Idaho Weddings

Let’s go girls! Grab your boots and giddy up on over to the Idaho mountains for today’s stunning Sun Valley wedding. The bride described their aesthetic perfectly, “easygoing and simple, yet chic and timeless” – the dream combination if you ask us. Londyn & Grey Events brought the couple’s vision to life while Two Hands Floral created organic arrangements complimenting the natural beauty of the landscape. See it all at the full gallery, captured by Brie Thomason Photography!

From Brie Thomason Photography… Rebecca and Adam were married on July 16th in Sun Valley, Idaho, a place very special to the groom’s family. Rebecca is in her residency to become a physician working in a busy hospital in Manhattan. Adam works in finance. The two wanted to escape their busy city lifestyle for their wedding day and wanted their intimate guest list to get to experience the joy that the mountains of Idaho can bring. Rebecca was overwhelmed with helping with Covid in Manhattan, so their original plan for a September 2020 wedding needed to be pushed to 2021. You will notice the original invite was used for the detail shots because it was very special to Rebecca and Adam. The wedding was a garden themed wedding placed in the mountains, and I truly believe it was executed so well! There are several great little details like their dog on the invitation and signature drinks, organic florals lining the ceremony, a moss table escort cards, floral bridesmaids gowns, and more. The bride changed gowns for the reception into the gown she wore for her intimate Covid wedding last year. The guest list was on the intimate side with around 75 guests— all closest family and friends. The venue was a private residence, which was great because the party rented out the space and were able to do everything on scene, which kept things even more secluded.

From the bride, Rebecca… We wanted our wedding aesthetic and vibe to reflect that of Sun Valley – easygoing and simple, yet chic and timeless. Lucky for us, the scenery is breathtaking. Every detail was carefully selected to curate a day that complemented the natural beauty of the landscape and capitalized on the beautiful views. One of my favorite moments from the day was our first look, where we were surrounded by unobstructed mountains on a quiet trail. It was absolutely worth the trek, dirt and bugs.

I knew that I wanted a dress that was form fitting and elegant, but not over the top. I chose the Suzanne Neville Mayfair dress in a gorgeous silk pique fabric and fell in love with the buttons on the back. After trying on the dress, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It matched my personality perfectly. Adam wore a navy blue suit from Ralph Lauren Purple Label, while his groomsmen also worse navy blue suits. The bridesmaids each chose their own floral-patterned dress, which all came together so nicely.

The day was designed to allow the guests to appreciate the entire property. The ceremony was situated in the backyard with views of the mountains peeking through the aspen trees. Our florist lined our aisle with a variety of delicate wildflowers and grasses, many foraged nearby, as if they were picked from the side of the mountain. Guests donned parasols for sun protection and carried glasses of rose, which gave off a garden-party-in-the-mountains feel. After the ceremony, guests were taken to the front yard for cocktail hour. Our bartender crafted the most gorgeous (and delicious) cocktails. Our dog, who was perfectly illustrated on our stamps, was also included on the cocktail napkins and bar signs. We placed photos of our grandparents from their weddings in wooden frames on a table to remember our loved ones who were celebrating from afar or were there in spirit. We also can’t forget our guestbook, which was an edition of Extraordinary History of Sun Valley filled with sweet messages from our guests and now serves as the perfect coffee table book and a daily reminder of our special day.

For the reception, guests were escorted into a sailcloth tent, set on an open field adjacent to the mountains. At the entrance of the tent was a table covered in moss and chamomile flowers with wooden plaques inscribed with guests’ names and table numbers. Our planner helped us select beautiful neutral linens for our square tables and farm tables. Wildflower arrangements with bud vases and candles adorned the tables. Our planner chose to incorporate subtle pops of yellow for an extra element of fun. Each guest had a menu illustrated with wildflowers to tie it all together. Our fantastic caterer created an Idaho-style dinner of trout and prime rib (which guests are still raving about). We opted for homemade local pies in lieu of cake, which were devoured before we even had the chance to see them.

After taking our golden hour photos before the sun set behind the mountains, I changed into a satin Ulla Johnson dress to continue the party. I vividly remember standing at a distance admiring the sailcloth tent and celebration that commenced beneath it, simply in complete awe of the entire event. Our wedding day was the perfect blend of an intimate, joyous and wild party. One piece of advice I would give brides-to-be is to consider a smaller guest list. It was so wonderful watching strangers become friends, and we all danced and laughed the night away together.

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Photography: Brie Thomason Photography | Cinematography: Carli & Beau | Event Planning: Londyn & Grey Events | Floral Design: Two Hands Floral | Wedding Dress: Suzanne Neville | Invitations: Mine & Kindred | Catering: The Haven | Catering: Piedaho Bakery | Band: Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Beauty: Bonnie Snell From The Feathered Flip | Beauty: Ash Aesthetic | Linens: BBJ La Tavola

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BBJ La Tavola

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Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment

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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.

