Grand Wedding 2022

2022 EDITION

DESTINATION ADVENTURE

— Say your “I do’s”

with a Teton-based elopement experience

FOOD ON WHEELS

—

Gourmet food trucks offer a fresh take on reception fare

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

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

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Make your Wedding a Work of Art

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Grand Wedding ° 2022

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A backdrop that’s impossible to forget, for the day you’ll always remember.

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Setting Perfection Taylor Glenn - TRGPhoto.com

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Western Elegance Unique Details

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

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&

BEFORE, DURING AFTER THE I DO’S.

Relax and enjoy the day.

Jackson Hole weddings are unforgettable, and not just for the bride and groom. Whether you’re a wedding planner or the mother of the bride, we can simplify the process with professional drivers, event planning and national park tours so that everyone gets the most out of your special day.

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LET US

CELEBRATE YOU

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Grand Wedding ° 2022

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EXPERIENCE THE GIFTS OF JACKSON HOLE. Curated collections of local spirits, flavors, and finds for every guest.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

20

THE LOOK THE BOND

34

16

THE FARE THE DÉCOR

THE PARTY

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Clockwise from top left: Erin Wheat, Love and Story Studio, Lindley Rust, Hannah Hardaway, Liz Osban

ON THE cover: Bonnie and Dakota leapt into their “forever” on a brisk spring evening at Schwabacher Landing.

Photograph by Love and Story Studio • LoveAndStoryStudio.com

jacksonholewedding.com

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Jeff Thomas

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

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TETON LOVE STORIES ADVENTURE THE GIFTS

84 38

Advertising Sales Alyson Klaczkiewicz alyson@jhmagazine.com Ad Design & Production Sarah Wilson Lydia Redzich Luis F. Ortiz Heather Haseltine Chelsea Robinson Distribution Jayann Carlisle Oscar Garcia-Perez Rulinda Roice

Keelia Jo Photography

Erin Wheat

Contributing Writers Britney Magleby Jenn Rein Christina Shepherd McGuire Samantha Simma

P.O. Box 7445, Jackson, WY 83002 (307) 732-5900

THE DETAILS

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© 2022 Teton Media Works, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine’s original contents, whether in whole or part, requires written permission from the publisher.

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

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

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Amy Galbraith Grand Wedding ° 2022

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

large, extravagant gig or deviating from your heartfelt offerings just for a paycheck.

And what’s the result of all this “keepin’ it real?”

Vendors are leaning fiercely on each other, choosing local products more than ever before (due to supply chain issues).

It’s caused an upheaval in how we all do business and a tightening of the reins on procedures and policies already in place. And this shows—time and time again—in the quality of the most recent affairs.

Shannon Corsi

I

n the last two years I’ve noticed a shift in all things wedding.

From an editorial standpoint, there’s been a lot less talk about how to accommodate the masses at a grand gala, and a lot more emphasis on elopement-style affairs. Importance is being placed on thoughtful guest lists, as couples lean toward more intimate gatherings, inviting only family members and their very besties.

Fiancés are being more mindful when selecting their vendors, too, aligning only with businesses that uphold their own values and offer services that best fit their personalities.

If the COVID pandemic has taught us one thing in the wedding industry, it’s that staying true to what you provide as a service professional matters. It’s about so much more than landing a

As couples, you’ve chosen Jackson Hole or Teton Valley, Idaho, for a reason, and we see this reason shining through now, more than ever, in the choices you’re making. Over-the-top, blingy décor has taken a backseat to subtle, seasonal design elements. (Read more about this on page 26.) Couples are veering toward locally-sourced arrangements and small-batch artisan food and drink to create a more wholesome gathering.

Hiring a wedding painter to craft a family heirloom (see page 38) may now take precedence over wedding favors, in an attempt to enhance the entire experience for all attendees.

Couples, I applaud you for opening your arms to this truly mindful shift in the wedding industry! Because, in the end, weddings shouldn’t really be big business after all. Once the tables are broken down and the last guests have left the dance floor, once the arrangements become a centerpiece in someone’s kitchen, and once the food scraps are returned to the earth, the end result is a meaningful expression of your unrelenting love for each other—one that anyone who bears witness to will remember long after their plane ride home.

Christina

Grand Targhee Resort offers big iconic Teton views, ample lodging, professional wedding services, and multiple event venues. Let us make your special day one to remember.

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THE FARE

I

f you have chosen the Tetons as the location for your life-changing event, the details must be on point. Wardrobe. Check. Photography. Check. Accommodations. Check.

But what about the food? You are about to share a meal with your closest friends and family to celebrate a very special union. So naturally, you want them to go home talking about it—for all the right reasons.

There is no doubt the thought of a formal dinner will cross your mind in the planning stages, as you mull over the question, chicken or fish? But, decidedly, your wedding already has an experiential vibe, simply due to its mountain location. So, why not take it one step further and explore the option of a food truck?

FOOD ON WHEELS Enlisting a

THINKING BEYOND THE TACO

Here in the Tetons, there are multiple mobile choices that will set the stage for bountiful food memories. In the case of In Season—an outfit based in Teton Valley, Idaho, servicing both Wyoming and Idaho—wood-fired pizza, served family style, is the star of the show. And, Food Truck for Reception Fare Blaine Gallivan and Franny Weikert have their formula dialed. Ingredients are sourced from local farms and Words by Jenn Rein distributed on top of their own perfected sourdough crust. The couple takes the time during table service to explain what the guests are enjoying, with kudos given to their nurtured farm connections.

“What I like most is talking to the guests about the food and the choices we make for their meal,” says Franny.

Table service can be expected from other food truck purveyors, as well. Sagebrush Grille, a food trailer option in Jackson Hole, employs this tactic. Even still, laying down a buffet isn’t out of the question. Owner Amy Marrington is all about flexibility, “We like to be transparent about expectations. We want to be sure the challenge of the meal is met, and having fun with it all is a priority.”

Erin Wheat 16

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Is a food truck or trailer the best choice for you?

1.

Do you have the right space?

A mobile catering team needs a place to park. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a parking lot, but rather an area that is properly graded in order to ensure the truck, itself, can be parked safely.

2.

Does formality matter?

If individual place settings are part of your vision, employing a mobile catering service probably won’t work. Even with table service in play, these dinners will more than likely be served family or buffet style.

3.

Erin Wheat

Jackson Hole or Teton Valley, Idaho?

CONSIDER MORE THAN ONE MEAL Sagebrush can attend to the main event, as well as the welcome party, the post-reception bite, and the “day after” party, too. “Our favorite [time] is after the reception,” says Marrington.

“Dinner is over, guests have loosened up, and, on their way out of the venue, we are there to serve them a snack.”

Streetfood, a truck based in Victor that serves both sides of the Tetons, likes being involved in all pieces of a couple’s plan. “We can mix it up for them and can serve from the truck or perform table service,” says owner Amelia Hatchard. “Spending time with the guests over a couple of days makes it special for us, too.”

Streetfood focuses on global cuisine, with choices like Korean bibimbap, a variety of taco combinations, and a gyro spit. These options give the

celebration international flavor, with selections that are appropriate for all stages of festivities. “The day after party is becoming more popular,” says Hatchard. “Rolling in to provide one last taste to the guests is a great send-off for everyone.”

CARVING OUT YOUR FOOTPRINT To say Pinky G’s owner Tom Fay has a “pizza problem” would be an understatement. With brick and mortar establishments in Jackson, Victor, and Big Sky, Montana, he keeps the pies flying.

And then, there’s the food truck.

Fay cornered his niche at music events, serving up New York-style pizza to hungry concertgoers. His bag of tricks now includes a plethora of private events. “We have done backyard weddings and [weddings at] larger venues,” says Fay. “The pizza can be a treat at the end of the night, or we can jacksonholewedding.com

There are plenty of food truck choices on both sides of Teton Pass, but it’s smart to pick an option close to your venue. In other words, don’t always expect a Jackson provider to traverse The Pass to Teton Valley, or vice versa.

4.

Can you deal with limitations?

Food truck purveyors need to work within the confines of their mobile kitchens. They will offer you menu options that work for them, but you’ll need to understand that the sky is not necessarily the limit. The upside to this is that they have perfected what they do offer, and your collective palates will rejoice.

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THE FARE

Lindley Rust

serve it as the main meal, family style.”

An event Pinky G’s attended last summer involved several local food trucks, providing guests with multiple choices in a ranch setting. “The more the merrier,” he laughs. “Having many trucks from the community at one location is so fun.”

LOCATION AND LOGISTICS Location matters in the food truck game. Consideration must be given to where a trailer or truck can be parked, so that dinner service runs as smoothly as possible.

Sagebrush Grille owner and chef Jamie Culp admits there can be complexities to the rugged landscape of the Tetons. “Have we ever gotten stuck?” he asks. “Uh, yeah.”

Catering on wheels has special logistical considerations, too. It means arriving with enough power to sustain a full event and carrying back-up supplies, just in case.

Serving both sides of the Tetons isn’t always viable due to weight considerations on the road, and the rugged commute over Teton Pass.

Sagebrush will travel Togwotee Pass to cater in Riverton, Wyoming, but will not risk Teton Pass. Culp explains that his food trailer is nicer than some kitchens he has worked in. “We are not into the idea of losing our brakes,” he laughs. “But I’ve gotta admit it. My favorite location to serve is out in the middle of nowhere.”

Irreverence has a place in the wedding game, but the novelty of a food truck can be both charming and thoughtful. And when you involve local food professionals and their pleasing Teton flavors, you can’t go wrong. Your event will create the memories you crave, and your guests will have even more to rave about— beyond the mountain views.

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THE LOOK

IT’S SHOE TIME Words by Samantha Simma

D t or

own the aisle and across the dance f loor, only the right shoes will stand up to the task of carrying you throughout your wedding day. And, the perfect pair will help your feet enjoy—not just endure—the celebration.

he Guys...

“It’s a long day,” says Ashley Wold, wedding planner and owner of Wild Rose Weddings and Events. “The average bride will put miles on their feet, so consider what kind of shoes you’re willing to put those miles on.”

F

e game Your sho f attention. o te n e ce r can be th omething stylish s Choose onality, your pers that fits Teton-centric sa as well a de. dress co

JCM Photography 20

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Left: Lindley Rust, Right: Erin Wheat

There are no shortage of wedding shoe options, but style and comfort looks different from bride to bride. The first step is to make a budget—your shoe choice needn’t throw your pocketbook into a tailspin. Next, consider your color options. Traditionally, most brides go with a color that complements their dress—shades of nude, champagne, ivory, or white being the most popular.

However, some modern brides use their shoes to add a pop of color to their ensemble. In that case, shoes can stand

in as your “something blue,” may match the colors of your bridesmaids’ dresses, or can be completely bold and dramatic.

