Grand Wedding 2023

Photograph

Clockwise from top left: Diana Edlinger Studios, Nicole Easton, JCM Photography, Ardent Photography, Samuel Singer

Publisher

Adam Meyer

Editor Christina Shepherd McGuire christina@tetonmediaworks.com

Art Director Samantha Nock

Copy Editor

Cherisé Forno

Contributing Writers

Kristine Kopperud

Jenn Rein

Christina Shepherd McGuire

Samantha Simma

Advertising Sales

Alyson Klaczkiewicz

alyson@jhmagazine.com

TETON LOVE STORIES

THE DETAILS THE GIFTS 38

43 106

Ad Design & Production

Sarah Wilson

Lydia Redzich

Luis F. Ortiz

Heather Haseltine

Chelsea Robinson

Distribution

Jayann Carlisle

Oscar Garcia-Perez

Rulinda Roice

Kevin B. Olson, CEO P.O. Box 7445, Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 732-5900

© 2023 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.

100 BACKYARD WEDDINGS

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.

Amanda Crean

Diana Edlinger Studios

JCM Photography

Relate.

Aterm that forms the core concept of the word “relationship.” It’s the binding root that connects people and creates a sense of empathy between individuals. And it’s what this issue of our magazine is all about. Because, as I poured through the largest mix of story submissions to date, there was something about each and every one of them that I could relate to: The ski bum couple. Bohemian-style dress and décor. Careful consideration to artsy DIY inclusions. Adventure. The seasonal food—all things that we at Grand Wedding hold dear to our hearts and have carefully curated this magazine to include.

For instance, check out Alise and Tycen’s story (on page 68). Alise is a Jackson Hole native who fell in love with her brother’s ski bum roommate. She and Tycen cultivated their budding relationship over a passion for recreating in the mountains, and they used their deep-seated connection with family to craft a wedding so very unique to their personalities.

I know I’m not the only local who can find a bit of my story in theirs. Then there’s Lina and Mike (page 48) who live in Pittsburgh, but have family in Wilson (where Lina’s father grew up). After researching many venues in both Jackson Hole and Teton Valley,

they decided to spring for their own piece of land in Tetonia, Idaho, on which to hold their special day.

Many moons ago, I, too, laid down Teton roots with my husband, Justin, before we recited our vows on an island on a lake in New Hampshire (where his family lives). We established new roots far away from where we originally grew up in New England, yet returned to our original stomping grounds to seal the deal.

Similar, yet different.

Tana and Sam’s processional float (page 92), complete with life jackets strewn over a bridal gown, formal bridesmaids dresses, and tuxes is right up any Jackson Hole local’s alley. And Paloma and Patrick’s elopement at the top of Mt. Moran (page 64). Well, even if you can’t relate to their adventurous union, it’s an exciting feat that many other wanderlust climbers have tackled before.

Finding connection, forming an understanding of others, and uniting due to a common thread is what a relationship is all about. And all of our stories feature just that—a binding unity built upon the backbone of compassion for one another.

We hope that you, like us, can relate to some of the stories in this book. It’s these narratives, and their remarkable setting, that bind us all together, whether you’re a local waiting eagerly to tie the knot, a couple planning their destination wedding, or a casual reader who simply enjoys a good love story.

jacksonholewedding.com

Shannon Corsi

NATURE’S EDIBLE BLOOMS

Words by Jenn Rein

Abouquet of flowers may be one of the most important bridal accessories— the role blooms play in wedding décor cannot be understated. But you can also bring nature to your celebration table by including food and drink options that use edible flowers. Flowers can be added to appetizers and dinner entrées, or top cakes and dessert items; petals can also make their debut on the side of a cocktail glass. Incorporating flowers into food and drink options allows you to extend this favorite event detail to both the banquet and bar.

Edible flower options grow abundantly in the Tetons and are sustainably foraged for use by many local vendors. Still, just because a seasonal flower is chosen for your wedding décor, doesn’t mean it can safely be used in the salad. For non-foraged flowers used in food, check your sourcing, as chemical-free, food-grade flowers are a must! It’s good to know what your culinary team might be working with, which may include these safe and commonly used varieties:

Hannah Hardaway

• Pansies yield a mild flavor and look beautiful on cakes.

• Roses have a classic floral flavor, with petals sturdy enough to candy.

• Dahlias come in so many colors, shapes, and flavors, and last a long time.

• Mums have a strong, slightly bitter flavor and can hold up for hours.

• Lilacs’ tiny, delicate flowers taste great plain or candied.

• Bachelor buttons look like mini pom-poms and taste like a cucumber.

• Hibiscus can be sourced dried and has a tart, berry palate.

• Orchids are sweet to the taste and come in several sizes.

• Impatiens are considered the handiest of edible flowers, and have a sweet flavor.

• Begonias’ citrusy taste work well in salads and drinks.

Custom baker Callie Smith, of Sweet Peaks Teton Valley, decorates her cakes with the season’s bountiful yield of wildflowers.

“Our area is full of gorgeous wildflowers during the early summer months, and most of them are edible,” says Smith. “Indian paintbrush, daisies, and lupine are bright and colorful, and make beautiful accents on a cake. … Later in the summer, sunflowers begin to pop and are one of my favorite choices for cake décor.”

Working primarily in fondant and buttercream, Smith reminds us that creating flowers in icing mediums can add a lot of time to a cake project. Using real flowers can cut this time in half— especially when working with a deadline—and make just as big of a splash as the engineered version.

“I’ve definitely noticed a growing trend in brides opting for fresh flowers on their wedding cakes,” she explains. “Besides being a more budget-friendly option, there is an organic and rustic elegance to the Wild West that fresh flowers really capture.”

Jamye Chrisman

You can also up the ante at your reception with signature eye-catching cocktails that include flowers. Dressing up the drink menu with a floral selection is a delightful way to showcase your personal style. Jessa Talermo, of Amrita Handcrafted Beverages in Jackson, considers seasonality equally as much as balanced flavors when crafting her custom cocktails and “free spirits” (aka, mocktails).

“Lilacs are for early summer … flax works great for midsummer … and, wild rose is perfect for late summer,” she says. “I also really love the blooms that happen in my garden, such as nasturtium and herb [flowers]. And I love arugula blossoms. They are so nutty and yummy!”

Talermo enjoys bringing the Tetons’ wildness into the theme of her beverages. And since the outdoors is so deeply ingrained into weddings in the region, edible florals fit seamlessly.

“I love the surprise element when a client is presented with flowers as an addition [to their drink], and the curiosity over something alive and so lovely.”

If you want to take your floral details to a level that guests will notice and remember, consider adding flowers to your ice cubes, too. Floral-donned cubes add an unexpected twist to a simple glass of water. This thoughtful and surprising touch helps celebrate the wild magic of a Teton wedding.

Talermo says she enjoys taking something out of the natural world, and then bringing it into a setting outside of its intended use. For the founder of Amrita Handcrafted Beverages, this means using her own curated surroundings to create an experience that matters.

“I love being able to spend the time growing something with such clear and clean intentions that will then be shared in

jacksonholewedding.com

Fields of Volley

This simple cocktail recipe, created by Jessa Talermo, will liven up your bar menu—just add flowers.

1.5 ounces 1 ounce

.75 ounces splash

craft vodka or gin fresh lemon juice simple syrup

Crème de Violette

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.

2. Strain into glass over fresh ice.

3.

such a simple manner—like placed on top of a delicious beverage,” she says.

While it’s true that a food foraging trend is afoot, it’s leading us into a space where we integrate with our surroundings in a different way. Looking to nature for nourishment is inherent to our instinctual behavior, but who knew the selections could be so delicate and pretty? When set beautifully on a cake or suspended in a craft cocktail, the edible flower makes an elegant impression.

Garnish with a lavender sprig and half of a lemon wheel.

ALTERNATIVE GEMSTONES: A GIRL’S OTHER “BEST FRIENDS”

Diamond engagement rings have been a symbol of love and commitment, adorning the ring fingers of brides-to-be, for centuries. However, the Jewelry Industry Research Institute reports only 75 percent of modern brides are opting for a classic diamond ring. The other 25 percent are, instead, leaning toward alternative gemstones. The tradition of proposing with a diamond ring can be traced back to the Archduke Maximilian, of Austria, when he asked Mary, of Burgundy, to be his bride in 1477. While this is the first documented case of a diamond engagement ring, the tradition has crossed many cultural borders. Prior to the Archduke’s proposal, reed rings were exchanged in ancient Egypt, where it was believed that a vein ran from the ring finger directly to the heart. Diamonds became more accessible to the public when they were discovered in abundance in South Africa in the late 1800s. Their greatest growth in popularity came as a result of the De Beers’ advertising slogan, A diamond is forever.

As modern couples seek out increasingly unique engagements, Briann Bourassa, floor manager at JC Jewelers, estimates one in ten couples are now requesting an alternative gemstone.

“A lot of couples just want something different—they’re less traditional, they have a very unique personal style, or they want something that speaks more to them than a diamond,” says Bourassa.

A variety of brilliant colors and cuts have driven the desire for a more customized ring design, as have celebrities like the British royal family’s Kate Middleton, who flaunts a stunning sapphire.

Price is an influential determinant in the purchase of any piece of jewelry, and it may sway some couples toward or away from certain stones. Alternatives to diamonds are often less expensive than diamonds of similar size.

Bourassa explains, “When a couple falls in love with a look that’s too expensive for them, sometimes we’re

Words by Samantha Simma

Ardent Photography

Clockwise from top left: Diana Edlinger Studios, Love and Story Studio, Erin Wheat, Jim Kennedy

Photographers

Sapphire blue (or a wide range of colors)

hardness: 9 sincerity + faithfulness

Aquamarine blue to blue-green hardness: 7.5-8 trust + harmony

Ruby crimson hardness: 9 love + passion

Precious Gemstone Guide

Topaz colorless (or yellow, blue, and pink) hardness: 8 peace + tranquility

Spinel many colors

hardness: 8 hope + revitalization

Emerald green hardness: 7.5-8 rebirth + fidelity

Morganite pink hardness: 7.5-8 romantic + compassionate

Amethyst purple hardness: 7 calmness + clarity

Opal iridescent hardness: 5.5-6.5 purity + truth

Pearl white or cream hardness: 2.5-4.5 wisdom + integrity

able to find a sapphire of similar size that’s a lot more affordable.”

Meanwhile, other alternatives—like rubies—are going to cost more. Experts also recommend that decisions be dictated by a stone’s durability. The Mohs Hardness Scale ranks stones from one to ten based on their durability. Diamonds—deemed the hardest substance available—are a ten on this scale.

“In our bespoke jewelry, we balance form and function,” says Zachariah Turpin, lead designer at Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. “We guide clients toward materials that are high

Clockwise from top left: Love and Story Studio, Karissa Akin, Erin Wheat

on the durability scale—so our alternative engagement ring options center around sapphires and rubies.”

Both gemstones are second to diamonds on the Mohs Hardness scale, making them durable enough for everyday wear. Stones that rank lower on the scale are more susceptible to scratches and chipping.

“Sometimes people will want to use pearl or opal,” Bourassa notes. “But these stones are extremely soft, so we don’t recommend them for everyday wear. What you can do, instead, is get a band for everyday wear, and then have a pearl wedding ring for going out.”

Softer stones can also be protected by a more secure setting, and for these rings, insurance is a must. An emerald, for instance, has fragile edges that can be sheltered in a bezel setting.

Diana Edlinger Studios

Ultimately, color is, in large part, an individual bride’s decision when it comes to selecting a stone. Diamonds are colorless, lending them a unique sparkle, whereas alternative gemstones have richer hues—in which case clarity becomes more obvious to the eye than radiance. The bold colors of ruby, emerald, and amethyst may deter some, while others will appreciate the vintage feel of these sturdy options. Beyond durability, sapphires are often opted for because of their wide range of colors.

“It doesn’t have to be blue, even though blue is widely understood to be sapphire,” says Turpin. “There are a lot of beautiful options in the sapphire family, and in a whole rainbow of colors.”

Even a white sapphire can closely resemble a diamond, while coming in at a more affordable price point.

With all of these considerations in mind, Turpin concludes on behalf of his clients, “Every relationship is different, and how a couple chooses to celebrate their unique love is always beautiful.”

Samantha Drew

BEHIND THE SCENES

(What you don’t see matters)

Words by Samantha Simma

The tables are set. The flowers are arranged. And, the signage is placed.

Such is the scene each wedding guest sees upon their arrival. But what went on behind the scenes to establish such a pretty picture?

For context: “We’re setting up a fine dining restaurant in the middle of a field, from the tent all the way down to the fork,” says XOWYO owner Cara Rank.

Behind the centerpiece s and signage, there are hordes of vendors laying the groundwork to transform an “unassuming field” into a lavish wedding venue.

POSH POTTIES

With their elevated surroundings, Jackson Hole weddings are deserving of a more luxury latrine option than the

classic outhouse. Enter JH Posh Potty, a restroom trailer owned and operated by Robin Evans since 2017. Upon arrival at the wedding site—trailer in tow—Evans observes the event production going on around her.

“It’s just a lot of scrambling before the finishing touches are brought in,” she says.

