Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
Though this New York-based couple met as teenagers in boarding school and were friends for years, it wasn't until they reconnected in 2009 that their friendship evolved into the romance of a lifetime.
When it came time to plan their wedding, Catherine and Brian knew that her family's home in Jackson Hole would be the perfect place to celebrate their union. "It's not only a special place for my family, but also a retreat that Brian and I have loved throughout our relationship," says Cate. "The grand scale of Jackson Hole, combined with the intimacy of our family's 'Elk Camp', really demonstrated why this place is so special to us."
Brian and Catherine's goal? "To create the best dinner party we'd ever thrown," says the bride. For their wedding on August 25th, 2012, the couple juxtaposed the casual beauty of Jackson Hole with the modern sophistication of an event planned by self-proclaimed die-hard entertainers. But with only six months to plan, the bride and groom turned to Carrie Sartor of Lyndsey Hamilton Events to bring all the details together. "She kept our perspective focused on the right place: each other," says Catherine.
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
The couple's invitations were playful and modern, with an elegant twist. They used an elk's silhouette to decorate their guests' welcome bags, and carried the playful script throughout the printed materials.
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
Catherine's something old was her great-grandmother's cameo. Her something blue? "Brian gave me a gorgeous pair of aquamarine and diamond earrings as my wedding gift," she says.
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
The bride's bouquet was left in the hands of florist Matthew Robinson, who created something soft and unique for the mountain-top ceremony. Roses, flowering basil, scabiosa pods, and begonias gave the bouquet lush texture.
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
Catherine chose her Vera Wang gown for the fabric. "There are five different types of lace and fabric used for the gown, and it's so incredible to look at. I fell in love with the texture," she says. A beaded belt added another layer of ornate detail.
The bridesmaids wore blush gowns from Amsale, and the groom and groomsmen were outfitted in classic tuxedos. Before the ceremony, the wedding party drove out to the top of a butte for photos that took advantage of the incredible views.
The outdoor ceremony was incredibly simple, with two oversized arrangement of roses, hydrangeas, and greenery to anchor the altar. Guests were given soft pink rose petals to throw after the couple said "I Do."
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
"Brian and I have loved E.E. Cummings since boarding school, so we had to use 'i carry your heart' in the ceremony," says Catherine. They also included readings from the Dalai Lama and Rogers and Hart.
Catherine and Brian's florist used copper trays overflowing with fresh herbs as a unique, textural display for the escort cards.
The reception took place on the property's front lawn. "We tried to give guests a tour of the property throughout the day, moving from the ceremony's mountain views to riverside cocktails to the reception by the creek and woods," says Catherine. Textured linens contrasted elegantly with assorted vintage silver vases, lush blooms, and gray taper candles.
Dahlias, roses, hydrangeas, Andromeda, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano gave the centerpieces lots of visual interest and unique pops of color. Each guest's place featured a printed menu and sprigs of lavender.
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
The couple's wedding cake was "perfect for both of us," says Catherine. Layers of Tahitian vanilla cake, chocolate ganache, and raspberry jam were enrobed in Tahitian vanilla buttercream and topped with sugar flowers.
Photo: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
"One of my favorite parts of the evening was just before the reception," says Catherine. "We snuck away and watched as our guests excitedly filed into the tent. It was so touching to see them all come together for us." An evening full of laughter, delicious food, and lots of dancing was the ideal way for Catherine and Brian to begin their life together.
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Bride's Family Home in Jackson Hole, WY || Wedding Planner: Carrie Sartor of Lyndsey Hamilton Events || Bride's Wedding Dress: Vera Wang || Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti, Vera Wang || Hair & Makeup: Edvina Sarukhanyan of Fekkai Soho || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale || Groom's Tuxedo: Paul Stuart || Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co. || Florist: Matthew Robbins Design || Invitations & Paper Goods: Mr. Boddington's Studio || Music: Cracked Ice || Catering: Bistro Catering || Cake: Jackson Cake Company || Rentals: Sperry Tents Seacoast, rEvolve, || Photography: Shawn Connell and Glen Allsop of Christian Oth Studio
—Jaimie Schoen
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