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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

Sun Valley is one of the Bride’s favorite places on the planet and with good reason… it’s crazy gorgeous. For this celebration, it’s all about rustic elegance and embracing the beauty of the Idaho mountains with the help of Debbie Geller Events and Tara Bella Flowers. And after poring through the images by Kendra Elise, you would never guess that the wedding dress almost didn’t make it. (Yikes!) When the dress wouldn’t fit on the plane, the planner jumped in her car and drove all the way from Los Angeles to deliver the gown. We’re officially voting her MVP of this celebration.

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From the Photographer… In June, two Los Angeles lovers tied the knot in the idyllic setting of Sun Valley Idaho. It was a location chose by the bride as she has spent her summers since childhood exploring, hiking, and falling in love with the wood river valley. The venue, Trail Creek Cabin, has a stunning view of Bald Mountain which offers some of the finest skiing in the area. The wedding planner drove, yes drove, from LA to Sun Valley with the brides beautiful dress because it wouldn’t fit on an airplane, oh my gosh… Dedication!! The florals were romantic, lush and added a pop of fun color to this elegant event. The wedding rings were custom made by a local artisan and the entire wedding day was filled with laughter, dancing and hugs! Thank you Nic + Gavi for having one of the most romantic, heartfelt and stunning celebrations

photographer: Kendra Elise Photography | wedding planner: Geller Events | florist: Tara Bella Flowers | Wedding Dress: Watters | Invitations: Wide Eyes Paper Company | Shoes: Chloe | Catering: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | DJ: Nathan Hudson | Groomsmen's Attire: Theory | Wedding Venue: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | Wedding Rings: Jensen Stern | film lab: The Find Lab | mua: Danielle Anspach

Because the Bride created many of her childhood memories at her family’s vacation home in Sun Valley, this couple wanted to host a vacation weekend in the beloved resort town for their wedding guests. In addition to the wedding itself, the four day celebration planned by Heather Minor included a welcome dinner and party, rehearsal dinner, and a Sunday farewell brunch, each showcasing a favorite restaurant or meaningful spot around Sun Valley. Scroll on to see the wedding day captured by Dev Khalsa Photography, with its pretty details like the ceremony arch by Sue Bridgman Florist, and then head to the Vault to see photographs from the rest of the weekend!

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What an event the Durels and the Sullivans put together over Labor Day weekend 2016 to celebrate the marriage of Kelly and Terry! The four day celebration included it all and then some: a welcome dinner and party at River Run Lodge, an intimate and classy rehearsal dinner at Vintage Restaurant in Ketchum, an elegant and classically beautiful wedding day followed by a rockin’ party at Trail Creek Cabin, and a fun Sunday brunch to finish it all off (complete with bloody marys and advil for those who needed them!) at the Durels’ Sun Valley home.

Kelly and Terry met at a bar in downtown New York in 2013 while they were both out with their friends. Terry proposed at the King Cole Bar (an old, famous bar at the St. Regis Hotel in New York). After Terry proposed, he took Kelly to dinner at Sistina (a restaurant her family frequents), and they had dinner with both sets of parents (Terry’s even flew in from Indiana!).

Kelly and Terry have a good time pushing each other to explore new things. For example, Kelly learned how to scuba dive even though she’s scared of fish, and Terry learned how to ski even though he’s scared of heights. Kelly says, “We always have a great time together and are constantly joking around and laughing. We like to travel, hike, ski, scuba dive, watch movies, eat (especially pizza), and drink.” Kelly grew up in New York City but spent a lot of time at her family’s home in Sun Valley, so it only made sense to put together their big event in the Idaho mountains.

Kelly and Terry could not have been happier, and it showed! As you can imagine, every last detail was attended to, and the couple’s fun-loving personalities showed through in such an elegant way. Kelly was radiant in her Vera Wang wedding gown, but the full-length cathedral train didn’t stop her from hopping on the golf cart and zipping around White Clouds golf course to pose for some stunning photos in the mountains.

The formal toast in the dazzling tent was touching and certainly a highlight for Kelly, but one of Terry’s favorite memories is of his private PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) toast with his Bride immediately following the ceremony.

The tent was drenched in a mix of neutral colored peonies, roses, and freesia with a pop of fuchsia to add the couple’s fun spirit to the look. There was even an ice sculpture for the raw bar with a backdrop of bright fuchsia flowers with the initials “KT”. One of Kelly’s favorite memories from the day was “walking into the tent for the first time with Terry and our parents and seeing the tent covered in flowers. My parents had a few surprises for us in the tent, and it was so amazing to see it all put together after a year of planning.”