For her, the finishing touches include an exterior drink table dressed in linens and set with hand sanitizer, flowers, breath mints, and a lantern for the evening hours. The champagne-colored trailer’s interior is climate-controlled, features cherry wood finishes, and the vanity’s glass sink has warm water flowing from its fixture. Throughout the event, a bathroom attendant ensures the paper towels remain stocked and the facilities tidy.

Ardent Photography

CAREFUL COORDINATION

The unobstructed (and unparalleled) mountain views from Diamond Cross Ranch existed long before the venue began hosting events on the property. In recent decades, the ranch has become a renowned wedding site, but not without effort.

“It’s a team effort to ensure that the property is looking its best,” says Lauren Long, director of events. No detail is overlooked by this team—from polishing doorknobs to adhering to a strategic lawn mowing schedule, every consideration is made when preparing the property for guests.

At the family-owned and -operated location, their horses are as much an asset to the venue as its views. The signature of a Diamond Cross Ranch wedding experience is a precisely coordinated horse release during the ceremony.

“A lot of people think it just happens,” Long says, “But we time it perfectly—usually at the beginning [of the ceremony]—so then the horses are in the background of the ceremony photos. If you have a really amazing photographer, they can get a photo of the horses running behind [the couple] during the first kiss.”

Love and Story Studio

In conjunction with the wedding planner and couple, the team determines when the herd of horses are released into the pasture that lies between the ceremony lawn and the Teton Mountain Range.

PRECISE PLACE SETTINGS

When wedding guests reach for their glass to raise a toast to the happy couple, it’s not by chance that said glass is carefully placed within reach and identically spaced at each setting.

“We go through dozens of yardsticks a summer,” says Rank. (Both arms of XOWYO have an important role in the foundational setup of fine events: Paper + Press curates signage and stationery, while On the Range offers tabletop rentals.) “We set up one setting, mark on the yardstick the spacing of each piece, and then use that as a template for setting every table.”

Whether it’s a wedding with 50 or 200 guests, every setting achieves the same amount of space between its elements—cutlery, glassware, place cards, etc. The need for such specificity lies in the memories that will live on through the event’s photos.

Stacy Hulsing

Aurora Event Rentals

Hannah Hardaway

“When we’re setting the tables, we’re thinking about the guest experience, but also how it’s going to look in photos.” Rank explains, “If there’s a crooked fork or off-center plate, that’s going to be seen in photos for years to come.”

TENTING TETRIS

In the event rentals field, strategic truck loading skills are a job requirement. Before the tables, chairs, bars, dance floor, lounge furniture, and tents can be placed at a venue, Zach Witts, of Aurora Event Rentals, points out, “Hours are spent strategically loading every truck so that you can ideally make one trip, and that, when everything comes off the truck, it’s in a way that doesn’t require you to carry something twice.”

Usually two days prior to the event, Witts’ crew will be the first onsite, when the wedding location is in its most natural state. Five to six people are needed to erect the company’s Tidewater sailcloth tents. At times, they’ll confront difficult ground conditions, mountain storms, and the occasional errant ant hill as they work to establish a temporary structure where there are usually none.

… And when the tent comes down and the glassware is put away, each and every vendor makes sure to leave no trace, as restoring the natural setting is just as important to local Teton vendors as transforming it—behind the scenes—into a jaw-dropping celebration space.

jacksonholewedding.com

Aurora Event Rentals

The dark night sky envelops us here in the Tetons. It’s one of the things we covet as locals, and it’s one of the reasons why city dwellers fall in love with Jackson Hole. On any cloudless night, our lack of light pollution allows you to become completely cloaked in the Milky Way. This view is mesmerizing—set against the Teton Mountain Range—and often causes night sky watchers to lose track of time as they linger in nature.

A CELESTIAL WEDDING

Celebrating Jackson’s Dark Skies

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire

Stargazing and wedding festivities typically don’t go hand in hand, but with Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and Driggs, Idaho, all on their way to achieving Dark Sky Certification, it’s a shame to let this natural resource go unappreciated by guests.

“I bet we’ve done somewhere between 15 to 20 weddings,” says Samuel Singer, executive director of Wyoming Stargazing. “We’re usually invited to one or two weddings a summer—some summers we’ve done three or four—all without any promotion.”

Singer and his staff of night sky experts love to share their passion for the stars and planets. But first, before committing themselves to a wedding, they need to visit the venue to suss things out. They evaluate the ground, making sure there’s a flat enough spot away from the festivities to set up telescopes, and then they assess the

view of the sky, assuring they can pull things off without a hitch.

“Most outdoor wedding [venues] have big sweeping views and open spaces, like Buffalo Valley [Ranch] or the Gray Barn,” he says. “There is really nowhere in the valley that precludes stargazing because of night pollution … sometimes because of trees, but that rarely happens.”

Once the venue walkthrough is done, Singer asks couples exactly what they are looking for: Do you want just one telescope set off to the side, so people can wander off? Or, do you want four or five telescopes, front and center? His only prerequisite is that he’s not placed by the bonfire because the smoke and heat disturbs the visibility of the night sky, causing things to look fuzzy.

Working stargazing festivities into your wedding itinerary can be creatively planned, too. Emma Ray and Tucker Tyler wanted their Linn Canyon Ranch wedding, in Victor, Idaho, to be all about dancing and stargazing. Emma, a science teacher at Teton High School in Driggs, and Tucker, Valley of the Tetons’ Makerspace specialist, both had a personal interest in dark skies and previously attended one of Singer’s events. At their wedding, they wanted to provide a low-key activity for guests who were not that big on partying, and also for those seeking quiet time away from the dance floor.

Samuel Singer

“People really liked it,” says Tucker. “The telescope was set up in an obvious space, and then [guests] spread the word. We had a few people that spent their entire night at the telescope.”

Emma and Tucker included a mention of stargazing in their invitations, so that guests knew what to expect when they showed up to see a telescope front and center. You can also take things one step further by working the activity into the branding of your night. Tables can be

named after planets, and drinks can come complete with constellationinspired names. Signage can point people to a viewing alcove, and you can even have guests pose for photos against the backdrop of the sky.

“Sam brought a long exposure camera and allowed people to pose for photos with the Milky Way in the background,” says Tucker. “Guests got really into it—and the staff working the event also got to see the stars and get their photo taken, too.”

Tucker says people commented about the stargazing aspect of their wedding long after it was over.

“People who don't even enjoy weddings said they appreciated the opportunity to partake in an interesting activity,” he says.

jacksonholewedding.com

Left: Rebecca Vanderhorst, Top Right: Samantha Drew

The Dos of a Night Sky Wedding:

• DO book early. Summer is the busiest time of year for Wyoming Stargazing. Booking as far in advance as possible will assure availability. (wyomingstargazing.org)

• DO book your wedding during stargazing events, like the Perseid Meteor Shower, in mid-August, the Leonid Meteor Shower, mid-November, and the best Milky Way sightings, late July, August, and September.

• DO let guests know there will be stargazing by mentioning it in your announcements and putting it on your program.

• DO plan the timing around your other wedding activities. (Stargazing can start at dusk and go as late as you want it to.)

• DO make sure the telescope is far away from the bonfire.

• DO ask tipsy uncle Larry to come see the stars.

“The drinkers tend to invite the crowds over.

It’s great!” says Samuel.

Samuel Singer

Singer feels like stargazing exemplifies the celebration of a union. It’s the takeaway that lives on in the minds of couples and guests alike.

“You are bringing all these people from distant parts of your life together—bringing new families together to

create something new,” he says. “So when you look up into the night sky and have someone explain how all the little bits of the solar system and the planets have come together, that broad spectrum of connectivity is a really cool thing to think about.”

jacksonholewedding.com

Left: Samuel Singer,

Right: Erin Wheat

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

How personality types illuminate a couple’s compatibility

Have you ever looked at your fiancé, spouse, or partner (probably in the heat of disagreement) and thought, How exactly are you even my type?

That said, what exactly is it that attracts us to each other, and what do others like and prefer about you?

Developed over centuries, and with roots in spiritual practice, your Enneagram Personality Type unveils your natural tendencies to be drawn to another personality and vice versa. The Enneagram (ennea, the Greek word for “nine,” and grammos, a symbol written or drawn) represents a constellation of nine dominant personalities articulated by modern psychology and internationally recognized as a powerful tool for self-discovery.

Each Enneagram type is driven by essential motivations, needs, and fears. These needs give rise to strengths and weaknesses and guide a person’s interactions with others.

Words by Kristine Kopperud

JCM Photography

The Enneagram reveals how a person’s dominant type also pulls in characteristics of its “wing” or adjacent types, as well as how we might trend toward certain personalities when we’re content (the most productive and compatible), or when we’re stressed (reactive and destructive).

The nine types are also arranged according to their motivating center of intelligence: the head (intellect), heart (emotion), or body (gut). These centers, in turn, point to an innate mode of relating to the world called an “instinctual variant,” like selfpreservation, social, or sexual.

Maybe your fiancé is the frugal one in the relationship, always worrying about having enough (self-preservation). And maybe you wear your heart on your sleeve, navigating the world by your strongest emotions.

You get the idea.

But, how do you dive into compatibility?

The best way to get started is to take an introductory Enneagram test online, says Carrie Kirkpatrick, Wyoming’s first International Enneagram Association accredited professional. She recommends the free test by Eclectic Energies (eclecticenergies.com) because it also identifies your instinctual variant.

Erin Wheat

“The key is to set aside time—10 to 20 minutes—to answer the questions as honestly as possible,” says Kirkpatrick. “We all have some tendency to answer according to how we want, or wish, to be, and that’s not what this is about.”

In other words, take time to honestly reveal the true “you” when you’re at the center of your comfort zone—pajama pants, messy bun, and all.

Kirkpatrick, along with partner Pauline TowersDykeman, also an Enneagram professional, help clients verify and understand their Enneagram type and explore its influence in their most valued relationships. Their Jackson-based business, Freedom Finders, also

Enneagram Personality

Type Resources:

Free Tests:

• eclecticenergies.com enneagramtest.net

Books:

The Essential Enneagram by Dr. David Daniels

• The Enneagram in Love & Work by Helen Palmer

Local Resources:

• Freedom Finders, Carrie Kirkpatrick and Pauline Towers-Dykeman, freedomfinders.guide

guides Enneagram training for businesses and civic organizations, and facilitates social impact philanthropy.

Kirkpatrick herself (a Type Two: The Helper personality) was introduced to the Enneagram more than a decade ago when she found herself cycling through therapy modalities to better understand her daughter, Lyla, who she learned is a Type Four: The Individualist.

“No wonder I felt like I wasn’t providing what she needed,” Kirkpatrick explains. “My natural tendency is to do more to give more types of support—while avoiding slowing down to examine things closely, and to feel things as intensely as Lyla does. … In time, I’ve realized this is some

Samantha Drew

of the best medicine for a Type Two. Lyla is—as children often are—one of my best teachers.”

While knowing your Enneagram type illuminates your innermost workings, you’re not pigeonholed by it, TowersDykeman explains. Instead, knowledge of our personal tendencies creates vast room for growth and connection. And for couples, this space to get to know each other on another level can create a deeper understanding when things in life get trying.

“It’s important to know that we all have all the nine [personality] types within us—we’re just oriented to our type like a North Star,” she says. “Any one type can be compatible with, and complementary to, another [as illustrated by Helen Palmer, Enneagram educator and director of the Center for Enneagram Studies, in her book.] … [Palmer’s] book catalogs the pairing of each type with the others, highlighting how each partner in a relationship might ebb when they’re challenged, and flow when they’re at their healthiest.”

“The goal is not to weaponize a type or use it as an excuse for bad behavior, especially as we relate as couples,” says Towers-Dykeman. “Instead, it’s opportunity after opportunity to be aware, to acknowledge the motivations and needs in play, and to take action. It’s the ability in the moment to say, ‘I feel this impact, I know this is important to you, and it’s my personal work to let go of my preoccupation to the degree that we can move forward, together.’”

jacksonholewedding.com

Madison Webb

So you’re hosting your wedding in Jackson Hole, one of fifty nationwide cities striving for a zero-waste footprint. Jackson’s “Road to Zero Waste” initiative aims to limit the amount of disposed material that goes into the landfill by committing fully to “reduce, reuse, and recycle:”

As a newly-engaged couple, you may be wondering, Why is this relevant to me?

WEDDING FAVORS

... of the zero-waste variety

Well, the responsibility that comes with holding your wedding in a region shrouded in nature is a concept each couple—whether you’re local or visiting— should take seriously. The wedding industry alone is wasteful enough. (The average wedding produces 400 pounds of garbage and emits approximately 63 tons of CO2.) So, why not strive to make your footprint as small as possible?

Starting with the favors …

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire

The time-honored tradition of gifting wedding favors shows appreciation for your guests, while honoring the effort they made to celebrate with you. Wedding favors are personalized keepsakes that remind friends and family of your special day, the fun they had, and—in this instance— the resplendent region they visited. Sustainable wedding favors represent an industry that’s becoming more thoughtful, and provide a mindful souvenir of a very special union.