Wold says, locally, she sees sandals, flats, wedge heels, and cowboy boots most frequently. She encourages brides to “let their personality shine through their shoes.” A shorter hem will showcase shoes more than a floor-length gown, and statement shoes can serve as a great photo op, too. While your wedding dress can help dictate the style of shoe to choose, a juxtaposition between the two creates jacksonholewedding.com

a playful look: try sneakers or booties to showcase your personality. Overall, pointed shoes tend to pinch your feet, while round or open-toed shoes give you more wiggle room. When it’s time to do some dancing, shoes with straps are the most secure.

Even the most basic shoe style can be elevated with embellishment. Consider mirroring your dress’ lace or beaded accents in your shoe’s design. However, be wary of shoe embellishments catching on the hem of a long dress. When trying 21

THE LOOK Erin Wheat

COMFORT IS KEY

Pay attention to what your shoes are made of, as natural materials will increase both the shoe’s stretch and breathability.

Break in your shoes before the big day by wearing them around the house for 30-minute increments in the weeks leading up to your wedding. Practice dancing and walking in them until you’re able to comfortably wear them for at least an hour without developing blisters.

Warm your shoes with minimal heat from a blow dryer before putting them on for breakin sessions. This helps stiff shoe material conform to your feet. Otherwise, a cobbler or leatherworker can do wonders to alter the fit of your shoes.

Add shoe grips to the bottom of your shoes or sandpaper the soles to increase their traction.

Lubricate the skin beneath any shoe straps with deodorant to decrease rubbing and sores.

Increase comfort with inserts—a gel or full insert will provide the most cushion for the length of your foot, while targeted options that emphasize your arch or the ball of your foot can relieve pressure points.

Store a spare pair of shoes under the bridal table to enable a quick and easy style swap.

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on shoes, bring along a fabric swatch from your dress so that you can see the colors side-by-side, and test-rub the fabric on the shoe for catching. Also, select your shoes prior to your first dress fitting, as any hemline alterations will be impacted by your shoe’s height.

Love and Story Studio

The greatest shoe-related debate is the height of the heel. In the Teton region, this decision is largely determined by the setting of your event. “Stilettos aren’t always appropriate for our local venues,” Wold notes, considering this style can prove wobbly on uneven terrain or get stuck in the soil at an outdoor event. The flatter the shoe, the more versatile it will be, and the more likely you’ll be to wear it again after your wedding. If you’re

jacksonholewedding.com

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Clockwise from top left: Erin Wheat, Lindley Rust, Lindley Rust, Love and Story Studio, Erin Wheat

THE LOOK

set on having a heel, make it a low heel that offers sturdy support, or choose a wedge, which is slightly more stable than a stiletto.

Finally, don’t forget about our mountain weather! You’ve probably already warned your wedding guests about its unpredictability, and this needs to factor into your shoe choice, too. Even if you’re mostly indoors for your winter wedding, you’ll likely step out for a photo or two amidst the mountains.

(So, maybe avoid an open-toed shoe in the winter.) Meanwhile, summer temperatures can cause feet to swell, so try on your shoes after an active day on your feet to replicate the conditions on your big day.

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THE DÉCOR

Love and Story Studio

PLACE-BASED TABLES

T

be used to bring in a wintry feel. he table. A communal nook meant to gather and hold. It’s Sarah Seymour, florist and owner of a place where people share a Gild the Lily Too, sources flowers and meal and drink, alongside good other natural design elements from Matching your table to your conversation and laughter. Spending about five growers in the Teton Valley Teton wedding time on the details of this sacred space— and Jackson Hole region. She notes one where you’ll come together to toast that different growers provide different Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire and celebrate the union of love—takes materials during certain times of the just as much thought as selecting your year. For everything else—she either venue or designing your altar. Teton-based tablescapes tend to be grows it herself or forages it from nature. simple, reflecting the landscape and giving guests a welcoming For a spring or summer table, Seymour incorporates elements, hug of seasonally-inspired natural elements. like herbs tucked into napkins, or a stem of rosemary on the butter plate. Fall tables can include pampas grass, linens with raw Now, pulling off an organic tablescape—one that fits the aesthetic edges, and candles of varying height. of both the place and couple—is an art form perfected by professionals. That’s why we consulted local vendors to bring you “I'm a big fan of using leather twine or blades of dried grass tips for matching your table to your Teton wedding. instead of ribbon [year-round],” says Seymour. “It's unexpected and it gives that organic, outdoorsy feel.”

“I think the biggest thing is to not overthink it,” says Virginia Symons, owner of Vibrant Events of Jackson Hole. “The reason you're getting married in the Tetons is because the space has so much to add to your guest experience, so here, less is more. Half the job is already done in your backdrop.”

SEASONAL Keeping design elements seasonal adds personality to your event, so look to what’s happening in nature. In the spring, herbs and wildflowers begin to bloom, and during the summer, fruit is ripening on the branches. In the fall, the leaves are changing color and dried flowers come into play, and during winter, pears and evergreens can 26

Wedding planner Ashley Wold, of Wild Rose Weddings and Events, likes to incorporate gourds and pomegranates into a fall tablescape. She uses elements from nature, like river rocks, and even antlers, as a way to “play up the season, while also using what is available here in the valley.”

And Symons is drawn to looks that are timeless, incorporating a muted palate, birch bark (to match the local aspen trees), and wild sagebrush, also found locally throughout the summer. Symons says to rely on the resources you see in nature, as it “adds this additional element of placebasedness.” She also advises couples to “understand the environment you are working in and work with people who know that environment.”

Grand Wedding ° 2022

Clockwise from top left: Lindley Rust, Ashley Merritt, Amy Galbraith

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jacksonholewedding.com

THE DÉCOR

Erin Wheat

SOURCEABLE “Stay with elements that speak to you, match your style, and come from next door to where your table is going to be set up,” says Symons.

Sourcing locally not only cuts down on the environmental footprint of your table’s décor, but it also assures items were grown with care by small farmers who make a difference. And you can integrate design elements that shout out local growers and your commitment, as a couple, to sustainability.

Seymour’s expertise lies in sourcing and visually bringing together a combination of color, texture, and variety in items that are not only grown locally, but also free of harsh chemicals and transported without using heavy trucking practices. She mentions that the pandemic’s abrupt change in culture has had an effect on design trends, too.

“There has been a huge global shortage of flowers due to supplychain issues, and wholesale prices have skyrocketed,” she says.

“Fortunately, couples are being more mindful with their guest list, how dollars are spent, and where they spend their dollars.”

In today’s climate, it’s often less expensive for budget savvy couples to source their products locally, use repurposed items in their design elements, or even do without. Wold likes to use bare wood farm tables, which eliminates the need to rent or buy expensive linen tablecloths, and also matches the vibe of a mountain-based wedding. Seymour had a bride from Pinedale (with Native American roots) bring her a whole bag of pheasant feathers to incorporate into the bouquet, her headpiece, and table centerpieces.

Wold advises couples to consider a locally-inspired menu, as well, as it adds a sense of community to their wedding. Serving food items, like locally-caught trout, medallions from buffalo raised on a local ranch, vegetables and greens from regional farms, and 28

beer from neighborhood breweries gives guests something to talk about once they return home.

PRACTICAL Symons urges couples to not just think about where their design elements are coming from, but also where they're going to go.

“When the celebration is over, are [items] going into the compost, the dumpster, or to someone's home?” she asks. “I make sure that [the organic materials I use] go back to the garden they came from, so that there's a circle of life element to it.”

All the vendors like to incorporate food into the design elements, giving it a second purpose. Symons likes family-style food service, with long tables and beautiful platters. She suggests having your caterer and florist work together, so that when the food is taken away, the look still remains. She integrates items like wooden boards, vintage silverware, and suggests tapas-style meals to provide a variety of different textures and heights that move around the table.

“Your décor becomes interactive this way,” she says.

Seymour likes to use elements that match the personalities of the couple. For instance, she once used crystals and geodes, in shades of blush and wine tones, on a table for a wedding where the groom was a geologist.

“We placed a small piece of crystal on each menu card in place of a paperweight,” she explains. “We broke geodes in half, and tucked them flowers. The crystals refracted the light and gave a glittery feel to the dinner table.”

When planning your Teton tablescape, Symons says to trust your gut and don't get hung up on tiny details. “If there’s something that's not available seasonally, or is outside of your budget, take a deep breath and move on,” she says. “We're in the business of making memories, so in that respect, less is more.”

Grand Wedding ° 2022

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THE PARTY

Ashley Merritt

DO YOU HAVE A PERMIT FOR THAT? Navigating the Particulars of Event Permissions Words by Jenn Rein

T

he rugged Teton landscape provides a sense of freedom and wildness that makes us feel more whole. This lure beckons in irresistible ways and choosing to commit to one another amid these surroundings serves to elevate the occasion. But a certain amount of planning is necessary in order to do your Tetonbased wedding right. Navigating the territory of acquiring permits and abiding by the rules is crucial to the success of any outdoor wedding in the region.

PLANNING FOR THE PARK Prior to 2022, Grand Teton National Park had a cut-and-dry procedure for getting married in the park. You simply paid a fee of $200 and informed park officials of where you intended to seal the deal. But rising interest in this locale has changed park policies. The fee remains the same, but the required lead time for applications has changed. Hosts must submit their request a minimum of thirty days prior to their event.

While backcountry venue options are available in almost every nook and cranny here, the park is more concerned with a head count for the event. If your guest list totals

30

more than forty, your choices will be different than those with a smaller group. Also, keep in mind that your permit fee is non-refundable, and that all guests must pay the park entrance fee in order to attend.

SELECTING A SPECIAL TREE The famous Wedding Tree setting lends spectacular views of the Tetons and is located inside the Jackson district of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Gaining access to the site does not require paying a fee, but if your party exceeds seventyfour, acquiring a special-use permit is necessary. Those rolling with a smaller crowd still need to call the national forest office in order to get their event on the calendar.

The district office does its best to accommodate all requests, but they cannot guarantee yours will be the only ceremony taking place on your chosen date, at your chosen time.

Additionally, they are quite clear with regards to the restrictions, including parking guidelines, the exclusion of a sound system, and food storage requirements. Other areas of the national forest are equally suited for a ceremony and require the same diligence.

Grand Wedding ° 2022

CATER TO THE CRITTERS You’ll notice one very important fact as you drive through our mountain valleys—this is bear country! Aside from understanding the necessity of bear spray on a trail, the practice of proper food storage is crucial. Those who choose to serve a full DIY meal (a very popular elopement and microwedding trend) must make it their mission to clean up properly. This means using the bear-proof trash receptacles provided on site, or being willing to collect all remnants of trash and drive it to the nearest bear-proof dumpster. If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, don’t just pack food away in your coolers and call it good. All coolers need to be shuttered securely in a locked vehicle.

YOU MAKE THE CALL(S) It is possible to live the dream of getting married in Jackson’s legendary Town Square. Just know this: Your fête will, most likely, be attended by uninvited members of the public.

As Jackson’s Public Information Officer, Carl Pelletier, explains, “We cannot reserve Town Square for a wedding.

It is a public park, and if someone decides to get married there, the presence of park visitors cannot be denied.”

