Jackson Hole Weddings – I DO! Jackson Hole

From Wedding Photographer: Kisa Koenig

When you plan your wedding, there’s a lot that can be controlled…and much more that can’t be. When unforeseen things happen, you can either choose to let it deflate the happiness of the day, or choose to focus on marrying your perfect match. But that’s easier said than done, of course. On the day of Beth and Jim’s wedding day, we all knew those dark clouds might choose to arrive at the exact moment of the outdoor ceremony, but we hoped they would hold off. As the bridal party and family huddled in the Trail Creek lodge, the guests contemplated waiting it out in the pouring rain. I’m not sure who made the final decision to gather all of the hundred guests in the upper loft of the barn, but honestly I thought it was a crazy idea. After one of the ranch workers assured me the upper loft held hay bales much heavier than all of the wedding guests, I figured at least it wasn’t going to end up in a tragedy!

But when I made my way up the 6 sketchy wooden stairs, what I saw was incredible. Hay bales formed stadium seating and the guests were full of smiles and anticipation for Beth and Jim’s arrival. I don’t think it could have been planned this well. The look on Beth’s face was priceless when she took in the scene after walking through the rain under a large umbrella and making her own way up the stairs. You can just see the pure joy and happiness in her face. What followed was one of the most dramatic, emotional ceremonies I’ve witnessed. The only light coming in was from two cut out windows and to be honest, I was wondering how I was to pull of shooting this as I stood pretty much right next to them the whole time with only a few steps here and there to move around. It all worked out as it always does with a little help from my 50mm 1.4 lens and a touch of flash here and there, and some of the shots have become some of my all-time favorites.

Next came a festive cocktail hour and reception…all outside because the skies must have decided that was enough of the rain. There were hilarious toasts, lovely dances, delicious family-style dinner, mint juleps and other beverages free flowing…and a dance party into the evening that only Mandatory Air could have provided. Beth’s dad even got to play a few songs on bass with the band and the crowd was loving every minute of it…with everyone on their feet.

Congratulations Beth and Jim on a perfectly un-perfect wedding!

Ceremony/Reception Site: Trail Creek Ranch
Hair: Body and Soul Salon
Flowers & Tables: Lily & Co.
Catering: Bistro Catering
Cake: Jaclyn Bernard
Wedding Coordinator: Lindsey Nickel @ Events Etc.
Band: Mandatory Air
Tents: Canvas Unlimited
Portable Toilets: Macy’s Services