Diana Edlinger Studios

Here are a few of our favorites:

REUSABLE MUGS AND WATER BOTTLES

Nothing promotes zero waste more than a reusable mug or water bottle. In fact, reusable drinking vessels fall right in line with JH2O’s efforts to promote their downtown water filling stations. Mugs and bottles can be customized with your names and wedding date. (Remember the old pint glasses?) Or, include a few of your favorite things, like doggos and fly fishing (pictured here). Need a local vendor to get it done? Liquid Hardware, based out of Victor, Idaho, will customize coffee mugs, water bottles, and stainless steel cups that come complete with magnetic lids. (liquidhardware.com)

RAW HONEY

Local honey is a health fad that’s not only yummy, but supports an industry committed to conservation and bee habitats. Small, local honey producers, like Two Brothers Honey (tetonapiaries.com) and Chasing Paradise (tetonslowfood.org/partners/chasing-paradise) , use chemical-free production methods and are dedicated to healthy bee populations. As pollinators, resident bees are part of the ecosystem needed to sustain our region’s farms. Local honey can be packaged in reusable glass jars and set at each table as place cards, complete with a wooden honey dipper.

jacksonholewedding.com

Love and Story Studio

Erin Wheat

WILDFLOWER SEED PACKETS

Walk down any Teton trail in the summertime, and the smell of lupine, sticky geranium, sunflowers, and columbine fills the air. What if you could package up that smell and reproduce it in your own garden? Seed packets (or seed bombs) made with regional wildflowers will allow guests to replicate a little piece of the Tetons in their own gardens at home. This is truly a gift that keeps on giving, as reseeded wildflowers can be enjoyed for years to come. You can even make plantable wildflower seed paper, and gift it in custom recycled envelopes with a saying that promotes love and growth.

POTTED PLANTS

Potted plants can be used in almost every décor element of your wedding and reception. And, bonus! Plants can also double as take-home wedding favors. Use them in your tablescape, to line your aisle, or to create a backdrop for your ceremony. Greenery, like potted herbs, can be sourced seasonally and used at home in the kitchen. Potted hydrangeas will continue to produce flowers throughout the season, and some varieties can even be transplanted in the ground. And, succulents, like cacti, can be enjoyed as houseplants.

Hannah Hardaway

WOODEN ORNAMENTS

Ornaments, made from local aspen and pine tree cuttings, complete with bark and burned lettering, add a bit of wedding nostalgia to your guests’ holiday season. If you’re crafty, you can even cut, sand, and burn your own creations, adding a homemade touch to this treasured holiday gift. Adorn them with hemp string or ribbon for hanging, and then place each one at your guests’ place setting. If you’re hosting your wedding around the holidays, this gift can be worked into your theme or even hung from a tree.

LOCAL COFFEE

Most everyone will love the gift of local, fair-trade coffee. And for those that don’t, a coffee alternative, like hot cocoa mix, can be gifted in personalized burlap bags, as well. Snake River Roasting Co., Jackson Hole Roasters, and Alpine Air Coffee Roasting (in Teton Valley, Idaho) all offer a myriad of blends and roasts, and even provide decaf options, which are processed, chemical-free, using mountain water.

Whatever you choose, wedding planner Ashley Wold, of Wild Rose Weddings and Events in Jackson, urges couples to hit up local vendors and make sure to use minimal packaging.

jacksonholewedding.com

Karissa Akin

2022

TETON love stories

In true mountain style, this year’s playful love stories include planes, boats, and mountaintop excursions, inspiring us to use love as a catalyst for adventure.

And Zeus Makes Three

ABBY & SCOTT

It all started in March of 2017 when I was visiting Jackson, from New York City, for Rendezvous Fest and attended a dinner party at Scott’s house. The night we met, Scott snuck me into the back door of the Tavern (now The Roadhouse) to skip the line (Sorry, Tavern!) and we stayed out dancing all night long. I immediately fell in love (with Scott’s three-monthold Rottweiler, Zeus, that is), and the rest is history … One year later, I moved from New York and into the same house where I met Scott. Then, he proposed two years later, in 2020, in Central Park. My grandpa lives in a building that overlooks the park, so my whole family was able to watch the proposal from his roof. My sister even hid in the bushes next to us, and somehow managed to capture photos and a video. We went up to the roof afterwards and celebrated with

everyone, champagne included.

When we first started planning our wedding, all of the pieces came together pretty naturally. The Fourth of July has always been Scott’s favorite holiday. He has notoriously organized an annual sixty-person river float on The Fourth for all of our friends, so we decided to make that our wedding day, using the hashtag #independenceday.

My family’s roots run deep in Jackson, beginning with the cabin my grandpa bought over forty years ago at Lost Creek Ranch. We visited Jackson annually throughout my entire childhood, and I worked as a wrangler at Lost Creek every summer during college. Scott grew up in Durham, North Carolina, and moved to Jackson in March 2015 after he finished two years working for the Peace

Words by Abby Page + Photography by Nicole Aston

Corps in Panama. We’ve both spent a lot of time together at the ranch since we started dating, and even lived out there for half of 2021. Every year, we host a barbeque for Scott’s birthday at the ranch with all of our friends. For this reason, Lost Creek is such an important place to both of us, so it was never a question that we’d get married there.

What we didn’t realize, however, is just how special it would be to share the ranch with all of our friends and family on our wedding day. Jackson is where our relationship started, so it was only fitting to bring everyone together amid a Teton backdrop for our big day. Despite Scott’s best efforts, we weren’t able to float the river on our wedding day, but instead, we were visited by two horses just as we exchanged our self-written vows.

Zeus—now a 90-pound Rottweiler—was, of course, our ring bearer. He wore a

jacksonholewedding.com

Wedding Date

July 4, 2022

Ceremony and Reception Location

Lost Creek Ranch

Officiant

Emily Warren

Hair & Makeup

Brooke at Frost Salon (hair), AshleyDrew Artistry (makeup)

Photographer Nicole Aston

Consultant

Alison Kyle, of Destination Jackson Hole

Florist

Wild and Free Florals

Music

Whiskey Mornin' Caterer

Three Peaks Catering

Dessert Chef

Paisley Cakes

Rental Service

Tavolo Rentals

Transportation Service

Salt Lake Express

Other Specialty Vendors

Black Dog Raft Co. and Teton Floats (day-after float)

doggie tux and walked down the aisle with my sister, the Maid of Honor, and then stood with the groomsmen during the ceremony. Naturally, Zeus fell asleep mid-ceremony (like dogs do) and rolled over onto the rings, so we had to disturb his nap in order to complete our union. He stayed for the whole party and was the star of the night—strategically moving from table to table begging for a piece of steak from our guests.

Our wedding was made perfect by all of the collaborative planning leading up to the event. The day was filled with personal touches from those we love the most—from antler chandeliers to our cake that featured an outline of the Tetons. We served a farm-to-fork dinner menu using all local ingredients. And everyone followed our “western formal” dress code to a tee—lots of cowboy hats, boots, and bolo ties,

paired with black-tie apparel. My mom and I changed into cowboy boots mid-party. Emily Warren (our officiant) gave an all-time speech, and my sister organized a surprise flash mob on the dance floor, complete with every one of our 160 guests. Everyone in attendance shared in the magical feel of the day.

After dinner, the tent completely emptied out, as our guests headed into the field to photograph an epic sunset over the Tetons. Minutes later, everyone was back on the dance floor, which stayed completely packed for the rest of the night. Emily—also a songwriter—performed the hit song “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa (which she wrote for the artist), inspired by a night out with us at the Stagecoach. And, as a tribute to The Fourth, we ended the night with sparklers and headed to the afterparty at The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

In lieu of Scott’s annual Fourth of July float, which we couldn’t quite pull off, we organized a float on the Snake River the next morning that was attended by almost all of our wedding guests. We wanted our wedding to be more than color schemes and table settings. We wanted everyone to experience just how special Jackson is … and we achieved just that.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

Planning a wedding is stressful no matter what, but it’s all worth it, even when the small details don't go as intended. (Like, my veil blew off two minutes into the ceremony, and it was too windy to have flowers on our cocktail tables.) Just remember—you're getting married in the most amazing place in the world, and this will be the best day of your life. In the end, we realized that everything works out just as it should.

Homesteading

LINA & MIKE

Words by Lina Trucco + Photography by Roslyn Smithers

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to get married in the town where my father grew up. I spent every summer and winter of my life in Wilson, Wyoming. It has always been where my heart felt most at home. There was just one thing missing—a groom.

Mike and I met in college at Ohio University. He played football, and I played field hockey. As athletes, we found ourselves in the same social circle. But between practice, workouts, travel, and academics, we hardly had time to socialize (aka, flirt).

But that didn’t stop us.

During the second semester of my freshman year, we became close friends. By the end of that year, I considered Mike my best friend. Then, he lost a friendly bet, which resulted in driving eight hours to spend the Fourth of July with me. He asked me to be his girlfriend, and I politely declined, saying we will see what happens when we get back to school. By the start of preseason, we were official. We spent the next three years cheering each other on from the stands, studying

together, and fantasizing about our future. After college, I moved to Pittsburgh with Mike and nurtured my love for animals with a rescued/fostered barn kitten and a few dogs, who soon became our family. We found our cat on Mike’s father’s farm in Pennsylvania when he was about five weeks old. We met Licorice when we signed up for a program that trains shelter dogs to become service dogs. Nola came to me on a work trip in New Orleans. I saw a tiny puppy on the street with a homeless man. I asked him how much he wanted for her, and he said $20. I called Mike at 3 a.m. to tell him that I had bought a dog, and she came home with me that day.

Mike and I visited my family in Wilson as often as we could. We made multiple trips per year to Wyoming to ski, hike, and enjoy the outdoors. One Christmas, we were in a barn off of Granite Ridge Road in Teton Village—one of my favorite places in the world—singing Christmas carols and basking in the love of family. Mike looked at me out of the blue and said, “I could get married in a barn like this someday.”

My dream was coming true. But the dream almost died as soon as it was realized, as there were still two critical pieces missing: a venue and a ring. Jackson and Wilson were both out of reach for our budget. Besides, what venue would allow us to bring all three of our animals?

We broadened our search.

I had recently been to a family friend’s house in Alta, Wyoming, and loved the beautiful view of the backside of the Tetons. The son of the family had just gotten married, and I, immediately, had hopes of asking them to use their home for my wedding someday. But they sold it the next summer, so it was back to the drawing board.

I kept searching the Idaho side of the Tetons for a potential venue (keep in mind, we were still not engaged), but most of the venues I looked at didn’t have a direct view of the Tetons.

I remember thinking to myself, Why isn’t there a venue in the valley with this view? Then I thought, Why not get married on our own land?

Were we engaged yet? No.

And honestly, after eight years together, I began to wonder what was taking so long. Both our families are large, and we wanted everyone to be able to attend our wedding. So, instead of booking a venue, we looked into buying land in Tetonia. At the time,

buying a property to host our wedding was a better deal than renting most venues we considered in Jackson. Plus, we could build a house on it someday.

In November of 2020, Mike’s job kept him at home (or so I thought) on my visit to see family in Wilson. My parents wanted me to come home before the holidays, and before the snow really piled up, so we could still be outside and social distance.

Wishful thinking …

When I arrived mid-November, a fresh two feet of snow greeted

me, and it was a typical gray bird day. Bummed about the weather, about Mike not being around, and annoyed that he wasn’t answering my calls or texts, my parents suggested I go for a walk with the dogs behind my grandparents’ house. There’s a spot on the dike I like to walk to that frames the Snake perfectly in between the Tetons and West Gros Ventre Butte. It’s a place I always go to clear my head.

As I walked to the back of the property, I was thankful to find fresh footsteps in the snow so I wouldn’t get wet feet. (It never crossed my mind whose footsteps they could be!) I was climbing over the fence

jacksonholewedding.com

Wedding Date

July 23, 2022

Ceremony and Reception Location

Bride and groom’s property in Tetonia, Idaho

Officiant

Jeff Monteith

Photographer

Roslyn Smithers

Videographer

Tennison Stanley Films

Consultant

Alpenglow Events (couple’s business) and Emily Classen

Hair & Makeup

BreiAnne Elizondo

Florist

Molly at Twigs in Jackson

Caterer

Three Peaks Catering

Desserts

Three Peaks and Paisley Cakes

Rental Service

Rigby Wedding Rentals, and Nordic Skies (tents)

Invitations

Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet

Other Specialty Vendors

Discount mugs (custom mugs), Cufflink Depot (button covers), Wear Your Love (dress)

at the back of the property—and in a not-so-graceful position—when I heard a familiar laugh. I looked up to see Mike on one knee in a snowbank with a small wooden box in his hands.

The rest fell into place. We bought the land and planned the wedding of our dreams.

I have been a bridesmaid and Maid of Honor in quite a few weddings, helping my friends plan and prepare for their big day. I actually found out I have a knack for it! So, when it came to planning my own wedding, I left no stone unturned, including sticking to my budget. Of course, that meant haggling on Facebook Marketplace for votives, vases, and chargers, repurposing old chandeliers from a garage sale, and waiting for custom cups to go on sale. From building a road to fencing an area to keep out cattle—I paid attention to all the details, so that our guests had an unforgettable experience.