There are other restrictions pertaining to the use of Town Square, and Pelletier is poised to explain what can be achieved. “I typically encourage people [if they do decide to have a wedding ceremony within the Town Square] to respect the restrictions. I also encourage a small gathering, for a short duration,” he says.

If you’d like to hold your wedding within a public park in or around Jackson, start your planning process by contacting the Teton County Jackson Parks & Recreation Department to understand how to navigate reservations. You will also have to alert the Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Department, if you plan to cook on site or erect an event tent on either public or private land. And if your reception includes high decibel

Clockwise from top left: Amy Galbraith, Love and Story Studio, Ashley Merritt, Hannah Hardaway

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THE PARTY

Hannah Hardaway

SUGGESTED RESOURCES: • Grand Teton National Park: nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/ weddings.htm; 307-739-3616 • Bridger-Teton National Forest (Wedding Tree): fs.usda.gov/ detail/btnf/passes-permits/?cid=fseprd612351; 307-739-5526; or send an email to sm.fs.jdpaperwork@usda.gov • Town of Jackson (Town Square, public parks): send an email through the form on their website at jacksonwy.gov/FormCenter/ Contact-Info-5/General-Inquiry-Comment-or-Concern-45 or call 307-733-3932, ext. 1112 • Teton County Jackson Parks & Recreation (public parks): tetonparksandrec.org; 307-739-9025 • Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Department: tetonwyo.org/2373/ Jackson-Hole-FireEMS-Department; 307-732-8200.

• Jackson Hole Police Department: jacksonwy.gov; 307-733-3241 or email jpdic@jacksonwy.gov • City of Victor, Idaho: victorcityidaho.com; 208-787-2940 or email michelles@victorcityidaho.com • City of Driggs, Idaho: driggsidaho.org; 208-354-2362 ext. 2103 or email kschuehler@driggsidaho.org • City of Tetonia, Idaho: tetoniaidaho.com; 208-456-2249 32

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levels, a call to the Jackson Hole Police Department will clue you into noise ordinance requirements and whether or not you need a permit.

As for events hosted in Teton Valley, Idaho, reach out directly to the municipalities to understand public park reservations and usage requirements.

Their concerns regarding events that occur within city limits may also apply to functions taking place within neighborhoods. Each town in the valley varies in their policies.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP Our Teton region continues to be a huge draw for those who love the outdoors. And, any couple who wishes to hold their wedding here wants it to be remembered for all the right reasons. You can host your perfect outdoor, DIY event and pull it off without a hitch with the help of experts, like park service employees and city officials. These dedicated locals want you to enjoy your special event and will help ensure there are no day-of fires to put out, both literally and figuratively.

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THE BOND

PREMARITAL “F” WORDS Finances.

Family Planning.

Fertility.

Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire 34

Ashley Merritt

B

efore getting married to my husband, our premarital planning consisted of how many days we’d be snowboarding that winter and how we’d fit it in around our jobs. We discussed where we’d spend the offseason (camping on the beach in Mexico, most likely), and if we needed to upgrade the truck’s tires before making the long drive. Financial planning and, God forbid, kids, weren’t even on our radar as twentysomethings, as we avoided the so-called “hot topics” that mature couples discussed.

Now, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend taking our path, but after 20 years of marriage, two kids, and a house to call our own, thankfully, everything worked out. Yet, with today’s complexities of life, smart couples tend to engage in hot button conversations— concerning finances, family planning, and fertility—long before tying the knot.

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Left: Ashley Merritt, Right: Candace Budgick

“Regardless of what decisions are out there, you want to make them on a united front,” says Laura Santomauro, LMFT, of Jackson Hole Family Solutions. She stresses the need to tackle things with a team approach, so that no one feels like they are doing it alone.

FINANCES So, maybe you’re coming to the table with a college loan, and he has some credit card debt. Or, maybe he wants to have separate bank accounts, and you want to combine. And, what about saving for retirement?

Jackson-based Certified Financial Planner, Brendan McDermott says that tackling bad debt when you’re newly engaged or married is crucial. He explains, “You want to get things like personal loans and high interest credit cards off of the books and out of the marriage, so that they don't serve as big weights to your financial future.”

It’s important to talk about things like if you want to pay off your own debt, or if, as a couple, you want to “throw all the dollars on the table,” no matter whose debt it is.

“These are all great solutions,” McDermott says. “Couples with the most success enter the marriage humbly, so that they can address these items during the period in their lives when they can actually save and get ahead on retirement.”

McDermott points out that there is a different recipe for everyone when it comes to combining finances. Some couples fully combine, some couples partially combine, some couples don't combine, and some couples do it gradually, as the need arises. He recommends having a conversation with your soon-to-be spouse to see what works best for you, and that can evolve over time, as well.

“Typically, couples open a joint account when there are certain things they want to buy, and it feels like it should be a joint purchase, like the purchase of a house,” he says. “But having a bit of financial independence can be really healthy, too. I’ve seen people go their entire marriage and never have a joint account.

They just split things fifty-fifty.”

Lastly, McDermott suggests sitting down with a financial planner soon after marriage to set goals with the most important being retirement savings, an emergency fund, and a down payment on a house.

Above all, he suggests, “Live the lifestyle now that's going to allow for future purchases. Act like you already own the home you want, and save the money that you would otherwise be putting into the house every month until you reach your down payment. If you get used to doing that now, you’ll be a lot more comfortable later on.”

FAMILY PLANNING The family planning discussion can roll pretty smoothly if you’re both on the same page. Still, it’s good to sit down as a couple and discuss your underlying values and motives for even wanting kids, should that be something you’re striving for in the future.

Talk about your priorities, your careers, and the timing and spacing of kids, as well as how that will impact your financial future. Then, if one person wants something different than the other, make the space for that and really listen before trying to find common ground.

Santomauro notes that talking about important decisions (like having kids) is all about flexibility. “If my partner has a different position than I, I want to be curious about that.

It's a ‘both-and,’ not an ‘either-or,’” she says. “It takes a lot of emotional maturity to respect my partner's viewpoints, even if they are different from mine.”

Premarital counseling, or consulting self-help resources like the book Hold me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love

by Dr. Sue Johnson, which focuses on “emotionally-focused therapy” and is recommended by Santomauro, helps couples “understanding how we are hardwired for connections as humans and where we can go off track.”

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THE BOND

Bradly J. Boner

“Counseling can help because it opens up space for couples to have intentional conversations,” says Santomauro. “You have a guide that can help you organize your feelings, so that your partner can better hear you. The therapist holds an envelope of safety around you and creates a corrective experience that helps move conversations forward.”

Acupuncturist Whitney Fessler, of Grand Teton Acupuncture, finds it shocking how many people don’t discuss their stance on having kids before getting married. And from a health perspective, she views this as a pretty big piece of the pie. She finds it important for people to discuss their “negotiables” before they get married, and then, if they see kids in their future, talk about their overall health habits as a couple.

“Some people think they will get pregnant within their first month of trying,” she says, “They don't realize it may take months of optimizing their mental and physical health to give them the very best chance at conceiving.”

That might mean cutting back on alcohol, coffee, and processed food. And, in our active Teton culture, maybe even cutting back on exercise, too. She mentions that if one person wants to optimize their health, they should make it a team effort, so that the other person doesn't get resentful.

FERTILITY Sometimes, the decision to have kids is met with unforeseen obstacles that can put an enormous strain on relationships further down the road. While dwelling on the “what if ’s” during the throes of engagement bliss is not seemingly romantic, discussing the topic of infertility (and the options available, should this become 36

your reality) cannot be overlooked.

“There are a lot of options [for couples wanting to have children].

So, think about how important it is to you to have your own baby, and if you are willing to negotiate the options,” says Fessler. “These are hard conversations to have because they can break up a relationship.”

Fessler also wants couples to know that just because you’ve been trying for months doesn’t mean it’s not possible for you to have your own kids. Her Chinese Medicine perspective views fertility as a garden.

“You need to nourish the soil, so that you can have a healthy pregnancy,” she says.

She says that diet, stress, and stagnation (stress and dryness cause stagnation) can disrupt the balance of blood flow in the body, leading to complications in conceiving. Her advice to couples wanting to conceive include avoiding raw foods and not overworking yourself (both mentally and physically).

“Visit the doctor and have an overall checkup [before trying to conceive]. Then, if something is wrong that can be treated, you can do it right away,” Fessler says.

Santomauro can’t imagine a topic more difficult for couples than infertility. “It represents a death of desires and wants,” she says. And while you can’t predict what the future may bring, Santomauro urges couples to make sure that their marital bond is really, really strong.

“It’s that secure attachment to each other that's going to help when you have to tackle the hard stuff,” she says.

Grand Wedding ° 2022

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THE GIFTS

Keelia Jo Photography

M

CAPTURED ON CANVAS

This is especially true with mountain ove over photo booths, venues, where the landscape itself is live paintings are the both captivating and wild. Artists new gig in town. As can work off of real-time happenings couples yearn for a more in nature—say a moose wanders intimate wedding day experience, Live art joins wedding party into the reception area, or a flock of this must-have inclusion is taking sandhill cranes flies by—to create precedence over other important memories that are hard to capture Words by Christina Shepherd McGuire additions. Now, hiring a professional timely on film. artist to create an on-site family heirloom is not just a trend of the times, it’s a cherished “At a wedding in Jackson at the Snake River Ranch, the couple incorporated a butterfly release into the ceremony,” says Potter. “I was wedding day memory that adds a flavor of sophistication to able to capture it on my iPad, and then, later on, add it to their scene.” day-of festivities.

We caught up with professional painter Kay Potter, of Livingston, Montana, in order to fully understand why live wedding painting is now a thing in mountain towns, and to get a quick rundown on the specifics of what this type of commission entails.

Potter explains that there is a real magic to seeing yourself in a painting, as well. “It’s a monumental way to celebrate the love you share by putting it into fine art,” she says.

“A friend of mine asked me to paint her wedding four years ago as an offshoot, one-time thing,” says Potter. “I had this realization that this is something I really love—I like artwork that serves people. I also like that it involves interacting with others, as creating artwork can be lonely.”

And, truth be told, some brides simply like being depicted in paint strokes, as it’s only natural to criticize the way we look in photos. “It frees [brides] from the sense of, ‘Oh, I wish I looked a little different in this photo,’” Potter says. “It takes a level of stress out of the final product, because, unless your mole is Cindy Crawford’s mole, I’m probably not going to include it.”

WHY CHOOSE AN ARTIST TO PAINT YOUR WEDDING?

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

Hiring a live wedding painter is not a substitution for a photographer—most people choose both. But unlike photography, a single painting depicts a feeling of timelessness and can capture details that photographs sometimes cannot.

Once hired, Potter arranges a meeting with the bride and groom to discuss their specific goal for the finished piece of art.

She explains that some couples want the painting to be of just themselves, others want to include family members, and some

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THE GIFTS

Millwood Photography

by 2-foot canvas and begins background painting in typical plein air fashion. That way, when guests arrive, they can see the painting in progress, which adds to the overall vibe of the festivities. Next, as things proceed, Potter captures images on her iPad—perhaps, the ceremony scene, the first kiss, the procession. … She uses these photos to act as the framework for the rest of the painting. Then, during the reception, Potter gets to work.

