Idaho weddings
An Intimate September Wedding at Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch with Stunning Views and Cozy Chic Vibes
Caren & Chris | September 21st
From the bride: We met on a beautiful sunny day in April after a day of spring skiing. After that, we quickly became friends, skiing together, hiking on the full moon, and going on early-season rock climbing adventures. Before long, our friendship turned into more, and our day trips turned into weekends hiking in the mountains, exploring new towns, and climbing as much as possible.
THE PROPOSAL
Chris proposed in the Jackson, WY Town Square under the elk antler arches. We were on a weekend trip and had just finished a great ski day at Jackson Hole. In the same exact moment that he got down on one knee, the lights around the elk antlers coincidentally came on.
THE VENUE
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. I had been to the ranch about 10 years ago with my family and at the time thought it would be an amazing place to get married. It’s a stunning location, and I loved that most of the guests could stay on site. Chris knew it was a place I loved and reached out to Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. one month before he proposed to see about possible wedding dates! What a guy! They were all booked at the time, but about a week after we got engaged, the last weekend of the season opened up, and it was ours. It was meant to be. The rest of the planning really fell into place after that.
THE VISION
We really wanted an intimate feel. We wanted a small wedding with those we love the most in the world. We did a lot of things DIY to add personal touches. This is who Chris and I are. We like to do things ourselves. We like small, intimate gatherings, and we like things to be soft and cozy. We love making fires in chilly weather, and we love being in the mountains.
THE STYLE
We already loved everything about the ranch, and the setting is so beautiful as it is, so we wanted the ranch to just do what they do best, and we did our best to enhance it with added elegance and warmth.
THE SEASON
Since it was late September, the weather could be very unpredictable, so we started planning for colder weather, just in case, so the overall décor was cozy chic.
THE COLOR PALETTE
In terms of colors, I wanted everything to be bright and vibrant. These days wedding colors are often so muted, and I wanted to do the complete opposite.
THE DRESS
I ended up with was the first dress I put on in the store, and the first thing I said after putting it on was, “Now that’s a wedding dress!” I tried on a bunch more dresses at that store and one other store that day but ended up going back to that first dress from Modern Trousseau.
THE SHOES
My shoes were the same ones I wore to my sister’s wedding 5 years prior. I bought and returned about 10 pairs of shoes only to realize that I had the perfect shoes already sitting in my closet.
THE DAY OF
Everyone was spirited, glowing, and relaxed from a day of yoga, hiking, and soaking in the hot springs.
THE CEREMONY DECOR
We added fur to the ceremony benches and offered our guests soft plaid blankets during the ceremony for them to keep.
THE CEREMONY
My dad and mom both walked me down the aisle. My mom told me years ago, long before I ever met Chris, that that was how it was going to be. I didn’t question it.
The ceremony was incredibly cozy and personal. The sun was out, but there was a slight chill in the air, so all of the cozy touches were fully appreciated.
The ceremony was everything I’d ever dreamed of and more. All of the details came together beautifully, and I felt fully present and connected to Chris.
THE SEATING CHART
Our favorite detail was our “Peaks from the Porch” string art escort board. Chris and I wanted to do something creative for our table seating escort board. After visiting the ranch in June, we realized that the “peaks from the porch” (Sawtooth mountain peaks visible from the Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch) were a real highlight of the venue, which gave us the idea for the wood string artboard of the Sawtooth peaks that I created.
LOOKING BACK
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch is easily the most beautiful place to get married anywhere, and Chris and I were so grateful to say our vows and make it official there in the mountains. We had the most wonderful friends and family supporting us. That combination was pure magic. People are still raving about the ceremony blankets, Chef Victor’s food (especially the gnocchi), and the dancing!