The crazy fun band Party Crashers, complete with a Michael Jackson impersonator, had a backdrop of aspen behind the stage, and there was no shortage of spectacular lighting all around. They kept the party rocking for many hours and most members of the wedding party made an appearance on stage at some point!

Photography: Dev Khalsa Photography | Event Planning: Heather Minor | Floral Design: Sue Bridgman | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Invitations: Honey Paper | Makeup: Britt Davis Beauty | Hair: Danielle Anspach | Band: Party Crashers | Venue: Trail Creek at Sun Valley Resort | Ceremony Band: Stoneseed | Rehearsal Dinner Band: Tylor and the Train Robbers | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Vintage Restaurant

As a future fellow mountainside bride, my heart immediately beats a bit faster when a wedding like this one comes across my desk. Between the gorgeous natural backdrop and the talented Youngrens, every moment is picture perfect. As I continue to cross my fingers for this same sort of wonderful weather, I’ll also be keeping this gallery open for further note taking and photo pinning.

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From The Bride… Kevin and I officially met at a friend’s birthday party back in 2011. We went on a date the following Saturday and the rest is history. But before that night, we had a few run-ins throughout college and the couple years after. Kevin is a triplet, he went to Western Washington University and his two brothers were in the fraternity next door to me at the University of Washington. Every once in awhile Kevin would show up at UW events; I always thought he was the cutest Grimes brother. My now sister-in-law tried to hook us up a year before we officially met, but due to timing it didn’t work out.

The night of the friend’s birthday party in 2011 I knew there was something very special about Kevin and the butterflies haven’t stopped since. He proposed May 20, 2014, his birthday, at the place we had our first kiss. This, in one sentence, sums up Kevin – he is an incredibly selfless, thoughtful and loving person. It was a very special moment that I will cherish forever.

Sun Valley has always been a very special place for both of our families. My family has spent many Christmas’ skiing Baldy and Kevin grew up spending summers in Sun Valley visiting his aunt, uncle, and cousins who have been there for over 40 years!

We both have incredible memories of Sun Valley from growing up and always felt it was such a magical place that we decided, why not, let’s make even more amazing memories by getting married at Trail Creek! We also wanted to share Sun Valley with our close family and friends that have never been and it definitely proved a success. Many of our guests are already planning trips back to visit!

We felt that having a neutral palette and sophisticated details was very fitting for Sun Valley. The backdrop of the mountain and scenery is so spectacular we didn’t want to interfere with the natural beauty surrounding us, so we decided to keep our colors and style very simple and elegant.

We don’t have special wedding traditions in our family but Kevin’s uncle, John, was our officiant which was very special to us and our families. Having John up there with us meant the world and we could not image our ceremony any other way! We also wrote our own vows which was my favorite part of the ceremony.

Instead of wedding favors we had welcome bags waiting in each guest’s room. We included a bottle of wine, waters, sunscreen, snacks, chocolate, and an itinerary of events with things to do and how to get around the town. We thought this might be more fun to have a surprise bag of goodies waiting for our family and friends as they arrived!

From The Groom… My most vivid memory from the wedding day was our first look. So much work went in to the wedding day, and to have it all come together while seeing her in her dress on the mountain was unforgettable. Our photographers made the first look so special by picking the perfect location (on the mountain) and ensuring each of us were in the moment and able to enjoy this incredible time.

Photography: The Youngrens | Coordinator: Amanda Seaward | Florist: Sue Bridgman | Wedding Gown: JLM Couture, Inc | Cake: Sun Valley Resort | Ceremony: Sun Valley Resort | Reception: Sun Valley Resort | Shoes: Vince Camuto | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Sun Valley Resort | DJ: DJ Idaho | Rentals: Barbara's Party Rentals

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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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I’ve shared my love of winter weddings many times before, but when Patrick Moyer and Taylor’d Events sent along this snowy gem I remembered why they’ll forever be my favorite. Complete with mountain views, plaid accents and yummy mugs o’ cocoa, it’s a culmination of all things cozy and we’re only getting started. Get in the Christmas Eve spirit with much more right here!

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From The Bride…Chris and I both were born and raised in Santa Barbara, California. Our parents are lifelong friends and we’ve known each other almost our entire lives (I was 5 and Chris 10 when we met). Our paths went separate directions when we each left Santa Barbara for college and when we reconnected as adults (Chris then being the father of three beautiful children and having previously been married), I decided to move ‘home’ to be with them. But it was in Sun Valley that our love story really took a turn towards marriage. Chris’ family has long visited the area and had fallen in love with Ketchum in the late 1990s, so much so that they bought homes there and decided to split their time between Santa Barbara and Sun Valley. Chris and I and the kids began spending as much time as possible in Ketchum, and it was there we all fell in love. Chris and I were already” there” emotionally, but the kids were so much in their element on those trips, whether on the mountain during winter or on the river during summer, and we truly became a family on those visits.

