The Girl Next Door, A Grand Wedding Magazine

The Girl Next Door

Emily & Adam

WORDS BY EMILY JANAK + PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY MERRITT

Four years ago, I—along with three of my friends—moved into the house right in front of Adam’s place. He and his business-partner-turned-best-man, Paul, greeted us with hand-muddled margaritas, and the rest was history between Adam and me. We quickly realized that we had more in common than our red hair.

Three years later, Adam and I set out on a Thursday evening hike around Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park, the place where we had our first date. I was completely caught off-guard when Adam got down on one knee. We popped Champagne in the woods and immediately began planning our big day.

Since Adam is an architect and I’m an interior designer, we both have a knack for the creative. We were excited to make our wedding in the Tetons unique and personal. We quickly decided on Turpin Meadow Ranch in the Buffalo Valley, a “hidden” property that was recently remodeled. Our dream of hosting our closest friends and family members for an “adult summer camp” weekend were taking shape.

We were wed in the pasture in front of the lodge, overlooking the Tetons. The wind, which was ripping through the valley, dramatically blew my gown as guests watched from benches that Adam had made by hand.

During the cocktail hour after our ceremony, horses were wrangled between the pasture and lodge, creating a show-stopping western moment. Following cocktail hour, guests were led down to the reception tent, which was placed below a row of lit log cabins overlooking the Tetons and the Buffalo Fork River.

We went with a classic blue and white color scheme inspired by Ralph Lauren. Cocktail tables were placed around the fire pit, along with a beautiful wooden canoe Adam built years ago; it was filled with flowers, ice, and drinks. Inside the tent, it sparkled with white lights and tall taper candlesticks. A wooden canoe skeleton laced with greens hung in the middle of the tent. We mixed mint juleps in honor of my Kentucky heritage, with heirloom silver trays and patterned dinner napkins.
Our wedding crest, hand-painted by an artist in Virginia, included a flower from the lace of my dress, delphinium, and lily of the valley, which were all part of the wedding.

Guests drank from the bourbon bar and danced the night away before the sparkler exit, which led right to our guest cabin. Those staying on the ranch kept the party going around the campfire with a late-night snack of mini corndogs and s’mores. The weekend celebration continued with a trip to Jackson Lake beach the following day and dinner at the Turpin Meadow Ranch lodge on Saturday night. It was a weekend we hope few will forget!