In Full Bloom

In Full Bloom

Julia & Trevor

Our love story began on a snowy February evening in a log cabin next to the National Elk Refuge. I was in Jackson visiting my sister Katie, who happened to be Trevor’s roommate. A Wyoming native, Trevor was working as an ecologist and guide, while I, a nurse from upstate New York, was enjoying a break from my work. When our paths crossed, it felt like we had known each other forever. 

Trevor said I had a radiant presence, with my long golden blonde hair and Grateful Dead t-shirt, that instantly captivated him. During my visit, we went to disco night at the Stagecoach Bar. I was dressed in metallic leggings, and Trevor couldn’t resist trying a pickup line. 

“Are those space pants?” he asked. “Because your butt looks out of this world!” 

Despite the cheesy line, I laughed warmly and whispered, “I love your jokes.” 

Our connection was undeniable. A few days later, Trevor drove me to the airport, unsure if he would ever see me again.

I returned to New York to support my family through my father’s battle with cancer. Yet, Trevor and I stayed in touch and our friendship blossomed; he helped me stay grounded during such a challenging time. That spring, Trevor invited me to join him as his plus-one at a wedding in Tennessee on Blackberry Farm. It was a bold choice for a first date, but the weekend felt like it was meant to be. 

Surrounded by lush fields and ancient trees, our laughter mingled with the evening breeze as we strolled through the estate encircled in fireflies — our love for each other began to bloom. We both knew we had found something rare and lasting. After that weekend, we seized every chance to see each other, and with each visit, our connection grew. By fall, my father had gone into remission, and with my family’s blessing, I made the move to Jackson, embracing this new chapter with Trevor by my side.

Life together in Jackson was beautiful. Trevor worked as an ecologist, studying native plants, while I, a labor and delivery nurse, helped bring new life into the world. I began painting botanical-inspired watercolors in my free time, drawing inspiration from Trevor’s deep knowledge and passion for native foliage. I captured the wildflowers and landscapes that held special meaning for us both, with Trevor as my muse. 

Surrounded by the mountains and meadows we loved, our relationship grew stronger with each passing season. Then, two years ago, Trevor proposed with the engagement ring passed down from his beloved “Grandmother Snow.” He chose the breathtaking Na Pali Coast on Kauai as the place to ask me to marry him. We were surrounded by the beauty of nature, with our dear friends Tres and Lida, and their newborn daughter and future flower girl, MacLeod, as our witnesses.

My “yes” marked the beginning of a two-year engagement filled with many special milestones. One included restoring my family’s 200-year-old heirloom veil and adding my own unique touches. I commissioned an artist in Spain to craft a new orange blossom crown for the veil, blending tradition with my own style. The nods to the matriarchs of our respective families — the ring from Grandmother Snow and the heirloom veil — became meaningful touches in our union.

Our shared love for nature and flowers, and Trevor’s fitting last name, “Bloom,” inspired the theme for our wedding. We envisioned our wedding day as a reflection and celebration of how our love feels to us — a blend of wild beauty, whimsical elegance, and magic. It was an invitation for our guests to step into a scene both breathtaking and unforgettable, capturing the essence of the love we share and the landscape that forms the backdrop of our lives.

On July 6, 2024, we stood beneath the Wedding Tree in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, surrounded by loved ones. The shade of two joined ancient trees, symbolizing enduring love, felt like the perfect place for us to exchange vows. We committed our lives to each other in a ceremony as intimate as it was meaningful, rooted in the beauty of nature that we both cherished, and with the Teton peaks as a stunning backdrop.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was when my father, whose health had once been uncertain, walked me down the “aisle” with quiet determination after reaching five years cancer-free. Later, at our reception held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, we shared an emotional father-daughter dance, an especially cherished memory for me, having wondered if this moment with my dad would ever be possible.

The celebration continued amidst floral arrangements that seemed to bloom from the tables, echoing our wild, whimsical love. The night ended with an epic dance party, celebrating our wedding day and the beautiful life we had already begun to build together. 

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Advice For Couples 

Make the effort to find a great photographer who makes you feel comfortable. Trevor, as a wildlife photographer, and I, as an artist, both felt strongly about having quality photos that would last a lifetime. We interviewed several artists before deciding on Cat Campbell, whose work speaks for itself. She is a joy to work with and went the extra mile to capture the best moments and all the wonderful people at our wedding. Most of all, she made us feel comfortable and never distracted from our wedding ceremony, reception, or our guests. We love how our photos turned out and will cherish them for the rest our lives.