ADVICE
Keep it personal and when the wedding week/weekend arrives, forget about the details and focus on: 1) your future spouse and 2) all of your family and friends that are there to celebrate you, in that order.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Venue: Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch Photographer: Craig Wolfrom Photography // Floral Designer: Tara Bella Flowers // Event Planner: Blue Bottle Events // Rentals: That’s Entertainment // Cocktails: Roadbars // Hair Stylist: Bonnie Snell from The Feathered Flip
A Cabin Wedding in the Mountains
Caroline & David | June 17th | Sun Valley, Idaho
From the bride: My parents have a vacation home in Sun Valley, so it has been a second home for both of us. My family has tons of memories growing up in Sun Valley, so it is a really special place to all of us. Dave and I share a huge love for the mountains and outdoors, so it was an easy decision when choosing our wedding location, as Sun Valley offers just about every outdoor activity around (hiking, fishing, mountain biking, camping, skiing, etc.)
We wanted the feel of our wedding to be western, natural and rustic. Trail Creek has an old log cabin feel, and overlooks the mountains, so the venue fit our personalities very well. We tried to create a neutral color scheme with lots of green, light grey and beige, to fit the outdoor setting.
Our first look was definitely the highlight of the day. Seeing each other for the first time, after all the anticipation was indescribable.
We loved seeing all of our plans come together (i.e. the ceremony layout, flowers, décor, and reception site). It was so special to have all our closest friends and family in the place that means most to us.
The Wedding Team
Photographer: Philip Casey Photography | Event Planner: Fabulous Fete | Floral Designer: Sue Bridgman Florist | Venue & Caterer: Trail Creek Cabin, Sun Valley Resort | DJ: Nathan Hudson Entertainment | Video: Blue Chip Media
Winter Wedding Inspiration in Idaho
From the little white chapel at the top of a hill to the horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow, this Idaho inspiration shoot showcases the magic of a winter wedding in the mountains.
The Wedding Team
Photographer: Cimbalik Photography | Event Designer: Sprout Design | Planner/Stylist: IDoWED | Dress Store: Margene’s Bridal | Transportation: McCall Sleigh Rides | Hair Stylist: Shawna Hines | Video: Silverline Films | Cake Designer: Stacey Cakes | Linens: Lemon Tree Linens | Chairs: Tates Tents & Events | Venue: The Arling Center at Tamarack Resort | Floral Designer: Wildflower Floral Events
A Fun Rocky Mountain Wedding in Idaho
From the bride, Jole: Our wedding was beyond my wildest dreams. Everything felt like it was sprinkled with glitter, completely magical & unreal. Like my fairy godmother waved her wand and all my dreams came true- it sounds so cheesy but it’s true!
We made the cutest unicorn headbands for the flower girls.
I had so many favorite moments, but I will never forget walking through the meadow with my precious dad and feeling the love all around us.
Stephen had a similar favorite memory, “Seeing Jole for the first time in her dress as she was walking down the aisle with her dad is something I will never forget. Jole was literally the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.”
Stephen was the most precious, handsome, happiest, brightest, shining light waiting for me at the end of the aisle. I couldn’t wait to squeeze him and tell him I loved him and to say “YES”!!
My grandpa married us!
For each place setting, my dad made cutting boards.
The Wedding Team
Photographer: Dev Khalsa Photography | Venue: Galena Lodge | Floral Designer: Tara Bella Flowers
A Chic Mountain Wedding in Sun Valley, Idaho
From the bride, Samantha: We are from Miami, Florida and got married in Sun Valley, Idaho – where we got engaged! It was so great to have all of our closest friends and family in the mountains together – so far removed from our everyday lives – with tons of activities to do together.
The whole day was really personalized to what Adam & I wanted. We’re very casual and laid back and we just wanted to party in a beautiful setting!
The weather wasn’t working in our favor all weekend. It didn’t rain all summer and of course, our wedding day was expecting rain. We had to order a tent for the ceremony last minute.
We held the ceremony outside underneath a clear tent with the ski mountain as the backdrop. We are Jewish so we were married by a rabbi, with a traditional Jewish ceremony under a chuppah.
When the rabbi asked if my husband takes me to be his wife, his response was “yes” instead of “I do”! It was so typical of him and lots of laughter ensued!
I loved the way the florals turned out. The chandeliers were outfitted with flowers and greenery to match our color scheme and gave the tent a warm feeling.
Most memorable moment: Our first dance! We took dance lessons, which is SO out of character for the two of us but the end result was pretty comical.