So when Chris proposed to me on the Big Island of Hawaii in March of 2013, we knew that our wedding wouldn’t and couldn’t take place anywhere else but Ketchum, Idaho. It was truly a wonderful week and perfect day, and we loved that we had the opportunity to share our favorite place with all of our loved ones. We brought in about 105 guests and now each and everyone of them understands our love for the small, quaint mountain town that we love so very much. It’s been almost a year since, and now we as a family can’t wait to share this city (in December as we celebrate our anniversary) with our new little addition, our son Hayes Ketchum.

Photography: Pat Moyer Photography | Wedding Planner: Taylor’d Events | Florist: Taylor’d Events | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Invitations: Kathleen Cooper | Stationery: Taylor’d Events | Brides Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bridesmaids' Dresses: BCBGMAXAZRIA | Catering: The Valley Club | DJ: Nathan Hudson | Groom's Attire: Armani | Groomsmen's Attire: Hugo Boss | Venue: The Valley Club

With an elegant mountainside wedding in my near future, I instantly fell in love with this beautiful burlap wedding suite by Blue Magpie Invitations. They took inspiration from the natural rustic elements and infused the most perfect amount of polish and style. Keep reading for the full story behind this invitation!

From Blue Magpie Invitations… Andrea and Cole were getting married in Sun Valley, Idaho, in a formal church wedding followed by an elegant tented reception with views of Bald Mountain, the iconic peak of this picturesque ski town. Andrea, her mom, and I worked together over several months to design all of the wedding stationery to blend the rustic charm of Sun Valley with the formal, elegant ceremony and reception they envisioned.

Andrea fell in love with our burlap invitations, and we knew that this would be a perfect starting point for designing her wedding stationery suite. Our burlap folders feature an elegant white silk ribbon band accented with handmade pearl wax seals that are tied on with white raffia. We designed a custom monogram for Andrea and Cole, which we used on the wax seal. The paper pieces inside her burlap folder were letterpressed in a matching taupe ink, with the main invitation card printed on double-thick cotton paper. Her welcome reception card featured a sketch of Bald Mountain, which was also repeated on a second wax seal that we used on her pearl-lined inner envelopes.

The Bald Mountain sketch reappeared on their wedding menus, but perhaps my favorite part of their day-of stationery was the lovely crest we used on their wedding programs (and thank you notes). The fun details continued with monogram stickers, straw flags, signature cocktail signage, and more!

Their amazing wedding celebration was coordinated by Heather Minor Events , and you can see beautiful photos on Hillary Maybery’s blog.

Photography: Blue Magpie | Wedding Coordination: Heather Minor | Invitations And Event Stationery: Blue Magpie

Hillary Maybery and gorgeous weddings go hand-in-hand. And this Sun Valley beauty? Well, it takes lakeside romance to an entirely new level. Factor in pretty invites from Regas, elegant blooms by Tara Bella plus one jaw-dropping bride, and you’ve got a gallery that musn’t be missed. See every moment right over here!

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From the Bride… We allowed the lake to shape our colors and themes, choosing navy blue Monique Lhuillier bridesmaid dresses, grey blue tablecloths, loose hanging vines and flowers, and mercury glass vases and candlesticks.

The flowers and decorations were exquisite, but it was the personal touches and little surprises that made the wedding memorable. To the astonishment of the wedding guests and wedding party, I was not waiting at the end of the aisle when Pachelbel started to play. Instead I came around the corner in the adjacent pond in a canoe rowed by my father. The entrance made for remarkable pictures and left a mark but it was the thirty minutes before, tucked behind trees sharing a bottle of champagne with my father that will remain the most memorable.

The lake also proved the best backdrop for a first dance that took place even before we went into the tent for dinner. Two band members played “Nobody Knows Me” by Lyle Lovett acoustically and Luke and I danced on the green grass with our guests circled around us cheering.

Inside the tent we began dancing as soon as our salad plates were taken away. Two tables were literally danced into the ground and the only way to encourage guests to leave was the promises of sliders and mini grilled cheese sandwiches served at the exit.

Almost six months later we are still in disbelief about how incredible the entire weekend was and it could not have been possible without our amazing wedding planner, Amanda Seaward, CK’s Restaurant, the Groove Merchants, and our extremely talented photographer Hillary Maybery.

Photography: Hillary Maybery Photography | Event Planning: Amanda Seaward | Floral Design: Tara Bella Flowers | Cake: The Sweet Crumb | Invitations: Regas | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Catering: CK's Restaurant | Hair & Makeup: Danielle Anspach

Rustic yet refined, this River Run Lodge wedding captured by Tana Photography is casual elegance defined. It’s an affair overflowing with wildflowers, personality and love – and every gorgeous moment is waiting for you right here in the full gallery of images.