The day of our wedding was truly the best day of my life. The weather was perfect and getting ready with my bridal party at Teton Springs was such a pleasure. I felt the way I imagine every bride feels on her wedding day—beautiful.

Our animals go everywhere with me, so it came as no surprise to those who know us that they participated in the

wedding. We did have a few guests who were surprised to see our cat, but he thinks he’s a dog, so there’s that … Our ceremony went off flawlessly thanks to all the hard work from our friends and family. We took pictures in my dad’s �68 Pontiac that he’s owned since he was nineteen. We had so much fun dancing, playing cornhole, and a huge game of flip cup (bride versus groom, of course). And, most importantly—after almost a decade of being together, including four moves, three pets, five years of Division I athletics, and a pandemic—I married my absolute soulmate on a piece of land that was just begging for a celebration.

DON’T’ BE AFRAID TO DIY

When it comes to a DIY wedding, you might spend twice as long planning. But if you are willing to put in the work, you can have a six-figure wedding without the six-figure price tag.

Blended Vows

LAURIE & ROBERT

Words

Robert (Bobby) and I originally met in New Jersey when I was 16. He grew up in a little town called Boonton, and I grew up one town over in Lincoln Park. His sister, Kelly, and I were friends and attended the same high school Bobby graduated from. I was at their house one day when Bobby was home visiting his parents. Who would have known, on that day, that our paths would cross again? Fast forward some 20 years later to 2016, and we reunited when Kelly and I took a trip to Florida to see Bobby and his two sons, Kyle

(now 23), and Austin (now 20). Bobby reached out to me sometime after our visit and we began talking, which, eventually, led to a two-year long distance relationship. Not living near each other was very difficult, and the odds were stacked against us from the beginning; no one thought it would ever last. We would Facetime multiple times a day and visit each other as much as we could. The hardest stint was during the COVID-19 pandemic. We went six months without seeing each other. Then, Bobby drove to New Jersey, picked up me and my boys, Hunter (now 11), and Troy

by Laurie Nazario + Photography by Cole Buckhart

(now 8), and drove us back to Florida. We spent the entire summer with him and his two boys, which sealed the deal for us. … I knew this was meant to be.

Bobby retired from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in January of 2021, and he decided to move to New Jersey. Then, we got engaged in May of 2021 on Memorial Day weekend. It was Bobby’s family’s annual gathering in Upstate New York. Of course, it happened to be in the low forties that day and raining, so I was not looking forward to a cold, wet quad

ride (one of the family’s favorite pastimes). There was no cute outfit. No romantic dinner. Instead, we gathered with about twenty people to ride quads in the rain. I was dressed in a bright yellow raincoat, soaking wet boots and hair, and winter gloves—I was a sight to see. We all drove to this beautiful overlook in the mountains, and I remember sitting on the quad, not moving because I was frozen. Bobby wanted to take some pictures by the overlook, and when I turned around to face him, he was on his knee. Without a hesitation, I said, “yes!”

In June of 2021, we took a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I remember seeing pictures of Jackson Hole, and I knew, instantly, it would be the perfect place for a destination wedding. I came across an article about Diamond Cross Ranch, and I immediately emailed the ranch and made an appointment to visit. We both fell in love with the venue and were blown away by the absolute beauty of the Tetons and the gorgeous natural setting. So, we booked it.

Since this was a second marriage for both of us, we wanted it to be a small, intimate celebration with only our closest friends and family. Robert and I took our time to choose only attendees who truly believed in us, supported us, and were with us from the beginning. We wanted our guests to leave our wedding feeling our love as a couple and knowing how much they all meant to us.

We didn't really have a theme or a style for our wedding, but, instead, wanted it to be clean, simple, and classic. We didn’t need much because the backdrop of the Tetons was already breathtaking. Kjera Griffith, our wonderful wedding planner, led the way and made our vision come to life.

Wedding Date

July 28, 2022

Ceremony & Reception Location

Diamond Cross Ranch

Officiant

Colleen Crook

Photographer

Cole Buckhart

Consultant

Kjera Griffith of Grand Teton Weddings + Events

Hair & Makeup

Hair by Kelly René

Florist

Historia Florals

DJ Rosslyn Read ("r" sound by Rosie Read)

Caterer

Three Peaks Catering

Desserts

Three Peaks Catering

Rental Service Canvas Unlimited

Transportation Service

Mountain Resort Services

Other Specialty Vendors

Storyboard Productions (video)

My two boys walked me down the aisle and stood by my side the entire time. Bobby’s two boys stood with him, as well, as we recited our vows. Bobby and I also wrote vows to our children and to each other’s children. We included fun memories and talked about how grateful we were to have formed a new family. There was not a dry eye in the place!

The al fresco dinner was unforgettable. We sat around a long family-style table, giving us the opportunity to share stories. Bobby surprised me with an after-dinner speech that included a little something about every single person that attended. It was amazing how he took the time to acknowledge everyone that came to our wedding! Our guests will never forget this.

To this day, the memories we made together live on in our minds. Seeing my two boys ride horses for the first time at Heart Six Ranch, alongside eighteen of our guests, was a true highlight. The smiles on their faces seemed permanent. I enjoyed watching everyone laugh, talk about the breathtaking scenery, and interact with each other. Being able to have both my parents present at our wedding is also something that I will forever appreciate. Unfortunately, my dad, who turned 80 while we were in Jackson, recently passed away. I am forever grateful I was able to share my love for Bobby with him.

BOOK LOCAL ACTIVITIES

When planning a Teton wedding, book all the activities ahead of time. We had a very small wedding and communicated our plans on our website. That way, if guests wanted to join in on the fun, they were more than welcome. And, if not, we didn’t have to stress about having to entertain everyone.

Rainbows and Butterflies

CAROLINE & TJ

It was November 23, 2019, when TJ and I first met in the barn at my family’s ranch. I am originally from Plano, Texas, and grew up visiting my grandpa’s farm in West Texas. My family was looking for a ranch in Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho, and when we visited Jackson, we fell in love! We purchased the Willow Bend Ranch in February of 2019, and I started Jackson Hole Goat Yoga in June of the same year.

I was hosting my first ever winter yoga session and TJ’s sister, Tatum, dragged him to it. I met Tatum a month prior at a Bible study, and we became close friends quickly. TJ and Tatum grew up in Arizona with goats, so when they moved to Jackson during the summer of 2019 and heard about goat yoga, they were excited to attend. (Well, at least Tatum was—most guys don’t sign up for goat yoga without a push from a girl.)

So yes, our love story begins in a barn, with goats!

At first, both of us weren’t looking for anything serious, so we became best friends. We hung out together every Friday at the ranch and took care of the seven baby goats that were born that January.

Words by Caroline Biciolis + Photography by Jessica's Photography

TJ, Tatum, and I took a road trip to Arizona in February 2020 to visit their family. This is when we started realizing our friendship was turning into something more. I decided to make a bold move and tell TJ that I had feelings for him, and that I loved hanging out with him and his family. When I told him this, I guess you could say he agreed because we kissed for the first time.

Fast forward to March of 2020, when everyone thought the world was ending due to the COVID pandemic. Starting a new relationship in the middle of a pandemic made for creative date nights. We spent a lot of time eating in the truck, while enjoying views of the Tetons. We had picnics by the river, we watched a lot of movies, and we really got to know each other—traveling, cooking, hiking, and just enjoying life in Jackson.

On July 1, 2021, TJ planned a special evening on the banks of the Snake River and asked me to marry him. He was planning to propose for months. (He actually bought the ring in March!) TJ’s aunt and uncle are close friends with the owner of Astoria Hot Springs and asked if TJ could use their gazebo near the river to propose. In the gazebo, he created a whole wall of pictures— starting from the beginning of our relationship. He set a table with champagne and “C & T” wooden letters and had a photographer stash herself in the bushes.

We walked to the gazebo first, and he poured two glasses of champagne. I was admiring all of the photos and just enjoying the company when he suggested taking our champagne on a walk. We walked down to the river where I saw a Pendleton blanket laid out on the ground embroidered with “C & T Forever,” a triangle arch, two huge pots full of pampas grass, and beautiful flowers in tall wooden boxes. We set the champagne down and TJ gave this elaborate speech (that neither of us can remember now). He asked me to marry him, and I said “yes!”

All of a sudden, I heard cheering and screaming coming from the

trees. I looked out, and 20 of our closest family and friends were hiding, ready to congratulate us. It was perfect! TJ planned everything on his own, complete with ideas he borrowed from Pinterest.

Our marriage began on August 6, 2022, in the “party barn” on the ranch. I wanted to go with a classic and timeless look for the wedding, so we included over 500 hydrangeas and 900 white roses. Being from Texas, hydrangeas are prevalent because they love humid weather. I hadn’t seen them much around here, but Jean at Briar Rose was able to get them in the night before, and they looked perfect.

Wedding Date

August 6, 2022

Ceremony and Reception Location

Willow Bend Ranch

Officiant

Michael Avidon (family friend)

Hair & Makeup

Ashley Drew Artistry (sister-in-law) and Kayla Igleheart

Photographer

Jessica Parker

Videographer

Kale Fitch Films

Consultant

Tina Sanford of ASC Consultation

Florist

Briar Rose

Music

DJ Drezy

Caterer

Provisions

Dessert Chef

Cindi Biciolis (groom's aunt)

Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited, Aurora Events

Transportation Service

Black Diamond

Other Specialty Vendors

Bar Sip Bar

Our wedding day was one of the rainiest days of the year. It actually rained right up until the ceremony. Then, the clouds parted at 4:45 p.m., just 30 minutes before I walked down the aisle. Luckily, we were able to have the ceremony outside, among the beautiful mountain backdrop, and though it was still cloudy and dark, the mood made for beautiful photos.

For the recessional, we ordered 225 butterflies (a symbol of change and transformation, comfort and hope). Each guest had an envelope of butterflies with our wedding date on it, and they all opened their envelopes when we were announced as husband and wife. TJ and I also had a cage full of about 25 butterflies that we released before going down the aisle. The butterflies circled around us, landed on the flowers, and some even landed on my veil (which was my mom's veil 35 years ago at her wedding). It was remarkable!

Once cocktail hour ended, everyone found their seats inside the barn where we served Wagyu beef for dinner from a cow grown on my family’s ranch. The rain began again—this time much harder. It downpoured for about 15 minutes, and then let up again, as everyone was prodding us to get outside quickly to see a double rainbow. We ran outside, snapped some photos, and then our photographer took photos of us with the cows and double rainbow. After an exit filled with the biggest sparklers we could find, TJ and I performed a wedding car getaway in our 1985 Mercedes G Wagon (it’s a big thing in Texas to leave the wedding in a unique, old car). You might also see us riding around Jackson in this car this summer.

Finding the Sweet Spot

& PATRICK

PALOMA

jacksonholewedding.com

Words by Patrick Philip Johnson + Photography by Elise Sterck

Paloma and I are both from Massachusetts, but it took a pandemic to dislodge each of us from our respective cities: hers, Boston, mine, Worcester. We met while climbing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on July 25, 2020—a fatalistic chance encounter. Early memories include Paloma’s pleasant smile, and the notion that I was, quite possibly, being hypnotized by way of her beautiful hazel eyes. That day was to be my windfall.

At the time, I was on the precipice of moving westward in pursuit of a new life, leaving behind a career, and selling my home in the city. I bought an 8-foot by 10-foot oversized teardrop trailer and decked it out with solar power, trading my Acura for a Tacoma with which to pull it. Little did I know, traveling in this way would be our forte, as Paloma and I had spent just enough time together before my exodus to fall in love. She’d permanently transitioned to a remote work situation during the pandemic and was recently lease-free. So, we made a list of all the places we wanted to see, packed up our lives, and hit the road together.

Our grand adventure started September 28 of that same year. Gas was cheap. We got to know one another with an intimacy that only life on the road can provide—the dramatic highs and lows, the steep, but logical, learning curves, nobody to answer to and nowhere to be, just miles ticking away, trading stuffy cities for wide open spaces.

Together, we’ve summitted 14,000-foot Rocky Mountain peaks solely for the view. We’ve witnessed Sonoran sunsets fill the horizon. We’ve kept each other warm during cold alpine nights spent in a shivering embrace, with an unknowable number of stars speckling the Wyoming sky overhead.

So naturally, I proposed in January of 2022 on top of the Rose Tower in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Nevada. We set out to climb the 600 feet as a team; Paloma had no idea of my ulterior motive. That day, bad weather moved in and unseasonably cold temps descended upon us. I insisted Paloma take my jacket, ever grateful that I opted to stash my mother’s engagement ring in the zipped pocket of my chalk bag, instead.

Nevertheless, we summitted with style, and in the driving wind, I got down on one knee to present Paloma with my mother’s ring, telling her, through tears, all the things I love about her.

We really wanted to marry somewhere special, and neither of us were interested in pomp and circumstance. We debated the many options and kept circling back to Grand Teton National Park, which happens to be one of our favorite places. We settled on plans for a unique elopement with minimal

Wedding Date

August 16, 2022

Ceremony Location

Mt. Moran, Grand Teton National Park

Reception Location

CMC North Camp, Grand Teton National Park

Officiant

Michael Hobart

Photographer

Elise Sterck

Hair & Makeup

Taylor Lobe

Florist

Local mountain flora; wildflowers

Musician & DJ

Spotify shuffle & Bose Soundlink

Caterer

Thai Me Up (RIP!)