“It’s a form of entertainment. Guests come up and check out the progress. They love to talk to me and ask questions like, ‘How did you get that done in only a few hours?’” she says. “It makes art accessible to everyone.”

want the capture to focus more on the location and the landscape. She urges couples to “chat her ear off before the wedding,” and then she does a check-in a 40

month before the event to get “a final and really fresh vision.”

But the final project is not yet complete as the last of the guests leave the dance floor. Potter takes the painting home to adjust the final details and to varnish it. Often, she refers back to her photos to add in family members or other features not included on the spot.

Next, Potter shows up two hours before the ceremony, sets up her easel and her 3-foot

“The cool thing about painting is that you can morph reality,” says Potter. “I attended

Grand Wedding ° 2022

a wedding in Glacier National Park, and the couple wanted the background to be of Lake McDonald.

So, I stood on the shore of the lake and painted the background. Then, I took a photo of their first kiss, and painted them within the background.” She explains that the couple actually got married on a boat (not everyone could attend), so, instead, she placed the boat in the water behind them.

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Millwood Photography

HOW DO YOU INTERACT WITH A LIVE PAINTER? Potter gives the following advice to the bride and groom: “The day of, don’t even think about me. You do your thing, and I’ll do mine,” she says, noting that she requests each couple give her a contact person for anything that may come up, and sometimes the contact is a person from the venue.

As for the guests, Potter advises them to check in often to see the work in progress. You can gain the full experience by seeing what she starts with, how the painting progresses, and then how it ends. She likes people to engage her in conversation, too, and to ask questions while watching her work, as it’s one of the most special parts of the process. This is often a wedding highlight that guests go home and talk about after the festivities are over.

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“It makes [the experience] really interactive, and that’s the part I’m there for,” says Potter. “I’m out here painting with you guys.”

Potter likes the fact that most regional weddings are held outside, lending to her specific style of landscape painting. She also likes the western motif details used in these parts—like cowboy hats and cow skulls—as they enhance the appeal of the end product and formulate a sense of place.

There is a similar feeling that out-of-town guests remember and take home with them, and couples cherish, as they look back on their piece of fine art and remember the love that was shared beneath an unforgettable landscape. jacksonholewedding.com

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Grand Wedding ° 2022

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2021 TETON

Hannah Hardaway

love stories

From a wedding with a sequel to a rustic farm affair, this year’s stories demonstrate the unique ways couples celebrate their love.

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LOVE STORIES

A Wedding Sequel STEPHANIE & CORY

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I

Words by Stephanie Kulacz Photography by Jeff Thomas

never knew Cory Kulacz in high school, but I sure loved to look at him! We walked the same hallways and, although I had a total crush on him, he was a year older than I and just as shy. Years later, after leaving our small town of Wilmington, Massachusetts, attending college, and becoming engineers, we built completely predictable and separate lives from one another.

In 2015, Cory hit the road to abandon a life of societal norms for one of vitality. I happened upon a video he posted of himself on top of a peak in Grand Teton National Park and thought, That’s wild. What is this guy up to? So, I messaged him on Facebook and asked where he was.

He replied, “I’m out in Jackson. You can come visit whenever you’d like.”

I thought to myself, Jackson, Mississippi? That doesn’t sound right. So, I Googled “mountain towns called ‘Jackson’” and understood the appeal right away.

Just a few months later, I walked off the plane and onto the tarmac at the miniscule airport in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Cory crept up behind me to give me a kiss on the cheek. Right away, I was sold. Soon after, I was taking pictures of my first moose, driving through the perfectly adorned center of town, and riding up the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to slide down one of the (debatably) greatest ski resorts in the United States.

Cory was nothing short of amazing! Within a week’s time, I fell in love with him, and he asked me to move in with him. Three months later, I left the East Coast to share a new life with my soulmate.

It was March 4, 2019, when we were headed up Four Pines. It was a bluebird day, and I was mid-bid on an L.A. Woman record on eBay as a surprise for Cory. He led me up the last 400 steps of the boot pack (that I am, arguably, never ready for) and we stopped at the top to take pictures. Cory proceeded to set up his GoPro camera to record the moment, and then presented me with his mother’s stunning ring, before popping a mini bottle of Prosecco onto untouched snow in celebration. The experience was cinematic, and, needless to say, I missed the winning bid on that record.

Our wedding was planned for May of 2020, but plans were, like many, derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. So at the very last minute, we decided to elope back home in New Hampshire on the day after Christmas with just our immediate families as witnesses. It was, undoubtedly, the most intimate and emotional moment of our lives and was, truly, our moment in time.

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LOVE STORIES

DON’T SETTLE FOR JUST ONE WEDDING! Everyone should have two weddings! Our first one was impromptu, with only immediate family, and it was the most emotional experience I’ve lived through. Our “big wedding” was carried out so that everyone could celebrate and share a special celebration with us in the Tetons.

dic De

ated to l Santos,

ae Alan Mich

support nwavering for your u through life. and light

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After five months of marriage had passed, it was time for our dream wedding to unveil itself. We started to plan Round 2 of our wedding with the goal of keeping it simple.

Thankfully, the venue—particularly Frank at Rancho Alegre—did all of the leg work.

I’m a procrastinator, so, luckily, everything was already set up at Rancho Alegre as we settled into our rooms with our family and friends. We ordered our favorite salad and pies (essentially the entire menu) from Hand Fire Pizza and prepped for the wedding.

We reconstructed a cracked Kransekake (a traditional Scandinavian dessert made of almond meal) that came in the mail, and my girlfriends, Christa and Cheryl, baked the Grand Wedding ° 2022

cupcakes. It was so nice having our favorite people under one roof in this miraculous place we call home. Everyone was not only obsessed with the unique history of the western Dutch Cape house and all of the stories it had to offer, but they also relished in the property’s unparalleled views.

Because everyone stayed on-site, we were able to get ready with all of our friends and family.

Jenny Bragg brought in her heavy hair and makeup artillery, while Jeff Thomas, of Vertex Photography, captured every notable detail leading up to the ceremony. Cory constructed the arch, I made the floral arrangements, and the rest of the family worked together to make everything picture perfect.

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The National Museum of Wildlife Art 47

LOVE STORIES Wedding Date

May 29, 2021 Ceremony and Reception

Rancho Alegre Officiant

Jennifer Streigel Photographer

Jeff Thomas Hair & Makeup

Jenny Bragg Florist

Stephanie Kulacz Music

DJ Echo (Brandon Whitesell) Caterer

Chippy’s Catering Dessert Chef

Christa Johnson and Cheryl Davison, MandelCake (Kransekake) Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited

The wedding was small—with just under fifty guests—and any more than that would have been a crowd. We cherished the quality time with our loved ones, and keeping the numbers low meant having individual conversations with everyone. The parents’ dances didn’t leave a dry eye, while the speeches were substantial, deep, satirical, and full of meaning.

Jeff became everyone’s favorite person, as he made sure that with each passing moment he caught us all in the changing light on that inimitable day. The music was rad, and the food was the best our guests have ever had. Although planning was spontaneous and relaxed, the event and the celebration couldn’t have been more flawless.

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The “ldr” MORGAN & COLLETTE

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LOVE STORIES

Words by Morgan Aurelio + Photography by Jamye Chrisman

C

ollette and I officially met for our first date in February of 2017. I planned our meetup at Pine Box bar in Seattle, and then figured we’d catch a close friend, Evelyn Jensen's, comedy show on Capitol Hill (assuming the date was going well). Mind you, Collette was in a medical residency program and coming off of an extremely hard rotation in cardiology. She had barely any sleep and only two days off that month, prior to our date. Despite the odds, the date was progressing well, and we made our way to the comedy show, enjoying each other’s company so much that we attended two more venues and stayed up way too late talking and laughing. (It feels like that first date is still going on today!)

Let’s get one thing clear here, first—Technically, I chatted with Collette over the Bumble dating app before we actually met, and it took only a full eight months for Collette to actually agree to the date.

When we met for our first date (queue the drama), I was relocating in one week to San Francisco for my first nurse midwifery job. Knowing now how deeply we both dive into our passions, we spent every day together until I got into my Subaru and drove off into the distance saying, “Call me if you’re ever in San Francisco.” For the entire thirteen-hour drive, all I thought about was how I hoped Collette would call.

In a very natural way we fell into the infamous LDR (that’s millennial talk for “long distance relationship”).

And, despite Collette’s grueling residency hours and my first hospital position, we managed to see each

other often. In short, we made it work because that’s what you do for true love. [Swoon] One year later we were back in Seattle, and, per usual for a couple that dives into several things at once, we bought a condo and got engaged on a yacht, all while Collette finished up her medical residency and accepted a one-year position in Kenya as one of the rural hospital’s only internal medicine doctors.

Meanwhile, I finished my doctorate from UCSF (University of California San Francisco) and completed my doctorate work at the same Kenyan hospital.

After that, I returned to the United States and the LDR continued, but this time the distance spanned the world. Still, a ten-hour time difference didn’t keep us from talking during all hours. Then, the global COVID pandemic brought us back together in the States and ended our LDR for good.

Just as before, love prevailed through hard times and good, and we, somehow, found a deeper love for one another by tackling each difficulty. We are both back in Seattle now, complete with a new addition to our family—our amazing rescue hound dog Scout (@scout_abbott on Instagram).

Our decision to get married in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was inspired by my childhood. I grew up attending Jackson Hole Middle and High School, but moved away to Seattle many moons ago, after graduating high school. Jackson remains a special place for both of us—as a couple it’s where we spend time away from the city and get the chance to dive into nature.

jacksonholewedding.com

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LOVE STORIES Wedding Date

July 10, 2021 Ceremony and Reception

Indian Springs Ranch Officiant

Catherine Aurelio Consultant

Mika Dubbe Photographer

Jamye Chrisman Hair and Makeup

Molly and Hannah at Champú Salon Flowers

Heide's Fresh Cut Flowers Caterer

Genevieve Catering Drinks

Genevieve Catering and Roadhouse Brewing Music

Talia Adkins (ceremony violinist) and DJ Beats by Capella Dessert

Buttercream Design Co. Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited Transportation Service

Teton Stage Lines Stationery Design

9+C Designs Lodging

Cowboy Village Resort Specialty Vendors

Macy's Toilet, La Tavola Fine Linen, Diamond Rental Utah, Solitude Float Trips, Wort Hotel

We planned our wedding with the help of my mother and Jackson local, Linda Aurelio, as well as wedding planner, Mika Dubbe. My mother has lived in the valley for 25 years, and Mika was born and raised in Jackson, so it was easy for the two of them to reach out to people in the small community to help with our wedding day celebration. As they say, “It takes a village!”

