I will forever love this National Park elopement. Maggie, an introverted bookworm, and Craige, an outgoing drummer, had a quiet marriage with just the two of them in the Grand Tetons in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! The picture-perfect landscapes and fields of wildflowers were like a dream. From the moment I met Maggie and Craige it was like that iconic scene from Step Brothers where they realize they became best friends!
I had Casey join along as my second shooter and the four of us had the best time together! Now, I am a huge believer in creating a connection with your clients prior to their wedding day. Luckily, we were able to spend four days together sharing stories, hiking (I even bought hiking shoes just for this trip!), and toasting crispy McDonald’s nuggies around the fire pit through the night! We also got to tour the city, go on wine tastings, and visit the famous Cowboy Bar!
Although they booked a cute little private cabin for their time in Jackson, Casey and I stayed at The Virginian Lodge – and I’d highly recommend this spot to anyone traveling there! The hospitality and rooms were amazing, and it was the perfect spot for getting ready photos!
Grand Teton Elopement
The day of their Jackson Hole elopement was nonetheless perfect. Maggie wore a gorgeous lace gown while Craige was in a navy suit.
Pearls were perfectly placed in her hair mimicking the pearl headband she wore for her engagement session the day before. I incorporated little pieces of their trip into what we call lay-flat photos and kept my distance to let them have a few private moments together. Her hair and makeup was done by a Jackson Hole local named Autym!
Maggie drove her special book-page bouquet all the way from Nashville, and Craige had a music-sheet boutonniere. I wanted her to have some fresh flowers, too – so I found a local flower shop that let me peruse their cooler (in the middle of their busiest wedding season) to pick a few blooms for her (shout out to JH Flower Boutique)!
This was my first attempt at making a bouquet – but I think I did pretty good for a rookie!
We actually chose to do their first look right outside their cabin, surrounded by wildflowers with the Grand Tetons in the background! We had a few key spots planned, so we headed out to Jenny Lake for some gorgeous views. After, we went to our favorite spot at Colter Bay to read their vows and toast with a glass of local wine! We finished with a little charcuterie in more casual “tourist” outfits off the side of the road as we waited for sunset!
Maggie and Craige’s national park elopement was a dream! My heart resides in the mountains but I am grateful to have come back to Florida with two amazing new friends! Maggie and Craige, I will forever be grateful for our late-night stale s’mores eats by the fire pit and all of our adventures! I can’t wait to celebrate you guys again in Tampa!
Ps. We love elopements! Check out this rooftop elopement in San Diego!
