Grand Wedding 2024

THE 90-DAY WEDDING —

How to plan your celebration on the fly

ODE TO THE BOLO TIE

The formal necktie’s counterpart

Photos ©Hannah Hardaway

RIVERS. MOUNTAINS. LAKES. Love .

Begin your new adventure together beneath this inspiring Teton backdrop and enjoy resort amenities including lodging, onsite catering, dining, and endless outdoor activities at your doorstep.

Your Grand Teton National Park wedding awaits.

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An Elegant & Elevated

EVENT LOCATION

IN AN EXTRAORDINARY MOUNTAIN SETTING

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers two unique event locations, the outstanding Rendezvous Lodge located at 9,095 feet at the top of the Bridger Gondola and the stunning Solitude Station located at mid-mountain. These venues offer picturesque views coupled with award-winning food and service to provide a truly remarkable experience for any celebration.

Photos: Jayme Chrisman & Janelle Rose

SAY “I DO” IN THE TETONS

Weddings at Grand Targhee take the guess work out of planning so you can enjoy your engagement and big day with ease. When you get married at Grand Targhee you’ll have dedicated Event Manager who is with you every step of the way to ensure your big day is everything you dreamed of. We offer fairly priced site fees, a beautiful venue, delicious food and beverage options, discounted lodging for you and your guests, and lift tickets to the summit for must-have moments with your bridal party. We also offer additional options like private airport transportation, rehearsal dinner and brunch venues, after parties and more.

Tie the knot on top of the world at Grand Targhee Resort, the most scenic high-alpine destination in the Tetons.

Photo Credit: Karina Dopp Photography

Unforgettable weddings happen at the Bentwood Inn.

Take over the lodge and revel in luxurious accommodations, spectacular meals by our in-house chef, and a stunning natural backdrop for your special day. We're here to help craft every detail - at the Bentwood Inn.

Learn more about hosting your dream wedding at the Bentwood Inn

THE LOOK 20

: Giovanna and Fletcher tied the knot at Schwabacher Landing in September 2023 surrounded by their immediate family and the beauty of the Tetons. Here, they embrace in a kiss beneath the Grand Teton on the bank of the Snake River where they recited their vows. Photo by Madison Webb

Clockwise from top left: Diana Edlinger Studios, Meredith Diamond, Eastlyn and Joshua Photography, JCM Photography, Love and Story Studio

WEDDING CATERING & PRIVATE CHEF

JACKSON HOLE, WY | PROVISIONSJH.COM

Traditions

Traditions run deep in my Italian-American family, and my husband, Justin, and I embraced these customs long before we got married. I recall bringing him home to my family’s Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes, where he sampled the classic Italian salted cod dish, baccàla , for the first time. My boisterous grandfather entertained us all, and we ate crab legs well into the morning (quite literally), even though we were too full to enjoy them.

Practicing my own family customs has sparked an interest in other people’s traditions, as well. I have even adopted some of them for my own (they usually involve food). As I curated this book of charming love stories, what came up for me was the way each bride and groom adopted each other’s individual family rituals as their own. Some traditions started well before the union of husband and wife, while other practices were incorporated into their marriage celebrations.

Take, for instance, Caroline and Conner’s annual trip to Jackson Hole (page 54), where Connor spent summers as a kid. Biking home from Dornans and swimming in String Lake soon became cherished adventures that Caroline looked forward to each year when she visited with Connor and his family.

Suzanne and Joel’s wedding ceremony on the banks of the Hoback River followed a traditional Scottish theme due to their common family ties to the Scottish Highlands. They recruited Joel’s 83-year-old uncle, a Scottish Lord, to perform their ceremony, which culminated with a pistol salute that may or may not have gone off with a hitch. (You’ll need to read their story on page 66 to find out.)

Samara and Johnny incorporated the homemade food they enjoyed on their first date into their reception with a soft pretzel and craft beer pairing station for their guests. (See page 72.) And, to honor Samara’s Jewish heritage, the couple’s ceremony took place under a chuppah (a traditional Jewish wedding canopy) and included the Jewish wedding customs of circling each other seven times and reading seven blessings. As I read through the outpouring of love stories (including those not featured in this edition), I noticed some couples chose adventure as their binding tradition, while others wove their lives together with a mix of objects, food, and family. This gives me hope for future generations. Because in a society that sometimes seems numbed by life’s busyness, it’s refreshing to see love stories infused with generational traditions. Just like my grandfather’s baccàla (which, by the way, is also an Italian slang word for “a spanking”), these practices continue to shape couple’s lives and evoke a feeling of nostalgia with their tastes, sounds, and memories.

Christina

Shannon Corsi

THE LATE-NIGHT SNACK, YOUR CULINARY LAST WORD

The stages of your wedding day unfold in a series of milestones; the ceremony is just the beginning. By the end of it all, you may feel elated, satisfied, relieved, and also hungry—once you have the time to notice. A final catered snack will nourish you and mark yet another moment to savor with your guests.

POLISH THE SEND-OFF

How you deliver this encore treat is up to you. You could set up a simple food station and let guests serve themselves. Or take it up a notch and hire a food truck, complete with madeto-order items. Go sweet. Go savory. Or design a menu that

Words by Jenn Rein

lets guests mix-and-match. Cap a healthy Mediterranean meal with a once-in-a-blue-moon extravagance or update a childhood favorite for a midnight nosh.

“We’ve recently started offering late-night bites from our mobile trolley kitchen that we’re pretty stoked about,” says Courtney McCabe, event director for Provisions Jackson Hole. “We’ve been listening to customer feedback, and this came as a result of that demand.”

Known for their donuts (the creation of Chef Clark Myers and Chef Chas Baki), Provisions displays these sweet treats on a party board, turning the late-night course into fodder

Meredith Diamond

for conversation. Picture your guests gathered round, discussing the difficult choice between the salty-sweet sensation of a potato chip-topped donut and the enticing familiarity of colored sprinkles.

Amy Marrington, owner of Sagebrush Grille, looks forward to the interaction that naturally occurs between people tired from the festivities yet hungry for delicious snacks. While Sagebrush can provide a full catering experience, they are also happy to jump in for just an evening finale.

“We enjoy being there, outside of an event venue, at the end of the evening. Everyone is so happy and relaxed coming out of

the reception, and we’re handing them just one more thing to make the night memorable,” she says.

SOURCE WHAT SUITS YOU

Alina Cornejo, director of catering for Genevieve Catering, has seen the latenight snack idea go from a novelty to an expectatio n.

“Genevieve Catering has been doing late night snacks for several years. In 2023, we had about 50 percent of our weddings choose a late-night option,” she says.

“We've done everything from buffalo sliders to mini carne asada burritos, and Philly cheesesteaks to our signature fried

chicken biscuits,” she continues. “Our clients usually gravitate towards the fried chicken biscuits or buffalo sliders for late-night food.”

When you’re planning a culinary sendoff, ask your catering team for creative ideas. For instance, a signature cocktail that wraps up the evening could serve as a “farewell” statement.

“A new thing we tried last summer was mini espresso martinis,” Cornejo says. “We got these small 4-ounce martini glasses, and passed espresso martinis to guests along with late-night snacks. Everyone went crazy for them!”

TIME IT RIGHT

Once you’ve embraced the idea of latenight snacking, consider the timing. Do you want the snack to recharge guests during a dance-heavy reception? Or do you want to send the “have a good night” message with a mini-course wind-down?

Lisa Hanley, owner of Forage Bistro in Driggs, says her team has served Wagyu sliders, poutine, s’mores, caramel popcorn, hot chicken sliders, mini ice cream cones, and pizza. Most of these handheld snacks could withstand a turn on the dance floor. But you could just as easily offer popcorn with a final sip of Prosecco at the exit.

Topping off your day of memories with a final nosh will give your loved ones a chance to slow down, look around, and bask in the results of your thoughtful planning process.

Madison Webb

Erin Wheat

AN ODE TO THE BOLO TIE

It’s a thing … Really, it is.

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire

Here in the Tetons, you’ll see the unconventional bolo tie adorning the necks of grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests. It simply goes with the territory. This Native American custom turned cowboy fashion piece (think John Dutton and Rip Wheeler of Yellowstone) can be found in Western trinket shops, jewelry stores, and high-end art galleries. And while each piece of neck art is aesthetically pleasing, it’s often the sentiment that makes this tie a wedding staple.

The origins of the traditional necktie date back to the 17th century and the Thirty Years� War in Europe (1618-1648). The French hired Croatian mercenaries who, as part of their traditional uniforms, wore knotted neckerchiefs to keep the top part of their jacket together. Towards the end of the war, French

King Louis XIV took a liking to the colorful neckties and deemed the accessory—nicknamed “cravats”— mandatory at royal gatherings.

Similarly, Native American men, including those of the Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo tribes, tied bandanas around their necks with string held in place by a shellshaped clasp. Eventually, they began to carve intricate designs into silver slides, inlaid with turquoise stones, to hold the bandana’s ends together. This style soon transferred to cowboys, who wore kerchiefs held together by slides made of leather and silver. Today, the bolo tie, sometimes called the “shoestring tie,” is a popular alternative to a formal necktie, even at weddings and especially in the American West.

“We only started carrying bolo ties two years ago because people were coming in asking about them,”

Sarah Soulseed Photo

Erin Wheat

says Ashley Deighton, manager of MADE in downtown Jackson. MADE carries bolo ties crafted of leather, sterling silver, and turquoise from three different artists, which can be ordered ahead of time for wedding party adornment.

Bolo ties can be worn like any other necktie. Often seen paired with a collared shirt buttoned to the top, the tie can fit either securely at your neck, with the leather ties tucked inside the collar, or loosely for a more casual look (or when things start to heat up on the dance floor). You can choose to wear a sport coat with your tie, if the wedding is of the formal variety, or pair one with a denim shirt, if the invite calls for “Western casual.” Bolo ties with small clasps pair best with narrow-collared shirts, whereas large, ornate clasps look better with widecollared shirts. Above all, make sure your tie fits correctly and that the strings stop about three to four inches below your chest.

Kemo Sabe in Jackson carries bolos made of sterling silver, and some with an 18-karat gold overlay or a traditional turquoise inlay. They also stock vintage bolo ties and ornate ties with a scorpion clasp, complete with a turquoise centerpiece, for an outof-the-box look. (Just make sure your beard is cut short enough to display the decorative clasp!)

The Perfect Setting for Your Dream Wedding

Alpine House, located steps from the Town Square in Jackson, provides the ideal accommodations to host your wedding party. A complete buyout is available. 22 spacious guest rooms featuring cozy bedding and plush linens, most rooms include an in-room fireplace, deep soaking tub or French doors opening to a private balcony. Accommodate your growing guest list with additional rooms at our sister hotel, Anvil Hotel and Cache House. “When you choose a buyout, you have the joy of all the people you love together in one space and throughout, connecting them more deeply and creating this unique sense of belonging.” Located directly across the street from Alpine House is Glorietta, for your wedding or rehearsal dinner.

