When COVID came knocking on their dream wedding plans, today’s adorable pair decided to find the silver lining. They turned this frustrating, some would say negative situation into a positive by shifting their perspective. Hosting a microwedding gifted them the opportunity to spend more quality time with the people they love most. Their reduced guest list allowed them to truly relax, steering clear of any typical pressures that come with a hosting a large celebration. And finally, the whole experience served as the perfect reminder of what this day really meant to them. We hope this beautiful story inspires you as much as it did us! Check out the details of their day planned by Londyn & Grey Events at the full gallery, all captured by Brie Thomason Photography.
From the photographer… Kathryn and Steffen met their Sophomore year at Elon University in North Carolina. Kathryn was looking to transfer to go back west when the two met. If you ask them now, she’ll say she stayed for the educational opportunities, but he knows that wasn’t the only reason. After college, they both moved to New York spending most of their favorite times outside of the city exploring around the Northeast – Connecticut, Upstate NY, NJ, Boston, NH and up to Montreal. Over four years later, they packed up and moved to Denver, Colorado and never looked back! While they’ve always known their appetite for adventure, Colorado has given them the ability to constantly do what they love – hiking, camping, skiing, basically anything that keeps them outside all day. For a trip in Telluride, CO, Steffen planned a hike that was up the ski mountain to the summit of 13K ft in elevation. It was up here that Steffen asked Kathryn to spend the rest of their lives together. Ten years later – with a dog and a cat and lots of trips both near and far – Kathryn & Steffen planned their dream destination wedding for Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley is a place that has meant so much to Kathryn’s family over the years, and now it will be a very special place for Steffen’s family. With the uncertainty of Covid-19, the wedding was postponed from June to September. With that, a change in guest list was also necessary. Thankfully, love was not canceled for this sweet couple. The intimacy of the smaller wedding was cherished by both the couple and the guests attending.
From the bride… When it came time in April to make the final decision on our wedding that was set to be in late June, we couldn’t help but feel discouraged that our long-planned special day was disappearing due to the pandemic. After being engaged for a year and a half and together for over ten years, we were not looking forward to the idea of postponing another year – also seeing the uncertainty of how COVID-19 may still be affecting large celebrations come next summer. When we went through all of our options, this frustration started to turn into an opportunity – a reminder of what this day really means to us. We were able to pause and go back to the core of us, the love we have for each other and the life we want to start. Because of this, It became clear to change our plans to the intimate celebration we had in September with family and close friends. One of the things that made our day so special to us was being able to spend genuine time with everyone who came because of our small guest list. We got to make a week out of our wedding with family and friends whom we don’t get to see a lot, so not having the pressure to tend to responsibilities that typically come with larger weddings allowed both of us to relax and truly enjoy that very special time. Our wedding planner, photographer and everyone we worked with made this day beyond what we could imagine. I’m so obsessed with every detail from the floral to the printing that I have already found how to purchase all of our dinnerware for my own home. There truly is not one thing we would change about our wedding!
From the planner… Nestled in the Boulder Mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho sits a historical cabin where celebrities flocked to in the late 30’s. Notables such as Ernest Hememingway, Marilyn Monroe and Gary Cooper were known to frequent the iconic Sun Valley Resort and dine at what is now called, Trail Creek Cabin. This mountain-style log cabin is located next to the rushing waters of Trail Creek with jaw-dropping views of Baldy Mountain in the distance. It has become one of the most sought after places for couples to exchange their vows and party the night away. Steffen and his beautiful bride, Kathryn, decided on Sun Valley as their destination wedding location since Kathryn had frequented the town as a little girl to see her grandparents. Her family then decided to move the area when she was a teenager from Newport Beach, CA and they’ve been visiting ever since. “Sun Valley has alway held a special place in my heart and I wanted to share that day with the most important person in my life”, stated Kathryn. “I wanted the original Sun Valley class and timelessness that still exists there today. And I wanted to book with a local planner that had the same style that I envisioned for my day.” Kathryn and her mother, Kathleen, booked Taylor Holden from Londyn & Grey Events to design and execute their wedding weekend. Kathryn and Taylor worked closely to ensure that Kathryn’s dream vision came to life.
Photography: Brie Thomason Photography | Event Design: Londyn & Grey Events | Event Planning: Londyn & Grey Events | Floral Design: Tara Bella Flowers | Invitations: Lotus & Ash | Reception Venue: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BHLDN | Band: New Soul Brigade | Groom's Attire: Arsen Tailoring | Bridal Hair: Bonnie Snell From The Feathered Flip | Bridal Makeup: Ash Aesthetic | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Gown Designer: Estee Couture Bridal | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: Casa de Perrin