Our “Forever Trip”

Caroline & Connor

Connor and I met at work in Washington, D.C. in 2016 and were just friends for the first several years. In 2018, our desks were placed next to each other, and the slow burn began. What started as a crush developed into a magnetic kind of love, and we quickly became one another’s best friend, which made going into work every day a lot more fun. 

Connor and I went on countless dates and started to dream big. We wanted to do everything together—from the mundane and simple things to big adventures, such as visiting Jackson Hole in 2019. (Connor grew up spending summer vacations in Jackson, and now his family owns a house near town.) Something about that first trip forever bonded us. We’ll always remember biking home from Dornans with the sun setting behind the mountains, swimming in String Lake, and walking around the roads atop East Gros Ventre Butte. Jackson, and during that trip in particular, was where we really fell in love with each other.

Connor and I made several more summer and winter excursions to Jackson. Then, in February of 2020, we snowshoed above Taggert Lake to an open snowy field with a perfect view of the Grand. Backstory: During our first winter trip, we snowshoed this same route. When we came upon the field with untouched snow, we laid down in the middle of it to enjoy a perfect view of the Tetons. We talked, sat in silence, and took in the stillness. This was Connor’s favorite memory from 2019. So, it made sense that he chose this place to ask me a very important question. It was a remarkable spot for the perfect moment and a quick “yes.”

Getting married in Jackson was the obvious choice for us, given our history. Plus, it was a great excuse for our friends and family to come see our favorite place.

Our wedding theme was inspired mostly by my Southwestern roots. I was born in New Mexico and grew up with a deep love of turquoise. We chose teal and rust for our main colors, which blended nicely with the fall foliage. Our florist, Joni Hepworth of Plush Floral, captured our vision perfectly. She made our reception tent look like something out of a dream, complete with fresh smilax draped across the tent ceiling and intertwined in greenery-covered chandeliers. Teal taper candles were set on every table alongside gold antique vases. Becky Cunningham, from Nesting Project Paper, used a Teton mountainscape rendition for all our paper invitations, signs, and menus to tie in the mountain theme. 

Our wedding planning was easy and stress-free. We were lucky to have a wonderful wedding planner, Emily Claassen with Event Planners of Jackson Hole. She and her team made the entire process so enjoyable. Emily patiently answered my many questions about everything from layouts and seating charts to the smallest of details, all without me ever stepping foot in the venues myself. For me, it was fun designing the details of our wedding and bringing my vision to life. However, I could not have done it without her help. 

Our wedding day was magical. The weather was clear and sunny, a perfect 75 F. Connor’s uncle officiated the ceremony and kept things light, while also honoring the holy commitment being made that day. The cocktail hour was abuzz with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres under our stunning reception tent. Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club served an incredible menu—short ribs, salmon, and a mushroom risotto. (It was so delicious that Connor and I went back a week later to celebrate one week of marriage with more short ribs from JHGT.) The toasts were sentimental and heartwarming. And the dance floor was lively the entire night. Our DJ knew exactly how to get the party started. We passed around light-up teal cowboy hats and glow sticks for everyone, while Connor and I sported white and brown sequined hats.

Samuel from Wyoming Stargazing set up his extra-large telescope on the lawn for our guests to admire Saturn and the Andromeda galaxy. Samuel graciously accommodated us very last minute—our guests loved this experience! Those who weren’t fond of dancing hung out by the telescope all night, viewing the night sky in Jackson—one of the most beautiful places on earth! 

We left our reception in Split Creek Ranch’s antique El Dorado (a classic green car with a pair of Longhorn antlers attached to the front grill) and headed to the Cowboy Bar in town to cap off a night that we truly did not want to end.

It was clear from the beginning that God entrusted us to one another. There was always this pull to each other. The vows we shared on September 16, 2023, in Jackson have forever changed the course of our lives—two became one. Jackson is a “forever trip” for us now, no matter where we may live in the future. The area will always be part of our lives and our future, as we carry with us the magic we felt that day, the love, the support, and the pure joy. 

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ADVICE FOR COUPLES

If you have a specific vision in mind for decor, flowers, or photos, be direct and honest with your preferences from the beginning! Your vendors want nothing more than to bring your dream to life—and they’re good at it! Also, order the light-up cowboy hats for the dance floor. You won’t regret it and your guests will love you for it.