In keeping with the destination’s theme, we decided to blend rustic, romance, and nature into the wedding’s theme. Most importantly, we wanted all our vendors to be either locals or friends, so that the wedding was as personal as possible. Still, we had a relatively large guest list, at 140 people, yet Indian Springs Ranch kept the vibe intimate.

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...to bounce

Setting your event to music. w w w. S t e a d y J a ke .c o m ( 3 07 ) 41 3 -1 4 8 8 53

LOVE STORIES

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE NEED FOR A PLANNER Wedding planning can be stressful no matter how you decide to slice it, but having a wedding planner, like Mika Dubbe, throughout the entire process (not just the day of) was the best decision we made. If you have a full-time job this is a necessity. Mika helped us plan four days of events, so that we could see all of our guests and have a conversation, or more, with each and every person.

Our wedding was more like a weekend celebration! We booked all of our guests at the Cowboy Village Resort, so they could hang out with each other before and after the ceremony. One guest actually said it felt like an "adult summer camp," which was exactly what we wanted. We had an amazing weekend of events planned, including a Thursday welcome pool party and a happy hour event at Indian Springs Ranch, where guests laughed and caught up on old times.

The following day, Teton Stage Lines took us and our guests to Moose, Wyoming, to float the Snake River and marvel at the Teton views and wildlife with Solitude Float Trips. Later that evening, we rented a room at the Wort Hotel and enjoyed appetizers, drinks, live country music, and dancing in the main bar.

We carried the fun and joy of bonding into our wedding day. Teton Stage Lines transported our guests from Cowboy Village to Indian Springs Ranch, where guests were instructed to hike to the top of a butte for the ceremony (guests were warned of the hike prior and some even brought an extra pair of shoes). The ceremony site offered 360-degree views of the valley, the Snake River, and the Tetons. Talia Adkins, the ceremony violinist and singer, played acoustic songs throughout, and once we said “I do,” champagne was served to toast the newlyweds.

One of my favorite moments of the day was when Collette and I took ten minutes after the ceremony to ourselves (as guests were walking down the hill to start cocktail hour).

We sat on a blanket together that was set up with champagne and took in both the views and our commitment to each other. Jamye Chrisman shot some of my favorite photos of the day during this special moment. After that, we hiked down in our cowboy boots and joined the guests for cocktail hour, complete with Genevieve’s Aperol spritz, blackberry smash, and mocktail options.

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Roadhouse Brewery helped us with a keg set-up, and my dad made a self-serve bar where guests could pour themselves beer.

We had beer taps made from Etsy with our new last name on it, and in chalk we displayed the name of the beer.

Cocktail hour transitioned to the reception.

The tables were beautifully designed by Mika Dubbe and Samantha Shorts from Heide's Fresh Cut Flowers. Samantha grows all of her own flowers on her farm not far from Jackson. Mika kept the speeches on track, and before we knew it, it was time to dance. We turned our barn into a dance floor with the help of Beats by Capella and his lighting tricks. Cowboy hats were provided for guests with hay bales for seating. We ended the night on a high and took that down to the Cowboy Bar, so lingering guests could dance the night away.

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An Edible Arrangement

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L

Words by Jessica Konrath + Photography by Frances Conner

ife is always better with Mark around! He has a laugh that fills a room, is easygoing, and loves to have a good time. He and I met through our mutual best friend, Jenny, while playing ultimate frisbee in Washington, DC. After a few unofficial dates, we started sneaking in more and more time together, careful not to share our secret with our friends in the event things weren't too serious. Mark was well respected (and sought after) in our circle, so I wanted to be sensitive to everyone's feelings. At the same time, I was going through a rough patch personally, so I wanted to take things slow. As it turns out, working through life’s tough times together results in a very strong bond. I knew I loved Mark deeply when it became apparent he could make me happy during my darkest moments.

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Telling our friends about our new love turned out to be so much fun! The reactions ranged from happy tears to a girlfriend finishing my sentence and not being surprised at all. We both deserved happiness.

LOVE STORIES

Fast forward six months, and Mark happily joined me on my annual goat “Snuggle Session” visit to Caromont Farm in Charlottesville, Virginia. While witnessing the goats himself, Mark was all laughter and smiles, making my heart grow even fonder of him. (I have a thing for goats, and my passion is often surprising to other city dwellers.)

We had a such a great time during that trip that Mark couldn't wait to come back the next year.

As time passed, we grew closer and started talking about our fiveyear plan. Mark's family lived in Idaho, mine in Wisconsin, and we ultimately decided we’d move west someday if we were given the opportunity to purchase

Wedding Date

August 28, 2021 Ceremony and Reception

Winter Winds Farm Officiant

Mutual Best Friend, Jenny Buzzi Photographer

Frances Conner, fhc creative Hair

Atlas Salon, Washington, DC Makeup

Jessica Konrath Florist

Red House Flowers Rings

JC Jewelers Music

Marmot Ate My Boots Caterer

Sweet Cheeks Meats, Winter Winds Farm, Lark's Meadow Farms Dessert Chef

Winter Winds Farm Rental Service

Signature Party Rentals, Sky High Rentals Stationery Design

punchbowl.com

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stir photography

STYLISH FLORAL DESIGN for your UNIQUE EVENT

wedding + adventure photography

stirphotography.com • 512-968-1013 (text ok!)

Peter Lobozzo

Personalized Service for Every Event.

Locally Grown Flowers Seasonally Available.

Serving Teton Valley, Grand Targhee, Jackson and surrounding areas.

Full Service Wedding and Event Planning, Wedding Coordination & Elopements

mdlandscaping.com • flowers@mdnursery.com 208-354-8816 • 2389 S. Highway 33

ASHLEY ROSE WOLD WILDROSEJH.COM (307) 699-4901 jacksonholewedding.com

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MAKE TIME IN THE PLANNING FOR REFLECTION Figure out what is important to both of you, individually, and then compare lists. Check out the wants that overlap, and go all in on them.

For everything else, exercise your compromising muscles. Remember, weddings are all about combining two lives, not about the color of the napkins or the length of flower stems. Our must-haves: Goats.

Cheese. A live band.

P.S. Consider getting married on a farm (like our farm, Winter Winds).

Your investment will support the animal’s care, as well as the local community, through the wonderful products they provide.

land we could farm. In passing, Mark mentioned we could always get married on a goat farm in Idaho. (Mark, goats, and marital bliss? Yes, please!)

Naturally, I started researching venues to see if I could make our dream come true.

I stumbled across Winter Winds Farm in Victor, Idaho. The website didn't exactly display information about hosting events or weddings, but it did say that the farm was for sale (and in Idaho). I immediately contacted the owner to confirm this wasn't “fake news” because the website and the farm’s FAQs page really spoke to me. The owners, Nate Ray and Ginny Robbins, got back to me with the details of the sale. I immediately shared them with Mark, even though, at the time, I wasn't sure buying a farm was feasible.

Later that night, Mark asked if I spent my day dreaming about living on a goat farm.

I said, “no,” because I wasn't going to waste the time thinking about it, without talking to him first. He mentioned that it might be doable and that we should look into it. My jaw dropped.

Nine months, twenty consultants, five financial institutions, one pandemic, and one rescue pup later, our financing was approved and we were moving to Victor.

The first year on our farm in Idaho was a trying one. We learned how to work with one another, as well as with the farm's team and the goats. We attended farmer's markets, adjusted to a new time zone and a significantly snowier climate, and navigated our very first kidding season.

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That spring, we discussed planning a wedding, as we wanted to have kids of our own someday soon. Mark proposed in May, after giving me a long speech with a [goat] kid in his arms (I wanted a long speech), and presenting me with a custom ring, crafted by JC Jewelers, and made with my grandma's diamond. ( JC also made Mark’s custom wedding band by melting my mom’s wedding ring.)

Then, we kicked our rustic farm wedding planning into high gear.

One hundred friends and family attended our special farm-to-table wedding. We served a cheeseboard featuring our own goat cheese and Lark's Meadow Farm’s sheep cheese, and, in lieu of gifts, we Grand Wedding ° 2022

asked friends and family to bring a side dish to go with the main course: wheyfed pulled pork, with whey from our cheese, cooked by Sweet Cheeks Meats in Jackson. We served pies we baked ourselves, and showcased a towering wedding cheesecake made from our farm's 5-pound cheese wheels.

Five goats were escorted down the aisle during our ceremony, all donning edible flower necklaces, care of Red House Flowers. Mark and I recited our own handwritten vows and called for blessings from our guests. All the while our goat, Lu, munched on the edible bouquets and boutonnieres. Sure, it was nice that we got married, but Lu really stole the show!

bistrocateringjacksonhole.com 307.739.4682 A member of Fine Dining Restaurant Group

LOVE STORIES

A First Look with a Twist

CHRISTINA & ROBERT

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Words by Christina DeCicco + Photography by Hannah Hardaway

W

e met in late 2010 when I was working as a bartender in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and had just moved back from Iowa. Bob owned a bar up the street, and one night he came in with his friends and ordered some whiskey shots. Eleven years, three kiddos, and two dogs later, Bob decided to propose when we went out on a dinner date. (I actually made a TikTok about how long I waited for the ring as a joke, and it went viral.)

We knew we wanted to have a destination wedding— something small and completely about us. We also didn't want our wedding to mimic something that we had already seen before (like a beach wedding in Mexico or Hawaii). So, when Bob and I visited Jackson Hole in May of 2021, we decided—flying into the picturesque little airport—that a wedding in the Tetons matched our vision perfectly. This would be the place that we'd legally become a family of five.

Bob was rather hands-off with the wedding details; however, he chose the color pallet, and I took it from there.

I tried to focus every detail of the wedding on us, our daughters, and the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range. The day was particularly special. Not only did I get to marry my best friend in front of seventy of our closest friends and family, but our daughters Avery (nine), Elliotte (three), and Eloise (two) made up our wedding party.

We included an appetizer buffet dedicated to food from my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (brats and deepfried cheese curds) and from Bob’s hometown of Chicago (Chicago Dogs and Italian beef sliders). Our welcome bags featured local Wyoming and Teton-based goods, like Grand Teton Brewing root beer and Wyoming Gourmet Beef Co. jerky. We included maps and brochures of Jackson and Yellowstone in the bags, as well as a guestbook that showcased vintage Wild West postcards on which guests could leave some words of love.

Every vendor we worked with was top-notch as they made our vision come to life. It was especially professional how they handled the logistics of taking my ideas, which I emailed to our planner, Alison Kyle, from Milwaukee, and then communicating with each other in Jackson Hole to pull off the perfect day.

Steady Jake DJ took the time to meet with us two days before our special day, specifically to splice our voices together for a voice-over he played right before we made our grand entrance into the reception. And Taylor Mountain Films and our photographer, Hannah Hardaway, helped me pull off a complete surprise for Bob. Bob thought one of his best childhood friends, Tony (they went to college together), wasn't going to be able to attend the wedding at all, as Tony’s brother-in-law was getting married the same weekend in Salt Lake City. I coordinated with Tony and managed to fly him in for the ceremony only, surprising Bob during the first look. That day, Tony flew into Jackson, drove to our

LOVE STORIES Wedding Date

October 1, 2021 Ceremony Location

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa Reception Location

Hotel Terra Officiant

Chris Kraker Photographer

Hannah Hardaway Consultant

Alison Kyle of Destination Jackson Hole

condo, and hid in the car for about twenty minutes until we were ready. Then, instead of me, Tony became the other person in the first look. (I’m pretty sure they both teared up.) After the ceremony, Tony hopped into his rental and drove to Salt Lake City to stand up at his brotherin-law’s wedding.