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From the Bride…Stratton and I met on the first day of school at the University of Idaho. From the moment I saw him I knew that he was something special. We dated for three years when he proposed on New Year’s Eve. When deciding on a venue we knew we wanted something outdoors; we fell in love over many fishing and outdoor adventures. Having both grown up visiting the beautiful Wood River Valley we decided on River Run Lodge in Sun Valley, Idaho as our place to say “I do.”

I knew I wanted a classic wedding dress. With my mom, sisters and friend I found a Justin Alexander lace ball gown with a beautiful train and corded lace and a pearl and crystal beaded belt that was added. Stratton chose a handsome, black, fitted suit with a gold tie.

After choosing a venue, the first thing we chose was the colors for our wedding. We both decided we loved black, silver, gold, and an array of ivories…keeping in mind the colors of our college Vandal pride. Because we love the natural outdoor beauty of Idaho so much, we chose a rustic resort theme.

We kept the flowers for the reception and the bouquets simple and natural with baby’s breath, lilies, micro daisies, and craspedia billy balls. Stratton hand-made fishing flies to use in my bouquet and the boutonnieres.

To keep our wedding outfits personal and sentimental, I wore a garter that my grandmother made with lace rosettes and a lady bug for good luck. I had hearts sewn in to my wedding dress made from the shirt fabric of my late grandfathers. I wore my mother’s diamond earrings, my grandmother’s pearls, and Stratton wore a tie pin that has been handed down through generations in his family.

Stratton and I exchanged vows we wrote ourselves at the base of Baldy Mountain with all of our friends and family in attendance. Our beautiful black lab, Magic, who donned hot pink nails and a floral wreath, was our ring bearer. We kicked off the reception with an entrance down a grand staircase to our first dance song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Followed by dances with our parents and moving speeches by our loved ones. It was a beautiful day full of love and laughter.

Photography: Tana Photography | Wedding Planner: Adrian + Sabine | Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander | Cake: Sun Valley Resort | Ceremony Venue: Sun Valley Resort | Reception Venue: Sun Valley Resort | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bridesmaids Dresses: Anne Taylor | Makeup Artist: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics | Hair: Amber Cultra For Platinum Beauty Lounge | Grooms Attire: Calvin Klein | Floral: Adrian + Sabine

Woodsy weddings have this way of striking the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity. Especially when they’re as thoughtfully planned as this intimate Idaho affair from Hugh Forte. With a bride who made certain no detail went unnoticed, and Heather Minor planning behind-the-scenes, there’s more than enough reason not to miss the gallery + film from Eric Hires below!

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From the Bride… Max is from Seattle and I grew up in South Carolina. We met in LA, moved to Michigan for grad school, but recently settled in Seattle. In short, deciding where to have our wedding was the hardest part! We knew we wanted a whole weekend with all of our loved ones together — Sun Valley was the perfect place for that. Max grew up spending summers there with his family and we’ve been fortunate enough to spend a month there every year.

I had a clear vision of how I wanted the day to look and feel like a garden party Max and I were holding at home. We started there, knowing we wanted to spend our wedding day outside and have it be as intimate as possible. After visiting and not falling in love with all of the standard venues, Max remembered a nearby bridge he learned to fly fish on. That was it! Being very detail-oriented, I loved that we got to bring in every chair, plate, and glass we used. We had a few dear friends who lent us their personal collection of china and silver, in addition to the three rental companies we used for linens, chairs, and glassware. Heather Minor, our planner, was a saint for orchestrating all of that! I collected small vintage bottles to use for escort cards, tying gold scripted tags to them with velvet ribbon. We had friends and family take Polaroids of themselves and sign our guest book (in addition to the portrait they drew on their RSVP cards!) With a deep love of gold, I found brass stencils to use as table numbers (or letters, in our case) and my mom commissioned a friend to make the stands to hold them. To keep our drinks festive, I collected ribbons in cream and gold, and used them to top drink stirrers.

We decided to have only a best man and maid of honor, keeping things intimate. But Max and I both come from big families and wanted to honor them too, so we asked everyone to wear shades of cream. We also wore things very special to us that day – Max had his grandfather’s gold pocket watch with him and an MB stitched into his suit, while I had a lace handkerchief my mom made when we got engaged, a bracelet borrowed from my mother in law, and our initials and wedding date stitched into my dress by my mom.

That afternoon, as the nearby forest fires worsened, we were lucky they only made the light a beautiful pink hue, instead of dampening the day. Our amazing photographer, Hugh, and videographer, Eric, walked outside for portraits, stopped, looked at each other, and said “Is this real?” The light was wild!