Transportation Service

Adventure Sports, Moose, WY

(canoe rentals)

Other Specialty Vendors

Teton Mountaineering; Anvil Hotel

fanfare and a ceremony upon the summit of Mount Moran. After rigorous planning and a lot of luck, our sunny, windless day finally arrived. We exchanged vows atop a beautiful fin of grossly exposed granite, a place most climbers call “The Diving Board.”

Unfortunately, but rather conveniently, our guest list had been significantly curtailed by the pandemic, and so fiscally, eloping atop Mount Moran made sense, requiring just a pair of capable witnesses and someone to do the marrying.

For this responsibility, I reached out to my friend and climbing partner on the East Coast, Michael, the same dependable friend who’d fatefully introduced me to my soon-

CHOOSE EXPERIENCE OVER STUFF

Aim for a celebration that inspires and stirs the soul. Weigh the experience you seek against your shared values; the key to success lies in striking balance between compromise and flexibility. Our wedding proves, even in Jackson, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have your dream ceremony.

to-be wife. He eagerly accepted, enrolling in an online ministerial school so that he could marry us legally. Available and able witnesses turned out to be two of our closest friends—a pair both kind and bold enough to fly to Jackson during a pandemic for the sole objective of summiting a major mountain without having had much experience.

The ceremony itself barely lasted thirty minutes. Still, logistical planning required a weeklong itinerary during what is statistically considered to be the best weather window in the Tetons: mid-August. We needed three consecutive days of fair weather in which to cross the lake, summit the mountain, get married, and then descend safely. It would

require a pair of canoes, a merciless hike, and approximately 2,000 vertical feet of technical climbing and scrambling.

The wedding day itself is a bit of a blur. After a 4 a.m. wake-up, our party of five stepped off from CMC High Camp the morning of August 16, armed with headlamps, ropes, and positive attitudes. Abundant concern for safety made for a slow, but fun, day, and a beautiful weather window afforded all parties the opportunity to stand proudly and successfully atop the mountain summit by 1 p.m., swapping climbing shoes and athletic attire for formalwear and boutonnieres.

Officially, we were married by 1:30 p.m., as confirmed by the timestamped digital recording captured on my Sony RX100. An exhaustive descent back down to CMC’s High Camp would take us another 12 hours (which is a whole other story for a different publication).

Unlike most traditional weddings, our guests were required to bring most of their own gear, including food and water. Expenses for our day in the mountains cost little more than some technical know-how, a pair of ropes, the required backcountry permit (shoutout to all the hard-working rangers at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center!), and the pair of rental canoes necessary for the endeavor across Jackson Lake—far and away our biggest wedding expense.

Out of consideration for absentee family and friends, we hired Jackson local Elise Sterck a Pinedale native, close friend, and prodigious photographer, to take photos. We conducted our wedding shoot after the fact on the summit of Teewinot Mountain, not The Diving Board of Mount Moran. This decision was made out of a concern for safety, and the time-consuming responsibilities of having to pose for professional photos and get everyone down from our climb before daylight waned.

So, we hiked Teewinot one beautiful September afternoon, formalwear carefully folded inside our 35-liter packs. It took a paltry seven-hour window to get up and down the mountain safely, and did not require technical gear, affording us the opportunity to maximize that golden hour of sunlight, complete with a sunset.

Restless Locals

ALISE & TYCEN

Words by Alise Birch + Photography by Above the Wildflowers

Tycen set out for Jackson Hole at the age of 18 with dreams of deep Wyoming powder, flowy mountain biking trails, and plenty of trout and whitewater to satisfy his need for an epic new stage of life.

I (Alise), the Jackson-grown girl attending college in California, was always desperate for winter break to roll around—the one month of the year I could come home, get my fix of cold weather, and max out my ten-day Jackson Hole Mountain Resort pass.

The winter of 2019 had its way of changing many things about my future, especially when I went to my older brother’s “skid house” in Jackson for the first time to meet his new roommate. Tycen was an 18-year-old from California with shaggy brown hair who hardly took off his ski pants. (Mostly because he was chasing snow almost every hour of the day).

Days of gondola laps together turned into dinners with our parents and conversations about the summer, when we’d see each other again.

We were young and looking for the next best adventure, and found love by spending time together in the mountains. The seasons went on as we made more memories. And despite the distance—and my back-and-forth trips to California to finish school—we quickly realized the strength of our friendship would be hard to live without.

As one could imagine, the dating conversations between an economics bookworm and a passionate wilderness junkie were interesting and sometimes awkward. Tycen was always teaching me how to live fearlessly and enjoy life more. And, I was constantly teaching him some calculated theory for one of his many entrepreneurial pursuits.

I’m sure Tycen had thoughts like, I can’t believe I’m teaching this nerdy girl how to mountain bike. And, at the same time I was thinking, I can’t believe I’m skipping class to mountain bike with this crazy dude. We appreciated witnessing how our strengths would complement each other.

Tycen and I are blessed to have many marriages—new and old—to look up to, seek wisdom from, and yearn to emulate. At the ages of 21 and 22, we were eager to start our lives together, and ready to live out every adventure side by side.

In March of 2022, we started our trek to Jackson Peak’s remote ski cabin with friends. It was a bucket list trip—to spend a few days backcountry skiing right outside our door, and trade sleep for late-night

talking and cooking with friends around a wood-burning stove. After a morning summit and a close-call avalanche scare, we decided a mellow sunset hike above the cabin was the best way to spend our evening. Right as the clouds turned pink, with the Tetons in the distance, Tycen pulled out a ring and I said “yes” to forever. The purest joy filled the air, and we popped champagne and celebrated with our friends back at the cabin.

Planning our big day was a bit nutty, while holding down summer jobs working as backpacking and river guides. We recruited friends and family to shape our vision: a wedding inspired by the experiences that brought Tycen and I together—the mountains, trees, skiing, traveling, and

Wedding Date

September 10, 2022

Ceremony and Reception Location

Willow Bend Ranch

Officiant

Bradley Yates

Hair & Makeup

Shara Buday at Champú (hair), and Ashley Drew Artistry (makeup)

Photographer

Above the Wildflowers

Florist

Briar Rose

Music

Cole Mogan

Audio Rental Equipment

Joe Rudd

Guitarist

Lissa Hunter

Caterer

Streetfood

Dessert Chef

Paisley Cakes

Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited

Bartenders

Bar Sip Bar

Other Specialty Vendors

Rah!Rah Creative (décor inspiration)

jacksonholewedding.com

ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES

Be patient, and don't be afraid to get creative when making your dreams come true. In a small town with a high demand for wedding vendors, you need to roll with the punches and remember that it's going to be the best day ever, even if you have to change things up a bit. Lean on friends and family to help make things possible. Above all, don’t get caught up in comparing your vision to other Teton weddings— the most beautiful wedding is the one that reflects you and your spouse uniquely.

good ol’ times spent with friends and family. DIY’ing a wedding takes a tribe to pull off—and lots of effort—but we had our minds set on carefully curating our day because we knew we’d enjoy it more if we could remember the hands that made it happen.

We created much of the wedding décor, which allowed us to repurpose discarded wood and second-hand knick-knack finds. Our family friend, Melissa at Rah!Rah Creative, gave us amazing direction to make all the parts of our dream wedding cohesive. Wildflowers and grasses decorated the wooden tables and chairs, as well as our art deco mountain altar, built by Tycen using reclaimed wood and my dad’s vintage wooden skis. My bouquet included delphinium, blue thistle, chocolate ranunculus, dahlias, and lots of wild grass. Tycen made a photo-op area, complete with an old Snow King chairlift. With the help of friends and family, we collected old trunk suitcases and vintage thermoses to add funky charm. And, Tycen’s mom painted a watercolor map of the valley that we included in our invitation suite.

On the sunny afternoon of September 10, among views of Hoback Canyon with cows mooing in the background, cheering us on, Tycen and I exchanged vows. We experienced the best day of our lives: dancing to disco, visiting with friends, and eating tacos from a full-on taco, quesadilla, and tamale bar, courtesy of Streetfood. (Streetfood was our dream caterer because of our memories drinking beer and eating tacos at the Stagecoach after mountain biking The Pass.) We shared toasts that filled the barn with happy tears and excitement for our future.

To wrap up our most memorable day, we danced to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder, and drove away, as husband and wife, in my dad’s 1973 BMW 2002 Tii vintage car. Our gratitude goes beyond words for a faith-filled community, a beautiful place we are blessed to call home, and families who support us beyond measure.

The Long and Short of It

MARY SUSAN & HUNTER

Words by Mary Susan Cashio + Photography by Jamye Chrisman

Hunter and I met in 2017 at my former restaurant, Cashio’s Meatball Market, in Birmingham, Alabama. Hunter would come in, sit at the bar, and hang out. Sometimes he would round up a group to join him, and other times he would just come alone. I thought nothing of it at the time, as we were both in other relationships. But looking back, I realize that there was just a natural, unforced chemistry between the two of us. Our relationships ran their course, and we both found ourselves single again in 2019. Then, one night in October, Hunter reached out to see what I was up to. From that point on, we were enamored with one another.

Spending time together came easily, as we shared many friends and were usually both invited to the same parties. We tried to keep our budding relationship under wraps for the first few months to see if it would work out. But, we weren’t as sneaky as we thought, and in a matter of weeks, everyone started putting the pieces together.

The 2020 pandemic really accelerated our bond. We spent time together exclusively and found ways to entertain ourselves. We connected while cooking in our small COVID friend group, taking mini road trips down to my father’s farm, and watching University of Alabama football games on television. (Roll tide!)

Hunter proposed on June 12, 2022, at our home on the “catio” (which is just a made up name for our patio that is loved by our cats). Hunter caught me completely off guard, which is truly impressive because I don’t like being surprised, and I usually sniff those things out. We had attended our best friends' engagement party the night before, only adding to my state of oblivion about what the day would hold. It was their weekend of celebrations after all, not mine! (Or so I thought.)

We spent the day like we would most other Sundays: invited a few friends over to enjoy the pool, and planned to attend a hibachi dinner at Hunter’s sister's house. Right after rushing me out the door to go to his sister’s, Hunter told me I had to go see how cute the cats were on the porch. He, then, walked me out to a patio covered in rose petals, sat me down on the couch, and pulled a ring from behind one of the pillows before getting on one knee. We popped the bottle of champagne he had stashed, while our good friend and photographer, Abby Sugden, shot photos from across the park.

We had a whirlwind three-and-a-half-month engagement, but we wouldn't have had it any other way!

The decision to get married in Idaho was actually all Hunter’s. When we started talking about our engagement, he kept coming back to our 2021 trip to Driggs, Idaho, where my parents are building a house. Hunter thought it would be special to visit our wedding location for years to come, and hopefully, one day, with children.

My parents’ architect and interior designer put us in touch with Alison Kyle, our wedding coordinator. Alison helped us assemble an A-Team of vendors. I can confidently say, without Alison, our wedding would have been a chaotic mess!

Our welcome party was held at the West Side Yard in Victor, the perfect spot for a casual affair. We themed the party “cowboy casual” to set the tone for the weekend, and hired a local band, Tram Jam, to ensure the festivities got off on the right foot.

Our ceremony at Teton Springs was nestled among the ponds and Aspen trees, complete with a babbling brook in the background. A short-lived rain scare during the ceremony quickly dissipated, and the sun burst through the clouds and onto us. It was a surreal feeling that we interpreted as love from our heavenly family members up above.

We chose Hunter’s older brother, Colton, as our officiant. He did such a beautiful job personalizing the ceremony; we couldn't be happier with our decision. Following the ceremony, we hosted a cocktail hour on the porch of the lodge, complete with signature drinks:

Hers: Jackie’s Spicy Margpuuurita (named after my first cat)

His: Little Man’s Huckleberry Mule (named after our other cat)

Monica, of JH Floral Boutique, quickly became one of our MVPs. She took every single inspo picture and idea I haphazardly tried to explain and ran

with it. She mixed my mother’s idea of traditional white and green colors with my love of jewel tones, and brought both of our visions to life. Because—let’s be honest—if the mother of the bride is happy, everyone else is too! The end result was an eloquent, yet whimsical, mix of perfection. My mother and Monica actually surprised me with a hanging floral ceiling above the dance floor (which I thought had been axed in planning). I wanted to sleep under it, instead of in the honeymoon suite, because it deserved more than four hours of life.

Kelli, head of catering at the Bronze Buffalo Ranch, served the most delicious family-

style meal at the reception, consisting of bison, salmon, and a seasonal salad. It was truly a top-notch dining experience, from start to finish. And Jayme Chrisman, our photographer, captured our whole day beautifully. The weather was on our side, but her artful eye turned moments from our day into memories.

To bring it all home, Whiskey Mornin’, a Jackson-based band, played at our reception. We were thrilled to learn that they were available on such short notice because their sound and overall aesthetic were exactly what we were looking for. The band’s unique, high-energy playlist

kept everyone on the dance floor

We made our getaway in an old blue pickup truck with tin cans tied to the back. I did a quick outfit change, and then we joined the afterparty at the Bronze Buffalo Ranch.