Videographer

Taylor Mountain Films Hair and Makeup

Tanya Crocker Florist

The Briar Rose Music

Steady Jake DJ Caterer

After the ceremony and before we were officially pronounced husband and wife (funny story … Our littlest daughter, Eloise, hit a brick wall during the ceremony and started screaming, “I wanna go home.”), we decided to take advantage of the phenomenal view from the top of Teton Mountain Lodge &

Spur Catering Dessert Chef

Absaroka Cake Company, Provisions Jackson Hole Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited Stationery Design

Artifact Uprising, Basic Invite

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Made to last

PHOTO CREDIT: KATY GRAY

a Lifetime

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

PHOTO CREDIT: KATY GRAY

winterwindsfarm.com | winterwindsfarm@gmail.com @WinterWindsFarm Victor, ID | 608-438-3886 |

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

jacksonholewedding.com

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JACKSON HAS SOUL For starters, Jackson Hole provides one of the most naturally beautiful backdrops in the country. All the locals are truly kindhearted and more than willing to help with recommendations. All I had to do was ask.

People on a Jackson Hole-Grand Teton Facebook group recommended items for the welcome bags, and the gentleman working at the Elk Refuge hooked me up with all sorts of literature and maps for our guests. (Seriously. I wish I got his name because he went above and beyond.) Plus, the local waitstaff and retail store clerks I encountered were top-notch.

Spa. The staff brought out these amazing cocktails complete with stir sticks I found on Etsy that said “The Kings” (our married last name). Everyone toasted us as a married couple, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as our backdrop.

I truly would not do a single thing differently, from the location to the venue and the vendors. Wyoming—specifically the Jackson Hole and Teton area—will always hold a special place in our hearts. For that, we can thank everyone responsible for a flawless destination wedding day.

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We o ff e r i n s t u d i o p o r t r a i t u r e , o n s i t e p h o t o s t u d i o ( w i t h s t a ff ) , p r i v a t e i n s t u d i o o r o n - s i t e b r i d a l s h o w e r or bachelorette parties, wedding announcement/invitation/save the date.

Bring the old west to your guests. Add dress up to the list of activities. Memorialize your day i n t h e f u n n e s t w a y.

jholdtimephotos@gmail.com | 307-733-6467 | jholdtimephotos.com

ANNALISA & ALEX

O

Love in the

Words by Annalisa Brombach + Photography by Lindley Rust ur story started at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. We were brought into the world by different OB-GYNs at the same hospital. This was, indeed, a great conversation starter on our first date, accompanying our (unplanned) matching Arcteryx jackets. After the date, I gave Alex a ride home, and as he approached my car, he said, “Of course you drive a Subaru. You're a true Seattle girl.”

“Well, how else am I supposed to get to the mountain?” I responded. “Hey, want to go skiing this weekend?”

Alex smartly agreed to a second date, and we, swiftly, fell in love.

Skiing is an activity that we enjoy doing together year-round. Near our home in Seattle, backcountry skiing can last into June or July at the higher elevations found on Mount Rainier, an active volcano about 80 miles south of the city.

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Name of Science One sunny morning in July of 2020, we packed our collector car—a vintage BMW convertible—with backcountry skis, snacks, and a bottle of champagne that Alex secretly hid away, alongside a custom engagement ring created by JC Jewelers in Jackson. After a good two hours of skinning, he decided on a spot and got down on one knee to propose. Of course, I said “Yes!” and we promptly skied down, drove back to Seattle, called our families, and celebrated at an oyster and seafood bar on the city’s waterfront.

We—alongside our respective families—have lived in Seattle for decades, but Alex’s parents moved to Jackson in 2013 as part of a long-term retirement plan. Fortunately, that meant we could visit Jackson Hole during holiday breaks and spare weekends away from our jobs as a nurse and a doctor. Soon after our engagement, we decided that getting married in Jackson would be the right fit, as Jackson Hole is a place where you can connect with nature, slow down, hike, bike, fish, and ski steep terrain to your heart's content. Also, having our wedding in Jackson would enable our family and friends to experience the special beauty of jacksonholewedding.com

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the location, as well.

However, our engagement was not all warm and fuzzy. About six months after Alex popped the question, my father was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic pancreatic cancer. So, after learning the diagnosis, we took him into our home to support him through chemotherapy, a myriad of doctor’s appointments, and various medical procedures. Jackson was always a dinnertime conversation topic, as my father loved the mountains, and he enjoyed looking at photos of the Tetons.

He set a goal to make it to our wedding in October of 2021.

Nevertheless, we held a modest and informal engagementwedding celebration, so we could be sure my dad would be present for the festivities. But even despite our best efforts, my father, unfortunately, passed away just three weeks before our wedding date, and he was unable to experience the very place we grew so fond of.

Amid the despair of my father’s passing, our wedding planner, Lisa Mack, and Alex’s mother (our unofficial wedding planner) stepped in to ensure that our destination wedding went off without a hitch.

Our ceremony was held outdoors at 3 Creek Ranch Golf Club.

Bill Nye “The Science Guy,” a close friend of Alex’s dad and a mentor to Alex, served as our officiant and crafted a wonderful ceremony to honor both the occasion and my father’s passing.

But, just two weeks before our wedding date, we learned Bill could not leave his television set in Montreal, Canada, and travel out of the country to Jackson Hole due to COVID-19 restrictions. So, with NBC’s help, we improvised, and he

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Wedding date

October 2, 2021 Ceremony and Reception

3 Creek Ranch Officiant

Bill Nye, “The Science Guy” Photographer

Lindley Rust Wedding Planner

Lisa Mack Events Hair and Makeup

Frost Salon Videographer

Taylor Mountain Films Florist

Mille Fleur Design Music

The High Society Band Caterer

3 Creek Ranch Golf Club Stationery

Xowyo Paper + Press Jewelry

JC Jewelers Rental Service

Jackson Hole Canvas Unlimited Transportation Service

Summit Transportation Welcome Party

StillWest Brewery & Grill Welcome Bags

Persephone Bakery Accommodations

The Cloudveil, Jackson Hole

hosted our ceremony over Zoom from NBC’s studio (which was fitting for the times, anyway).

After the ceremony, we had a cocktail hour on the lawn, which featured a raw seafood bar to cater to my Swedish family’s tastes, as well as music from a fantastic pianist, Jason Lux, whom we had met in Seattle. To maintain a safe environment, we created a hybrid indoor-outdoor dinner and dance floor that featured The High Society Band from Salt Lake City. The band was a hit, and we especially loved their take of the 80s hit, “Careless Whisper,” complete with a saxophone solo.

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jacksonholewedding.com

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INCORPORATE ADD-ON FESTIVITIES •

Plan a “day-before-the-wedding” event, and utilize that time to say “hi” and catch up with family and friends. This makes the actual wedding day less overwhelming, so you can focus on yourselves.

•

Request that your caterer box up two complete wedding dinners to-go. After a long day and a night of dancing, it is fun to go back to your hotel and eat Round 2 of your wedding dinner.

Plus, you’ll enjoy it more—and have the time to really taste it—after working up an appetite.

•

Make sure to have dance floor props. We incorporated light-up tambourines, and they were a huge hit! (Perhaps a little irritating for our band, but our guests sure loved it.)

Alex and I faced countless obstacles that tested our new relationship and our ability to plan a wedding. However, despite my loss, there was still a reason to celebrate: We, as a couple, had something to cherish—finding each other— and we were pleased we could commemorate that feat with close friends and family, and a famous officiant over Zoom.

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And the Music Plays On ...

STEPHANIE & MATTHEW

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I

Words by Stephanie Sprenger + Photography by Ardent Photography

don’t recall exactly when Matt and I met for the first time. Matt was always coming around our house to hang out with my brother, his best friend, when he was a freshman and I was a senior (2006). I knew who he was because his older brother Mike and I were in the same second and third grade class in Orange County, California. Throughout the years, he was always around at social gatherings, still, we never really interacted much. It wasn’t until Memorial Day weekend in 2017 that our brief encounters changed.

For the holiday weekend, my sister, Jaclyn, her husband, Cory, my brother, Alex, his girlfriend, Lily, and I planned a night in San Diego to see the band Foster the People. We had an extra ticket, so the guys asked Matt (a.k.a. “Sprenger”) if he wanted to go. We rode the train from Orange County to San Diego, with our bicycles in tow, for a weekend of festivities. Alex and Lily had to leave early the next morning, Jaclyn and Cory wanted to stay another night, and I wanted to get back home, so Matt volunteered to ride the train back with me.

During the two-hour ride we drank beer, talked, and laughed.

When the train pulled into the station, we rode our bikes down the ramp and into the parking lot. That’s when Matt’s overnight bag got caught on his wheel and he flew over the handlebars and knocked himself out cold, blood dripping down his face. On-site police officers ran over and called an ambulance. The ambulance arrived, and the EMTs started asking me questions: What’s his date of birth?

(I didn’t even know his first name—I only knew him as “Sprenger.”)

Who are his parents? (I had no idea. He was my brother’s friend, after all.) Matt eventually came to and told everyone he was fine.

We went home, and Matt was left with a hefty gauze bill.

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The following day, Matt sent me a text apologizing for the night before. He wanted to make it up to me and asked if I wanted to go to Canyon Lake, near Temecula, to his friend Ryan’s house. I accepted. (Ryan was another friend of my brother and Matt.)

We spent the next day on Canyon Lake, barbequed, and played pool that night. We fell asleep on the couch (a sectional) with our heads butted up next to each other in the corner. He leaned over and kissed my forehead. I was so nervous, so I pretended to be asleep. Our “hangouts” went on for nearly three months before he finally kissed me while camping at Taboose Creek in the Eastern Sierras (his family’s favorite campground growing up). Matt’s sister Jenny came along with us and, on the drive out there, we lost radio reception, so Matt tuned to “Elvis Radio” on Spotify. One of the first songs that came on was “Can't Help Falling in Love.” I remember feeling so awkward because we were newly dating, his sister was in the car, and it was a pretty romantic song. We all just sort of sat there in silence. (This song ended up being the song that played when Matt walked down the aisle.)

We spent the next day driving through Yosemite listening to Paul McCartney on repeat. We kept joking that “Maybe I'm Amazed” was the only song on that album because it seemed to play every few minutes. We were so sad to go home after such an amazing weekend camping under the stars. When we got back home, Matt told me to listen to “Moonlight Mile” by the Rolling Stones, which was perfectly reminiscent of our weekend together. (Consequently, “Maybe I'm Amazed” played during our first dance, and “Moonlight Mile” was the song we chose for our wedding processional.)

