remarkably starry sky, despite the wildfires raging further west.

The three of us strung lights on our backpacks and hiked up in the dark, arriving at Delta Lake just before sunrise.

Behind boulders, we prepped ourselves in our wedding attire and shared a first look that was far more scenic than anything we could have imagined.

FEATURES

Knowing that we couldn’t have our family and friends with us to witness our vows, we brought a bit of their spirit along with us.

Tanner’s sister, Madeline, a flower farmer and designer, helped us arrange a bouquet of fake flowers via FaceTime. (We didn't love the idea of fake flowers, but we wanted something sturdy enough to withstand the hike, and we ended up matching the colors to Tanner's tie pretty well.) And, Erin’s aunt made us a vow book to record our promises. Before exchanging our vows, we read trail notes from our family and friends full of their advice and well wishes.

Let’s just say, I cried a lot …

64

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

jacksonholewedding.com

65

FEATURES

Our post-ceremony picnic setup was more important to us than the food itself. We bought a Pendleton blanket in town to use as a picnic blanket and to double as a family heirloom.

We brought along a charcuterie board that a close friend gave us as a housewarming gift, and champagne tumblers that another set of friends gifted us before we left for our trip. All of our snacks were picked up at Albertsons the day before— the macaroons because they were beautiful (and in a box we couldn't squish in our backpacks) and the charcuterie because we knew we needed calories. What the photos don't show is that we ate ALL of it!

We hiked down from the lake in our wedding attire and soaked in “congratulations” from random strangers before heading back into town. We had a friend of a friend officiate our civil ceremony in town (we met him for the first time the day of!) and a few bystanders served as witnesses. Just like that—we became forever “the Daly Davs.”

66

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Wedding Date

September 21, 2020 Ceremony Location

Delta Lake, Grand Teton National Park Officiant

Andy Cochrane, a friend of a friend Photographer

Shannon Corsi Floral Consultant

Madeline Davenport, Fireweed Flower Co. Caterer and Dessert Chef

Albertsons Transportation Service

Hiking boots and backpacks Other Specialty Vendors

Pendleton of Jackson Hole

jacksonholewedding.com

67

FEATURES

68

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

A Fall in the Right Direction MELANIE & RYAN

jacksonholewedding.com

69

FEATURES

G

Words by Ryan Haymaker + Photography by Lauren Odderstol

rowing up in Houston, Texas, mountains have filled my daydreams for a long time.

My family traveled frequently to visit my grandmother in Colorado Springs, Colorado, spawning my captivation.

However, it wasn’t until a family road trip in 2002 through the national parks out west that I witnessed the astounding Teton Range.

I met Melanie in 2009—also from Houston—while studying at Texas Tech University. We attended the same college ministry and were good acquaintances, but spent very little time together other than a few notable brunches and camping trips. After graduation, Melanie and I rarely connected outside of social media and, essentially, did not expect to cross each other’s paths again.

I obtained a summer culinary internship at the Jackson Lake Lodge in 2011 as part of my bachelor’s degree requirements (and to feed my fascination with the Tetons). However, that July, an extraordinary experience nearly ended my life. I climbed the Middle Teton, together with a few friends, and fell 1,200 feet from the summit, leaving me critically injured.

Miraculously, two other climbers witnessed my fall.

One kept me alive, and the other knew where to find cell service and called 911. Soon after, the Jenny Lake

70

Climbing Rangers helicoptered me off the mountain, and I was life-flighted to a hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho. There, I laid in a coma for 18 days and spent the following month in the intensive care unit with multiple fractures and a brain injury. After a year-long recovery with the help of countless medical professionals, I looked forward to the day I would return to the Tetons.

I landed a job on Colter Bay in the summer of 2013 to successfully complete my unfulfilled internship. One evening while hanging out with friends at Dornan’s, I watched a wedding party walk down to the ferry dock on the Snake River. It was at that moment I knew I wanted my future wedding to take place in front of these mountains.