That day we were both bubbling over with excitement – so ready to see each other! A devoted letter-writer, I wrote Max a letter for our wedding day and every big anniversary until 50 (though hopefully that won’t be our last!). My dear friend and pen-pal, Victoria, delivered them to Max to ease his racing heart. I think it might have had the reverse effect, though! Seeing Max as I walked down the aisle was the most exciting moment. Our eyes welled up and he waved while I strode towards him on my dad’s arm. We handcrafted our ceremony together, but our officiant had us write down why we loved each other and keep it secret. It was both amazing to hear and to share that moment with everyone we hold dear. The ceremony was definitely our favorite part of the day – it filled the entire party with a sense of joy and love. I’ve never seen so many happy people!

After the ceremony, the whole wedding party paraded back for cocktail hour amongst the rustling trees and later, dinner and dancing (our DJ was the best!) under the stars. We also got particularly lucky on that front – it was the first night of the rare Perseid Meteor showers. That night, after we ran through our own shower of sparklers, we walked back out to the bridge where Max learned to fly fish, where we got married, where I would learn to fly fish the next day, and watched the stars as they fell, with full hearts. That was really the most remarkable thing about the entire day – you think your heart is as full as it can be, but it gets a little more full with everyone’s love.

Photography: Hugh Forte Photography | Videography: Eric Hires | Wedding Planner: Heather Minor | Flowers: Ketchum Flower Company | Wedding Cake: Cristina's | Shoes: Loeffler Randall | Catering: Ketchum Grill | DJ: Nathan Hudson | Best Man's Bow Tie: High Cotton Ties | Bridesmaid Dress: Asos | Cocktail Music: Spare Change | Groom's Bespoke Suit: Isaia | Groom's Bow Tie: Ryan Seacrest Distinction | Guest Book: Velvet Raptor | Handkerchief: Sutherland Handweaving | Save the Dates , Invitations, & Website: Melissa Blume | Vendor: Paper And Type | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhullier: Marcella's La Boutique

O’Malley Photographers has the right idea with this photo shoot. Winter Weddings are some of the most romantic affairs ever. The snow, the cozy details by Ira & Lucy Vintage Rentals, the winter white florals by Taylor’d Events mixed with pops of color for an unexpected palette – all those beautiful bits are driving that most romantic ever point home. Grab all the inspiration your little hearts desire right here in the full gallery.

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This shoot is inspired by the glamour and winter wonder of Sun Valley, Idaho and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. We married the themes of classic elegance and natural beauty by shooting at the historic Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch, and incorporated lots of elegant, classic furniture and decor from Ira & Lucy. We created the color pallet of mint, emerald, gold and cream, accented with copper, a mix of the natural winter colors that spread over the local landscape. Dress Designer, Daci Johnson, created a swoon-worthy, gatsyby-esque gown with lace sleeves and a fur balero to keep our bride warm. In creating this shoot we imagined a couple that love the outdoors and want their wedding to be the perfect blend of natural, yet high-class. This would be the perfect setting for city dwellers wanting to escape with friends and family to one of the most gorgeous places on earth.

Locally grown fare and iconic people of Sun Valley inspired our menus. Sun Valley was home to the infamous Ernest Hemingway and in trying to incorporate masculine elements, Sally Balt from La Happy calligraphied amazing menus to include the E. Hemingway Special and a Whiskey Old Fashioned, his drinks of choice. Local cake artist, The Sweet Crumb, crafted a classic ombre cake and locally grown huckleberry milkshakes were offered. Guests could participate in an excess of winter activities including ice-skating, skiing, and snowshoeing around the grounds of the ranch or cozy up fireside with a mug of hot cocoa. Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch (as seen in Sunset Magazine and Martha Stewart Weddings) made the perfect location for this shoot.

Photography: O'Malley Photographers | Event Design: Ira & Lucy | Flowers: Taylor’d Events | Dress: Wedding Gowns by Daci | Cake: The Sweet Crumb | Ceremony Location: Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch | Calligraphy + Stationery: La Happy | Decor Elements: Bellissimo | Female Model: Andra Johnson | Hair and Make-up: Danielle Anspach | Tux Rental: Tuxedos Now

Happy Monday, SMPers! We’ve got a morning full of fun announcements that have us giddy as can be. Besides being nominated for InStyle’s Social Media Awards (totally blushing!) we’re thrilled to announce our 2013 Fashion & Beauty e-mag is right around the corner. That’s right – a SMP mag devoted to all things style. And in light of such exciting news, we thought — what better way to celebrate than this fashion-heavy lovefest from Hillary Mayberry? With a bride rocking the prettiest lace Lanvin gown you ever did see, it’s exactly what the #SMPfashionmag is all about!