ADVICE: I would encourage everyone to make decisions together. Adam and I did a lot of the legwork ourselves and it was fun! Definitely stressful at times, but remember that it’s just one day in your life…and to have FUN with it.
RECOMMENDED VENDORS: Photographer: Dev Khalsa Photography // Floral Designer: Sue Bridgman Florist // Ceremony Tent + Rentals: That’s Entertainment // Cake: The Konditorei // Invitations: A Fabulous Fete // Venue: Trail Creek Pavilion, Sun Valley Resort // Band: The Salamanders // Wedding Gown Designer: Amsale // Makeup Artist: Britt Davis Beauty // Hair Stylist: Danielle Anspach, Mame Muse // Film: Calvin Brue Weddings // Honeymoon Location: Big Sur & Napa
The Muted Tones of Fall in Idaho
The muted tones of fall played center stage in this pretty creekside elopement in Idaho.
THE STYLE TEAM
Photographer: Brie Thomason Photography // Event Designer: Ira + Lucy // Floral Designer: Just So. Event Floral // Bakery: Flour Child Boise // Calligrapher: Inkling Calligraphy // Tuxedo and Mens Attire: LaNeige Bridal Boutique // Makeup Artist: Makeup by Ashlynn Cseh // Hair Stylist: Megan Caudell Beauty // Linens and Coverings: Nettle Textiles
Come Away with Me to a Mountaintop
From the photographer: The Norah Jones hit song, “Come Away with Me” was the inspiration for this fall styled shoot set against a mountain backdrop in McCall, Idaho. Our focus with our design concept was to enhance the natural beauty of the landscape while using color palettes and textures that would work in fall.
The flowers were truly a work of art by Flowers At Will. The combination of lush greens and foliage, dahlias, chocolate cosmos and roses embodied our vision for the organic, romantic look we wanted.
The dinner table was soft and romantic and included vintage touches. A lace runner was layered with another runner made of fur for a soft yet lodge-inspired feel, while gold flatware and gorgeous silk napkins tucked in metal fox rings added a touch of elegance.
Our Moscow Mule and cigar bar was a way to personalize a traditional cocktail hour, complete with perfect cold-weather pairings and mini-eats.
The look for our bride and groom was also soft and slightly vintage; the bride wore a champagne gown with a taupe lining designed by Laneige Bridal and the groom looked dapper in his soft gray suit.
THE STYLE TEAM
Photographer: Tana Photography // Coordinators & Stylists: Soiree Weddings & Events // Shoot Location: McCall Riverside Ranch // Caterer: Amy’s Whole Food Creations // Floral Designer: Flowers At Will // Heirlooms & Furniture: Ira and Lucy Vintage Rentals // Paper Props: Paperie Pen // Film: Two Bird Studio // Dress Designer: Wedding Gowns by Daci // Apparel: LaNeige Bridal Boutique
Love in the Snow in Idaho
From the bride, Paige:
Getting married in the snow was magical and reminded us on how we fell in love playing in the snow while snowboarding on our first date. Having the mountain views, trees, and snow as our backdrop made for amazing photo’s that we will cherish for life. Being so close to nature made the entire event extremely romantic. It literally felt like a dream!
My bouquet was cascading with white roses, lambs ear, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
I personalized my gown with a custom made sash and wore Sorell snow boots.
Erik wore a boutonnière charm with a picture of his father to show remembrance.
The bridesmaids carried beautiful clear glass candle lanterns down the aisle that created a romantic vibe in front of the fireplace, where the ceremony took place.
Eriks ring would not go on… so he pushed it on himself and I said “its’ not coming off now”, everyone laughed it was a sweet ceremony moment.
Our guestbook was a wood snowboard that now hangs in our living room.
Our first dance was perfect, romantic, and unforgettable.
My advice: Do your research on your vendors. Having the “A” Team on my wedding day made the entire event smooth and stress-free. It’s easy to enjoy yourself when you know you’re in good hands.
Paige’s RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Every single one of my Vendors was absolutely amazing! I have high recommendations for all…
Photographer: Rosewood Photography // Venue, Food & Lodging: Elkins Resort on Priest Lake // Event Design Planner: Soiree Design // Makeup: Shasta Hankins Makeup