I moved to Portland, Oregon, after college. Delightfully, I was able to reconnect with my college friend, Melanie, who was also living there. The two of us met regularly— skiing at Mt. Hood, embarking on winter hiking excursions, and attending music concerts. After many casual outings as friends, a more-than-friends feeling developed between the two of us. A kiss sealed the deal on New Year’s Eve. We planned a trip to the Targhee Bluegrass Festival in 2019—Melanie’s first visit to the Tetons—and spent the week cruising around the park and checking out the

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

jacksonholewedding.com

71

FEATURES

72

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

HIRE THE KNOW-IT-ALLS

places I frequented. Melanie soon became enamored by the grandeur of the mountains, so I snuck in the fact that I wanted to get married in front of them someday.

On Christmas Day, I proposed to Melanie, and we began the journey of wedding planning. However, in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, the outlook was bleak. Our date was scheduled for September 12, yet we continually monitored regulations, hoping that we could pull it off. And we did.

On the day of the wedding, Melanie and I chose not to see each other prior to the ceremony. The guys enjoyed brunch at Cafe Genevieve, while the ladies stayed at Rancho Alegre Lodge to set up for the reception.

Everyone got dressed and ready at the ranch. My closest friends and I drove out to our ceremony location in the national forest, where we eventually greeted a 12-car caravan of 40 guests.

Melanie was the last to arrive with her father, our photographer Lauren Odderstol, and her best friend, Kristi O’Connor. With everyone in position, the cue was given for Melanie to begin her slow walk down the trail to The Wedding Tree, as a rendition of Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers”—performed by The Wailin’ Jennys—played. She met her father halfway down

It's all been done before in Jackson, except for your wedding. That said, if you need recommendations, forgot to discuss last-minute details with your caterer, or don't know what restaurants are open during a pandemic or off-season, the locals in Jackson will help. All of the companies we worked with knew the answers, leaving us free to not sweat the details. If you have questions you didn’t think about prior to arriving in Jackson, chances are, someone you hired knows the answer.

FEATURES

Wedding Date

September 12, 2020 Ceremony Location

The Wedding Tree Reception Location

Rancho Alegre Lodge Officiant

Barbara Retzloff Photographer

Lauren Odderstol Florist

Bride and groom Rings

Jackson Hole Jewelry Musician and DJ

Bride and groom Caterer

Bistro Catering Desserts

Costco Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited, Macy's Services Stationery Design

Bride Other Specialty Vendors

StillWest Brewery (rehearsal dinner)

74

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

the trail and together they walked to meet me at the base of the tree. Melanie’s mother, who was also our officiant, performed the ceremony and our dog Tye brought the rings on cue. Then, we danced back down the trail to “Home” sung by Pixie & the Partygrass Boys.

As our guests made their way back to the ranch for the reception, Melanie, Tye, and I, together with our photographer Lauren, stopped to snap some photographs as newlyweds. We were greeted by bison at Mormon Row, which made for some great photos. Back at the ranch, it was time to let loose and celebrate the new Haymaker family. Melanie’s father welcomed everybody and gave a nice toast.

We enjoyed a meal of bison tenderloin, elk bites, and steelhead trout catered by Bistro Catering.

Then, we topped it off with apple pie as our wedding cake. I cued up a playlist of various music from Texas country two-step to reggae to sing-along tunes like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” That’s when the dance party started. The celebration went on well into the morning hours, with guests settling into a bonfire beneath the Milky Way.

jacksonholewedding.com

75

FEATURES

Heather Erson

About-Face

Affairs

MICRO WEDDINGS WITH MACRO IDEAS 76

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Jamye Chrisman

O

Words by Britney Magleby n July 11, 2020, hundreds of couples nationwide watched their would-be wedding day pass them by as they waited on hold for a time when friends and family could gather to celebrate their love.