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Kemo Sabe welcomes wedding parties to a private event space for a personalized bolo tie (and other Western wear) shopping experience. “Upstairs, we have a fully operational bar, and no merchandise purchases are required with the event space rental,” says Haley Sisitki, event manager at Kemo Sabe. “We host welcome parties so that people can get boots, bolo ties, and hats at the beginning of the weekend to wear to the wedding.” She explains that most of their wedding clients hold their celebration at local ranches and really dive into the Western theme. For instance, for a Moose Creek Ranch wedding, the store provided custom moose bolo ties for the groomsmen. Sisitki explains that they can make custom hats, belt buckles, and bolo ties, complete with an inscription of the wedding date or other adornments, but they need to know a few weeks ahead of time to send the order to their manufacturing “ranch.”

Karissa Akin

Maybe you have Native American ancestry, and this cultural piece is a must-wear on your wedding day. Or maybe your grandpa owns a ranch in Kelly and your wedding’s hoedown theme requires guests to dress the part. Or maybe you simply like the style for its casual simplicity, complete with a historical past. The bolo tie is a mountain wedding trend that allows guests to relax into a casual atmosphere, free of the stuffy necktie. And you can even wear one with a tuxedo. (But don’t tell anyone we said so.)

Diana Edlinger Studios

FRAMING YOUR VOWS: A LOOK AT ALTERNATIVE ALTARS

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire

Your altar—the stage on which you set your intentions and make your vows sacred—is the focal point of your wedding ceremony. And when your stage includes the Tetons as a backdrop, the design challenge becomes finding a way to attract eyes towards you without competing with the dramatic scenery. Many couples opt for a traditional tree- or stick-built arch as the frame under which they seal the deal, but other intentional designs include ground displays, “fairy circles,” and flower towers made of seasonal plants and environmental elements.

GROUND DISPLAYS

“Ground arches were big this past summer,” says event planner Alison Kyle, the owner of Destination Jackson Hole. “They offer a very pretty way to incorporate flowers into your altar without taking away from the view.”

Ground arches consist of arrangements of flowers or greenery that form a ground-level semi-circle around the couple and their officiant. Traditional installments incorporate the use of foam blocks to hold the flowers or grasses in place, forming a decorative crescent-shaped backdrop.

Red House Flowers of Victor, Idaho (Emily Sustick and Katie Knipe, farmer florists), specializes in designs created

with 100 percent reusable mechanics “that diverge from the typical single-use floral foam,” Knipe explains For instance, their “meadow arrangement“ consists of low wooden boxes filled with water that hold inserts of seasonal flowers or grasses. The women use their signature “moss burritos” as an alternative to the floral foam used to affix greenery in a typical arch. Knipe likes to incorporate potted live plants that the couple can later plant in their own garden as a keepsake. Using native plants and grasses for this type of experience celebrates the natural surroundings, melding the altar with the landscape.

FAIRY CIRCLES

Ancient Egyptians considered the circle a symbol of eternity. Having neither a beginning nor an end, a circle—like the wedding ring on your finger—represents eternal love and the never-ending bond of marriage.

A “fairy circle” or “fairy ring” consists of a circle made of flowers, flower petals, trees, or even people. Unlike a ground arch, the fairy circle completely encompasses the couple, adding a visual element of “union” with symbolism at its core. Ashley Wold, wedding planner and owner of Wild Rose JH, thinks it’s fun to incorporate the ceremony’s surroundings, such as viewpoints, interesting geography, and rock formations.

Diana Edlinger Studios

“My all-time favorite altar involved each wedding guest scooping a cupful of dried flowers, walking down the aisle, and forming a circle [with the flowers] for the couple to stand in during their ceremony,” says Wold. “The couple ushered their own wedding, so once a guest scooped up the flowers, the two grooms walked them down the aisle and had a special moment with each guest. They then hugged, kissed, and

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showed the guest to his or her seat. I thought it was so inclusive, thoughtful, and meaningful.” You can also get your guests involved in the ceremony by using them as the altar. Wold was involved in another wedding where the bride and groom stood in the middle and looked out at “365 degrees of loved ones.”

FLOWER TOWERS, TOTEMS, AND DIY DESIGNS

“Flower towers” display decorative elements on either side of the altar for the couple to stand between. Red House Flowers uses a hidden structure of rebar, chicken wire, and Mason jars cemented into a sturdy, yet moveable, base as the hidden groundwork for creating ornamental displays of flowers and grasses grown locally. With a little extra planning, Knipe mentions they can even provide gorgeous dried flower displays for an indoor winter design.

Alternatively, you can use dried pampas grass arrangements placed on either side of the altar or create a vertically held circle backdrop. This inexpensive addition can be customized to fit a boho vibe or a black-tie affair. Lining the aisle with matching bouquets in reusable vessels can tie everything together. Or, use dried local grains (like barley or wheat) instead of pampas to create a similar feel.

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“I love wispy grasses in place of florals,” says Kyle. “I believe your bouquets stand out more when they are not competing with a [traditional] floral arch.”

Other totem-style displays can include recycled treasures (think vintage skis, DIYers), or bison skulls, crystals, and other earthly elements offered by local artist Lyndsay Rowan of Animystical, Elemental Art and Ceremonies.

Above all, Kyle reminds couples to consider the weather when planning their altar. “It can get windy in Jackson, and there is nothing worse than your aesthetic being ruined by fallen arches or floral designs,” she says. “This should always be discussed with your floral designer, but I also make sure and check on this element when going through the planning process, as well.”

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A WEEKEND WITH (MORE THAN) A VIEW

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire

It’s interesting to hear that immersive guest experiences are trending in the wedding industry. Because here in the Tetons, it’s been our thing forever! Of course, it’s only appropriate, in a region full of towering peaks, robust wildlife, and famous waterways, to invite guests for a weekend of experiences, rather than a fleeting night of festivities. Luckily, many area vendors can accommodate such celebrations, offering recreation-filled itineraries and Western heritage-themed affairs that will make your wedding weekend a once-in-a lifetime experience for both you, and your guests.

“The scenery is one of our most unique offerings,” says Madi Burgess, event and banquet manager at Grand Targhee Resort. “There’s an abundance of wildflowers [in the summer], a beautiful view of the Tetons, and a connection to wildlife.”

Grand Targhee hosts entire wedding weekends, with up to 200 people, providing a full three-day itinerary and lodging for all guests. Couples and their loved ones can enjoy scenic lift rides, liftserviced and cross-country mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, swimming, and yoga. Plus, the breathtaking backdrop of this venue makes for remarkable photo shoots.

Jessalyn Ethridge

Day One of a wedding weekend at Targhee usually consists of guest arrivals, and can include scheduled or unscheduled recreational activities, a ceremony rehearsal, and a catered dinner reception in the Trap Bar. Day Two—wedding day—can start with yoga on the lawn and time to get ready, followed by a photoshoot (held at the top of the mountain with views into Grand Teton National Park), a cocktail hour and ceremony, and a private party at the Trap Bar. Day Three culminates with Targhee’s signature departure brunch on the lawn, including a mimosa and Bloody Mary bar.

Burgess explains that many guests use this last day to squeak in a hike or bike ride before departing. And since everything happens on-property, almost all guests stay overnight at the resort.

“They like the convenience of staying here after they’ve been drinking and celebrating,” says Burgess. “Even local guests tend to book lodging on the night of the wedding, just for the convenience.”

At Diamond Cross Ranch, a historical ranch located north of Jackson near Grand Teton National Park, it’s all about the authentic Western experience. This working family cattle ranch shares its Western heritage with wedding parties of 50 to 60 guests.

At full occupancy, the boutique cabins can accommodate 75 guests, making it the perfect choice for bridal parties, close

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photo credit Lindley Rust Photography

Carly Butler Photography

friends, and family. However, for comfort, Lauren Long, chief executive officer at Diamond Cross Ranch, recommends a maximum of 60.

“Because all of our activities are private and personalized, we recommend keeping things smaller,” says Long. “We don’t combine groups, and we pair guests with wranglers and staff to ensure an extraordinary experience.”

While on site, couples and their wedding party can enjoy horseback riding as one of their activities. Long explains this experience is “much more than your run-of-the-mill nose-to-tail ride. Our wranglers pair riders with well-trained horses, instruct them through the basics of horsemanship and cowboy etiquette, and then hit the trail under the Tetons.”

Half- or full-day cowboy experiences are also available, complete with a private horse-whispering demonstration led by professional horse whisperer, Grant Golliher. Then, guests put what they’ve learned to work by catching and haltering their horses and practicing horsemanship skills. This adventure culminates with a cattle drive across the ranch.

At the end of the weekend, couples can send guests away with a branded leather journal as a special keepsake. Wranglers facilitate this activity by helping guests first design a custom brand, and then they lead them in branding their leather journals with hot irons around a campfire.

Wedding weekends held at Diamond Cross Ranch give guests “a true taste of the West, more than 100 years in the making,” says Long. “Our hope is that every guest—young and old—experiences the stewardship, gratitude,

Courtesy of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

and commitment that has been sowed into this property, and that they enjoy the peace it has to offer.”

For a true taste of excitement, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort hosts parties of 150 guests for the ultimate family adventure. Activities include worldclass mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing trips, paragliding, a high ropes course, and scenic tram rides. The resort’s Via Ferrata adventure includes a private guided high-alpine journey along granite walls connected by suspended bridges. Modeled after passages in the Italian Alps, Jackson Hole’s version includes 15 routes up iron rungs, ladders, and bridges, all with remarkable views.

The not-so-adventurous can hang back on the climbing trip and enjoy other activities instead, such as the welcome party toast at the Rendezvous Lodge, complete with a scenic ride up the Bridger Gondola. The wedding reception, also in the lodge, boasts amazing views, delicious food, and great service. So, there’s something for everyone.

Teton venues pride themselves on delivering creative wedding offerings. It’s an experience you won’t find in a box, but rather one that’s carefully curated to fit your style, vibe, and passions. The end result: a weekend that goes down in the history books as guests recount their adventure for years to come.

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HAPPILY EVER AFTER

(No license needed)

Words by Britney Magleby

In 2019, before the effects of COVID-19 played a role in the statistics, about 2.02 million weddings took place in the U.S. That was the lowest number in recent decades. Between 2011 and 2021, the marriage rate across the United States dropped 1.4 percent, according to the census. In the past 50 years, marriage rates have declined by almost 50 percent.