Having our friends and family join us on such short notice for our special celebration is something we will forever cherish. It still, honestly, feels like a dream that we pulled it off in only three and a half months, and, in our eyes, it was executed perfectly. We can’t wait to come back and visit this beautiful and special place in the years to come.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

Try not to obsess over every tiny detail. My father kept telling me, “You will be no less married if your florals, or cake, or whatever, isn’t straight off of a Pinterest board.” As annoying as that advice was on repeat, it also helped me gain perspective on what a wedding day is really about.

jacksonholewedding.com

Wedding Date

September 22, 2022

Ceremony and Reception Location

Bronze Buffalo Ranch Teton Springs

Officiant

Colton Houston

Hair & Makeup

Molly Cummings, of Wildflower Salon in Mountain Brook, Alabama (bride’s hair),

Tanya Crocker (bridesmaids' hair and makeup)

Photographer Jamye Chrisman

Consultant

Alison Kyle of Destination Jackson Hole

Florist

JH Flower Boutique

Music

Whiskey Mornin’

Caterer

Bronze Buffalo Ranch Teton Springs

Dessert Chef Foxy Cakes

Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited

Stationery Design

Jan Pruitt

When Two Worlds Collide

(Ben)

It was a cold, lonely, winter’s night in the podunk town of Columbia, South Carolina. I was sitting in my mansion (aka, a 488-square-foot apartment), and I got swiped right on by a woman named “Kristie” (or so I thought) on Bumble.

DING! I get a notification from the Bumblebee: “Kirstie has sent you a message!”

I sigh and think, What now, only to find she has sent me a GIF of J.R. Smith sliding across the screen with the text “Sup?” How creative, I thought.

I scroll through her pictures. There was one of her on ice skates and I think, Oh! Maybe she’s a northerner, as well?

Wrong. So wrong! Probably the wrong-est ever.

Here are some quotes from our first date (while sitting at a high-top at the historic restaurant, Bourbon, in downtown Columbia):

B: I really like your hair.

K: Thanks I’m cutting it all off in a week, so don’t get used to it.

B: Cool. Cool.

Waiter: Would anyone like another glass of wine?

B: (Being the gentleman I am and going first.) No. I have a workout at 5 a.m.; I can’t drink too much.

K: (Internal monologue) I wanted another, but okay, cool. It was the collision of two different worlds—me being a northerner from Edina, Minnesota, in the Army at the time, and living the vagabond life due to the transient nature of the military. And Kirstie, a true southerner from Irmo, South Carolina, passionate about travel, and living with her sister Lauren and her pit bull, Corey. There’s probably a lot more to Kirstie’s side of the story, but I think we can all agree that’s not really important. You get the idea here, right?

Words by Kirstie Dillon and Ben Pobuda + Photography by Hannah Hardaway

KIRSTIE & BEN

We met in January 2020, right before COVID shut everything down. Ben was supposed to be moving from Columbia to McChord Airforce Base in Tacoma, Washington, in March of 2020, but his move was delayed because of the pandemic. So, the one blessing we received from the lockdown was more time to build our relationship before starting a cross-country, long-distance love affair. Our long-distance relationship lasted eleven months, and we really took advantage of Ben’s new home. We saw each other at least once a month—mainly me coming to visit him, since we love hiking and adventuring together.

We hiked in Mount Rainier National Park, on the Olympic Peninsula, and in the North Cascades. We went snowshoeing, tried to ski in a whiteout, and explored the city of Tacoma. Then, we traveled to Utah and hiked in Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef National Parks. We spent eleven months making the most of every phone call and minute spent together.

Ben was released from service in May 2021, and he returned to Columbia where we moved in together. Finally, we could enjoy everyday things as a couple, like cooking, grocery shopping, and walking my dog. It was so refreshing!

We planned a trip to Isla Holbox, on Mexico’s Yucatán

(Kirstie)

Peninsula, in September 2021. And on September 24, Ben proposed after an amazing dinner on the beach. It was so laid-back and personal—just the way he knew I would love it. (My friends were convinced that Ben would propose on that trip, but I kept telling them there was no way because he was so nonchalant about it all. So, for a girl who likes to know all of the tea, he sure pulled off an amazing surprise!)

A week before our wedding, we planned a road trip from Greenville, South Carolina, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, (our destination wedding location) and had an absolute blast. Spending that time together before the chaos of our wedding day kept us grounded in our love for each other.

Over the last year, people have repeatedly asked why Jackson Hole?

The response in my head is always, Well, why not?

Wedding Date

September 24, 2022

Ceremony and Reception Location

Spring Creek Ranch

Officiant

Cindy Dahlin

Photographer

Hannah Hardaway

Videographer

Colin Goodman Films

Consultant

Melanie Murphy of By Invitation Only

Event Planning & Design

Hair & Makeup

Hair by Kelly René

Florist

Magnolia Ranch

Musician

Greg Keys & Co. (Charleston, SC)

Caterer

Spring Creek Ranch

Dessert Chef

Lovely & Amazing Cakes (Green River, WY)

Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited

Stationery Design

Lola Louie Paperie

But the response I say out loud is, “Ben and I both love to travel, and we love the mountains, so we wanted our wedding to be somewhere gorgeous to celebrate nature. I was lucky enough to go skiing in Jackson with my family and fell in love with the area. I was also lucky that Ben was down to get married in a place he had never been to.” (He’s now been twice in the past year and might actually love Jackson more than I do, which I thought was impossible.)

Ben really wanted us to write our own vows for the ceremony. He’s beyond great with his words and expresses his emotions very well. I, on the other hand, tend to keep everything to myself. But I knew how much this meant to him, so we planned our vows early on in the process. Ben, then, proceeded to spend the six months leading up to the wedding telling me how great his vows were coming along, and how each draft was better than the last (knowing that I would immediately start freaking out because, of course, I hadn’t even started mine). Eventually, my words started to flow, and I will forever be grateful to Ben for putting me through this exercise.

At the reception, Ben taped Clemson University hats under all of my family members’ chairs and gave a speech revealing his surprise for them. (Ben received his master’s from Clemson University. My parents met at Auburn University, and most of my mom's side of the family graduated from Auburn. They are big rivals!) I would have bet that my dad wouldn’t even have acknowledged the Clemson hat, but instead, he was the first to put it on,

A NOTE ABOUT VENDORS …

When choosing your vendors, make sure your personalities jive. You might want to hire someone based solely on their reviews—and reviews are helpful—but see how you get along, first. My hair and makeup artists were so calming, which really grounded my nerves the morning of. And we could not have loved our photographer, Hannah Hardaway, more!

and he and my cousins wore their hats for the rest of the night. It was so funny seeing them explain to other patrons at The Cowboy Bar that they actually hated Clemson, but were still wearing the gaudy orange hats. It is so rare to have your family and friends—from all walks of life—together in one place. To be able to celebrate with every single one of them in a location that means so much to us was overwhelmingly joyful. Ben and I have traveled to twelve national parks, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Kenya, and Tanzania, and we want to continue to have adventures together. Getting married in Jackson really represented our wild spirit, and I am forever grateful we shared that wanderlust with our most special people.

From Spark to Flame

MCKINLEY & WILL

Like most love stories, ours starts out with a spark. But, the difference between our story and others is that our spark was literal.

Will and I met in 2014 on a beach in Thailand— at a full moon party—when my hair caught on fire and he ran to the rescue and put it out. We hit it off immediately and spent the rest of the night dancing on the beach. We were both backpacking through Southeast Asia with friends and went our separate ways just days after we met. Will is a Kiwi (from New Zealand), and he moved to London right after he finished backpacking, so I thought we'd probably never see each other again.

But that spark between us never dimmed, even when we were continents apart.

Throughout the next couple of years, Will and I kept in touch on Facebook and eventually started rendezvousing all over the world just to spend time together. We got to know each other better while visiting San Francisco and London. We fell in love in Ireland, and then again in New Zealand. And eventually, we decided to move to Australia together.

In Australia, we lived and worked all over the country— from Sydney to the Outback—staying with friends and living out of our car. It was one of the happiest and most carefree times of our lives. It was also during this time

that the spark between us turned into a flame, and we realized it wasn't going out … ever. This was a forever type of love.

We knew that home would always be wherever we were together. Still, we needed to find a place to live and settle down. After a four-month safari through Africa, three months in New Zealand, two years in Sausalito, California, and one proposal made while flying over Idaho Falls, we landed in Alpine, Wyoming.

In 2020, my parents built a small house on the airport in Alpine, and Will and I just bought a 1977 motorhome, with plans to feed our gypsy souls while driving around the U.S. We spent the winter renovating the motorhome in my parents� hangar, and then never left. The tiny mountain town in Wyoming soon became home, and we knew this was where we wanted to get married.

I’m the type of woman who’s had my wedding all planned out since the time I was six. And one thing I always knew was that I wanted to get married somewhere special to me, preferably in a backyard. So, we decided to have the ceremony on the lawn in front of my parents’ new property, with the mountains as our backdrop.

Meanwhile, when we weren’t busy wedding planning, Will and I were starting a business—a mobile bar business to be exact. Will rebuilt an old travel trailer,

Words by McKinley Siegfried + Photography by Elisabetta Redaelli of Lilly Red

HAVE A WET WEATHER PLAN

Definitely have a wet weather plan. Even in the middle of August, mountain weather can change on a dime. You don't want to be caught scrambling to find a makeshift venue option in the days leading up to your wedding. But if it does happen to rain on your wedding day, I highly recommend blasting Ironic by Alanis Morissette at full volume!

and slowly but surely, our gig, Palm to Pine, was born. Our dream of working for ourselves was becoming a reality, and our wedding celebration was the perfect time to unveil our new mobile bar. We also wanted to infuse our wedding with our passion for travel. So, we began collecting vintage furniture that reminded us of the beautiful places we explored together. We wanted to create spaces that would bring a sense of wanderlust to Alpine, and give people that “best day ever” feeling you get while traveling. It was going to be perfect. Then, the forecast changed. A few days before our ceremony, it became clear that our wedding day would include rain. We wouldn't be able to get married on the lawn. We wouldn't be able to showcase our vintage furniture collection. We wouldn't be basking in the sun with the mountains in the background. … It was, I'm embarrassed to say, devastating. We grieved our dream wedding, and then jumped into action. We had to come up with a wet weather plan. Luckily, we have the best neighbors, and, luckier still, our neighbors all have airport hangars—the perfect place for a wedding ceremony and reception. We secured the most beautiful hangar for our ceremony, and then transformed my parents' hangar into a bohemian dream reception venue. But our arrival was the clincher: We “wowed” our guests by arriving to the ceremony in three antique airplanes. During our flight, Will and I snuck in a few minutes to ourselves while our guests enjoyed our signature happy hour sloshies.

Wedding Date

August 6, 2022

Ceremony & Reception Location

The Refuge at the Alpine Airpark

Officiant

Wendy Morrison and Andy Cunningham (bride and groom’s mothers)

Photographer

Elisabetta Redaelli of Lilly Red

Hair & Makeup

Tanya Croker (Hair & Makeup by Tanya)

Florist

The Floral Artist

Musician & DJ ADM Productions

Caterer In Season Jackson Hole

Desserts In Season Jackson Hole

Rental Service

Signature Rentals

Transportation Service Mountain Resort Services

Stationery Design Bride

Other Specialty Vendors Palm to Pine (mobile bar)

jacksonholewedding.com

We designed, styled, and built the entire event ourselves as a reflection of our love, but also as the launch of our business. And all of it was made possible by our incredible support system of friends, family, and vendors (who became friends in the process). We all worked tirelessly to transform the hangar into a wedding venue, and then break it down again. Our groomsmen set up the tables, chairs, tents, and lights. Our bridesmaids brought my tablescape designs to life. Our mothers created the flower arrangements. Our caterer made sure all the food was done on time (and that we didn't lose our minds in the process). We danced the night away with the people we love most and started our lives as husband and wife. Even though it wasn’t the wedding we planned, it was a party for the ages. And while nothing went according to plan, everything was perfect.

The spark may have started in Thailand, the flame may have grown in Australia, but our love continues to burn in Wyoming, as we start our lives, our business, and maybe even our family, in this beautiful place. We are excited to call the Tetons home for many years to come.

Imet Sam on a cold snowy day in Teton Village, right after Christmas. We’d known about each other for a while, both made familiar with the other by many mutual friends. So, it didn’t surprise any of them that our first date started in the tram line at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. After that, we spent the next three days chasing each other through the snow. We always felt drawn to the mountains. Now, fervently, to each other.

Since that first date in 2014, our story has continued to be as untraditional as it is uniquely ours. When we couldn’t find a place to rent within the first year of dating, we instead decided to buy a house in April of 2016. Then, Sam proposed to me on a snowmobile at 9,000 feet.

It was a really clear, cold day in December of 2020. Sam asked me to go for a ride (on snowmobiles) to take photos from our favorite overlook. I was dragging my feet because the snow wasn't that great and it was freezing out. When we got to the top, he set up a camera to take a photo of the two of us, hit the shutter timer, and ran at me full speed, sliding into a lunge and popping the question just as the photo was taken. The actual photo makes me laugh because I thought he was going to tackle me. We popped champagne and carved our initials into the tree overlooking the ridge.

