When this groom signed up as a volunteer with Medishare after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he knew that his experience would be moving and gratifying. What he didn’t know was just how much of an impact it would have on the rest of his life. He wrote, “Not only did I learn how resilient and appreciative Haitian people are, but I found out what great types of folks take time out of their lives to help after such disasters.” And thus began this couple’s love story — captured so beautifully by Carrie Patterson. See more in this gorgeous gallery.
From the Bride… Ed and I met in 2010 after the devastating earthquake in Haiti. We were volunteering at a tent hospital near the airport and it was love at first sight. Although the days (and nights) were long, we found a little time to learn about each other over warm Imperial beers. Back in the states, we were both quickly accruing frequent flyer miles commuting between San Francisco and Houston before deciding to co-habitate in the Bayou City. (More on our story here) Two and a half years later (and a 12 hour assent) he proposed to me on top of the Grand Teton in Jackson, Wyoming. It was one of the best and most exciting, days of my life. Although the view at 13, 775 ft is breath taking, I could not wait to get down (which took about 8 hours) so I could wear my ring!
Having our wedding in Jackson Hole was a no brainer as we love vacationing there and we consider it our “special” spot. Of course we wanted the main attraction at our wedding to be the jaw dropping views of the Tetons, so picking out our venue was the most important. Choosing the Jackson Hole Golf and Country club was perfect for the view we wanted.
Little details were very important when planning our wedding. Some of my favorites were using a part of a climbing rope to tie a “love knot” (or a figure 8 and fisherman’s knot to us climbers) during the ceremony, using a special letter we received from a family member as part of our vows and our cocktail recipes that we crafted ourselves.
One of our other favorites from our wedding that we think gave it a unique touch was the choice of our transportation, a 1948 Chrysler Windsor highlander edition. It was such a classic, beautiful car but what we loved most was the interior, Scottish tartan. With Ed’s Scottish heritage, that car was even more special for us.
We wanted to treat our guests to an amazing meal and we wanted to have a slightly more modern reception so we decided on Hotel Terra. Hotel Terra definitely blew us and our guests away with delicious food and spectacular service. We were very detailed with how we wanted our dishes prepared (some were inspired by our favorite restaurant in Houston) and they executed every detail perfectly.
Through out the whole day, I was just stunned by all the beautiful peonies, hydrangeas, garden roses and other flowers. The moss monogram used for the reception really added a unique touch. Sami of Magnolia Ranch definitely went over the top, turning what I could only dream of, into reality. It was absolutely breath taking!
Our guests were given parting gifts of stainless steel water bottles with a traditional Jackson Hole logo, a bucking bronco with a cowboy. Attached to the bottle was a small red carabiner with our names and wedding date. The carabiner was an important touch I wanted to add since Ed proposed to me with the ring on a red carabiner.
Even though the wedding was 6 months ago, we are still getting complements over and over again from friends and family on what an amazing day our wedding was. Ed and I are thrilled that the day turned out the way we wanted with our family and friends, full of love and beauty. It truly was a day I never wanted to end and I am so happy that we can re-live it through the photography that captured our day perfectly.
Read more of their story on Project MediShare!
Photography: Carrie Patterson Photography | Event Planning: Destination Jackson Hole | Floral Design: Magnolia Ranch Events | Wedding Dress: Watters | Invitations: Xowyo | Ceremony Venue: Jackson Hole Golf And Tennis Club | Reception Venue: Hotel Terra | Shoes: Louboutin | Grooms Attire: Hart Schaffner Marx | Cowboy Boots: Old Gringo | Groom Boots: Lucchese Boots | Hair Makeup: Tanya Crocker