The numbers tell a story. Marriage is a choice, and fewer people are choosing it. More than ever before, couples are opting out of traditional weddings.

But they’re not opting out of love.

They’re opting into self-defined versions of “union,” reminding us that happiness doesn’t look the same for everyone.

THE CELEBRATION

“COVID started different types of celebrations,” explains photographer Diana Edlinger of Diana Edlinger Studios.

“It’s very acceptable to have small weddings, micro weddings, and elopements.” This point remains true even for those celebrating an untraditional union.

Weddings are a celebration of love. And celebrating love can be accomplished in many ways, with or without the twominute license signing that happens behind closed doors.

The average wedding in America in 2023 cost $29,000, according to CNN. A wedding in the Tetons could cost even more. It’s no surprise that saving money to build a desirable lifestyle, in lieu of a fancy wedding, may play a role in the decision making for some couples.

But in choosing a life “unmarried,” you don’t have to choose a life “uncelebrated.” Hosting a small, or large, celebration with friends and family in a place that’s meaningful to you is perfectly acceptable, even if you don’t sign on a dotted line.

THE BLESSING

A marriage blessed by a church, while holding no legal power, often represents a spiritual bond that many married couples deem unbreakable. However, as views on marriage have adapted over the years, so have views on spirituality. Religion can be found in several places and practices. A couple’s unbreakable bond can be sanctified during a sunrise morning hike or with the silence of a synchronized breath during meditation. Many couples—married and unmarried—find peace and spirituality in couple’s counseling, as they get to know their loved one on a deeper level. When you work through the process with your partner by your side, spirituality is yours to define.

JCM Photography

THE LAW

Neither Wyoming nor Idaho recognizes common law marriage. Therefore, regardless of the length of a relationship or the entwining of assets, nonmarried partners have no legal rights in the event of an emergency or death.

Many couples maintain long-term partnerships without putting much thought into this fact, but there’s a simple answer—intentionally plan, provide scrupulous documentation, and hire the right professionals to help.

“In this case, we would highly recommend our clients discuss estate planning needs with an estate planning attorney,” says local wealth management advisor Brendan McDermott, founding partner of Bison Wealth Management in Jackson, when discussing important legal documents such as a will. Of course, you can expect the best, but you should still plan for the worst. Obtaining a power of attorney and thoughtfully building a will ensures your legacy is passed on exactly as you intend.

Hiring the right professionals is essential to pulling off a gig that’s indicative of your relationship. Similarly, “those looking for the healthiest and most successful relationship or partnership benefit tremendously from working with a financial planner or coach that can help couples manage tricky issues, common pitfalls, and maximize opportunities,” says McDermott.

THE FUNDS

With proper planning, unmarried couples have many of the same financial opportunities as married ones.

“When we’re [financial] planning, 99 percent is the same, whether you’re married or unmarried,” says

Eastlyn and Joshua Photography

McDermott. “Just like a married couple, an unmarried couple could choose to combine finances, or not combine finances, or anything in between … A lot of the same considerations go into pulling the right resources. How are you going to pay for retirement, kids, etc.?”

A few financial issues differ slightly, however, when it comes to spouses versus partners, such as social security, taxes, and debt. Surprisingly, these talking points don’t always swing in financial favor of legal marriage and can sometimes go either way. Regardless of status, understanding your financial goals as a couple, and having the documents in place to back it up, is vital to the health and wealth of a relationship.

Eastlyn and Joshua Photography

“All the reasons we’d tell a married couple to get [their financial planning] done are magnified for unmarried couples, because you don’t have the legal rights that are instilled just by saying ‘I do’,” stresses McDermott.

THE TRUE DEFINITION

As society shifts from antiquated views of “the perfect family,” it’s clear that love means more than perception. A family with love at the epicenter—no matter how far from the familial status quo it may be—is a happy family.

Unmarried couples nationwide continue to demonstrate ways to bring families together without stereotypical marriages. Locally, Ryan and Stacey—a couple in their early 30s—have chosen not to marry but are planning to buy a house and combine finances. Amy and John live together with their beautiful daughter Amelia and their active dog Bear (and there’s no ring on either of their fingers.) And Rose Marie and Dean—each with children and grandchildren of their own—have had a happy partnership for over 25 years without a filed marriage license.

Despite snide remarks at the family Christmas party, choosing not to marry is acceptable, common, freeing, and joyful. Building a life together, unmarried, is possible, and “forever partners” are no worse off than husbands and wives. Most importantly, choosing not to marry does not mean choosing not to love. This type of love story can also have a fairytale ending.

SIX THINGS TO PRESERVE FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY

Words by Samantha Simma

While weeks, months, and maybe even years go into planning your wedding, the big day often flies by in a whirlwind. You can cherish the excitement of this momentous occasion by preserving pieces of your wedding that will have you reliving the milestone for years to come. Photographs and video may be the traditional way to capture memories, but other creative avenues can transform special items into cherished keepsakes. These unique mementos will serve as a tangible reminder of the happiness and love shared on that special day with your special someone.

WEDDING DAY PRINTABLES

From save-the-date cards to invitations and programs, stationery and artisan-created paper offerings are easy materials to preserve. “The main way that people preserve stationery is by framing it,” says Cara Rank, owner of XOWYO Paper + Press. Framing printables in a shadow box allows you the flexibility to add accents such as jewelry, table décor, and other small keepsakes. Adding printed or written vows can make this time capsule display extra personal, too.

Diana Edlinger Studios

Kristin Halsey

FOOD AND DRINK

Traditionalists love to freeze a slice of their wedding cake to break out on their one-year anniversary. If you choose to do the same, first, prepare the dessert for the freezer by removing any decorations and flowers. Next, chill the cake in the fridge for a few hours, and then wrap it in plastic wrap. Lastly, place your cake pieces in an airtight freezer bag or box. For a less perishable option, have a replica of your wedding cake made into a Christmas ornament. Meanwhile, alcoholic beverages can often be kept for years without spoiling. Select a bottle of the wine or champagne served at your wedding and stow it away for a later date. You can make this keepsake extra special by adding a custom bottle label signed by guests or your wedding party. When preserving wine, remember, reds keep better than whites, and vintage wines will last 10 to 20 years. ART

Commission a sketch or painting of your wedding venue. Ashley Wold, owner of Wild Rose JH, recalls, “I planned a wedding that had a live painter on site. She arrived hours before the guests and started to paint the scene. Then, she stayed and painted the whole day. [The end result] was an amazing painting of the bride and groom and their backdrop.” Once on display, this work of art will transport you back to the day and help you to relive each moment shared with your guests.

FLORALS

It’s common for couples to preserve flowers from their wedding day since the processes of drying and pressing are straightforward. Once dried—either personally or by a professional—flowers can easily be added to a shadow box, framed, or made into something else entirely. If you decide to have the flowers professionally dried, some companies offer resin casting, which preserves the original shape and color. Condon recalls a client who repurposed her flowers in multiple ways: “She found a company that made the flowers into resin paperweights, Christmas ornaments, book ends, and resin picture frames.”

DÉCOR

With some forward thinking, you can plan to reuse signage from your wedding. “If you’re going to have a big welcome sign, do something with just your initials,” recommends Sarah Condon, an event planner with Vibrant Events of Jackson Hole. “One couple used a mirror with details on the top that just said ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ with their last name, and now it’s in their guest bathroom. Another couple used a fabric welcome sign that’s now made into a pillow.” Similarly, Rank says, “We made wood block table numbers, and then the couple used the wood blocks [as props] to take monthly pictures of their baby.”

jacksonholewedding.com

Hannah Hardaway

Madison Webb

Diana Edlinger Studios

Clockwise from top left: Taylor Glenn, JCM Photography, Eastlyn and Joshua Photography, Erin Wheat, Jessalyn Ethridge

A standout item—the bride’s dress—needs special care to prevent yellowing as it ages. First, have it professionally cleaned. Then, you can either send it to a professional wedding dress preservation service, or you can do it yourself. Wrap the dress in clean, acid-free, color-free tissue paper. Next, place layers of tissue paper between the folds of the gown, and then store it in an airtight container away from sunlight and moisture.

If it’s not important to you that the dress remains wholly intact, consider repurposing parts of it, or altering it for another occasion. Virginia Powell Symons, owner of Vibrant Events, cropped and dyed her own dress post-wedding. Condon, adds, “We’ve had brides make their dresses into lingerie and table runners.”

Other fabric items from your wedding—perhaps the groom’s suit, table linens, and wedding party garments—can be repurposed and used for years to come on special occasions or holiday tables. Or transform these fabrics into a patchwork quilt or blanket.

Eastlyn and Joshua Photography

Samantha Drew

JCM Photography

2023

TETON love stories

The next several pages give a nod to tradition, from a family ranch on the Hoback River to a customary Jewish celebration in Wilson.

ANNIE

& MIKE

Just Say “Zucchini”

Words by Mike Gibler + Photography by Janelle Rose Photography

Our story began at Santa Clara University, where Annie was studying public health, and I was studying finance. Despite different interests and separate social circles, a shared love for the university brought us together. We were both student ambassadors—although Annie would quickly point out that she outranked me as the “lead” ambassador— and we spent part of each week educating prospective students on the appeal of college life in sunny Santa Clara, California. Just before graduation, a scheduling fluke had us both working Saturday mornings. It was then that we finally got to know each other. We chatted about classes, our study abroad experiences, and weekend plans. Near the end of the school year, it was up to me to ask Annie out. At that point, the entirety of the undergraduate admissions office was cheering us on. With plenty of encouragement (aka heckling from friends), I finally asked, and we’ve been together ever since.

After graduating, we crisscrossed the country and hit many milestones: First, moving to San Francisco and starting careers in the tech sector—Annie in marketing and myself in corporate finance—then pursuing graduate degrees in Chicago and Charlottesville, Virginia. We added a dog, Hudson, and a horse, Bailey, and our latest adventure included settling down and purchasing a house in Seattle.

During this time, the constant that felt like “home” was Jackson, where Annie’s father and stepmother, Mario and Amy, live nearly year-round. Some of our happiest and most formative memories took place here. I learned to ski at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (a prerequisite for joining the Espinosa family). I can still vividly recall the image of Mario calling out, “Mike, follow my tracks!” as he carved effortlessly down the mountain, while I, desperate to impress, tottered stiffly behind. Aside from skiing, each visit was

filled with family hikes, attending local Jackson events such as the Fourth of July parade, and lunches at Piste, our favorite spot. In short, since Jackson was a source of so many fond memories, we knew it would be an incredible place for our eventual wedding. But first, I needed to ask the big question.

