In the heart of a journey filled with laughter, unforeseen challenges, and the warmth of companionship, a tale unfolds of two couples bound by the spirit of adventure and the intimate moments that define the essence of true connection. Flying back from the majestic landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a simple yet heartwarming scene sets the tone for our story: Capa, a cheerful infant making his mark on the world one flight at a time, and Heather, embracing the playful unpredictability of motherhood. This narrative begins not with grand gestures, but with the simple joys of shared laughter and spontaneous friendships formed over board games at a local brewery in Huntington, Long Island.
It’s here, amidst the casual banter and the clinking of glasses, that Ross and Michelle’s journey to matrimony begins to take shape, inspired by the idea of an elopement in the grandeur of Grand Teton National Park. What follows is an adventure not just of two people in love, but of a group of friends embarking on a journey that celebrates love, friendship, and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected moments.
How did you meet?
Match.com! We know it’s pretty common nowadays, but both were surprised to have met “the one” through a dating app. Wouldn’t change a thing :)
What is your proposal story?
We went on a trip to get away during Covid. Prior to that we had done a lot of traveling together and missed it so planned a trip to see Virginia and go to Shenandoah National Park. The day of the proposal Ross we hopped around a few vineyards and Ross kept asking me to carry about his watch box. It was a new watch and he said he might want to add a link while we were out. Little did I know I was actually carrying around the box that had my engagement ring it in! While we were at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards he had grabbed the box while I was in the bathroom and got down on one knee later on while we were walking the grounds of the vineyard!
Tell us a little a bit about your wedding (your vision, color, style, and location choices).
We are both very low key people and didn’t really dig the idea of a huge, ridiculously expensive “Long Island wedding”, which is where we live. We both wanted it to be in a beautiful place and have a very intimate small wedding. While searching I stumbling upon Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park and knew that was the place!
Tell us about your attire choices.
Again, going with the idea of not breaking the bank for our wedding, I chose a perfect beautiful boho style dress from Lulu’s and Ross got his suit from Men’s Warehouse. The men wore blue plants and a white button down and I had the ladies wear either green, blue or maroon dresses which I think looked beautiful against a mountain backdrop.
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
I would say besides having our families there with us the most important thing was being in the mountains. We love hiking and our first backpacking trip (well really first trip ever) together was in Bridger Teton National Forest, also in Wyoming. We thought it was pretty cool to be getting married in the state and amongst the same beautiful mountains that we had our first epic adventure in together in. We skipped on the usual typical catering aspect of a wedding. We had a short, private ceremony. Then Ross & I took a trip to a few spots with our photographers and came back and listened to music, had appetizers, and spent some quality time with our families.
What were your favorite parts of the day? (memories and stories)
Getting to say “I do” to the best partner and friend in front of our parents and siblings and being able to have one of Ross’s brother officiate.
Finding spots with gorgeous mountain backdrops with our photographers and good friends Heather & Terrance (and their baby Capa)!
Sharing our vows with just each other in an intimate spot with beautiful surroundings.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
Since we were not local to the area I looked up some florists on Yelp and found The Briar Rose. I contacted the owner (Jean) and sent her some pictures of what I liked and she made the perfect bouquet of white flowers (roses, hydrangeas, zinnias), blue thistle, and some light colored greens. It was beautiful!
Tell us about your wedding cake.
Does champagne count as cake?! ;)
What did you do for favors?
Also no favors as it was only our immediate families there. I had canvas bags made with mountains on the front and stuffed some goodies and itineraries in the bags for everyone.
Please describe any DIY, handmade, or personal details.
I found a shop on Etsy called MUUJEE that handmade a small wood box for our rings. Engraved on it were mountains, our names, the wedding date and “The Adventure Continues”.
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
No, but we did have Mass cards for those family members watching us from above :)
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Do what you want to do, not what society or social media deems is the right way to have a wedding. I can’t even count how many times I’ve heard people say “I just can’t wait for it to be over” because they get so stressed out before the big day. Your wedding is YOUR day so do it however you picture it!
1. Why a Mountain Wedding? 2. What’s your biggest piece of advice for other couples planning a mountain wedding?
1- As I mentioned above we love hiking and being in nature. Having photos of the most important day in our lives with mountains and beautiful scenery we didn’t have to “pay for” is truly amazing and very special to me.
2- Choose a place you love first and then everything else will come together. Just being in an environment that’s so majestic and natural makes everything more special and unique. That along with the fact that regardless of the weather your photos will be epic!