Later, as the sun creates a golden hour in the Tetons, the mother of the bride sets a table for eight with a home-cooked meal, and the newlyweds share a first dance with their loved ones circled around them.

Meanwhile, in a backyard in Jackson’s Solitude neighborhood, a young couple smiled, cried, and said, “I do.” A polaroid, time-stamped at 4:12 p.m., captures the moment forever marked into family history: the bride’s sister by her side holding a bouquet of freshly-picked wildflowers; the groom’s best friend grinning broadly and sporting a fishing fly on his lapel; and the bride’s father, tears brimming, as he gives away his little girl and announces the couple “officially wed.” Just three additional guests joyfully applaud.

Two years in the making, this wedding was always intended to be a small, intimate gathering. But when COVID-19 rocked the wedding industry last spring, small became micro.

A concept that was gaining popularity well before the pandemic thrust it into the spotlight, micro weddings take all the love of your big day and wrap it in a small, beautiful, uniquely-you package. These mini affairs accommodate smaller guest counts, 50 or less, and are typically held in less traditional venues on leaner budgets. But not everything about a micro wedding is

jacksonholewedding.com

77

FEATURES Erin Wheat

Amy Jimmerson

78

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Clockwise from top left: Jamye Chrisman, Erin Wheat, Hannah Hardaway, Ashley Merritt

tiny. Fewer guests mean more quality time with each other; a smaller venue can make way for bigger décor; and a less robust budget can leave money for post-nuptial fun.

A micro wedding certainly isn’t for everyone, but couples who like the term “nearest and dearest” (those who actually felt relieved when guest counts were restricted) and those who find happiness among close friends and family can capitalize from the circumstances. If a tiny wedding is right for you, now’s the time to double down on the unique attributes a micro-

sized celebration can offer that a big wedding simply cannot.

“Smaller weddings are the perfect way to make sure you have a connection with your guests,” points out local industry professional Caralyn Ross. “It creates an intimacy that may feel lost in a larger wedding.”

A reduced guest count opens the door to unique venues that cannot accommodate bigger events. Ringholz Studios, located just one block from Jackson’s famous Town Square, can host up to 40 seated guests in a modern, moody, brick-lined, and jacksonholewedding.com

beautifully decorated space in their art gallery that they’ve aptly named “Dusk.” Additionally, taking to local restaurants, especially during the fall or spring off-seasons, is a unique option often not available to groups of 75 or more. Orsetto, an upscale, off-Square Italian restaurant partners with local caterer, Genevieve Catering, to offer a one-stop-shop for gorgeous micro events. Finally, The Clear Creek Group and Luxury Properties of Jackson Hole have a fleet of rental properties in the area with both indoor and outdoor space fit for once-in-alifetime celebrations.

79

FEATURES

NOTE-TO-SELF It’s important to realize that a micro wedding, even during a pandemic, isn’t for everyone. Just like small affairs have no place in giant ballrooms, big, white weddings don’t fit into small, colorful packages either. So, don’t try to make them. For couples thinking about sacrificing what they want for what they think they need to do—reconsider.

“Don’t try to force something that doesn’t feel natural and organic,” says Erin Guertin of Genevieve Catering. “What’s popular is having a micro wedding now, then scheduling a large, blowout party later. It’s the best of both worlds and takes away some of the pressure of a large wedding.”

Those who have dreamt of a big wedding since they were dancing on their father’s shoes won’t find what they’re looking for in this micro trend. Consider waiting, or plan a “minimony” to hold you over until the day when masks won’t take over wedding photos, grandparents can comfortably attend, and hundreds of guests can crowd the dance floor.

Clockwise from top left: Ashley Merritt, Katy Gray, Hannah Hardaway, Jamye Chrisman, Tim Miller 80

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Tim Miller

Less square footage has the added benefit of being easier to decorate, too. The growing trend of seating all your guests at one long table is beautiful, elegant, and plays perfectly into the mood of a micro wedding. Dark wooden tables can be brought to life with one long arrangement of greenery accented with white florals. And, draped tables become dramatic and dreamy when loaded with candles and candelabras. Since you likely have less to decorate, you can go all out.