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From the Bride…Keith and I had little doubt about where we wanted to hold our celebration. For as long as I can remember, my family has spent time nearly every summer and winter in Sun Valley, Idaho, so it was an easy call for me. And after seven years of dating, Keith (a born and bred New Englander) had grown to love the location as much as my family. But most importantly, we associated Sun Valley with memories we had made together, a quality that made this picturesque mountain town a slam dunk, so we checked location off our list. Next was setting a specific date. Each season in Sun Valley has its distinct qualities; in the winter, there is downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or for the less adventurous, simply cozying up inside before a roaring fire. Then there’s the summer—mountainsides filled with wildflowers, a vast system of hiking trails, fly fishing, outdoor symphonies and gallery walks, and an overall peaceful pace of life. However, the main concern was that our friends and family, most of whom live in New England or the San Francisco Bay Area, would be able to make the long trip out from opposite coasts. Although arriving at our venue in a horse drawn carriage had its appeal, we settled on a summer wedding so that more people could hopefully join us. And join us they did…

After al fresco dining on Tuscan fare for wedding party and family on Thursday night and a laidback pool party for the younger folks the next afternoon, all 165 guests piled onto two yellow school buses for the short drive north to Galena Lodge the evening before the wedding. Everyone was blown away by the location of the log day lodge, so much so that you would have been hardpressed to find someone not donning either cowboy boots or a jean jacket! As the sun began to set behind the surrounding mountains (and the temperature dropped 30 degrees), we mingled around picnic tables covered with red and white checked tablecloths and pitchers filled with bright sunflowers. There were mounds of chicken and pork barbecue, cornbread, coleslaw, etc., followed by wagon wheels (ice cream sandwiches made with freshly baked cookies), and we washed it all down with Sam Adams Summer Ale and a local IPA—a blend of our two worlds, Boston (the city we currently call home) and Sun Valley. Late Saturday afternoon, everyone gathered for our wedding at the historic Trail Creek Cabin, one of Hemingway’s haunts back in the day. Our officiant was a close mutual friend, my two uncles and dear friend contributed carefully chosen readings, and the secular ceremony was filled with laughter, and even a few tears. The sheer majesty of the ancient mountains and the cloudless blue sky gave a certain serenity to the occasion. Keith and I chose traditional vows and exchanged our wedding bands under a rustic wooden arbor. The bridesmaids’ bouquets were brilliant orange, yellow, and purple cut flowers, and I carried a more classic bridal bouquet of loosely arranged cream, delicate whites, and greens that complimented my lace wedding dress.

For the wedding party, we chose khaki, tan, and other natural hues, all of which worked well with our mountainous backdrop. After the ceremony, we crossed the footbridge over the cabin’s namesake, Trail Creek, to a cocktail hour with huge old wooden wagons laden with antipasto and copper buckets filled with even more sunflowers. Then it was on to dinner and the reception in a huge white tent on the Trail Creek Grounds. Keith and I were honored by everyone’s toasts and touched by the sentiments therein (there were very few dry eyes following their words), then we cut our cake layered with strawberries and butter cream (dropping our first piece but eating it anyway!), and finally danced the night away to a perfect playlist by our Seattle-based band. My mom’s aesthetic, classic but creative, was apparent in every detail of the evening, from the delicate tumbleweeds hanging from the chandeliers to the wooden pitchfork marking the aisle to the sprigs of rosemary tucked into each napkin to the antique copper vessels filled with blackeyed susans. It all came together to create a rustic, chic ambiance. One favorite moment may have been wowing the crowd during our first dance to Adele’s “One and Only” with moves hard-earned from our ballroom dancing classes. Another was the dance floor packed with guests of all ages, especially during Keith’s favorite wedding song that drew everyone out of their chairs to “kick their heels up and shout”! Yet another was the outdoor brunch on Sunday, where we all recuperated from the previous evening’s festivities over quiche, churros, fruit salad, and lots of much needed coffee. I could ramble on forever about countless other special moments, as well as the beauty of the setting itself. However, what I will remember most about our wedding is an incomparable feeling of contentment from the most beautiful aspect of all—Keith and me together, surrounded by our family and friends.

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I’ll admit it…I get a little case of the giddies every time a Wedding Wednesday rolls around. But it’s not without good reason. Wednesdays are a one-way ticket to real wedding swoon-ville with morning-til-night “I dos” in every shape and size. And to start off today’s festivities is this Idaho affair from the ever-so-talented Hillary Mayberry. It’s a twist on the traditional with nautical details sprinkled in along the way. So without any further adieu, let the #WW party begin!