I am usually horrible at keeping secrets (and tend to get misty-eyed when it comes to Annie), so I planned a low-key private proposal in our backyard in Seattle during the summer of 2022. The week prior, I picked up her ring, called Annie’s parents, who happily provided their blessing, and gave a heads-up to Annie’s best friend (since the first grade!) and future Matron of Honor, Jacqui Mullen. Armed with love and support from everyone, I got to work. I decorated the yard with string lights, candles, and flowers. I even put tissue paper over the windows so Annie couldn’t see into our backyard when she got home. This was, perhaps, the only flaw in my plan since it took some extra coaxing for her to trust that it was a “good surprise” waiting outside. Once I took my place and hit “play” on my carefully curated Spotify playlist, it was just the two of us together, and Annie said, “Yes!”

We wanted our wedding to be a warm, intimate affair, where friends and family could come together and truly get to know one another. To help us on our way, Alison Kyle from Destination

Jackson Hole was the obvious choice as a planner. She created a timeline, recommended vendors that fit our budget and priorities, and, most importantly, provided a reassuring presence whenever we needed it.

We felt wildly blessed to have the Tetons as our backdrop, so we kept all our events in Teton Village to be as close to the mountains as possible. We worked with Dom at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to book Solitude Station for our welcome event, complete with a gondola ride, views of the Snake River, and locally inspired cocktails. This lovely kickoff to the weekend was hosted by Annie's mom, Beverly.

Our wedding was held at a private venue near Teton Village, which was perfect for an outdoor ceremony and cozy family-style dinner. We also added our own personal touches. For example, we decided against a traditional cake, opting for a dessert bar complete with gourmet Kit-Kats (which might just be the best dessert we’ve ever tasted!).

Alison connected us with Monica Grimberg at JH Flower Boutique, who somehow translated a few inspirational photos we sent into stunning flower arrangements. We booked DJ Jake Nichols, who brought so much energy and joy to our reception. We asked our guests to choose one song they would like to hear at the reception. Jake seamlessly flowed from Eminem’s “Without Me” into Big &

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: Private venue | WELCOME PARTY LOCATION: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort

OFFICIANT: Jason Von Raesfeld | PHOTOGRAPHER: Janelle Rose Photography | FLORIST: JH Flower Boutique | DJ: Jake Nichols, SteadyJake DJ

CONSULTANT: Alison Kyle, Destination Jackson Hole | DINNER CHEF: Chef Luke Biewick | DESSERT CHEF: Chef Jaclyn Bernard Neumann

RENTAL SERVICE: The White Antler | TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: Mountain Resort Services | STATIONARY DESIGN: minted.com

Rich’s “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” without missing a beat. It was quite the dance party!

Our photographer, Janelle Rose, included a latewinter “engagement session” in her package to help us get comfortable in front of the camera before the big day. Her prompts to elicit a smile and laugh were unforgettable, including asking me to whisper my favorite vegetable into Annie’s ear. It worked almost too well. My choice: zucchini .

On our wedding day, the sun broke through as the ceremony began, and cottonwood seeds drifted through the air. Our dog, Hudson, happily executed his ring-bearing duties with only one minor detour on his walk down the aisle. Our officiant was a longtime friend, Jason Von Raesfeld, who brought a calming and grounding presence to the scene. There were no nerves. Just joy. We hosted our dream wedding surrounded by friends and family, and we are so thankful to everyone who made it happen.

Designed Him

EMILY & AARON

Words by Dr. Emily Devol + Photography by Taylor Glenn

Igrew up in a small town in southeast Ohio, attended college in Charleston, South Carolina, and went to medical school at Ohio Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am a national and international aesthetic medicine and surgery educator and speaker, as well as a breast cancer survivor who uses my speaking platforms to educate and inspire other women to overcome adversity and achieve their highest potential.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was just 28 years old. I received the call the day I was supposed to graduate from medical school. I didn’t attend my graduation ceremony, but instead, had a bilateral mastectomy two weeks after my diagnosis, and then began my residency four weeks later. Today, I am happily cancer-free.

Aaron was originally born and raised in Detroit and grew up in a household of four women (his mom, his aunt, and his two older sisters). Aaron's parents divorced when he was five, making him “the man of the house” at a very young age. In an effort to change his rough circumstances, Aaron dedicated his life to sports. He received a full-ride scholarship to play football at the University of Cincinnati and received his Bachelor of Arts in political science, graduating in three years.

After an exceptional college football career, Aaron went on to play for the Houston Texans, followed by the Chicago Bears, and then started his own private investment real estate company, Time Property Management, LLC, after his NFL career ended.

At the age of 29, Aaron endured a lifechanging event when his mother suddenly passed due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. This experience turned his focus to philanthropy. He began participating in, and later becoming an ambassador for, Out of the Darkness Walks, a flagship fundraising event for the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), which helps educate and destigmatize those suffering from depression, anxiety, and mental illnesses.

I met Aaron in September of 2019 when I applied to rent one of his single-family homes in Columbus, Ohio. I was one of two applications, and, according to Aaron, he just closed his eyes and picked

between the two, as we both had great credit and references.

Three months later, I informed Aaron that my boyfriend (at the time) and I were breaking up, and he needed to break our lease. Then, five months later, I told Aaron that I needed to break the lease, as I was moving to Florida for a job opportunity. During this conversation, I asked him if he would be willing to go on a date with me if I submitted my early move-out payment. He informed me that he does not date his tenants, and I assured him our date would be only after I moved out.

Aaron proposed to me on the seventh anniversary of my cancer diagnosis, on May 6, 2022. We didn’t know exactly what

we wanted for our wedding, so I planned multiple versions that never really panned out, and just ended up causing me a ton of stress. Then, in June of 2023, I asked Aaron what he wanted for his birthday coming up on July 20. He told me he just wanted to marry me. I had opened a new business on June 1 and was incredibly busy and stressed trying to run a new office, so I told him that if that’s what he wanted for his birthday, he would have to do all the planning. And he did! I bought my dress, and he took care of every other detail, including the location, the venue, and all the things that made our day perfect. I didn’t know really what to expect, other than I knew that no one was invited—it was just two of us, an elopement.

We came upon the Jackson location by chance. We knew we wanted a venue in the mountains, and our first trip together was to an Aman resort in the Dominican Republic. It was such a special experience, so we decided to get married at an Aman location. Due to our hectic work schedules, limited availability, and last-minute timing, Jackson Hole was chosen a mere month

before our wedding day. And it just so happened to work out that our first choice of vendors—our photographer, Taylor Glenn, our wedding planner, Alison Kyle, and our makeup artist, Tracey Garcia—were all available on that day.

On the day of our wedding, we ate breakfast together and took a long walk, and then went our separate ways around noon. I remained in the room to get ready where Tanya, my wonderful hair artist, helped me. Aaron retired to the men’s clubhouse to get ready. Then, right before our ceremony began, an enormous moose ran through the Aman property and decided to lounge in the area where our ceremony was supposed to take place, delaying our wedding by an hour.

Aaron hired String Lake Quartet to play our favorite Kanye West songs. (I can’t believe he pulled that off! It was amazing!) Then, once the moose moved on, we recited our vows on a grassy hill overlooking the Tetons. The sky was incredibly clear, and we had a perfect view of the mountains.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

Just be yourself—who you are is good enough.

JULY 30, 2023

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: Amangani | OFFICIANT: Michael Leach | PHOTOGRAPHER: Taylor Glenn

HAIR & MAKEUP: Tanya Crocker (hair), Tracey Garcia (makeup) | CONSULTANT: Alison Kyle, Destination Jackson Hole | MUSICIANS: String Lake Quartet CATERER AND DESSERTS: Amangani TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: Amangani

Having a Field Day

ALEXA & MIKE

For what felt like decades, Lex had been solely focused on two things: selling cameras and establishing a name for herself in the Denver pickleball scene. She had it all—a phenomenal two-handed backhand, a beautiful blue-eyed husky, and an adorable little niece. But in May of 2021, her life would improve in ways she never thought possible.

I had flown to Denver from Jackson a week before my cousin's wedding to spend time with my family. Instead, I found myself at the Irish Rover Pub, in the historic Baker neighborhood of the city, talking to Lex. We discussed international politics and global economics. (Okay, that's not really true.) But we did spend most of our first date debating the foot-to-body ratio of Hobbits and enjoyed every minute of it.

Words by Mike Kachmer + Photography by Sarah Soulseed Photography

A couple weeks later, Lex flew to Jackson for the first time. We kayaked down the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park and embarked on our first of many camping trips together. From that point on, we fell into the rhythm of driving back and forth between Jackson and Denver (for about a year), while Lex slept, and I talked to our two huskies, Kona and Obi. Then, I started traveling more for my job, connecting through Denver. I often found myself skipping my connecting flight home to hang out with Lex.

We started planning a big trip together for January of 2023, and after a few iterations, we finally decided on New Zealand. Lex visited years ago while she was living in Australia, and I had close friends there, so it made for a great opportunity to see them and have Lex show me all her favorite spots. A few months prior to the trip, I decided to propose, and in my mind, the most important element was the surprise. I told no one until the morning of our departure, trusting it would be difficult for anyone to blow my cover from so far away. I continued to play around with the “when and how” through the first part of our journey. But in the end, it was Lex who pretty much set the scene for her own proposal. (Remind you, she had no idea what I was planning.)

A sunset hike up to Roy’s Peak, near Wānaka, was high on her list of mustdos, and it seemed like an incredible location to propose. Lex laid out all the details—we packed a dinner and took off up the trail, timing our summit with a beautiful sunset. I usually take my camera on these trips, so it wasn’t out of the ordinary for me to set up my tripod and get a few shots. However, I wasn’t the one to really capture the moment. When I asked Lex for one last picture and prepared to propose, she attached her GoPro to my camera setup and ended up getting the better shot anyway. She said “yes,” and we began our journey back down in the dark led by the light of the moon and our headlamps.

As the big day approached, we found ourselves mostly stress-free thanks to the incredible support of our wedding planner, Amy Gertsch, who allowed us time to focus on some unique elements for our wedding weekend. Friends and family were coming from all around the country (and the world), so we wanted to do something special to turn many groups of travelers into one single wedding party. We decided that a “field day” event would do just that.

jacksonholewedding.com

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: Open Meadows Ranch, Wilson | OFFICIANT: Kenny Romano (brother of the bride)

PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Eder, Sarah Soulseed Photography | HAIR & MAKEUP: Brian Pacheco (hair), Tanya Croker (makeup)

FLORIST: MD Floral | CONSULTANT: Amy Gertsch | CATERER: Chef Cam Auten | DESSERT CHEF: Milk Bar | DJ: Chris Lewis, Who is Chris Lewis

OTHER SPECIALTY VENDORS: Mountain Top Events (décor), Bar-SIP-Bar (drinks), Nordic Skies (tents)

We strategically organized eight teams, which allowed loved ones from different parts of our lives to get to know one another as they competed for gold in classic events, such as the water balloon toss, the three-legged race, and tug-of-war. By the next day—our wedding day—friends and family were mingling with people they otherwise would have never met, laughing about the games, and making jokes at the expense of the winning team. And yes, some guests even wore their medals to the wedding. The ceremony and reception/dance party went off without a hitch. The weather was incredible. Our dogs miraculously behaved as we exchanged vows. And the flower girls stayed seated in the tiny electric jeep used to transport them down the aisle. (The Bar-Sip-Bar team tested the jeep later that night and confirmed it’s also fun for adults.) Lex and I traveled into the park with our photographer, Sarah Eder, earlier in the week for the bulk of our photos, but Sarah’s eye for the perfect shot continued to pay off on our wedding day, allowing us to enjoy the dance party led by our DJ Chris Lewis.