Cara Rank of XOWYO Paper + Events, an event stationery and table-top rental company, noticed the surprising trend of doubling-up, rather than cutting, tabletop rentals during COVID times. “We saw events order double the plates and double the wine glasses per person,” says Rank. “So, guests see the beauty of a fully-set table, but the caterers have clean, untouched tableware to use.”

Still, one of the best sights at any tiny wedding is the small number of people. Fewer guests almost always equal a lower price tag. Couples hosting micro weddings can use any savings toward more elaborate honeymoons, buying a home (see page 40), starting a family, or fueling their passions and interests.

Perhaps the true value of these small celebrations is that they place as much importance on the marriage as the wedding.

While the big day is important, its significance is driven by its representation of something even bigger. Your wedding day is the one day you use to recognize years of love. It’s one moment that kickstarts a million more, and it’s the opening line of a love story you’ll tell to future generations. A micro wedding requires less … and leaves so much more for the adventures, characters, and stories that make up the rest of your book.

Amy Jimmerson

jacksonholewedding.com

81

THE DETAILS | RESOURCE DIRECTORY Lindley Rust

Hannah Hardaway Neil Simmons

Amy Jimmerson

Accommodations ANVIL HOTEL 307.733.3668 | Jackson, WY anvilhotel.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @anvilhotel CACHE HOUSE 307.733.3668 | Jackson, WY thecachehouse.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @cachehousejackson TETON VALLEY CABINS 208.354.8153 | Driggs, ID tetonvalleycabins.com info@tetonvalleycabins.com @tvcabins THE WORT HOTEL // SILVER DOLLAR BAR AND GRILL 307.733.2190 | Jackson, WY worthotel.com sales@worthotel.com @worthotel 82

TETON SPRINGS 208.787.8130 | Victor, ID tetonsprings.com catering@tetonsprings.com @tetonsprings THE CLOUDVEIL HOTEL 307.699.6100 | Jackson, WY thecloudveil.com sales@thecloudveil.com @thecloudveil TRAIL CREEK RANCH 307.690.2610 | Wilson, WY trailcreekranch.com TrailCreekRanch@msn.com @trailcreekranch_jh JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT 307.732.3136 | Teton Village, WY jacksonhole.com/weddings.html groups@jacksonhole.com @jacksonhole HATCHET RESORT 307.543.2413 | Moran, WY hatchetresort.com info@hatchetresort.com @hatchetresort

Activities ARCHETYPAL.YOGA 208.598.2589 | Victor, ID archetypal.yoga erin@archetypal.yoga @archetypalyoga JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT 307.732.3136 | Teton Village, WY jacksonhole.com/weddings.html groups@jacksonhole.com @jacksonhole

Audio, Visual and Videography BACKLIGHT CREATIVE 518.428.6558 | Jackson, WY backlightcreative.com diana@backlightcreative.com @lovebybacklight

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

HUGHES PRODUCTIONS 307.733.6505 | Jackson, WY hughesproduction.com info@hughesproduction.com @hughesproductionjacksonwy MTN MEDIA 307.699.0300 | Jackson, WY jacksonholeweddingvideo.com info@jacksonholeweddingvideo.com @mtnmediaweddings TAYLOR MOUNTAIN FILMS 207.778.1714 | Jackson, WY taylormtnfilms.com taylormountainfilms@gmail.com @taylormtnfilms

Beverages AMRITA BEVERAGES 303.917.4783 | Jackson, WY amritabeverages.com amritawy@gmail.com @amritabeverages

TOAST OF THE TOWN

Cakes/Confections ABSORAKA CAKE COMPANY 307.699.5172 | Jackson, WY absarokacakecompany.com absarokacakecompany@gmail.com @accchef

