A Change of Plans

Sera & Peter

We set out to have a cookie-cutter southern wedding at The Carolina Inn, the standard venue in North Carolina for University of North Carolina alumni. Once things were nearly solidified, Peter and I were struck with the realization that this plan simply was not for us. When we imagined our wedding, we saw our closest family and friends coming together to celebrate our future in a laid-back and beautiful atmosphere. There was only one place that came to mind: Teton Valley. We scrapped our North Carolina plan and decided to wed in Idaho. My parents purchased a home in Teton Valley a few years ago, and with each visit, Peter and I have become more certain that it is heaven on Earth.

We chose to host the wedding at the Overlook Lodge in the River Rim Ranch community, near where my parents’ home is located. The lodge is well-appointed, and its location simplified our planning logistics. We researched local vendors and were more than pleased with our selections. Every single one was outstanding—an expert in his or her field. They captured the essence of our wishes and brought our dreams to life.

Our wedding-day weather was gorgeous! Fluffy clouds dotted the sky, and the sun warmed temperatures to a comfortable eighty-five degrees for our pre-wedding photo shoot and outdoor ceremony. We took full advantage of the beautiful natural landscape and took many photographs of the wedding party and family together, including a few intimate ones of Peter and me sharing our first look.

Our ceremony was situated on the lodge’s stone patio with stunning views of the Teton mountain range to the east and the meandering Teton River below. When a bald eagle flew by in the middle of our ceremony and a distant rainbow appeared as we were pronounced husband and wife, we knew we were destined to be married in this sublime setting.

Wedding Details

Wedding Date: 2 August 2014
Ceremony & Reception Location: Overlook Lodge at River Rim Ranch
Officiant: Angel Sims
Hair & Makeup: Total Image Salon (Joey Hansen)
Photographer: Michelle Erwin
Florist: Faith Taylor
Entertainment: Chris Davis
Caterer: Dining In Catering