These days, you can usually find us on the pickleball court (where Lex critiques my backhand, positioning, and overall approach to the game) or in the mountains (where I try to stop Lex from getting too much air). When we’re not outdoors being active, we’re likely planning our next trip (back to Jackson from Denver or elsewhere) or watching holiday romcoms, so feel free to share your recommendations for either when you see us.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

Have as much fun as you can and don’t be afraid to add some humor to your wedding experience. Lex walked down the aisle to “Concerning Hobbits” from “The Lord of the Rings” and our reception kicked off with the “Cantina Band Song” from “Star Wars.” We wanted to entertain our guests and get them in the right mindset, which made for a great party.

Our “Forever Trip”

CAROLINE & CONNOR

Words by Caroline Fentem + Photography by Soar Above Studios Photography & Videography

Connor and I met at work in Washington, D.C. in 2016 and were just friends for the first several years. In 2018, our desks were placed next to each other, and the slow burn began. What started as a crush developed into a magnetic kind of love, and we quickly became one another’s best friend, which made going into work every day a lot more fun.

Connor and I went on countless dates and started to dream big. We wanted to do everything together—from the mundane and simple things to big adventures, such as visiting Jackson Hole in 2019. (Connor grew up spending summer vacations in Jackson, and now his family owns a house near town.) Something about that first trip forever bonded us. We’ll always remember biking home from Dornans with the sun setting behind the mountains, swimming in String Lake, and walking around the roads atop East Gros Ventre Butte. Jackson, and during that trip in particular, was where we really fell in love with each other.

Connor and I made several more summer and winter excursions

to Jackson. Then, in February of 2020, we snowshoed above Taggert Lake to an open snowy field with a perfect view of the Grand. Backstory: During our first winter trip, we snowshoed this same route. When we came upon the field with untouched snow, we laid down in the middle of it to enjoy a perfect view of the Tetons. We talked, sat in silence, and took in the stillness. This was Connor’s favorite memory from 2019. So, it made sense that he chose this place to ask me a very important question. It was a remarkable spot for the perfect moment and a quick “yes.”

Getting married in Jackson was the obvious choice for us, given our history. Plus, it was a great excuse for our friends and family to come see our favorite place.

Our wedding theme was inspired mostly by my Southwestern roots. I was born in New Mexico and grew up with a deep love of turquoise. We chose teal and rust for our main colors, which blended nicely with the fall foliage. Our florist, Joni Hepworth of Plush Floral, captured our vision perfectly. She made our reception tent look like something out of a dream, complete with fresh

smilax draped across the tent ceiling and intertwined in greenery-covered chandeliers. Teal taper candles were set on every table alongside gold antique vases. Becky Cunningham, from Nesting Project Paper, used a Teton mountainscape rendition for all our paper invitations, signs, and menus to tie in the mountain theme.

Our wedding planning was easy and stress-free. We were lucky to have a wonderful wedding planner, Emily Claassen with Event Planners of Jackson Hole. She and her team made the entire process so enjoyable. Emily patiently answered my many questions about everything from layouts and seating charts to the smallest of details, all without me ever stepping foot in the venues myself. For me, it was fun designing the details of our wedding and bringing my vision to life. However, I could not have done it without her help.

Our wedding day was magical. The weather was clear and sunny, a perfect 75 F. Connor’s uncle officiated the ceremony and kept things light, while also honoring the holy commitment being made that day. The cocktail hour was abuzz with delicious drinks and hors d'oeuvres under our stunning reception tent. Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club served an incredible menu—short ribs, salmon, and a mushroom risotto. (It was so delicious that Connor and I went back a week later to celebrate one week of marriage with more short ribs from JHGT.) The toasts were sentimental and heartwarming. And the dance floor was lively the entire night. Our DJ knew exactly how to get the party started. We passed around light-up teal cowboy hats and glow sticks for everyone, while Connor and I sported white and brown sequined hats. Samuel from Wyoming Stargazing set up his extralarge telescope on the lawn for our guests to admire Saturn and the Andromeda galaxy. Samuel graciously accommodated us very last minute—our guests loved this experience! Those who weren’t fond of dancing hung out by the telescope all night, viewing the night sky in Jackson—one of the most beautiful places on earth!

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club | OFFICIANT: Chris Malone (groom's uncle)

HAIR & MAKEUP: Teton Valley Beauty (welcome dinner), Tanya Croker (wedding day) | PHOTOGRAPHER: Soar Above Studios Photography & Videography

FLORIST: Plush Floral | CONSULTANT: Emily Claassen, Event Planners of Jackson Hole | DJ: Tyler Brooks, A&B Productions | CATERER: North Grille, Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club | DESERT CHEF: Paisley Cakes | RENTAL SERVICE: Canvas Unlimited (tables, chairs, charger plates), Range by XOWYO (antique gold water goblets and head table dinnerware) | TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: Mountain Resort Services, UVC Transportation, Split Creek Ranch's antique El Dorado getaway car

STATIONARY DESIGN: Nesting Project Paper | OTHER SPECIALTY VENDORS: Jenny Lake Boating (welcome day event), BJ Reed (line dancing instructor for welcome dinner), Wyoming Stargazing (stargazing), Akop Manoukian (reception tent lighting), After the Beep (audio guestbook)

We left our reception in Split Creek Ranch’s antique El Dorado (a classic green car with a pair of Longhorn antlers attached to the front grill) and headed to the Cowboy Bar in town to cap off a night that we truly did not want to end.

It was clear from the beginning that God entrusted us to one another. There was always this pull to each other. The vows we shared on September 16, 2023, in Jackson have forever changed the course of our lives—two became one. Jackson is a “forever trip” for us now, no matter where we may live in the future. The area will always be part of our lives and our future, as we carry with us the magic we felt that day, the love, the support, and the pure joy.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

If you have a specific vision in mind for decor, flowers, or photos, be direct and honest with your preferences from the beginning! Your vendors want nothing more than to bring your dream to life— and they’re good at it! Also, order the light-up cowboy hats for the dance floor. You won’t regret it and your guests will love you for it.

Photo Credit: Erin Northcutt

No Need for Frills

AUDRA & JEREMY

Words by Audra Manzer + Photography by Sarah Soulseed Photography

Our story is a lot like any other typical Jackson love story. We met at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort while I was working as a photographer. Jeremy had graduated from college and moved to Jackson "just for the winter." On the day we met in late November 2016, it felt like minus 18 F outside, and I can safely say I've never been more thankful for a Wyoming windchill. If not for the cold temps, there would have been no excuse to ask the new Teewinot lift operator if I could step inside the lift shack to warm up.

We were fast friends, and naturally, as winter turned to spring, there was no question whether Jeremy would move back to Massachusetts, just south of Boston, where he grew up. He was staying in Jackson, and we were about to spend every season we could together. For the next six and a half years, Jeremy and I bonded over our shared love of the outdoors—skiing and snowboarding, and hiking and backpacking into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park and the Wind River Range. On our annual backpacking trip to Green River Lakes in 2021, Jeremy proposed at the base of Squaretop Mountain, our favorite place in the world.

There was never a doubt we would host our wedding in Jackson. It was the town where we set down our roots. While researching venues, my coworker mentioned McReynold's Blacktail Cabins at the base of Blacktail Butte. This rental property was not listed on any wedding sites, but I found the website and was immediately convinced that this was our special place. We met the owners, Amy and Lyle, who gave us a brief tour of the property. A huge weight lifted off our shoulders as we realized we could host the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, and the reception onsite, (and with Teton Views!), while also using the property’s gorgeous cabins as a place to get ready, and for lodging. Additionally, the venue limits the property to two weddings a year, making it an even more exceptional setting.

Two years of planning went by in a flash, and before we knew it, we were saying “I do” surrounded by family and

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

There are so many ways to save money on your wedding. Except for my bouquet and the “welcome” sign, all the florals we used were artificial. (Shh, don’t tell anyone.) This came in handy, as our flowers could be designed and arranged in the weeks leading up to the wedding, as opposed to the day before. Also, we used many decor items we already owned, such as plant stands, pots, shelves, and lighting. Instead of worrying about everything being "on theme," we instead chose details that represented our lifestyle. Our mindset was: If someone shows up to a destination wedding in the Tetons and they have something to say about fake flowers, then that's on them!

friends with the Grand as our backdrop. Our wedding day was smooth and virtually stress-free. We got ready in the cabins with our closest friends, but we did not have an official wedding party. I did my own hair and makeup to save on costs, time, and stress. After a first look with my dad, and then again with Jeremy, it was time to walk down the aisle.

First, my parents walked down the aisle together; next, Jeremy escorted his mother to her seat. I chose to walk by myself to the instrumental version of “Once Upon a Time,” the theme of our favorite movie, “The Princess Bride.” We were married by our dear friend Kase Paul, who has, quite literally, been there for us since day one.

(He was the one who told me to give Jeremy a chance at a first date.) Our ceremony was short and sweet—filled with both laughter and tears.

Then came our favorite part. The cocktail hour and reception started off with signature drinks served from Wild Wagon Saloon’s adorable trailer. Leif Routman and Taylor Upton of Whiskey Mornin’ played music during cocktail hour to get the party started. And then came the food—everything from burgers to nachos to Philly cheesesteak tacos, topped off with a DIY candy and macaron bar for the dessert table.

Local postcards and stamps were provided for guests to write and send to whomever they chose. The guest book

was more of a "guess who" trivia card, where guests filled in clues about themselves and then wrote their name on the back so that Jeremy and I could quiz each other afterwards. Once Joe Rudd set up his DJ booth, the real dancing began, complete with props, such as bubbles and ribbon wands, a last-minute decision, and a huge hit.