Catering/Dining BAR ENOTECA 307.739.4225 | Teton Village, WY enotecajacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @enotecajh BIN22 307.739.9463 | Jackson, WY bin22jacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @bin22jh DINING IN CATERING 208.787.2667 | Victor, ID diningingcateringinc.com diningin@silverstar.com @diningincatering GATHER/PALATTE 307.413.2744 | Jackson, WY gatherjh.com mswain@gatherjh.com @gathercateringjh GLORIETTA TRATTORIA 307.733.3888 | Jackson, WY gloriettajackson.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @gloriettajackson IL VILLAGGIO OSTERIA 307.739.4100 | Teton Village, WY jhosteria.com jen@jhfinedining.com @jhosteria PROVISIONS 307.690.7014 | Jackson, WY provisionsjh.com info@provisionsjh.com @provisionsjh

TETON SPRINGS 208.787.8130 | Victor, ID tetonsprings.com catering@tetonsprings.com @tetonsprings THE CLOUDVEIL HOTEL 307.699.6100 | Jackson, WY thecloudveil.com sales@thecloudveil.com @thecloudveil THE KITCHEN 307.734.1633 | Jackson, WY thekitchenjacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @jhkitchen THE WORT HOTEL // SILVER DOLLAR BAR AND GRILL 307.733.2190 | Jackson, WY worthotel.com sales@worthotel.com @worthotel ROADHOUSE PUB & EATERY 307.739.0700 | Jackson, WY roadhousebrewery.com jen@jhfinedining.com @roadhousebeer SUDA IZAKAYA 307.201.1616 | Jackson, WY sudajh.com events@sudajh.com @suda_izakaya_jh TETON PINES COUNTRY CLUB 307.732.4106 | Wilson, WY tetonpines.com robin@tetonpines.com @tetonpines MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR 307.733.2207 | Jackson, WY cowboybarjh.com jane.sturlin@cowboybarjh.com @milliondollarcowboybar

Constultant/Event Planning Formal Wear, Jewelry GILD THE LILY TOO 307.413.1747 | Jackson, WY gildthelilytoojh.com sarah@gildthelilytoo.com @gildthelilytoo DESTINATION JACKSON HOLE 307.734.5007 | Jackson, WY destinationjacksonhole.com alison@destinationjacksonhole.com @destinationjacksonhole WILD ROSE WEDDINGS 307.699.4901 | Jackson, Wyoming WildRoseJH.com Hello@WildRoseJH.com @wildrosejh

Event Rentals

JH POSH POTTY 307.690.3018 | Jackson, WY jhluxuryrestroomtrailer.com poshpotty@outlook.com @jhposhpotty MACY'S (RESTROOM TRAILERS) 307.733.4687 | Jackson, WY macysservices.com macysserivces@cs.com

Florists THE FLOWER MARKET AT MD NURSERY 208.354.8816 | Teton Valley, ID mdlandscaping.inc/the-flower-market flowers@mdlandscapinginc.com @theflowermarketatmd

jacksonholewedding.com

Jewelry, Gifts & Registry BELLE COSE 307.733.2640 | Jackson, WY bellecose.com sales@bellecose.com @bellecosejacksonhole

Music

JACKSON HOLE CANVAS UNLIMITED EVENT RENTALS Jackson, WY canvasunlimited.com info@canvasunlimited.com @canvasunlimited

Jamye Chrisman

GILDED SOCIAL THE FANCY OCCASION SHOP 614.430.9659 | Columbus, OH *virtual shopping from anywhere shopgildedsocial.com tanya@shopgildedsocial.com @shopgildedsocial, @shopgildedsocial_popup

STEADY JAKE (JAKE NICHOLS) 307.413.1488 | Jackson, WY steadyjake.com steadyjake@steadyjake.com GRASSY MOUNTAIN BAND 541.312.4207 Jackson, WY + Teton Valley, ID grassymountainband.com mandomurph@yahoo.com @grassymountainband