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Wedding Date

August 26, 2021 Ceremony and Reception

Trail Creek Ranch Officiant

Ryan Bergman Photographer

Ardent Photography Hair & Makeup

Tanya Crocker Florist

Gild the Lily Too Music

Jeff Stein of Nomadic Events Consultant

Franny Weikart Caterer

In Season Wood Fired Pizza Dessert Chef

Parakalo Provisions Rental Service

Canvas Unlimited Nails

Painted Pony Rings

Jackson Hole Jewelry Co. Other Specialty Vendors

Tailor Cooperative, Eclectic Spirit Art

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After that, we vowed to get out of town every weekend. We camped all over, including the Sierras, Idyllwild, San Juan Capistrano, and Joshua Tree. On this trip, I was in charge of the music. I chose a Tracy Chapman album because it’s one I listened to with my mom growing up. Jenny (who has now become one of my best friends), brought her guitar along on that trip and played Tracy Chapman songs around the campfire all night. (Tracy Chapman’s version of “Stand By Me” was the song I walked down the aisle to.)

Our active lifestyle together carried on until March of 2020 when COVID hit, Matt’s dad passed away, and I lost my job. We both were in a very strange place and decided to take a camping road trip. We started in California,

Grand Wedding ° 2022

then went to Zion in Utah, and through the Flaming Gorge in Wyoming. We visited Yellowstone National Park, Flathead Lake, and Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, before heading west to Crater Lake in Oregon, and Redwood National Park, San Francisco, and Morro Bay in California. This trip opened our eyes to how much was out there for us to explore.

I started looking for jobs in Wyoming and Montana and found an online posting for a county legal position I couldn't resist. I applied, had a Zoom interview, a second in-person interview, and then was offered the position. Having a relationship based on camping, hiking, exploring, and fishing, we couldn't wait to start our new life in Pinedale. Matt found a job immediately in

construction, we purchased a home, and continued to immerse ourselves in the outdoor lifestyle we ran away to every weekend while living in Orange County.

Our wedding—exactly one year from the date we moved to Pinedale—offered a perfect way to celebrate our relationship with our nearest and dearest. We chose to have an intimate ceremony and reception with only those who were a part of our relationship from the beginning (24 people attended). It was important to us to incorporate our love story into our wedding, as well, through the music we chose, the guests we invited, and the people who officiated— everyone had a part in our story.

Ardent Photography was the first vendor we booked, and we chose our wedding date solely based on their availability.

Their photos online were completely in line with our vision. Nothing felt posed or forced, and the photographers captured every natural laugh, tear, smile, and special moment throughout the day, organically. While our wedding memories are fresh in our heads now, we know the details will blur over time, making us even more thankful of Ardent’s time and effort.

Next, we hired Franny Weikart with In Season Wood Fired Pizza. I found her in Grand Wedding magazine and called immediately. After just one conversation, Franny put me at ease and I found myself trusting everything she had to say. When I found out she offered coordination services, I jumped at the opportunity. It was, without a doubt, the best decision we made. The food, presentation, atmosphere, and the

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perfect mixture of fun and professionalism exhibited by Franny, Blaine, and the entire In Season crew was beyond anything we could have asked for. The hard work they put into forging their own ingredients and making their own dough made the overall experience that much more enjoyable and appreciated by all.

Franny put me in contact with Jenna, of Parakalo Provisions, for dessert; this decision, too, was honestly like a little wedding miracle.

We used Tanya Crocker for makeup, and although I am very picky about my makeup, Tanya and her staff heeded our particular makeup styles and absolutely delivered.

Finally, the Trail Creek Ranch was—without a doubt—one of the dreamiest, most magical places, and the staff ’s spirit and welcoming nature made it that much better. We cannot wait to spend our anniversaries sipping coffee on the deck of the Alex Cabin, staring into the field we got married in, with Sleeping Indian in the distance. Trail Creek Ranch will always have a special place in our hearts.

Destination ...

Adventure Elopements

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Words by Britney Magleby

W

hen I was in fourth grade, I told my mom I was never getting married. “But if I do,” I continued pensively, “I want to go to the top of a mountain to do it!”

This set my nine-year-old imagination ablaze: We could hike to the top of the highest mountain, or go scuba diving, or I could snowboard in a wedding dress.

Maybe then, I thought, getting married wouldn’t be so bad.

Many years later (and with no change of heart), I found myself in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—a dynamic and scenic destination that I would boldly claim as “adventure elopement capital of the nation.”

Here, couples exceed even my young dreams. They announce their engagements while wakesurfing on Palisades Reservoir, and say their “I do’s” in caves in the backcountry. Some don their suits and go whitewater rafting; others wear their gowns on horseback. And, I bet I’m not the only one who wants to hike to the tippy-top of the Grand Teton to seal the deal.

PICK YOUR PLEASURE The Tetons are home to some of the most incredible elopement adventures in the world, so pick your pleasure and you’ll find it here. Jackson Hole Whitewater partners with Snake River Ranch to offer a private ceremony location on the banks of the Snake River—only after you and your wedding party take on its Class II whitewater section. Teton Surf Company can accommodate newlyweds-to-be and 10 guests for a shred behind a state-of-the-

jacksonholewedding.com

Love and Story Studio

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Lindley Rust

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Left: Peter Lobozzo, Right: JCM Photography

art wakesurfing boat, after you say your vows. Exum Mountain Guides will help you safely navigate rock climbing, hiking, or mountaineering for couples who want an anything-but-ordinary backdrop for their wedding photos.

These are just a few examples of the endless adventures that can be found amid our rugged landscape. But ultimately, how you choose to celebrate your matrimony is an incredibly personal decision.

“What’s right for each couple is always different. … If [an adventure elopement] feels true to who you are as a couple and the right way to celebrate, I can’t encourage it enough,” says adventure wedding photographer, Erin Wheat.

DON’T FIT YOUR ELOPEMENT INSIDE “THE BOX” When you strip away everything else, the only thing you really have to do on your wedding day is sign a piece of paper. This may sound unromantic at first, but it’s quite the opposite.

Removing unnecessary traditions opens up space to be filled with what brings you joy.

That idea that you must have dinner and dancing at your wedding? Let it go!

“I had a couple stop to take pictures and have a picnic on the hike back after their ceremony,” says Tiffany Garcia, owner of Elope Jackson. “Provisions [in Jackson] can do really cool things anywhere … and Jackson Hole Charcuterie is a great option, too.”

The myth that 4 p.m. is the perfect time to get married? Squash it!

“You can start your day with a wedding [ceremony],” says Garcia. Rise before the sun, board a hot air balloon (care of Wyoming Balloon Company), and capture gorgeous sunrise photos as you “kiss the bride.”

HIRE PROFESSIONALS This law of wedding planning might be more important with an adventure elopement than with a typical wedding ceremony.

With a traditional wedding, your planner is there to keep you on track, your photographer captures beautiful moments, and the vendors are there to ensure you enjoy the day. With an adventure wedding, the right vendors could actually save your life (while also doing all the above)!

“Find someone who specializes in [adventure elopements],” says Wheat. “Those of us in this realm have a vast knowledge about practices and locations.”

“It’s so fun to think outside the box,” adds Garcia, who’s carved a niche planning elopements with 25 guests or fewer. “I enjoy thinking about back-up plans and safety for everyone.”

Jackson is one of the few places where local wedding vendors are willing to “tackle the extreme” by your side. Like, where else can you find a photographer who will hike three hours for “the perfect shot,” or an officiant who doubles as a raft guide?

“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” A famous motto of Jacksonites, this phrase is not to be taken lightly. If your elopement plans bring you deep into the backcountry, thoroughly research where you’re going, and know the topography. Pack intentionally, and be prepared for weather to change on a dime. Bring bear spray, plenty of water and food, and hire professional guides, when needed. Also, always ensure you have proper permits, should your mountainside elopement include more than just yourselves. And, if you’re not confident in your plan, adopt the other famous saying of Jackson Hole adventurers: “If you don’t know, don’t go!”

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Erin Wheat

BE A GOOD STEWARD Keep Jackson Hole wild. This includes the obvious— pack out what you pack in, leave no trace, and respect the wildlife. For an adventure elopement, though, you might have to take your stewardship a few steps further.

Tag responsibly in your wedding photos, meaning don’t give away the location of private places or secret spots on social media. (How incredible would it be to have a venue to return to that only you know about?)

Also, know the rules of the adventure activity you choose. “We want to be stewards of the river and the ranch,” says Jeff Tibbitts, owner of Jackson Hole Whitewater, when referring to their private event location. “We always make sure that we provide ramp and river etiquette.”

The same could be said for any outdoor activity you engage in during your weekend of festivities. Even though you may be belaying in a suit, be respectful of other climbers. And still tell a loved one where you’re going and when to expect you back.

What I failed to realize when I was nine is that you shouldn’t need the excuse of an adventure to have a wedding. And you don’t need the excuse of a wedding to have an adventure. When you find the right person, every day can be an adventure, as love is the greatest life-changing adventure of all.

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THE DETAILS | RESOURCE DIRECTORY Erin Wheat

Amy Galbraith

Peter Lobozzo

Candace Budgick

Accommodations ANVIL HOTEL 307.733.3668 | Jackson, WY anvilhotel.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @anvilhotel CACHE HOUSE 307.733.3668 | Jackson, WY thecachehouse.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @cachehousejackson

TETON SPRINGS 208.787.8130 | Victor, ID tetonsprings.com catering@tetonsprings.com @tetonsprings TETON VALLEY CABINS 208.354.8153 | Driggs, ID tetonvalleycabins.com info@tetonvalleycabins.com @tvcabins

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

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

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

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

Activities GREAT WESTERN EXPEDITIONS 307.222.0412 | Jackson, WY greatwesternexpeditions.com info@gwexped.com @greatwesternexpeditions JACKSON HOLE GOAT YOGA 307.226.0220 | Jackson, WY jacksonholegoatyoga.com @jacksonholegoatyoga JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT 307.732.3136 | Teton Village, WY jacksonhole.com/weddings.html groups@jacksonhole.com @jacksonhole

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TETON SURF CO. 307.413.9641 | Jackson, WY tetonsurfco.com tetonsurfco@gmail.com @tetonsurfco

Audiovisual + Video BACKLIGHT CREATIVE 518.428.6558 | Jackson, WY backlightcreative.com diana@backlightcreative.com @backlightcreative HUGHES PRODUCTIONS 307.733.6505 | Jackson, WY hughesproduction.com info@hughesproduction.com @hughesproductionjacksonwy AUDIOVISUAL + VIDEO CONT. ON 91 >>>

TOAST OF THE TOWN MTN MEDIA 307.699.0300 | Jackson, WY jacksonholeweddingvideo.com info@jacksonholeweddingvideo.com @mtnmediaweddings

GATHER/PALATTE 307.413.2744 | Jackson, WY gatherjh.com mswain@gatherjh.com @gathercateringjh