Our wedding day was truly more than I could have ever imagined! Every detail—from the driftwood we used for centerpieces to the food served and the music we picked—felt very much like us. As two very laid-back people, we wanted everything about our wedding to be easy and relaxed. And we have our incredible vendors to thank for it.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: McReynold's Blacktail Cabins | OFFICIANT: Kase Paul | PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Eder, Sarah Soulseed Photography

CONSULTANT: Sara Deutsch | MUSICIAN/DJ: Taylor Upton and Leif Routman (cocktail hour), Joe Rudd (reception) | CATERER: Buffalo Bills Food Truck

RENTAL SERVICE: Jackson Hole Event Rentals | TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: Mountain Resort Services | OTHER SPECIALTY VENDORS: Wild Wagon Saloon

Hikes, Sunsets ... and Noxious Weeds

JACKIE & DAVE

Words

by Jackie McCartney + Photography by Samantha Drew Photography

It was a typical hot Kansas evening in July 2022. I had just returned home from a solo backpacking trip with my pups. Then, I posted about my latest adventure on social media, while sitting comfortably in my air-conditioned home.

Ding! Hmm, a message from Dave.

I thought to myself, THE DAVE BOX—the man, the myth, the legend! Dave is well-known in the ultra-running community, well, as “well known” as you can get in such a small community. I thought very highly of him through the world of social media and from his famous FlatRock 101K Ultra Trail Race win in 2017. (Dubbed

“FloodRock.” Seriously. Google it.) Dave and I were social media friends when I received this message, but I hadn’t met him in person, other than when he flew past me during races.

Dave wins 100-mile races. (Yes, I know … you don’t even like to drive that far.) He’s legit. Meanwhile, I’m a solid “middle of the packer” that cracks lame, mostly inappropriate jokes with random strangers to make the time, and pain, go away during the long races.

Anyway, I scrolled through his previous messages and thought, Oh, I think he’s been trying to get my attention.

Dave is a private person, so rather than commenting on posts, he

would send me a message instead. This time, Dave informed me that my latest adventure was basically in his backyard and asked if we could hike there together sometime. After that, we started texting (aka flirting) and talking daily. However, there was one small issue—we live three hours apart. Dave lives in rural Coffeyville, Kansas, in a log cabin on a hidden lake oasis, one to two miles from the Oklahoma and Kansas border, and I live in Holton, Kansas, about 35 miles from the Nebraska and Kansas border.

Nearly a month after that first message, we met halfway between our homes at Eisenhower State Park near Lyndon, Kansas, and spent hours talking, walking, and eating a meal that Dave skillfully prepared. As we parted ways, we hugged, he kissed the top of my head (umm, awkward), and shortly after, I watched him speed off.

That went well, I thought to myself.

As Dave drove away, I knew I would love him. In what capacity, I wasn’t sure, but it didn’t take long to figure it out. We have talked every single day after that first date, and in less than three months’ time, we amassed many adventures in six states (and counting).

Our love grew quickly over the next few months, especially when I found out Dave has nine—yes, nine!—cats. (Fun fact: Dave is allergic to cats.) We saw each other once or twice a month, which usually included me packing up my pups and hitting the road to visit Dave’s shanty in the woods. Each visit was a new adventure, and we were both able to maintain our crazy individual schedules. Over the holidays, while curled up by the fireplace in Dave’s cabin, we finally decided to take that hike mentioned in the message that started our relationship. It was a chilly New Year’s morning, so we bundled up, and headed out to Elk City Lake. We hiked a couple miles in the dark to an overlook. Foggy. Great, I thought to myself. We won’t see a decent sunrise.

We were collecting firewood, and a few minutes later I heard music.

“Dance with me,” Dave exclaimed, and on came one of my favorite songs, “To Make You Feel My Love” by Bob Dylan.

We began to dance, and as the song ended, Dave knelt on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. Dave planned the entire proposal, picked the ring—everything! Looking back at the video (Yes, he even recorded it!), we realized the Lord blessed that very moment for us with a gorgeous pink and purple sky that words cannot accurately describe.

We quickly (that same day, actually) decided to marry in a location that neither of us had been to. We wanted to celebrate our love for the outdoors, with no pressure, no theme, and no expectations. While there was some planning involved, everything was fluid, and nothing was rigid. We decided the only thing we required was hiking boots.

All the details fell into place. We quickly settled on Grand Teton National Park, and less than nine months later, we recited our vows under The Wedding Tree in the BridgerTeton National Forest on September 30, 2023. The weather was forecast to be rainy and cold, however, the day turned out to be beautiful!

The sky was blue, the temperatures were perfect, and the clouds were puffy and white. Our special day started with a chilly first look at sunrise, complete with a gorgeous reflection of the moon in the still water at Schwabacher Landing. Afterward, we hit the road to hold our ceremony at The Wedding Tree. We spent the rest of the day exploring the park in our wedding attire. Then, we enjoyed pizza in Jackson, hiked the TaggartBradley Lake Loop, hung out in our rooftop tent, and played in the cool lake water. We ended our day enjoying the blue hour at the summit of Signal Mountain. One of the most exciting moments was coming across a mother moose and her calf while hiking. What an incredible experience for us Flatlanders!

Our wedding adventure marked the longest stretch of time we (to date) have been physically together, as Dave and I continue to live three hours apart. Upon returning home, we assumed our normal, independent lives, and eagerly look forward to many more adventures, and eventually, the day when we begin our own adventure together—full-time.

Our wedding ring photo, with the bull thistle in the background, is a nod to my grandpa who hated thistle, since it is a noxious weed in Kansas. Every time I see it, I try to take a picture because it is, indeed, beautiful, and always reminds me of my grandpa. I can hear him laughing at that picture of our rings with a disgusting weed.

Nothing Short Misfire of a

SUZANNE

& JOEL

Words by Joel Langham + Photography by Madison Webb

Suzanne and I met after I returned from my deployment to Desert Storm for the United States Marine Corps in 1991. We had a magnetic connection at first sight. (In fact, both of us can recall exactly what the other was wearing and the specific things we said that night at the party at her parents’ house.) Neither of us acted on that attraction, however, and we remained family friends for the next 25 years.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Suzanne and I reconnected during a birthday party for my future

mother-in-law and learned of our mutual attraction for each other. We also learned that we both thought the other was unattainable. However, we immediately found out that we were each other’s “dream partner,” and that it truly was love at first sight many years ago. At the start of our relationship, Suzanne and I traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Pacific. Then, a fall trip to Yellowstone included a visit to my aunt and uncle's ranch on the Hoback River in Jackson Hole. We instantly knew we would marry there and eventually call Wyoming home. The pristine environment, the

majestic wildlife, the private airport, the immense solitude, and the overall ambience of the Teton region was, once again, a loveat-first-sight experience.

Suzanne and I got engaged during a private dog-sled tour at the base of the snow-covered Tetons and with the help of the amazing staff at Call of the Wyld Tours. The dog-sled outing was supposed to be a surprise—something different. I told her we were just going to look for wildlife. It was snowing very hard that day, and my aunt and uncle (who knew what was going on) gave us very nice down and fur coats to wear. I think Suzanne suspected something.

On the tour, I did the typical one-knee proposal and gave a customized speech. She accepted, our tour guide congratulated us, then he took our picture. After the tour, I had roses waiting

inside the vehicle, sitting on Suzanne’s seat.

The outing was followed by a memorable dinner at the Westbank Grille at the Four Seasons in Teton Village, where we watched the snow fall as Suzanne admired her new emerald-cut engagement ring designed by Genesis Diamonds in our hometown of Nashville. The temperature was falling, Rendezvous Peak emerged intermittently from the clouds, and it was a very cold and magical March evening.

We chose The Spotted Horse Ranch, located on the banks of the Hoback River, as the location for our early spring ceremony due to its natural beauty. Plus, the owner and family friend, Sam Blount, was also a former Marine. Our micro-wedding was attended by both of our mothers, my aunt and uncle, and my cousin and his fiancé (she caught the bouquet). Our ceremony followed a Scottish

jacksonholewedding.com

theme due to our common ancestral roots and family ties to the Scottish Highlands. To make the ceremony special, we solicited my uncle David Clay Prescott, a Scottish Lord, Wyoming resident, and former Marine, to officiate. David obtained his Credentials of Ministry certification just in time for our ceremony. (David is 83 and usually refuses any kind of tests, questions, and prerequisites, so this was kind of a stretch for him.)

During the exchange of vows, I read a poem I wrote for Suzanne about two years before we got married. Everyone really enjoyed it, as it made them all think I was more romantic than I actually am. Each of the four women in attendance also recited a Scottish poem. The ceremony concluded with Uncle David declaring us married. He proceeded to fire his 1900 Deringer pistol to announce the new couple to the State of Wyoming, but the rounds had to be custom made, and it was very difficult to cock and fire. Subsequently, everyone laughed and said two Marines shouldn’t have such difficulty with a pistol.

We toasted our marriage at the Spotted Horse Ranch bar, and then headed over to the Lazy Owl Ranch, the home of David and Gerri Prescott, located just down the road on the Hoback River, for a cake cutting and additional toasts.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

Use due diligence in the selection of your wedding photographer. The knowledge and skill of this chosen individual will determine and capture moments that will last a lifetime. Your photographer will also tie in all the loose ends and can be a crucial source of valuable information, including date, time, location, and logistics. So, pick your photographer first, and then include their input in all your wedding-planning decisions.

The amazing views and backdrop that surrounded the Lazy Owl Ranch provided the perfect opportunity for pictures with Gerri and David’s vintage Land Rover Defender. Since the bride's mother was staying at The Cloudveil, we took additional pictures inside and outside of the hotel property overlooking Snow King Mountain, and then around the famous Jackson Hole Town Square, making for a truly memorable experience.

Suzanne and I concluded our special day with a reception meal at The Bistro in Jackson—with both of our mothers and my aunt and uncle—featuring

bison tenderloin, cipollini onions, English peas, wild mushrooms, and horseradish whipped potatoes with a huckleberry bordelaise and champagne toast. The Bistro patrons clapped for us when we entered the restaurant, and everyone joined in on the toast with our party.

Our lives haven’t changed much since our wedding. We still live in Manchester, Tennessee, and continue to be best friends. We make many trips to Jackson Hole and have very similar dreams—namely to someday be full-time Wyoming residents (and to curb Suzanne’s unbelievable obsession with Persephone Bakery).

APRIL 8, 2023

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: Spotted Horse Ranch | WELCOME PARTY LOCATION: Lazy Owl Ranch

OFFICIANT: Minister David Clay Prescott (uncle) | PHOTOGRAPHER: Madison Webb | HAIR & MAKEUP: Olivia Black, Champu Salon

FLORIST: Lily and Co. | CONSULTANT: Gerri Prescott (aunt) | MUSIC: Judd Grossman | CATERER: The Bistro at The Cloudveil

DESSERTS: Lauren Estay Langer, Seven Confections | RENTAL SERVICE: Menguin (tuxedos) | TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: 1990 Land Rover Defender

STATIONARY DESIGN: Zazzle | WEDDING DRESS: Milla Nova Royal Collection 2022

jacksonholewedding.com

Under the Chuppah …

SAMARA & JOHNNY

Words by Samara Flug McCarthy + Photography by Sarah Averill

One night my sister came home from a party and said, “Samara, I’ve got a guy for you.”

