Nicole had recently moved to New Hampshire for a fresh start. She began working as a bartender in one of the local bars near the coast. One day she met a nice couple who struck up a long conversation with her. They insisted that Nicole meet their son, and promised that they would send him her way as soon as he joined them that evening. When he arrived the matchmaking began! Russ’s parents introduced him to Nicole and encouraged him to ask her out. Once Russ got to know Nicole a bit he didn’t need anymore nudging. He knew he needed to get to know her more. Russ approached the bar and asked her out. But, when she tried to politely turn him down Russ got the entire bar to urge her to say yes. Nicole was so happy that she caved and went on that date. And the two have been inseparable ever since.

When they decided to tie the knot they quickly decided a big ceremony and celebration just wasn’t them. They didn’t love the attention and really wanted their wedding day to be small and intimate. So, they began searching the web for ideas on how to elope. They happened to  stumbled across a blog post I had written about a Grand Teton Elopement. Both Nicole and Russ had never been to Wyoming, or the western united states for that matter. But the gorgeous Teton mountain range looked like the most amazing backdrop! They contacted me for more details and it didn’t take long for them to decide that the Grand Teton National Park was the place they wanted to be married.

It was so fun for me to help them plan their whole trip to Jackson and the details of their wedding day. Russ and Nicole chose to spend the whole morning together since they didn’t have any family or friends that joined them. So we met up that day at 4:00pm in their hotel parking lot. After I helped Nicole with a quick alteration on her gown we were on the road to explore the park and get some amazing photos before their ceremony.

Their ceremony was intimate and so full of love as they shared the vows that they had written the night before in their hotel room. It was sweet to hear Russ had to write his final vows on an envelope because he had run out of paper. You could tell the immense care and devotion they have for each other.Then sealed with a kiss they were married! Thomas Jordan, a retired judge from Jackson Hole performed their ceremony on the banks of the Snake River. They found a few hikers on the trail to act as their witnesses and that added to the spontaneity and beauty of Russ and Nicole’s wedding day.Russ and Nicole had each other’s names along with their wedding date engraved on their wedding bands. Such a sweet sentiment!To celebrate they took off their shoes and waded through the Snake River. This was the moment that Nicole had been waiting for since the moment we arrived on location. Russ on the other hand was a good sport and accommodated the wishes of his new bride.Pure joy filled their souls as they danced in the tall grass and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. Nicole’s gown got wet and dirty and she mentioned she had no intention on getting it cleaned. She was going to store it away just as it ended on their perfect day as another reminder of the adventure they shared together.Thank you Russ and Nicole for letting me be apart of your big adventure. It was a total pleasure to help you plan this perfect day and document all the incredible moments for you!

“There are not enough stars to give her! Jocilyn was brilliant to work with! We picked Jackson Hole on a map and decided to get eloped there without ever actually visiting. She helped me with all planning essentials from picking vendors and a location to actually sewing me into my dress that needed more alterations right before heading out to our wedding. It was just the two of us celebrating our nuptials and we immediately felt so comfortable with her. For two people who hate having their photos taken we had a blast for the 4 plus hours we spent with her. She is someone who truly loves her craft and it shows in her amazing work!” -Nicole