Lucky in Love

Kate & Hunter
Kate and Hunter 2014_3
WORDS BY KATE FLEETWOOD, PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH HARDAWAY

Hunter and I met in our hometown of Atlanta. Our first date was on St. Patrick’s Day, where we bonded over beer and dice games. I fell in love with Hunter’s genuine character and charming personality, while Hunter fell in love with my outgoing nature and lively energy. Almost a year later (after asking permission from my father), Hunter popped the question on a surprise weekend to Highlands, North Carolina. From there, the wedding planning began.

We considered a bunch of different locations. We wanted somewhere that would be unique, beautiful, and adventurous. Having lived in Jackson, it has a special place in my heart. Lucky for me, Hunter tapped his adventurous soul and agreed to the idea. Once we picked Jackson, the venue was an easy decision. The one and only spot I wanted to get married in was the Chapel of the Transfiguration. It was the perfect place to host a small and intimate wedding with just our immediate families. Once the date and place were picked, with the help of Hunter and my family, I began the search for the “dream team” that would be able to make our wedding day a success.

We found the wonderful and talented Hannah Hardaway for photography; Sue and her creative team at Jackson Hole Flower Company for flowers; Chippy and her talented staff from Chippy’s Kitchen to cater the reception dinner; and last, but not least, Monica Seip of Jackson Cake Company to make the wedding cake.

In the days leading up to the wedding, both families took full advantage of all that Jackson has to offer. Hunter and his two brothers had an unforgettable experience summiting the Grand, while I treated myself to a massage at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole. Guests hiked around Jenny Lake, took a boat ride on Jackson Lake, and enjoyed a rafting trip down the Snake River. We all savored a perfect rehearsal dinner at Rendezvous Bistro the night before the wedding.

When the big day finally arrived, we awoke to rain. Not letting it get us down, however, we took it as a sign of good luck. (My mom even collected a bottle of the fresh rainwater to be used to baptize our kids one day.) As we traveled on the bumpy road to the chapel, God parted the skies, and the sun began to shine. It ended up being the perfect day for a wedding.

Our wedding party included: Hunter’s two nieces as junior bridesmaids, my two-year-old niece as the flower girl, my two sisters as my maids of honor, and Hunter’s two brothers as his best men. My dad walked me down the aisle. I carried my mother’s lace handkerchief tucked into my bouquet, had a blue flower pinned in my hair, and wore my best friend’s veil. The ceremony was beautiful, and the most special part was when my sister surprised everyone by singing “Amazing Grace” a cappella-style. The day ended with our joined family seated together around a long farm table for a beautiful dinner, great toasts, and a delicious wedding cake. Overall, the day could not have been more perfect and will be one that we cherish forever.

Photos 

Wedding Details

Wedding Date: 31 August 2014
Ceremony Location: The Chapel of the Transfiguration
Reception Location: Private home in Teton Village
Officiant: Reverend Ken Asel
Hair & Makeup: Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole (Athena)
Photographer: Hannah Hardaway
Florist: Jackson Hole Flower Company
Caterer: Chippy’s Kitchen
Dessert: Jackson Cake Company

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