Johnny had been living in Jackson for more than 10 years, working as a brewer at Snake River Brewing, when he met my sister. I had just arrived in town. A few weeks later, Johnny planned our first date—a hike up the Wildflower Trail at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. We agreed that he would bring the beer and I would bring the snacks. We shared Johnny’s beer and my homemade soft pretzels at the top of the hike and talked for hours. After a sunset gondola ride down, our date ended with a first kiss in the dirt parking lot, where all great Jackson dates typically start and end. Since then, we’ve shared countless mountain bike rides, family weekends and holidays, road trips, cooking nights, new nieces and nephews, and dozens of cookies.

Just over a year after our first date, in July of 2022, Johnny planned a camping weekend in the Gros Ventre. At golden hour, just before sunset, he got

down on one knee and asked me to marry him. A million “yeses” later, we celebrated under the stars with a bottle of scotch and homemade cookies.

Next came the wedding planning.

Johnny and I wanted our wedding weekend to have a warm, fun, and elevated feel, complete with lots of personal details and opportunities to bring our families together. My family and I are Jewish, and we agreed from the get-go that we both wanted to have a Jewish wedding while still including both of our families.

We started the weekend with an intimate rehearsal dinner on Friday for just our family and the wedding party. Johnny’s mother created centerpieces using flowers from Canewater Farm in Victor, Idaho, and driftwood from the James River in Virginia, brought to Jackson by Johnny’s family. After speeches given by members of our family, we enjoyed a welcome party with all our guests at the Mangy Moose, complete with sloshies, toasts from our mothers, and an incredible classic rock set from local band Sister Karee and the Other Brothers.

Johnny and I began our wedding day together in our happy place—on an early morning mountain bike ride, just the two of us. After getting ready with our wedding party and family, we had our first look by the creek in my parent’s backyard in Wilson (the wedding site) where Johnny was fishing Fall Creek and waiting to see me in my wedding dress. The rosette floral lace of my dress inspired so many wedding details, including our invitations and decor. To go with my dress, I wore my late grandmother's pearl earrings and the bracelet she wore to my parent’s wedding, making me feel like she was there with me that day. Our chuppah (a traditional Jewish wedding canopy) and Johnny’s boutonniere included fresh hops to represent Johnny’s craft of brewing, and we had kippot (or yamakas, a male head covering) adorned with embroidered rainbow trout for the groomsmen, as a nod to Johnny’s love of fishing.

Our ceremony was held by the pond outside my parent’s home, led by Josh Kleyman of the Jackson Hole Jewish Community, and featuring string versions of George Harrison and Grateful Dead songs. We included several Jewish traditions in our ceremony.

First, we held a ketubah-signing ceremony with our family and wedding party surrounding us. The ketubah is a Jewish marriage contract often signed prior to the ceremony by the couple, a rabbi, and two witnesses.

Next, we circled each other seven times, as described in our ceremony program: Under the Chuppah, Samara will circle John three times, John will circle Samara three times, and we will complete one circle together. Our seven turns around each other parallel the seven days of creation and reflect the new world we will create together as wife and husband, equals in our partnership.

Then, Josh read aloud seven blessings. We adapted the literal translation of the seven blessings to a modern interpretation that felt relevant to us—blessing the wine we shared, our love, our life, nature, our ancestors, friendship, and the present moment.

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

Make your wedding feel like you! It sounds obvious, but it's easy to get wrapped up in what you feel like you should do. We tried to give all our vendors a sense of who we are, what we really cared about, and how we wanted every aspect of the wedding to feel—warm, elevated, communal, and meaningful—both for us and for our guests. Then, we kept coming back to our priorities throughout the process, making the decisions easier.

Johnny brewed a special beer for our wedding, blending two of our favorite styles to make a summery hefeweizenpale ale. The cans, complete with a custom floral label and Teton-inspired koozies, greeted our guests at cocktail hour. The names of our specialty cocktails, “The Wildflower” and “The Golden Hour,” were also inspired by our first date and engagement. There was also a soft pretzel and beer pairing station as an homage to our first date.

We entered the reception to our first dance, with Johnny nailing an epic dip at the end! After a father-daughter, mother-son, and family dance with our siblings and cousins, the party got into full swing with a lively 200-person hora (a traditional Jewish wedding dance). We then sat down for toasts and a Mediterranean-inspired dinner of roasted chicken, figs and olives, falafel, saffron jeweled rice, and Vertical Harvest greens (from my place of work). We were blown away by memorable speeches from my father and our siblings, along with a celebration of my grandfather's 88th birthday.

We spent the rest of the night on the dance floor and surrounding the cookie and dessert table, a nod to the cookie-table wedding tradition from Pittsburgh, where Johnny grew up. Then, Johnny and I wrapped up our celebration by dancing to “Rain King” by the Counting Crows and feeling all of the love, surrounded by our family and friends.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION: Flug family home in Wilson, Wyoming | WELCOME PARTY LOCATION: The Mangy Moose

OFFICIANT: Josh Kleyman (Jackson Hole Jewish Community) | PHOTOGRAPHER: Sarah Averill | HAIR & MAKEUP: Tanya Crocker | FLORIST: Historia Florals

CONSULTANT: Elizabeth Kelleher, In Any Event | MUSIC: Sister Karee and the Other Brothers (welcome party) Richard Brown 4-Piece String Quartet (ceremony) Traffic Jamm by De Bois Entertainment (reception) | CATERER AND DESSERTS: Genevieve Catering | RENTAL SERVICE: Canvas Unlimited

TRANSPORTATION SERVICE: Valley Valet | STATIONARY DESIGN: Vibrant Events of Jackson Hole and Bespoke Branding Co.

OTHER SPECIALTY VENDORS: Monique Lhuillier (dress), Moonstone Pictures (video), Vertical Harvest Farms (produce), Canewater Farm (flowers), and Snake River Brewing Co. (reception beer)

jacksonholewedding.com

The 90-Day Wedding

OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A WEDDING ON THE FLY

IWords by Britney Magleby

t’s a rainy day in Jackson. Clouds settle around the Tetons in wispy patterns like cotton sheets—billowing, and then cascading to the ground. The mist casts Grand Teton National Park in an unusual light, and the air feels heavier than normal, but not nearly as heavy as the little box in Jason’s pocket. The tips of mountains peek out from behind their covers, watching as he sinks to one knee.

Ninety-seven days later, this scene is reversed as Jason watches the Tetons disappear through the window of the plane. He spins his wedding band in mindless circles on his ring finger, still getting used to the feel. On the way to their honeymoon in Europe, he leans into his new wife, Carly, and whispers, “Best three months of my life.” Engaged, married, and honeymooning—90 days from start to finish.

As they recall the timeline now, the couple is equally adamant that they wouldn’t change a thing. “It was perfect,” they say, almost simultaneously. Proof that a short engagement doesn’t have to come with unwanted sacrifices. With the right help, anything is possible, even planning a Jackson Hole dream wedding in 90 days.

Diana Edlinger Studios

Hannah Hardaway

90 DAYS OUT …

Decide on your must-haves. When you dream about your wedding, what do you see? Start there. Perhaps you’ve always pictured getting married in the mountains, and an outdoor venue is nonnegotiable for you. Or it could be the faces in the crowd that you can’t bear to be without, meaning invitations need to go out immediately. Task number one is to nail down your absolute musthaves. Once your non-negotiables are in place, everything else will feel less pressing.

60 DAYS OUT …

Be flexible. By this point, you’ve heard the word “no” more than a handful of times. Or even worse, the dreaded, “We’re already booked.” Adapt your plans where you can, but stick to your non-negotiables.

“Be flexible on dates. Be flexible on the day of the week. Be flexible on the time of the day,” advises Kendall. “Late afternoon and evening in Jackson can be the most beautiful time of day,” she adds.

In addition, don’t take rejection personally. The words “we can’t” aren’t a personal attack. They’re guidance, leading you to a more perfect outcome. And remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is always “no.”

80 DAYS OUT …

Pick your vendors. Since you’re already getting a late start by typical wedding-planning standards, it helps to move quickly. Get ahead by selecting vendors with similar ideology and planning styles to your own.

“We know the area and the industry so well,” says Julie Kendall, owner of Edge Wyld, which specializes in outdoor gatherings and elevated picnics in the Jackson area.

Selecting local planners and vendors allows you access to their extensive networks and resources. In some cases, hiring a local company can even open the door to exclusive locations and one-of-akind experiences. Kendall and her team have catered weddings and elopements in remote locations, such as Split Creek Ranch, an option that would be nearly impossible to pull off without a professional caterer with insider knowledge.

Madison Webb

JCM Photography

Eastlyn and Joshua Photography

40 DAYS OUT …

Call in some favors. Put aside your pride and ask for advice and help. Start with family and friends—you’ll be surprised how eager they are to be involved. A friend who likes to bake can replace a formal wedding cake with an eclectic dessert table. A college roommate can pick up the flowers when the florist says she’ll make the arrangements but can’t drop them off. And the guitar player at your church might be honored to play background music during your happy hour. In the end, all these little favors will lend character and personality to your big day. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your vendors for a little extra help. It may come with an upcharge, but it’s well worth your peace of mind.

Eastlyn and Joshua Photography

Erin Wheat

20 DAYS OUT …

Put a bow on the details. Get with your planner, or coordinator, and walk through the day from start to finish. What still needs to be purchased to ensure your vision matches the reality?

And before buying online, try to shop local. Everything you need can be found, more sustainably, right here in the Tetons. McPhee Designs carefully curates gift baskets—using local goods—for incoming family and the wedding party. Belle Cose’s Final Call Sale offers one-of-a-kind decor of higher quality and better taste than anything found online (and for a reasonable price).

10 DAYS OUT …

Take a “no planning day.” It’s like a sick day, but better. Put an “out-of-office” message on your wedding email, grab your partner, and do something you love that has nothing to do with wedding planning. For bonus points, choose an activity without cell service! Snow King Resort’s Grand View Spa provides a relaxing immersive experience that will force out 80 days of built-up tension.

If you prefer to be outdoors, drive into Grand Teton National Park and visit Turpin Meadow Ranch for hiking in the summer, or crosscountry skiing in the winter, followed by dinner and drinks at the lodge. Then, return to reality, only after you feel more connected to your soonto-be-spouse and remember the reasons you couldn’t wait to say, “I do.” It’ll all be there when you get back. Promise!

