A Western Wedding
A Western Wedding
Rebecca & Paul
It was a picture-perfect October day in the Tetons—crisp but sunny—when Paul Vogelheim and Rebecca Carlsberg Rigsby exchanged vows in a meadow on her family’s ranch. With guests facing the breathtaking beauty of the Tetons, a simple nine-foot wooden cross—crafted by one of the ranch employees—provided a spiritual and stunning focal point for the ceremony. The gorgeous, natural pastoral and mountain setting required no embellishments.
When we arrived at the ranch, cowboys on horseback escorted us to the ceremony site situated in a sunny part of the meadow, within walking distance of the historic ranch house. Guests dressed appropriately for a western wedding, with cowboy hats to protect from the strong Wyoming sun, boots for the rugged terrain, and warm outerwear for a sudden temperature drop.
Ethereal notes by well-known local singer and former international opera star Susan Shepard, accompanied by renowned Broadway composer and pianist Pam Drews Phillips, opened the ceremony. Now Jackson Hole residents, both Susan and Pam are close friends of the bridal couple.
Rebecca’s beautiful daughters, Hannah, sixteen, and Olivia, twelve, smiled their way down the center aisle in white chiffon dresses with short suede boots. The groom and groomsmen, his brothers Charlie and Tom, wore tuxedo jackets atop jeans and cowboy boots. The bride, in a white cashmere dress and boots, was escorted by family friend Clarke Nelson. Officiating the ceremony was Dr. Richard Mouw, former president of Fuller Theological Seminary, and Father Ubald Rugirangoga, of Rwanda, with whom Paul is collaborating on a healing center to bring reconciliation to that country.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a ranch-style barbecue lunch and danced to the beat of the lively bluegrass band PTO. The bride and groom took to the floor for their first dance followed by a rousing Virginia reel, while younger guests snuck away to make s’mores at the bonfire.
It was a day filled with lasting memories. Truly, it was the authentic ranch wedding Paul and Rebecca had envisioned.
Photos
Wedding Details
Wedding Date: 4 October 2014
Ceremony & Reception Location: Historic Hatchet Ranch
Officiant: Dr. Richard Mouw & Father Ubald Rugirangoga
Hair & Makeup: Frost Salon (Rob Hollis)
Photographer: Carrie Patterson
Florist: Lily & Co.
Entertainment: Susan Shepard & Pam Drews Phillips, and PTO (a bluegrass band)
Consultant: In Any Event, LLC.
Caterer: Lisa Price
Dessert: Wild Flour Bakery, The Bunnery, & Albertsons
Rental Service: Canvas Unlimited and Montana Party Rentals