When it came time to plan a wedding (two years later and after the pandemic), we went about it our own way. We knew that we wanted to get married in Wilson, where Sam grew up.

Words by Tana Hoffman + Photography by Jenae Huckins

Sam’s dad arrived in Jackson in the ‘70s and landed a job teaching skiing at the resort. He met his wife Julia soon after, and they eventually moved to Wilson and opened up a nursery (which is now the Westbank Garden Center next to Nora’s). Sam was a student at the Old Wilson School House, and he grew up playing hockey, football for the Broncs, and competitive freestyle skiing.

I moved to Jackson in 2012 from Winter Park, Colorado. I grew up in New Hampshire but lived in half a dozen ski towns (including Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, Sierra at Tahoe, California, and Turoa, New Zealand) before I landed in Wyoming. I needed a change of scenery and moved in with a friend I knew from Colorado during the first summer I lived in Jackson. I worked odd jobs, biked the pass every day, and eventually landed a job at Teton Gravity Research, (TGR) so I, too, spent a lot of time in Wilson.

The Stagecoach Bar held special memories for each of us. Sam remembers sitting under the bar as a kid, and then he worked there as a bouncer in his twenties. It’s also where I spent most of my days when I first moved to town, biking Teton Pass, and then rendezvousing with many of my first friends in the parking lot.

So … a dive bar reception seemed just the ticket. For the ceremony, we wanted to gather our closest friends and family outside, so we settled on a small service by the river. Sam spent a lot of time with his family on

the water, and my parents and I lived aboard a sailboat for many years. So, this seemed fitting. A little research introduced us to a local business called Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures, which inspired a “processional float” down The Snake. Our minds were made up as soon as we visited their venue site.

We rented out a log cabin in Wilson for the week leading up to our wedding, so that we could spend time with our wedding party. None of them lived in Wyoming, so it was really special to be able to get outside together and show our friends our home and all of our favorite places with a walk on the river, a ride up the tram, and a night at The Cowboy Bar.

It rained almost every day, and the forecast threatened to ruin our outdoor ceremony. But on the morning of, the rain stopped. We woke up to a family of moose (a mom, a dad, and two babies) outside our cabin. Then, the groomsmen cooked us a breakfast feast, complete with champagne, while we all got ready. My bridesmaids and I met the rest of our party at the Wilson put-in, where four garland-adorned wooden boats waited to take us to our ceremony. Watching everyone put on a PFD (personal flotation device) over their dresses and suits was hilarious!

Not only was floating down the river with twenty-four of our closest friends and family members in wooden boats a beautiful and unique way for us all to arrive at the ceremony site, but the stretch of river we floated was

also prime eagle habitat. My dad passed away a few years ago, and from the time he flew gliders in the Air Corp during WWII until long after he retired from PanAm as a 747 captain, the eagle has always symbolized his life and love for the air.

I had a hunch he would be “joining us” that morning on the water. An eagle, had very uncharacteristically, circled the parking lot on the morning I went wedding dress shopping. And then, on our wedding day, we saw nine—nine—eagles on a seven-mile float! The last one was perched high above the riverbank at the site where we said our “I dos.” As one of my bridesmaids pointed out—my dad didn't just show up; he walked me down the aisle. In total, we had about fifty guests at the Tipi Camp. Sam made our ceremony arch, and I curated all the décor. Our friends, Colby and Maria, helped coordinate every detail, setting everything up just as I'd envisioned. Sam and I walked from the boat down the aisle, hand-in-hand, to where his sister, Lindsay, married us. Just as Lindsay made her opening remarks, we heard the LOUDEST crack of thunder in the distance. We exchanged vows, exchanged rings, and enjoyed a short celebration before the thunderstorm pushed through. Then, our guests crammed into a minibus bound for the Stagecoach, and we took the majority of our wedding photos laughing in the rain.

As the downpour intensified (and we were running from the river to the tipis for shelter) our photographer, Jenae, stopped us, so we could dance in the downpour. The black and white shot of Sam holding me up is my favorite photo from the day. I couldn’t have imagined a wedding more reflective of our lives, our love, and our shared passion for adventure.

jacksonholewedding.com

Wedding Date

September 17, 2022

Processional Float and Ceremony Location

Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures

Reception Location

The (historic) Stagecoach Bar

Officiant

Lindsay Cook (groom’s sister)

Hair & Makeup

Shara Buday at Champú Salon and Hair & Makeup by Tanya

Photographer Jenae Huckins

Florist

McPhee Designs

Music

The Famous Undercover

Reception Décor

The Sunshine Station and Alpha-lit

Caterer

Streetfood

Dessert Chef

Bride’s mother (cake), Delish Donuts & Coffee (doughnuts)

Beverages

The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole

Bride’s Ring

JC Jewelers

Tailoring

Teton Tailoring & Haberdashery

Transportation

A Black Car Service

Other Specialty Vendors

Chosen by KYHA (bride’s dress),

Men’s Wearhouse, Idaho Falls (men’s suits), Grainger Glass (custom bolos), Rendezvous Mountain Rentals (accommodations), SUDA Izakaya (rehearsal dinner)

My Backyard Wedding

TIPS FOR AN OFF-GRID CELEBRATION

Picture this.

Your entire family and friend group all together, outside, in a place not only wild, but that also holds a vein that runs through you. You imagined it your whole life—a backyard wedding in this exact locale (even if you didn’t quite have the space nailed down yet) set among the mountains and the trees, with the occasional glimpse of passing wildlife. Can you imagine a more serene setting in which to sanctify your union as a couple?

Neither can we.

And neither can many other couples who embraced the backyard wedding obsession that has us all wanting to secure a nook of property, if only on which to celebrate.

But in order to pull off an intimate affair in the middle of a field somewhere, you really need to dial in the details, many of which are above and beyond what’s required by a traditional event venue.

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire + Photography by Amanda Crean

CONSIDER THE NONNEGOTIABLES

You can’t pull off a backyard wedding—especially in the Tetons— without some very specific backstage elements. The weather is often unpredictable, and the space you select for your celebration may be suitably off-grid. Therefore, laying the foundation with the practical necessities will allow for an issueless fete.

A TENT

“A lot of couples say, ‘We do not want a tent. We want to have an al fresco dinner. Everything outside,’” says Alison Kyle, of Destination Jackson Hole. “Well, I’ve done plenty of al fresco events, but you have to at least have a tent on the books.”

Rain, or snow (even in June), can, most definitely, drown the festiveness of an open-air ceremony and reception. But even the wind can wreak havoc. Blown away flower arrangements, place settings, and chairs (It’s happened!) can make it impossible for guests to even sit down.

Ashley Wold, of Wild Rose Weddings and Events, reminds us that, aside from a weather break, a tent adds a “cohesiveness to the event and allows for a home base,” even if, at first consideration, you don’t think you need one.

Plus, “there can also be a 30-degree temperature swing [during the event],” says Wold. “You can use the tent for shade during the day, and warmth—made by the body heat of people dancing and moving around—at night.”

Both Kyle and Wold suggest at least renting a tent, and then, should you decide you don’t need it in the days before the event, you can always cancel.

BASIC NEEDS

Chances are, you don’t want people traipsing through your house to use the bathroom at your wedding. And unsightly cords strewn about, we don’t know any wedding planner who would let that fly.

Mobile bathroom trailers, provided locally by JH Posh Potty and Canvas Unlimited, seem to be the trending choice for those hosting an outdoor party. The trailers can be set off to the side, down a lighted path, and with appropriate signage to help lead the way. Once inside, the custom touches will make guests feel like they’re in a cozy space. Destination wedding coordinator Kaylen Davidson says you can’t overlook water needs either. She likes to make sure her setups (which include weddings in Jackson Hole, South Florida, and New England) have ample water stations to meet the needs of guests, caterers, and other on-site vendors.

“Double-check to see if your caterer needs water; some may just expect it,” says Davidson. “Then, ask your entire team what their water needs are, and then double it.”

Set up the caterer next to an outdoor water supply to assure a continuous flow. And, for bartenders or mobile bars, fill reusable jugs to service their water needs. Water stations throughout the property can consist of water jugs with spouts, outfitted with whimsical glassware and set among flowers.

When Wold runs down the list of electricity needs—caterers, lighting, music, microphones, bathrooms, a photo booth, and a dessert warming station (to name a few)—it’s easy to see you can’t just run a few cords from your house. She suggests enlisting the help of gas or battery-powered generators.

Wold also advises marking your sprinkler lines for tent placement, and then making sure you turn off your sprinklers during the event so that nothing short circuits.

EVENT INSURANCE

All of the big venues carry their own insurance, but when you’re the host, and the party is on your property, you carry the liability, should an accident happen. Wold recommends purchasing liability insurance before the big event, and she sends couples to protectmywedding.com (hosted by Travelers Insurance) to do so. She also suggests making sure each vendor has their own insurance, as well.

“[Insurance] is a pretty small expense for peace of mind,” Wold says.

THINK LIKE AN ARCHITECT

So, the space, the tent, and the view is on lockdown. But have you planned your layout?

Wold always does a walk-though before diving into the logistics. She uses the space’s available features to her advantage, and chooses a different location for both the ceremony and the tent. She finds the flattest spot that is easy for people to walk on, and notes the sun angles at different times of the day, making sure there’s ample shade.

“You don’t want your grandparents tromping through a field of rocks,” she says. “Nor do you want guests baking in the sun in July for two hours.” She encourages couples to think about the flow of the event. “Can you move people from point A to B to C seamlessly?” while also taking into account access for the caterer, the musicians, and other vendors.

“Try to look at the small, and the big picture. How is this going to be for [the] ceremony? And then, how does that connect to the rest of the day?” she says.

INVENT SOME COZY NOOKS

Creating natural lounge areas in your backyard setting gives guests the opportunity to cherish the specialness of the place. Davidson likes to mix wood with fabric when designing hangout spaces, and use neutral tones that blend with the natural environment.

“I am really big on chairs!” she says, “I feel like you can have the most beautiful florals and linens, but your chairs will make or break your look, whether you're in a backyard or a ballroom.”

She opts for wooden benches, bamboo folding chairs, and Chiavari chairs, and then mixes them with couches, monogrammed pillows (for a personalized touch), and plenty of blankets to customize the space.

At a recent Jackson wedding, Davidson crafted a Welcome S’mores Party gathered around cauldrons, complete with a chocolate bar, Persephone graham crackers, and monogrammed marshmallows. Each cauldron featured a cowboy boot filled with roasting sticks and a place to sit down and warm up. The same wedding also featured a glamping teepee for kids, with coloring books, goldfish, and juice boxes, as well as sequined pillows and blankets.

Courtney Rodriguez, of Victor, Idaho, wanted people to feel like they were at her home—but “more elevated”—during her wedding to Matt last summer on their ranch. They created different hangout areas: one with a sofa, Jenga, and cornhole, and another with a loveseat and daybed, backed with Mexican-inspired papel picado (paper art) that they used for a photo staging area.

“I didn’t want people to feel like they had to sit at a table,” she says. “We’re both from Dallas, and I really wanted our guests to understand the beauty of the lifestyle [in Idaho], which is laidback and relaxed.”

Kyle loves to incorporate nooks that lend an element of interest, and uses lighting, like rustic bulbs and lighting canopies, to create an elevated feel. She also works with vendors who bring their own sense of style to the event.

“I really love mobile bars for a more curated experience,” says Kyle. “You can incorporate the bar with a lounge area where people can hang out before coming into the dining or dance area. … It's just another spot to be.”

MAXIMIZE YOUR DOLLAR

Lots of couples choose a backyard fete out of sheer consideration for economics. Forgoing the expense of a pricey venue allows you leeway on the details that are more important to you.

Davidson points out that you can save money on site fees by having the welcome party, the wedding, and the day-after gathering all in one place. And you don’t have to go big on them, either. Welcome parties can consist of charcuterie boards and cocktails, and the day-after “brunch” can be a simple open house, complete with a coffee cart and local pastries.

“You can use the same furniture and switch out blankets and pillows to give it a new feel,” she says. “This way, you're [technically] renting furniture for one day, but getting three days out of it.” And if it’s your own space, Davidson advises being flexible with deliveries and pickups.

“If you’re renting a venue, usually everything needs to be out of there the same night. And there's a major upcharge attached to this. But [for a backyard wedding], you can have rentals dropped off on a Thursday, and then picked up on a Monday. This will save you money,” she says.

“Then, if you set up your tent early— say, on a Wednesday for a Saturday wedding—and it happens to rain … bonus! Your ground stays dry for the event.”

