Rooted in the Tetons
Rooted in the Tetons
Taylor & Zach
The Spark
Zach and I were introduced by a mutual friend while I was earning my doctorate in occupational therapy in Knoxville, Tennessee. We ran in the same circle, laughing and finding excuses to talk, but it was five months before we truly found our way to each other.
Our first date at Orange Hat Brewery in March of 2023 felt like a scene from a movie. We arrived in unintentionally matching outfits, both smiling and offering to take off our jackets to make the other more comfortable. Conversation flowed effortlessly, and by the end of the night, it felt as if we had known each other for years.
A few weeks later, I was preparing to move to the West for clinical rotations. Even though we had been dating for just over a month, Zach decided to drive with me from Tennessee to Idaho — a bold move for someone who had never even flown in an airplane. That cross-country trip became the foundation of our story. Long hours on the road, shared laughter, and quiet moments of connection turned new love into something lasting.
The Nudge
Our journey took us through Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, where we decided on a whim to stay for a couple of nights. We didn’t know it then, but that detour would change everything. We spent our days exploring winding mountain roads and soaking in the stillness of the vast valleys. Surrounded by the Lord’s creation, we felt complete peace, and somewhere in that breathtaking silence, we fell in love.
When it came time to plan our wedding, Jackson Hole was the only place that made sense. It isn’t just beautiful; it’s sacred to us. The Tetons represent the beginning of our story, an adventure that connected us, and the awe that continues to anchor our relationship.
The Planning
Planning from across the country while juggling full schedules wasn’t easy. My mom, Lori, deserves endless “thanks” for being our behind-the-scenes hero. About a month before the big day, we also brought on Patricia of Satin N Sage Event Planning, and it was the best decision we could have made.
Patricia was a lifesaver, a peacemaker, and a friend all in one. Her husband, Rick, helped as well, and their teamwork kept everything running flawlessly. The connection felt heaven-sent, as my late aunt’s name was also Patricia, which made her presence much more meaningful. From finding our dog sitter to sourcing locally made ice-cream sandwiches, Patricia coordinated every detail with grace and heart.
The Day
We were married on June 15, 2025, at The Wedding Tree in Grand Teton National Park with 34 guests and our two pups as our witnesses. Our Teton wedding was nothing short of cinematic. The day seemed to pause in golden light, and the air carried something sacred.
As our vision unfolded with effortless grace, it became more than a wedding — it was a living, breathing reflection of everything we had hoped for. The scent of pine and wildflowers lingered in the breeze as laughter echoed through the mountains. The sun dipped behind the peaks, painting the sky in fire-kissed hues, while our family and friends were completely swept up in the magic. It wasn’t just beautiful; it was euphoric.
Judd Grossman performed at both the ceremony and reception (held at Gravity Haus in Teton Village), learning several songs just for us, including “Shake the Frost” by Tyler Childers, personalized by the word “Kentucky” replaced with “Tennessee.”
Dinner at Wild Pine inside Gravity Haus was phenomenal — truly the best food we have ever had at a wedding. Chef Russell even found fresh huckleberries to make my signature huckleberry margarita, and the staff treated every guest like family. People still call it the most unforgettable wedding they’ve ever attended, and honestly, I can’t blame them.
The Takeaway
Our wedding in Jackson Hole was more than an event; it was the embodiment of our story. Each vendor poured love and care into their work, turning a destination wedding into something effortless and deeply personal. The same mountains that witnessed our first spark now hold the echoes of our vows.
It wasn’t just a celebration. It was an experience that slowed time and reminded us that love, faith, and adventure are the most beautiful parts of life. One photograph from that day still brings us to tears. It shows our rings resting on the overlook where we first fell in love with the Tetons. Seeing that image felt like our story had come full circle.
Advice For Couples
Skip the cookie-cutter package and curate your dream day!
One of the best decisions we made when planning our Teton wedding was steering away from the all-inclusive venues and instead hand-picking each element ourselves. From the florist to the food, we chose vendors and details that truly reflected us and the stunning natural backdrop of the Tetons.
Sure, it took a little more coordination, but it made our wedding feel incredibly personal, and surprisingly budget-friendly. You only get one shot at this, so why not make it 100 percent you? When you build your day piece by piece, every moment feels intentional and unforgettable.
THE DETAILS
Wedding Date: June 15, 2025
Ceremony Location: The Wedding Tree in Grand Teton National Park Reception Location: Wild Pine at Gravity Haus Officiant: Owen Brooks (bride’s brother) Photographer: Fern and Fire Photography Hair & Makeup: Teton Valley Beauty Co. Florist: Historia Florals Consultant: Satin N Sage Event Planning Caterer: Gravity Haus Musician: Judd Grossman Dessert Chef: Cream + Sugar Artisan Ice Cream Rental Service: Sky High Events Transportation Service: Mountain Resort Transportation Other Specialty Vendors: Mariel Nelson (dog handler/boarding)