Photographers BACKLIGHT CREATIVE 518.428.6558 | Jackson, WY backlightcreative.com diana@backlightcreative.com @lovebybacklight CANDICE BUDGICK PHOTOGRAPHY 918.519.2619 | Claremore, OK budgickphotos.com candice.budgick@yahoo.com @budgickphotos

Erin Wheat

83

THE DETAILS | RESOURCE DIRECTORY DAVID STUBBS PHOTOGRAPHY 307.690.0286 | Jackson, WY davidstubbsweddings.com david@davidstubbs.com @davidstubbs1

SARAH AVERILL PHOTOGRAPHY 814.935.4121 | Jackson, WY sarahaverillphotography.com sarah@sarahaverillphotography.com @sarahaverill_photography

KATY GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY 307.690.8815 | Jackson, WY katygray.com katy@katygray.com @katygrayphotography

TAYLOR GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY trgphoto.com taylor@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.weddings

MICHELLE ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.272.1830 | Driggs, ID michelleerwin.com michelleerwin@gmail.com @michelleerwinphotography

Photobooth

NEIL SIMMONS PHOTOGRAPHY 831.331.5408 | Alpine, WY neilsimmonsphotography.com neil@neilsimmonsphotography.com @neilsimmonsweddings

TAYLOR GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY trgphoto.com taylor@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.weddings

Cassie Madden

Spirits

Transportation/Valet

THE LIQUOR STORE OF JACKSON HOLE // JACKSON HOLE GIFT BASKETS 307.733.4466 | 307.200.6453 Jackson, WY tlsofjh.com jacksonholegiftbaskets.com support@wineliquorbeer.com @theliquorstoreofjacksonhole @jhmarketplace

GREAT WESTERN EXPEDITIONS 307.222.0412 | Jackson, WY greatwesternexpeditions.com info@gwexped.com greatwesternexpeditions

Tailoring/Gown BLUE SPRUCE CLEANERS 307.734.0424 | Jackson, WY bluesprucecleaners.com mary@bscgreen.com

Venues FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES 307.732.5000 | Teton Village, WY fourseasons.com/jacksonhole jac.sales@fourseasons.com @fsjacksonhole.com GRAND TARGHEE RESORT 800.827.4499 | Alta, WY grandtarghee.com weddings@grandtarghee.com @grandtargheeresort

Katy Gray Briley Picherill

Heather Erson

Candice Budgick 84

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

TOAST OF THE TOWN Ashley Merritt

Michelle Erwin Tim Miller

Tom Stanton

HATCHET RESORT 307.543.2413 | Moran, WY hatchetresort.com info@hatchetresort.com @hatchetresort

MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR 307.733.2207 | Jackson, WY cowboybarjh.com jane.sturlin@cowboybarjh.com @milliondollarcowboybar

ROADHOUSE PUB & EATERY 307.739.0700 | Jackson, WY roadhousebrewery.com jen@jhfinedining.com @roadhousebeer

TETON SPRINGS 208.787.8130 | Victor, ID tetonsprings.com catering@tetonsprings.com @tetonsprings

JACKSON HOLE GOLF & TENNIS CLUB 307.733.7787 | Jackson, WY jhgtc.com scole@vailresorts.com @jhgtc

MOOSE HEAD RANCH 307.733.3141 | Moose, WY mooseheadranch.com mhreservations@aol.com @mooseheadranchwy

SNAKE RIVER RANCH 307.733.2864 | Wilson, WY snakeriverranch.net office@snakeriverranch.net @snakeriverranch

TETON PINES COUNTRY CLUB 307.732.4106 | Wilson, WY tetonpines.com robin@tetonpines.com @tetonpines

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT 307.732.3136 | Teton Village, WY jacksonhole.com/weddings.html groups@jacksonhole.com @jacksonhole

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART 307.733.5771 | Jackson, WY WildlifeArt.org info@WildlifeArt.org @wildlifeartjh