KEEP YOUR FOOTPRINT SMALL

Wold, who specializes in sustainable events, reminds people to stay mindful of their consumption when planning a backyard wedding. She gives tips like growing your own flowers or consciously harvesting wildflowers (just not in the national park) for bouquets and installments. She advises sourcing reusable décor elements that may end up back in your home, growing your own greens and herbs to be featured on the menu, and eliminating the need for single-use packaging products. Kyle wants to make sure you have people in place—like a coordinator—who can monitor the cleanup and assure the food trash is taken away, or secured, so that you don’t invite wildlife in. “It’s the planner’s job to manage your vendors, so that leaving no trace is possible,” she says. “And then, be there until the bitter end.” Davidson concludes by saying: “It’s your backyard, and your blank canvas. There is no right or wrong.” But she urges you to be thoughtful of the land and wildlife, and have people throw rose petals instead of confetti.

ACCOMMODATIONS

ANVIL HOTEL

307.733.3668 | Jackson, WY anvilhotel.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @anvilhotel

BENTWOOD INN

307.739.1411 | Wilson, WY bentwoodinn.com guestservices@bentwoodinn.com @bentwoodinn

CACHE HOUSE

307.733.3668 | Jackson, WY thecachehouse.com weddings@anvilhotel.com

@cachehousejackson

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

TETON VALLEY CABINS

208.354.8153 | Driggs, ID tetonvalleycabins.com info@tetonvalleycabins.com @tvcabins

THE CLOUDVEIL HOTEL 307.699.6100 | Jackson, WY thecloudveil.com

sales@thecloudveil.com @thecloudveil

THE LODGE BRONZE BUFFALO RANCH 208.787.7888 | Victor, ID bronzebuffaloranch.com guestservices@ tetonspringslodge.com @bronzebuffaloranch

THE WORT HOTEL 307.733.2190 | Jackson, WY worthotel.com weddings@worthotel.com @worthotel

TRAIL CREEK RANCH 307.690.2610 | Wilson, WY trailcreekranch.com

TrailCreekRanch@msn.com @trailcreekranch_jh

320 GUEST RANCH

406.995.4283 | Big Sky, MT 320ranch.com events@320ranch.com @320guestranch

ACTIVITIES

GREAT WESTERN EXPEDITIONS

307.222.0412 | Jackson, WY greatwesternexpeditions.com info@gwexped.com @greatwesternexpeditions

HATCHET RESORT

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

HOUSECALL HYDRATION

307.690.6321 | Jackson, WY housecallhydration.com iv@housecallhydration.com @housecallhydrationjh.com

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

AUDIOVISUAL, VIDEOGRAPHY

DIANA EDLINGER STUDIOS

518.428.6558 | Jackson, WY backlightcreative.com

diana@backlightcreative.com @backlightcreative

K POTTER FINE ART

406.570.8112 | Livingston, MT kpotterfineart.com

info@kpotterfineart.com @kpotterfineart

MOUNTAIN MEDIA

307.699.0300 | Jackson, WY jacksonholeweddingvideo.com info@ jacksonholeweddingvideo.com @mtnmediaweddings

TOWER 3 PRODUCTIONS

307.699.1618 | Jackson, WY tower3productions.com/ wedding-videography weddingvideo@ tower3productions.com @tower3productions

Samantha Drew

JCM Photography

Jim Kennedy Photographers

CATERING, DINING

BIN22

307.739.9463 | Jackson, WY bin22jacksonhole.com

jen@jhfinedining.com

@bin22jh

BISTRO CATERING

307.739.4682 | Jackson, WY bistrocateringjacksonhole.com

jen@jhfinedining.com

@jacksonholecatering

BUFFALO BILLS FOOD TRUCK

307.690.5089 | Jackson, WY wyobuffalobills.com

michaeljbills1@gmail.com

@wyo_buffalobills

GLORIETTA TRATTORIA

307.733.3888 | Jackson, WY gloriettajackson.com weddings@anvilhotel.com

@gloriettajackson

HATCHET RESORT

307.543.2413 | Moran, WY hatchetresort.com

info@hatchetresort.com

@hatchetresort

IL VILLAGGIO OSTERIA

307.739.4100 | Teton Village, WY jhosteria.com

jen@jhfinedining.com

@jhosteria

IN-SEASON CATERING

Jackson, WY + Teton Valley, ID inseasonjh.com

info@inseasonjh.com

@inseasonjh

MEXICAN Y LA GRINGA CATERING

307.699.9082 | Jackson + Victor streetfoodcateringjh.com

streetfoodcateringjh@gmail.com @streetfoodjh

MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR

307.733.2207 | Jackson, WY cowboybarjh.com

jane.sturlin@cowboybarjh.com @milliondollarcowboybar

PALATE

307.413.2744 | Jackson, WY palatejh.com

info@palatejh.com

@palatejacksonhole

PROVISIONS

307.690.7014 | Jackson, WY provisionsjh.com info@provisionsjh.com @provisionsjh

ROADHOUSE PUB & EATERY

307.739.0700 | Jackson, WY roadhousebrewery.com jen@jhfinedining.com @roadhousebeer

THE BISTRO

307.739.1100 | Jackson, WY thebistrojacksonhole.com

jen@jhfinedining.com

@thebistrojacksonhole

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

307.733.2190 | Jackson, WY worthotel.com

weddings@worthotel.com @worthotel

jacksonholewedding.com

Hannah Hardaway

Diana Edlinger Studios

Ardent Photography

Jamye Chrisman

CONSULTANTS, EVENT PLANNERS

DESTINATION JACKSON HOLE

307.734.5007 | Jackson, WY destinationjacksonhole.com alison@destinationjacksonhole.com @destinationjacksonhole

SARA JUDITH EVENTS

412.418.1091 | Jackson, WY sarajudith.com hello@sarajudith.com @sarajudithevents

WILD ROSE WEDDINGS

307.699.4901 | Jackson, WY WildRoseJH.com Hello@WildRoseJH.com @wildrosejh

EVENT RENTALS

AURORA EVENT RENTALS

307.699.3343 | Jackson, WY aurorajh.com rentals@aurorajh.com @auroraeventsjh

JH POSH POTTY 307.690.3018 | Jackson, WY jhluxuryrestroomtrailer.com poshpotty@outlook.com @jhposhpotty

LUX LOUNGE 307.413.3903 | Jackson, WY yourluxlounge.com hello@yourluxlounge.com @yourluxlounge

MACY'S SERVICES (RESTROOM TRAILERS) 307.733.4687 | Jackson, WY macysservices.com macysserivces@cs.com

FLORIST

BOUTIQUE LA VIE 360.775.0734 | Ammon, ID boutiquelavie.com kindrynl@gmail.com @boutiquelavie

BRIAR ROSE

307.732.1222 | Jackson, WY briarroseflowers.com briarrose@onewest.net

MD NURSERY FLORAL

208.354.8816 | Teton Valley, ID mdlandscaping.com/floral flowers@mdnursery.com @mdfloraldept

GIFTS

BRIAR ROSE

307.732.1222 | Jackson, WY briarroseflowers.com briarrose@onewest.net

HOUSECALL HYDRATION

307.690.6321 | Jackson, WY housecallhydration.com iv@housecallhydration.com @housecallhydrationjh.com

JACKSON HOLE GIFT BASKETS

307.200.6453 | Jackson, WY jacksonholegiftbaskets.com events@jhmarketplace.com @jacksonholegiftbaskets

JW BENNETT

307.201.5669 | Jackson, WY jwbennett.com

sales@jwbennett.com @j.wbennett

K POTTER FINE ART

406.570-.8112 | Livingston, MT kpotterfineart.com

info@kpotterfineart.com @kpotterfineart

PEARLS BY SHARI

307.734.0553 | Jackson, WY pearlsbyshari.com @pearlsbyshari

GOWN

PRESERVATION

BLUE SPRUCE CLEANERS

307.734.0424 | Jackson, WY bluesprucecleaners.com mary@bscgreen.com

Erin Wheat

Madison Webb

Karissa Akin

Anna Crace Campbell

Stacy Hulsing

JEWELRY

BELLE COSE

307.733.2640 | Jackson, WY bellecose.com sales@bellecose.com @bellecosejacksonhole

PEARLS BY SHARI

307.734.0553 | Jackson, WY pearlsbyshari.com @pearlsbyshari

MUSIC

STEADY JAKE (JAKE NICHOLS)

307.413.1488 | Jackson, WY steadyjake.com steadyjake@steadyjake.com

PHOTOBOOTH

JACKSON HOLE PHOTOBOOTH

307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY jacksonholephotobooth.com studio@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.studio

PHOTOGRAPHERS

JACKSON HOLE PHOTOBOOTH

307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY jacksonholephotobooth.com studio@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.studio

JCM PHOTOGRAPHY - JACKSON HOLE

307.231.0091 | Jackson, WY jacksonholephotographers.com info@ jacksonholephotographers.com @jcmphotographyjacksonhole

LOVE AND STORY STUDIO

208.251.0882 | Idaho + Wyoming loveandstorystudio.com lizzy@loveandstorystudio.com @loveandstorystudio

MADISON WEBB PHOTOGRAPHY 916.204.6738 | Jackson, WY madisonwebbphotography.com madisonwebbphoti@gmail.com

@madisonwebbphotography

MICHELLE ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.272.1830 | Jackson, WY michelleerwin.com

michelleleeerwin@gmail.com

@michelleerwinphotography

TAYLOR GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY trgphoto.com

taylor@trgphoto.com

@taylorglenn.studio

SPIRITS

THE LIQUOR STORE OF JACKSON HOLE 307.733.4466 | Jackson, WY events@wineliqourbeer.com

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

@greatwesternexpeditions

LUX LOUNGE 307.413.3903 | Jackson, WY yourluxlounge.com hello@yourluxlounge.com

@yourluxlounge

jacksonholewedding.com

Camrin Dengel

Love and Story Studio

TRANSPORTATION + VALET CONTINUED MOUNTAIN RESORT CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION

307.733.1112 Jackson, WY + Sun Valley, ID info@mtnrct.com

VENUES

BAR J RANCH EVENTS CENTER LLC

307.690.1500 | Wilson, WY barjranch22@gmail.com

BENTWOOD INN

307.739.1411 | Wilson, WY bentwoodinn.com guestservices@bentwoodinn.com @bentwoodinn

BIN22

307.739.9463 | Jackson, WY bin22jacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @bin22jh

BRONZE BUFFALO RANCH

208.787.8130 | Victor, ID bronzebuffaloranch.com lreuillard@ bronzebuffalosportingclub.com @bronzebuffaloranch

FOUR SEASONS

RESORT AND RESIDENCES

307.732.5000 | Teton Village, WY fourseasons.com/jacksonhole jac.sales@fourseasons.com @fsjacksonhole

GLORIETTA TRATTORIA

307.733.3888 | Jackson, WY gloriettajackson.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @gloriettajackson

GRAND TARGHEE RESORT

800.827.4499 | Alta, WY grandtarghee.com weddings@grandtarghee.com @grandtargheeresort

GRAND TETON LODGE COMPANY

307.543.3005 | gtlc.com Grand Teton National Park gtlcsales@vailresorts.com @grandtetonlodgeco

HATCHET RESORT

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

IL VILLAGGIO OSTERIA

307.739.4100 | Teton Village, WY jhosteria.com

jen@jhfinedining.com @jhosteria

JACKSON HOLE

GOLF & TENNIS CLUB

307.733.3111 | Jackson, WY jhgtc.com/weddings-and-events scole@vailresorts.com

@jhgtc

JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT

307.732.3136 | Teton Village, WY jacksonhole.com/weddings.html groups@jacksonhole.com @jacksonhole

LINN CANYON RANCH

208.787.5466 | Driggs, ID linncanyonranch.com office@linncanyonranch.com @linncanyonranch

MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR

307.733.2207 | Jackson, WY cowboybarjh.com jane.sturlin@cowboybarjh.com @milliondollarcowboybar

MOOSE HEAD RANCH

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

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

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

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

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

THE BISTRO 307.739.1100 | Jackson, WY thebistrojacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @thebistrojacksonhole

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 307.733.2190 | Jackson, WY worthotel.com weddings@worthotel.com @worthotel

TRAIL CREEK RANCH 307.690.2610 | Wilson, WY trailcreekranch.com TrailCreekRanch@msn.com @trailcreekranch_jh

320 GUEST RANCH 406.995.4283 | Big Sky, MT 320ranch.com events@320ranch.com @320guestranch

DEADLINE IS 10.15.2023

Frances Conner Cole Buckhart

weather averages

FOR THE JACKSON AREA

A BRO ’ S GUIDE TO GROOMSMEN DUTIES (aka, “How

we do it in the mountains”)

PRE-WEDDING

Request time off from your multiple day jobs.

Plan an outdoor-centric bachelor party. (No quick trips to Vegas! Think—skiing, fishing, or mountain biking.)

Spiff up your duds. (This includes tux fitting or trading your flannel for linen.)

Decorate the honeymoon getaway car—preferably, a vintage F250.

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

social scene

INSTAGRAM

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

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.

Get ready with the groom. (Don’t forget deodorant!)

Walk down said “aisle” with corresponding bridesmaid.

DAY BEFORE DAY OF RECEPTION

Attend the rehearsal dinner at “The Coach” or “The Pine.”

Give a toast while the night is young. (Especially if you’re the best bro.)

Help guests up the hiking trail to the remote ceremony location.

Keep your drinks in check. (We mean it, really!)

GrandExit

“Love is like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” #justkeepdriving

Diana Edlinger Studios