A Wedding Weekend to Remember
A Wedding Weekend to Remember
Kate & Joe
I have been skiing in Jackson each winter since I was ten years old. Joe’s first winter Jackson visit was in 2008. Although he embarrassed himself thoroughly on the slopes, he immediately loved the place. Since then, the two of us have spent a lot of time in the area in both summer and winter. We decided to have our wedding in the best place we could think of—Jackson and the Tetons!
Over the years, Joe and I have enthusia-stically shared the wonderful things to do and see in Jackson with our friends and family. We were thrilled to hear that so many of them from around the United States and England planned to attend our wedding. We wanted to organize a weekend to remember, showcasing a few of our favorite places and activities.
On Thursday evening, my parents hosted a welcome celebration at their home. It was a perfect start to our big weekend. There was plenty of socializing, food, and good times! We had the straw bales out around the campfire, as well as treats throughout the house and decks. Cafe Genevieve catered the affair, and of course, we had its famous “Pig Candy” as a treat.
Friday morning donned early for us with a crispness in the fall air. It was a perfect day for a scenic float on the Snake River. Everyone arrived at the launch site to a great Wyoming welcome by my parents, including a selection of cocktails. For many folks, it was their first time seeing the Grand Teton, a bald eagle, and a moose. We ended the day with a grand lunch at Dornan’s, honoring one of our favorite restaurants.
We spent Friday evening at Spring Creek Ranch enjoying a cocktail party and barbecue. We favored a dramatic setting with long rows of tables adorned with dried grasses, votive candles wrapped with leather and fabric, and vintage animal-themed tins of sagebrush. The toasts drew many tears and laughter, and we ended the evening outside singing around the teepee and bonfire with s’mores. This was enchanting, as Joe’s friends have a history of singing together.
The wedding was held at Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club under the big tent with its dramatic silk lining. Robin Christensen of Cadenet Design Inc. was at the decorating helm; she created a romantic ambiance by making the exterior front grounds and tent interior look like a sparkling forest with natural antlers, painted antlers, and gold-leafed accents of chargers and votive candles among the mercury glass and flowers. The many aspen trees—with fairy lights and flowered wreaths—accompanied the festive autumn splendor of the mountains. As the time came to head to the ceremony, my father surprised me with a special ride over for the two of us in a 1929 navy blue convertible Model T.
The ceremony was held against the backdrop of the Teton mountain range with the fall foliage at its peak. Joe and I were so thankful to have my Uncle Max officiate the ceremony; he made it so meaningful. We included some special traditions in it, like a circle of love by our dear friends, special readings, and music performed by family and friends.
To kick off the reception, we offered champagne toasts for everyone at our celebrated “amour” station. After heartfelt toasts and an incredible meal, we were all ready to put on our dancing shoes. It was a lively event with the tossing of guests in the air and riding on elevated chairs. The night went much too quickly, and at the end of the evening, we were again surprised by a candlelight procession out to our transportation with the after-party continuing at the Cowboy Bar in town.
As we remember the many incredible moments of our wedding weekend, we are grateful to our family and friends, as well as the local community of experts who helped us create such a special celebration.
Photos
Wedding Details
Wedding Date: 20 September 2014
Ceremony & Reception Location: Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
Officiant: Max Millett, bride’s uncle from England
Hair & Makeup: Tanya Crocker
Photographer: Morris Weintraub, Imagewell Photography
Florist: Gild the Lily Too
Lighting and Production: Hughes Production
Entertainment: Diamond Empire Band
Consultant: Robin Christensen, Cadenet Design Inc.
Caterer: Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
Dessert: Persephone Bakery
Rental Service: Montana Party Rentals, Canvas Unlimited, & High Country Linen
Transportation: Alltrans & Allen Raver