SUDA IZAKAYA 307.201.1616 | Jackson, WY sudajh.com events@sudajh.com @suda_izakaya_jh

LINN CANYON RANCH 208.787.5466 | Driggs, ID linncanyonranch.com office@linncanyonranch.com @linncanyonranch

RINGHOLZ STUDIOS 307.734.3964 | Jackson, WY ringholzstudios.com ashley@ringholzstudios.com @ringholzstudios

THE CLOUDVEIL HOTEL 307.699.6100 | Jackson, WY thecloudveil.com sales@thecloudveil.com @thecloudveil

jacksonholewedding.com

TRAIL CREEK RANCH 307.690.2610 | Wilson, WY trailcreekranch.com TrailCreekRanch@msn.com @trailcreekranch_jh THE WORT HOTEL // SILVER DOLLAR BAR AND GRILL 307.733.2190 | Jackson, WY worthotel.com sales@worthotel.com @worthotel 85

THE DETAILS

Mountain Wedding Dress Code

BY SEASON A mountain wedding dress code can seem puzzling to destination guests. After all, things tend to be a little laid-back around here. You may be thinking: What if I’m cold? Do I have the proper footwear? What will the locals be wearing?

Our cheat sheet below will dial you in to typical mountain fashion and the essentials you'll need to protect yourself from the elements.

BLACK TIE

COCKTAIL

MOUNTAIN CHIC

crepe shawl

SUMMER

summer suit

bolo tie

sleeveless sundress

jean jacket

linen pants

Italian loafers

COME AS YOU ARE

sunblock toe-ring flip flops sandals

jumpsuit

reception flats

cowboy hat

SPRING/FALL

silk necktie

cashmere ruana

dress shirt

bow tie

le mot ect yc jack

fringe dress

cowboy boots denim jeans

WINTER

faux-fur occasion wrap

86

fingerless gloves

Stio flannel shirt

black tux *add a wool overcoat

Patagoniaff nano pu

merino beanie

merincoarf wool s

Moncler down jacket

Vans sneakers

down jacket

S el boots

boots with a chunky heel A Grand Wedding ° 2021

Title Nine sweater dress

Ugg boots

Briley Pickerill

weather averages FOR THE JACKSON AREA (IN THE VALLEY):

Avg. Max Temp. (°F)

Avg. Min Temp. (°F)

Avg. Total Precip. (inches)

Avg. Avg. Total Snow Snowfall Depth (inches) (inches)

JAN 27

4

2

19

13

FEB 32

7

1

13

13

MAR 40

15

1

11

9

APR 52

24

1

5

1

MAY 63

31

2

1

0

JUN 72

37

2

0

0

JUL 82

41

1

trace

0

AUG 80

39

1

0

0

SEP 71

32

1

0

0

OCT 58

24

1

2

0

NOV 40

16

1

10

2

DEC 28

6

2

18

6

Information obtained from the Jackson weather station (6,237 feet in altitude) via the High Plains Regional Climate Center, www.hprcc.unl.edu

OUR

social scene

INSTAGRAM

Follow us on instagram for mountain-centric wedding inspiration. @grandweddingjh

Tell Us Your Wedding Story Submit your Jackson or Teton Valley wedding to jacksonholewedding.com/submit-your-wedding DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS OCTOBER 1, 2021

FACEBOOK

Like our Facebook page for additional wedding insights and real love stories. @grandweddingjh

WEBSITE Submit your story, connect with vendors, and drop us a line at jacksonholewedding.com.

Neil Simmons jacksonholewedding.com

87

GRAND EXIT

88

Grand Exit

Michelle Erwin

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.

—Dr. Seuss

A Grand Wedding ° 2021

jacksonholewedding.com

89

the lifestyle registry at

j a c kson h o l e | teto n village | v ero beac h | bellec ose.c om 90

A Grand Wedding ° 2021