Hannah Hardaway

Taylor Glenn

Love and Story Studio

1 DAY OUT …

Trust the process. Trust your vendors. Trust yourself. Tomorrow will be perfect, even in the imperfections! Today is for being in the moment and reveling in love. Spend extra time with the members of your wedding party at the rehearsal dinner and take however long you need with your parents and future in-laws. Or hire a local wellness pro the night before the wedding. An IV from House Call Hydration or bodywork from one of the practitioners at Medicine Wheel Wellness allows you self-care from the comfort of your house or hotel.

WEDDING DAY.

It’s the day you’ve anxiously awaited since your best friend proposed just 12 weeks earlier! You chose a short engagement because you couldn’t wait to marry the love of your life. Enjoy it and celebrate your love! Because when you look back, you’ll realize 90 days never passed by so quickly.

Taylor Glenn

Diana Edlinger Studios

Samantha Drew

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

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

THE LODGE AT 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

ACTIVITIES

ASTORIA PARK CONSERVANCY - HOT SPRINGS PARK 307.216.3075 | Jackson, WY astoriahotspringspark.org events@astoriapark.org @astoriahotspringsandpark

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

AUDIOVISUAL, VIDEOGRAPHY

HOMEGROWN VISUALS 303.842.6030 homegrownjh.com homegrownvisualsjh@gmail.com @homegrownjh

MOUNTAIN MEDIA 307.699.0300 jacksonholeweddingvideo.com info@jacksonholeweddingvideo.com @mtnmediaweddings

PEARL STONE STUDIOS 307.699.2874 pearlstonestudios.com film.by.kayla@gmail.com @pearlstone.studios

BARTENDERS + SPIRITS

BAR SIP BAR 307.413.3547 barsipbar.com

barsipbar@gmail.com @barsipbar

THE LIQUOR STORE OF JACKSON HOLE 307.733.4466 events@wineliqourbeer.com @theliquorstoreofjacksonhole

CATERING + DINING BIN22 307.739.9463 bin22jacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @bin22jh

BISTRO CATERING 307.739.4682 bistrocateringjacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com

BUFFALO BILLS FOOD TRUCK 307.690.5089 wyobuffalobills.com michaeljbills1@gmail.com @wyo_buffalobills

CODE RED 307.249.3015 coderedtacos.com

jen@jhfinedining.com @coderedjacksonhole

GLORIETTA TRATTORIA 307.733.3888 gloriettajackson.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @gloriettajackson

IL VILLAGGIO OSTERIA 307.739.4100

jhosteria.com

jen@jhfinedining.com @jhosteria

MELVIN TAPROOM & KITCHEN 307.654.0427

melvinbrewing.com

jen@jhfinedining.com @melvintaproomkitchen

MILLION DOLLAR COWBOY BAR 307.733.2207

cowboybarjh.com

jane.sturlin@cowboybarjh.com @milliondollarcowboybar

PALATE 307.413.2744

palatejh.com

info@palatejh.com @palatejacksonhole

NORA'S HOMESTYLE KITCHEN AND BAR 307.733.7662

norasfishcreekinn.com

noras@noraswilson.com @norasfishcreekinn

PINKY G'S PIZZERIA AND FOOD TRUCK 307.734.7465

pinkygs.com

pinkygs@gmail.com @pinkygsjh

PROVISIONS 307.690.7014

provisionsjh.com

info@provisionsjh.com @provisionsjh

Karissa Akin

Madison Webb

Erin Wheat

Love and Story Studio

Samantha Drew

Jenny Losee Photography

ROADHOUSE PUB & EATERY 307.739.0700

roadhousebrewery.com jen@jhfinedining.com @roadhousebeer

THE BISTRO 307.739.1100

thebistrojacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @thebistrojacksonhole

THE KITCHEN

307.734.1633

thekitchenjacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @jhkitchen

THE WORT HOTEL

307.733.2190

worthotel.com

weddings@worthotel.com @worthotel

TINY TOWN CULINARY 208.201.5356

tinytownculinary.com tinytownculinary@gmail.com @tinytownculinary

CONSULTANTS + EVENT PLANNERS

DESTINATION JACKSON HOLE

307.734.5007

destinationjacksonhole.com alison@destinationjacksonhole.com @destinationjacksonhole

EVENT PLANNERS OF JACKSON HOLE 307.699.5253

eventplannersofjh.com eventplannersofjh@gmail.com @eventplannersofjh

PK ASSISTANCE

307.690.2437 patricekangas@gmail.com

SARA JUDITH EVENTS

412.418.1091

sarajudith.com hello@sarajudith.com @sarajudithevents

VIBRANT EVENTS

248.770.4226

vibranteventsjh.com info@vibranteventsjh.com @vibranteventsjh

WILD ROSE WEDDINGS

307.699.4901

WildRoseJH.com

Hello@WildRoseJH.com @wildrosejh

EVENT RENTALS

JH POSH POTTY 307.690.3018 jhluxuryrestroomtrailer.com poshpotty@outlook.com @jhposhpotty

FLORISTS

BRIAR ROSE 307.690.6846 briarroseflowers.com briarrose@onewest.net

MD NURSERY FLORAL 208.354.8816 mdlandscaping.com/floral flowers@mdnursery.com @mdfloraldept

TETON VALLEY GARDENS 208.530.0698 tetonvalleygardens.com marianne@tetonvalleygardens.com @tetonvalleygardens

WILDERNESS FLOWER COMPANY 307.455.404

wildernessflowercompany.com wildernessflowercompany@ gmail.com

@wildernessflowercompany

GIFTS

FOUR SEASONS RESORT GIFT SHOP 307.733.2640 bellecose.com sales@bellecose.com @bellecosejacksonhole

JACKSON HOLE GIFT BASKETS 307.200.6453 jacksonholegiftbaskets.com events@jhmarketplace.com @jacksonholegiftbaskets

GOWN PRESERVATION

BLUE SPRUCE CLEANERS 307.734.0424 bluesprucecleaners.com mary@bscgreen.com

HAIR STYLISTS

BEAUTY BY MOLLIE O 307.699.0461 molliewetzel.com molliewetzel@gmail.com @mollio_hairstylist

JEWELRY

FOUR SEASONS RESORT GIFT SHOP 307.733.2640 bellecose.com sales@bellecose.com @bellecosejacksonhole

JACKSON HOLE JEWELRY CO. 307.201.1722 jacksonholejewelry.com inquire@jacksonholejewelry.com @jacksonholejewelry

MAKEUP

TRACEY GARCIA MAKEUP ARTIST 703.899.1491 traceygarciamua@gmail.com @traceygarciamua

MUSIC

BACKSTREET ORKESTRA 208.201.1019 jhpartyband.com jhpartyband@gmail.com @JHBackstreetOrkestra

ISAAC HAYDEN MUSIC 307.690.9850 isaachaydenmusic.com isaachaydenmusic@gmail.com @haydenisaac

STEADYJAKE DJ 307.413.1488

steadyjake.com steadyjake@gmail.com facebook.com/steadyjakedj

UTAH LIVE BANDS 800.447.2576 utahlivebands.com @utahlivebands

PHOTO BOOTH

JACKSON HOLE PHOTO BOOTH 307.413.7540

jacksonholephotobooth.com studio@trgphoto.com

TOAST OF THE TOWN

TETON SKYE PHOTO BOOTH 972.955.5036

tetonskyepb.com

hello@tetonskyepb.com @tetonskyephotobooth

PHOTOGRAPHERS

CAT CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY 770.378.7048

catcampbellphotography.com cat.the.campbell@gmail.com @catcampbellofficial

ELISE STERCK PHOTOGRAPHY elisesterck.com

elisesterck@outlook.com @roundtheworldgirl

IMAGEWELL 307.690.8120

theimagewell.com photo@theimagewell.com @imagewellphoto

JACKSON HOLE PHOTOBOOTH 307.413.7540

jacksonholephotobooth.com studio@trgphoto.com

JCM PHOTOGRAPHY 307.231.0091

jacksonholephotographers.com info@jacksonholephotographers @jcmphotographyjacksonhole

KINSEY SKYE PHOTOGRAPHY 972.955.5036

kinseyskye.com kinsey@kinseyskye.com

MICHELLE ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.272.1830

michelleerwin.com

michelleleeerwin@gmail.com @michelleerwinphotography

TAYLOR GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.413.7540

trgphoto.com taylor@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.studio

Hannah Hardaway

Kristin Halsey

Taylor Glenn

THE DETAILS | RESOURCE DIRECTORY TRANSPORTATION

THE BENZ EXPERIENCE

307.342.2713 thebenzexperience.com booking@thebenzexp.com @thebenzexperience

VENUES

ASTORIA PARK CONSERVANCY

- HOT SPRINGS PARK 307.216.3075 | Jackson, WY astoriahotspringspark.org events@astoriapark.org @astoriahotspringsandpark

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

DIAMOND CROSS RANCH 864.354.8766 | Jackson, WY diamondcrosswedding.com lauren@diamondcrossranch.com @diamondcrossranch

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

307.543.3100 | Grand Teton National Park gtlc.com gtlcsales@vailresorts.com @grandtetonlodgeco

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

NORA'S HOMESTYLE KITCHEN AND BAR 307.733.7662 | Wilson, WY norasfishcreekinn.com noras@noraswilson.com @norasfishcreekinn

PINKY G'S PIZZERIA AND FOOD TRUCK 307.734.7465 | Jackson, WY pinkygs.com pinkygs@gmail.com @pinkygsjh

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

JCM Photography

Soar Above Studios

Eastlyn and Joshua Photography

Sarah Soulseed Photo

Diana Edlinger Studios

Jackson Hole Destination Wedding Itinerary

HIS IDEAS VS. HERS

Grab a shot at the Cowboy Bar

DAY ONE

Whitewater rafting on the Snake

Gondola ride and yoga at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Wedding rehearsal (Don’t be late!)

Shop for “something new” on Town Square

DAY TWO

Mountain bike Cache to Game

Straight razor shave at The Whiskey Barber

Oops. Forgot socks. Hit up MADE

Spa time and massage at Hotel Terra

Hair and makeup by Tanya Crocker

First look at Schwabacher Landing Outdoor ceremony (place of choice)

DAY THREE

Get my “somethings” on lockdown

Mimosas for breakfast

Fishing with the boys

Chocolate croissant from Persephone (possibly catered)

Departure dinner at The Cloudveil

Horseback riding at Triangle X Ranch

jacksonholewedding.com

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

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.

Grand Exit

“Happily ever after doesn’t begin with Once upon a time: it begins with Now.”

— Stephen Mitchell, author

JCM Photography

VICTOR, IDAHO

Jamye Chrisman Photography