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

TOWER 3 PRODUCTIONS 307.699.1618 | Jackson, WY tower3productions.com weddingvideo@tower3productions.com @tower3productions

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

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

IL VILLAGGIO OSTERIA 307.739.4100 | Teton Village, WY jhosteria.com jen@jhfinedining.com @jhosteria

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

JACKSON HOLE GOLF & TENNIS CLUB 307.733.3111 | Jackson, WY jhgtc.com jhgtc.com/Default.Venues scole@vailresorts.com @jhgtc

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

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

Catering + Dining BAR ENOTECA 307.739.4225 | Teton Village, WY enotecajacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @enotecajh BIN22 307.739.9463 | Jackson, WY bin22jacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @bin22jh

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

BISTRO CATERING 307.739.4682 | Jackson, WY bistrocateringjacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @jacksonholecatering.com

MEXICAN Y LA GRINGA CATERING 307.699.9082 Jackson, WY and Victor, ID streetfoodcateringjh.com streetfoodcateringjh@gmail.com @streetfoodjh

BUFFALO BILLS FOOD TRUCK 307.690.5089 | Jackson, WY wyobuffalobills.com michaeljbills1@gmail.com @wyo_buffalobills

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

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES 307.732.5000 | Teton Village, WY fourseasons.com/jacksonhole jac.sales@fourseasons.com @fsjacksonhole

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

WILD ROSE WEDDINGS 307.699.4901 | Jackson, WY WildRoseJH.com Hello@WildRoseJH.com @wildrosejh

Event Rentals

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

Event Planners DESTINATION JACKSON HOLE 307.734.5007 | Jackson, WY destinationjacksonhole.com alison@destinationjacksonhole.com @destinationjacksonhole VIBRANT EVENTS 307.413.0174 | Jackson, WY vibranteventsjh.com info@vibranteventsjh.com

AURORA EVENT RENTALS 307.699.3343 | Jackson, WY aurorajh.com rentals@aurorajh.com @auroraeventsjh JH POSH POTTY 307.690.3018 | Jackson, WY jhluxuryrestroomtrailer.com poshpotty@outlook.com @jhposhpotty LUX LOUNGE 307.413.3903 | Jackson, WY yourluxlounge.com hello@yourluxlounge.com @yourluxlounge MACY'S SERVICES (RESTROOM TRAILERS) 307.733.4687 | Jackson, WY macysservices.com macysserivces@cs.com NORDIC SKIES TIPIS 305.393.1823 | Jackson, WY nordicskiesjh.com info@nordicskiesjh.com @nordicskiesjh.com

Florists BRIAR ROSE 307.732.1222 | Jackson, WY briarroseflowers.com briarrose@onewest.net SNAKE RIVER FLOWERS 307.413.9641 | Jackson, WY snakeriverflowers.com snakeriverservices@gmail.com @snakeriverflowers

Love and Story Studio

Ashley Merritt jacksonholewedding.com

91

THE DETAILS | RESOURCE DIRECTORY Lindley Rust

Bradly J. Boner

FLORISTS CONTINUED >>> THE FLOWER MARKET AT MD NURSERY 208.354.8816 | Teton Valley, ID mdlandscaping.com/flower-market flowers@mdnursery.com @theflowermarketatmd

Hair + Makeup ASHLEYDREW ARTISTRY 307.250.6906 | Jackson, WY ashleydartistry.com @ashleydrewartistry

Jewelry + Gifts BELLE COSE 307.733.2640 | Jackson, WY bellecose.com sales@bellecose.com @bellecosejacksonhole BRIAR ROSE 307.732.1222 | Jackson, WY briarroseflowers.com briarrose@onewest.net COPPERDOT LEATHER GOODS 307.690.4564 | Jackson, WY copperdotleather.com pam@copperdotleather.com @copperdotleather JACKSON HOLE GIFT BASKETS 307.200.6453 | Jackson, WY jacksonholegiftbaskets.com events@jhmarketplace.com @jacksonholegiftbaskets JW BENNETT 307.201.5669 | Jackson, WY jwbennett.com sales@jwbennett.com @j.bennett 92

PEARLS BY SHARI 307.734.0553 | Jackson, WY pearlsbyshari.com @pearlsbyshari SNAKE RIVER FLOWERS 307.413.9641 | Jackson, WY snakeriverflowers.com snakeriverservices@gmail.com @snakeriverflowers

Music STEADY JAKE (JAKE NICHOLS) 307.413.1488 | Jackson, WY steadyjake.com steadyjake@steadyjake.com

Photographers AMY GAILBRAITH PHOTOGRAPHY 206.234.7858 | Seattle, WA amygalbraith.com amy@amygalbraith.com @amygphoto CANDICE BUDGICK PHOTOGRAPHY 918.519.2619 | Claremore, OK budgickphotos.com candice.budgick@yahoo.com @budgickphotos JACKSON HOLE'S OLD TIME PHOTOS 307.733.6467 | Jackson, WY jholdtimephotos.com jholdtimephotos@gmail.com @jholdtimephotos MICHELLE ERWIN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.272.1830 | Driggs, ID michelleerwin.com michelleerwin@gmail.com @michelleerwinphotography.com SARAH AVERILL PHOTOGRAPHY 814.935.4121 | Jackson, WY sarahaverillphotography.com sarah@sarahaverillphotography.com @sarahaverill_photography

STIR PHOTOGRAPHY 312.968.1013 | Victor, ID stirphotography.com becca.stir@gmail.com @stirphotography TAYLOR GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY trgphoto.com taylor@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.studio

Photo Booth TAYLOR GLENN PHOTOGRAPHY 307.413.7540 | Jackson, WY trgphoto.com taylor@trgphoto.com @taylorglenn.studio

Spirits LUX LOUNGE 307.413.3903 | Jackson, WY yourluxlounge.com hello@yourluxlounge.com @yourluxlounge THE LIQUOR STORE OF JACKSON HOLE 307.733.4466 | Jackson, WY theliquorstorejacksonhole.com events@wineliqourbeer.com @theliquorstoreofjacksonhole

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

Grand Wedding ° 2022

Transportation + Valet MOUNTAIN RESORT CHAUFFEURED TRANSPORTATION 307.733.1112 Jackson, WY and Sun Valley, ID mountain-resort-services.com info@mtnrct.com

Venues BAR ENOTECA 307.739.4225 | Teton Village, WY enotecajacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @enotecajh BIN22 307.739.9463 | Jackson, WY bin22jacksonhole.com jen@jhfinedining.com @bin22jh FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES 307.732.5000 | Teton Village, WY fourseasons.com/jacksonhole jac.sales@fourseasons.com @fsjacksonhole GATHER/PALATTE 307.413.2744 | Jackson, WY gatherjh.com mswain@gatherjh.com @gathercateringjh GLORIETTA TRATTORIA 307.733.3888 | Jackson, WY gloriettajackson.com weddings@anvilhotel.com @gloriettajackson GRAND TARGHEE RESORT 800.827.4499 | Alta, WY grandtarghee.com weddings@grandtarghee.com @grandtargheeresort

TOAST OF THE TOWN VENUES CONTINUED >>> HATCHET RESORT 307.543.2413 | Moran, WY hatchetresort.com info@hatchetresort.com @hatchetresort IL VILLAGGIO OSTERIA 307.739.4100 | Teton Village, WY jhosteria.com jen@jhfinedining.com @jhosteria JACKSON HOLE GOLF & TENNIS CLUB 307.733.3111 | Jackson, WY jhgtc.com jhgtc.com/Default.Venues 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 MEAD RANCH JH 307.734.3911 | Jackson, WY meadranch.net kate@meadranch.net @mead_ranch_beef

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WILDLIFE ART 307.733.5771 | Jackson, WY WildlifeArt.org info@WildlifeArt.org @wildlifeartjh RINGHOLZ STUDIOS 307.734.3964 | Jackson, WY ringholzstudios.com ashley@ringholzstudios.com @ringholzstudios

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

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

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

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

JCM Photography

THE CLOUDVEIL HOTEL 307.699.6100 | Jackson, WY thecloudveil.com sales@thecloudveil.com @thecloudveil TRAIL CREEK RANCH 307.690.2610 | Wilson, WY trailcreekranch.com TrailCreekRanch@msn.com @trailcreekranch_jh WINTER WINDS FARM 608.438.3886 | Victor, ID winterwindsfarm.com winterwindsfarm@gmail.com @winterwindsfarm

Hannah Hardaway

Stacy Hulsing

Heather Erson

jacksonholewedding.com

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THE DETAILS | RESOURCE DIRECTORY

How to Plan a Mountain Wedding

So, you want to get married in the Tetons, surrounded by your closest family and friends, but ...

A.) You live far away and have no idea how to pull off your dream, or B.) You live locally and are working your butt off (so that you can actually live here), giving you no time for planning.

We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to hosting the perfect mountain-centric affair.

Come For a Visit or Staycation  Note the weather  Check out what’s in bloom (if anything)  Visit restaurants, shops, and trailheads (Ask a local.)

Select Your Place  Indoor of outdoor? (You know what we prefer.)  National Forest or full-service resort?  Check availability and apply for permits

Hire Your Peeps  Choose knowledgeable local vendors  Source regional flowers and food items  Keep sustainability in mind (Our home is your playground!)

Plan Your Adventuring  Skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking at JHMR or Grand Targhee

Dress the Part

 Wakesurfing with Teton Surf Co.  Horseback riding at Linn Canyon Ranch  Or … hiking, whitewater rafting, or fishing

 Trade stilettos for chunky heels or boots  Use décor that blends with the landscape  Bring an insulating layer no matter what!

Say "I Do"!

weather averages JAN FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

OUR

FOR THE JACKSON AREA: AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

27

32

40

52

63

72

82

80

71

58

40

28

4

7

15

24

31

37

41

39

32

24

16

6

2

1

1

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

2

19

13

11

5

1

0

trace

0

0

2

10

18

13

13

9

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

6

Avg. Max Temp. (°F)

Avg. Min Temp. (°F)

Avg. Total Precip. (in.)

Avg. Total Snowfall (in.)

Avg. Snow Depth (in.)

Information obtained from the Jackson weather station (6,237 feet in altitude) via the High Plains Regional Climate Center, www.hprcc.unl.edu 94

Grand Wedding ° 2022

social scene

INSTAGRAM

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

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

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

VIDEOGRAPHY & PHOTOGRAPHY @backlightcreative diana@backlightcreative.com www.backlightcreative.com

Tell Us Your Wedding Story

Lindley Rust

DEADLINE IS 10.15.2022

Submit your Jackson or Teton Valley wedding to jacksonholewedding.com/submit-your-wedding

jacksonholewedding.com

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GRAND EXIT

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Love and Story Studio

“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.”

— Zora Neale Hurston

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the lifestyle registry at

bellecose.com

Grand Wedding ° 2022 J A C98 KSON HOLE | TETON VILLAGE | V E R O B E A C H | C A R M E L - B Y- T H E - S E A | B I G S K Y