No Need for Frills

Audra & Jeremy

Our story is a lot like any other typical Jackson love story. We met at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort while I was working as a photographer. Jeremy had graduated from college and moved to Jackson “just for the winter.” On the day we met in late November 2016, it felt like minus 18 F outside, and I can safely say I’ve never been more thankful for a Wyoming windchill. If not for the cold temps, there would have been no excuse to ask the new Teewinot lift operator if I could step inside the lift shack to warm up.

We were fast friends, and naturally, as winter turned to spring, there was no question whether Jeremy would move back to Massachusetts, just south of Boston, where he grew up. He was staying in Jackson, and we were about to spend every season we could together. For the next six and a half years, Jeremy and I bonded over our shared love of the outdoors—skiing and snowboarding, and hiking and backpacking into the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park and the Wind River Range. On our annual backpacking trip to Green River Lakes in 2021, Jeremy proposed at the base of Squaretop Mountain, our favorite place in the world.

There was never a doubt we would host our wedding in Jackson. It was the town where we set down our roots. 

While researching venues, my coworker mentioned McReynold’s Blacktail Cabins at the base of Blacktail Butte. This rental property was not listed on any wedding sites, but I found the website and was immediately convinced that this was our special place. We met the owners, Amy and Lyle, who gave us a brief tour of the property. A huge weight lifted off our shoulders as we realized we could host the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, and the reception on-site, (and with Teton Views!), while also using the property’s gorgeous cabins as a place to get ready, and for lodging. Additionally, the venue limits the property to two weddings a year, making it an even more exceptional setting.

Two years of planning went by in a flash, and before we knew it, we were saying “I do” surrounded by family and friends with the Grand as our backdrop. Our wedding day was smooth and virtually stress-free. We got ready in the cabins with our closest friends, but we did not have an official wedding party. I did my own hair and makeup to save on costs, time, and stress. After a first look with my dad, and then again with Jeremy, it was time to walk down the aisle. 

First, my parents walked down the aisle together; next, Jeremy escorted his mother to her seat. I chose to walk by myself to the instrumental version of “Once Upon a Time,” the theme of our favorite movie, “The Princess Bride.” We were married by our dear friend Kase Paul, who has, quite literally, been there for us since day one. (He was the one who told me to give Jeremy a chance at a first date.) Our ceremony was short and sweet—filled with both laughter and tears.

Then came our favorite part. The cocktail hour and reception started off with signature drinks served from Wild Wagon Saloon’s adorable trailer. Leif Routman and Taylor Upton of Whiskey Mornin’ played music during cocktail hour to get the party started. And then came the food—everything from burgers to nachos to Philly cheesesteak tacos, topped off with a DIY candy and macaron bar for the dessert table. 

Local postcards and stamps were provided for guests to write and send to whomever they chose. The guest book was more of a “guess who” trivia card, where guests filled in clues about themselves and then wrote their name on the back so that Jeremy and I could quiz each other afterwards. Once Joe Rudd set up his DJ booth, the real dancing began, complete with props, such as bubbles and ribbon wands, a last-minute decision, and a huge hit.

Our wedding day was truly more than I could have ever imagined! Every detail—from the driftwood we used for centerpieces to the food served and the music we picked—felt very much like us. As two very laid-back people, we wanted everything about our wedding to be easy and relaxed. And we have our incredible vendors to thank for it. 

---

ADVICE FOR COUPLES

There are so many ways to save money on your wedding. Except for my bouquet and the “welcome” sign, all the florals we used were artificial. (Shh, don’t tell anyone.) This came in handy, as our flowers could be designed and arranged in the weeks leading up to the wedding, as opposed to the day before. Also, we used many decor items we already owned, such as plant stands, pots, shelves, and lighting. Instead of worrying about everything being “on theme,” we instead chose details that represented our lifestyle. Our mindset was: If someone shows up to a destination wedding in the Tetons and they have something to say about fake flowers, then that’s on them!