An “Ordered Up” Forever
An “Ordered Up” Forever
Kendall & Ben
Our story starts in Naperville, Illinois, where Ben and I knew each other’s names but never really met. We went to the same high school and even ended up in the same prom group, although at the time, we were just friends in overlapping circles. Life took us in different directions after graduation, and we both went off to college. After a few years of building our own paths, we were both back in town with jobs and routines. By fate — or maybe through mutual friends — we ended up at a local bar one night, a place neither of us really frequented at the time. That’s when we truly saw each other for the first time.
Ben and I quickly connected over our shared love of adventure and the outdoors. We began visiting national parks together, places where we could escape the Midwest, hike, and simply be surrounded by nature. It became our favorite way to travel: Book a flight, pack in more than we probably should, and head somewhere new. Each park felt like a new chapter in our story, and we made it our goal to visit as many as we could in our lifetime together.
That shared love of adventure eventually led to the most memorable trip: a three-week car-camping journey across the country with stops at as many national parks as possible. We lived out of the back of our car, cooked meals on a camp stove, and spent every day surrounded by ever-changing scenery. It was on this trip, in Grand Teton National Park, that we decided to continue writing our story together forever.
After a hike on Signal Mountain, we sat by the marina, enjoying sandwiches and taking in one of the park’s most breathtaking views. Ben, a photographer, wanted to “test his new tripod.” As we stepped out by the water and faced the camera, he knelt and proposed. It was simple, beautiful, and perfectly us — no crowds, no big production, just the two of us and the Tetons.
When it came time to plan our wedding, we knew immediately that nothing would feel right unless it reflected who we are as a couple. Grand Teton National Park had already become a special place in our story, so the idea of bringing our closest family and friends there to celebrate felt like the right way to bring our story full circle.
Our wedding theme came together effortlessly, with earthy tones, natural textures, and an overall sense of simplicity. We didn’t need much, because the mountains were our backdrop and nature did most of the decorating for us. The focus was always on being present, celebrating love, and creating memories that would last forever.
The Wedding Tree venue, overlooking the Teton Range, was an inspiring space for our guests to gather, and Snake River Strings added the perfect soundtrack to the setting. Our guests formed an aisle, creating an intimate, personal entrance that felt so special. After the ceremony, we stayed at the overlook and soaked it all in, listening to the music, taking photos, enjoying the views, and sharing a celebratory champagne toast.
We had eaten at Jackson Drug multiple times on our first visit to Jackson. So, we figured, why not have our wedding reception there? Who else gets to serve burgers and chicken fingers and have a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar on their wedding night?
Five long tables filled most of the restaurant, creating a warm family-style feel. Our main personal touch was a guestbook designed to look like a vinyl record, commemorating our first dance. We also created signage for our signature drinks: “His“ (a smoky margarita), “Hers” (a Jackson mule), and “The Dog’s” (a huckleberry lemonade in honor of our pup, Lemon). Simple, colorful flowers were arranged by our family in Mason jars of varying shapes and sizes, adding to the homey, personal feel.
The classic diner-style bar was open as guests arrived, while David Jeremy played light music to set the tone for cocktail hour. Ben and I walked in shortly after to the song “Carry You Home” by Alex Warren. We gave a short speech upon arrival, centering on the idea that “love is a choice,” and thanking our parents, family, and friends for their support and sacrifices to be there. The energy was palpable with everyone cheering and welcoming us.
For dinner, we worked with Nikki, the owner of Jackson Drug, to craft a custom menu highlighting some of our favorites: their famously gluten-free chicken tenders (a must for me), a burger, a wrap, and a few other comfort-food classics. Guests ordered from menus at their seats, keeping it casual and fun. Dessert was a make-your-own ice cream sundae bar featuring the restaurant’s homemade ice cream. Ben and I slipped over to the bar to cut our gluten-free cake, sharing a quiet moment amid all the celebration.
Our first dance was to John Mayer’s “Love Is a Verb,” with the message that love is not just a flicker of light, but something we show up and give every day, regardless of what life throws at us.
After dinner and speeches, the staff opened up the dance floor, and the real party began. We handed out disposable Kodak cameras to capture candid moments with our guests in cow-printed cowboy hats and black-and-white sunglasses. David’s tunes kicked off the dancing with an hour-long set of classic rock, folk, and country, before we transitioned into a playlist of our favorite classics, from Taylor Swift, ABBA, Bob Seger, and Queen.
Our reception was anything but traditional. Rooted in Western culture and infused with personal touches, it was a celebration that reflected who we are as a couple and the love we share with our friends and family. It felt like the cherry on top of an unforgettable week we spent in Jackson with our guests.
Advice For Couples
Add your own personality wherever you can, whether that’s through your ceremony, your music choices, or how you celebrate with your guests. For us, this meant letting go of anything that didn’t feel authentic. We skipped traditional formalities that didn’t resonate with us, like a first look, and embraced casual, fun touches like cowboy hats, disposable cameras, and a comfort-food menu featuring our favorites.
THE DETAILS
Wedding Date: July 12, 2025
Ceremony Location: The Wedding Tree Reception Location: Jackson Drug Officiant: Kevin Willis (bride’s uncle) Photographer: Sarah Penny Photography Hair & Makeup: Sydney Earl Florist: Madelyn Clark of Embrace Events
Consultant: Wild Rose Weddings Caterer: Jackson Drug Musician: Snake River Strings (ceremony), David Jeremy (reception) Dessert Chef: Bake Me Vegan Transportation Service: Mountain Resort Transportation
