How It All Began

Samantha and Dave were planning a big wedding to in Georgia when the covid pandemic spoiled their plans. Since a large celebration with all their loved ones wasn’t an option, they decided to move forward with a small intimate celebration with a Grand Teton National Park Fall Wedding. Samantha told me how she had dreamed of visiting Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park for a very long time so she couldn’t imagine a better backdrop for her wedding.

Getting Ready

It was so fun to witness the excitement these two had as they got ready. Samantha had many friends that couldn’t be there in person. So to make up for not being there, Samantha’s friends each wrote a letter to her for her big day. It was such a sweet sentiment that allowed each of them to be there in spirit.

Grand Teton Fall Wedding Special Story

The Gift of the Sixpence

I was actually able to take part in one of the sweetest moments of this day when Samantha’s best friend Sandra found that a special gift she had sent got lost in the mail. The gift had been a handmade sixpence hairpin with some blue beading, meant to be her “something blue” as well as a meaningful “good luck” charm with the sixpence, just like she had for her own wedding. Sandra was extremely sad that not only was she not able to be there in person for her best friend’s big day, but the surprise gift that was so heartfelt would not make it in time!

Sandra contacted me the day before the wedding to see if I could help her find a replacement gift of some kind. She was thinking something blue or meaningful to add to the bouquet… However, when Sandra told me about her original gift, I felt like we just needed to try and get our hands on a sixpence for Samantha!

Miracles are Real

This conversation took place while I was driving through Idaho and on my way to meet up with Samantha, Dave and their whole crew for dinner. Time was tight and my internet/cell reception was spotty, I knew it would take too much time to stop and find coin shops. So I called in reinforcements by texting my sister-in-law to do some googling and calling around while I kept driving… Long story short, the stars aligned for us and we were able to find a beautiful antique sixpence, genuine turquoise beads and a hair clip that I could put together to make a perfect gift for Samantha.

Being able to serve my clients and be apart of moments like this is so SO sweet. My heart is full with love and gratitude because almost every couple I serve are complete strangers to me before their wedding days. But moments like these happen a lot! Things happen that bring opportunities for me to serve them in a big meaningful way and these moments are what create lasting friendships! It’s the best part of my job!

Mother, Daughter Moment

I love capturing the moment when the bride’s mother helps her daughter into her wedding gown. It’s one of those things that most often brides don’t think about having photographed. As I quietly bring the camera in close to snap a few photos of the process it always causes both mom and daughter to slow down and be present in the moment. That’s when I step back and watch as their eye’s connect. Beautiful, every. single. time!

Wildlife sightings bring good luck

One thing that happens often when you have a Grand Teton National Park Fall Wedding, is the wildlife that will wonder through the grounds of your hotel. This mama moose and her baby enjoyed their lunch just beyond the patio while the ladies got all dolled up.

 

The Meaningful Details

It’s the meaningful touches that you will always remember and treasure most! Samantha gave Dave an embroidered handkerchief that held special meaning to their love story. She also included a tie pin with a photo of their beloved dogs. So sweet!

Capturing these meaningful details for their Grand Teton National Park Fall Wedding makes all the difference! The little details that have been thought over and planned for months add so much personality and sentiment to the day. With this wedding day being moved around and turned into an elopement because of covid I felt it especially important to capture the parts of their day that they were able to keep despite the changes.

Samantha carried a family heirloom necklace down the aisle as her “something blue” just as her grandmother, mother, and sisters had done before her. This meaningful detail was something that held value to so many people and generations. It was beautiful to see how connected this family is.

Samantha’s mother was even there to walk her down the “aisle” pathway and witness the sweet moment Dave and Samantha first saw each other as she gave her away. It was such a wonderful moment for her mother to witness first hand.

Celebration!

They celebrated by popping champagne and dancing! Samantha even surprised Dave’s mother with a special song for her and her son to dance to. This was a tradition that she didn’t think she would get to do with the circumstances of the unconventional wedding. You can see how much she was touched by the sweet gesture of her daughter-in-law.

As the sun was beginning to set we ventured off to get photos at a few other stunning backdrops.

This incredible bouquet was created by the talented ladies of Fleur.

When I asked Samantha and Dave if they felt like they had missed out on anything from opting for this intimate elopement over the big Georgia wedding they said “absolutely not! This was better than we could have ever dreamed.”

I loved getting to know this couple and being part of their Grand Teton National Park Fall Wedding. Capturing love stories and emotions is what I am passionate about! I can’t wait to get to know you and your story. Reach out and let’s talk about your wedding day!