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From the Bride…I never imagined getting married any place other than my hometown of Sun Valley, Idaho. We were so excited to share this special place with friends and family from all over the country and most importantly wanted everyone to enjoy the scenery and have a great time. For the look and feel of the wedding I wanted something sophisticated and classic, but that fit into the somewhat casual surroundings. While navy and kelly green are often seen as very nautical, I knew that with the right touches it would be the perfect combination for a summer wedding in the mountains. I’m a sucker for stripes, and found subtle and fun ways to incorporate them consistently throughout the day – in my shoes, the bouquet (which is three pieces of ribbon sewn together), the flower girls’ dresses, and the cake. While the guys didn’t get stripes, navy, white, and green Jack Spade argyle socks added that extra pop of color.

The ceremony took place at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, an extremely special place to get married, since it was built by my dad and designed by a family friend. Following the ceremony guests preceded to Sun Valley’s famous Bald Mountain, for a ride up the gondola to the historic Roundhouse Lodge. Perched at 7,700 feet, and sipping refreshing pomegranate and 44 North Idaho potato vodka cocktails, our friends and family enjoyed breathtaking views of the Wood River Valley.

The Valley Club’s patio was the perfect place to round out an incredible day. Seated at D.C.- named tables, to bring a little bit of where we met and now live to Idaho, and drinking wine from custom bottles made just for the event, guests experienced the splendor of a warm summer Sun Valley evening. Ending the night with a New York Jets groom’s cake (Brian is a New Yorker), crazy photos in front of a striped backdrop (I ordered the fabric online from Mood), and an epic dance party – we, and our guests, celebrated just as I’d always envisioned. It was pure perfection.

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Wedding Photography: Hillary Mayberry Photography | Second Photographer: Kristin Cheatwood | Wedding Planning: Heather Minor Wedding Planning | Floral Design: Botanica, Kurt McAuley | Fashion Styling: Cardigans & Couture | Reception: The Valley Club | Hair + Makeup: Tara Bell and Jamilynn Smith | Cake: The Sweet Crumb | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Jewelry: Great Grandmother | Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung | Flower Girl’s Dresses: Jacadi

I bet you a million dollars that one of the first things you notice about this wedding is the dresses. They are undeniably gorgeous so it’s no wonder that the Bride is a graduate of Parsons Design School and is now a stylist. Yes, it’s all making sense. Captured by Hillary Maybery, this wedding is taking Sun Valley, Idaho and infusing it with a good dose of love and fashion from the likes of J. Mendel, Amsale and Lela Rose. Get your pinning fingers ready for some envious fashion inspiration and a pretty party too, right here in the full gallery.

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From Hillary Maybery…Both the bride and groom grew up in Pacific Palisades, California. The bride attended Boston University then Parsons School of Design in NYC. After being an associate designer at a couple labels she is now a stylist and Designer buyer at Elyse Walker in Pacific Palisades. The groom went to USC Film school and has worked for many years on set a camera operator and now Director of Photography for motion pictures. They have known each other since the age of 9 and had mutual friends and used to play sports at the same park. They began dating in January of 2010 and were engaged in August of 2011. They decided to have their wedding in Sun Valley Idaho as the groom’s  family has a home there and the bride fell in love with the location after visiting one summer.

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Photography: Hillary Maybery | 2nd Photographer: Kristin Cheatwood | Photo Assistant: Adelaide Mason | Floral Design: Ketchum Flower Company | Wedding Planner: Heather Minor Events | Wedding Location: Private Home in Sun Valley, Idaho | Accent Furniture: My House Furnishing | Invitations: Bella Figuera via Ubanic Paper | Caterer: Cristina’s | DJ: Nathan Hudson | Wedding Bands: Broken English  | Wedding Dress: J. Mendel | Shoes: Valentino | Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale + Lela Rose | Hair + Makeup: Jamilynn Smith and Danielle Anspach from Vertu Hair Dressing

Don’t you just love Wedding Wednesdays?!?  I sure do.  Seven uber-stunning soirees, bundles of gorgeous inspiration and galleries filled to the brim with lovely…. It all makes for one very fine way to spend a Wednesday, don’t you think?  Not to mention that we’re bringing the pretty and then some with a fabulous lineup that includes a little something for everyone… and it just doesn’t get much better than that.  So, sit back, relax and add some gallery gazing time to your itinerary.  It’s going to be a wonderful day.

Up first is a charming Sun Valley, Idaho affair that has me feeling all sorts of giddy this lovely morning.  Oh yes, I am loving the sparkly heels, the gorgeous blue, orange and pink hues, that gown and those adorable flower girls dressed in the cutest little ballet flats I ever did see.  All planned to perfection by Absolute Weddings and captured by the oh-so-amazing Hillary Maybery Photography and second shooter Kristin Cheatwood, this is one seriously swoon-worthy affair.  Plus, the gallery is literally overflowing with delightful details just waiting to be adored.  Join me there for even more and then stay tuned for a fabulous film from Max Monahan Productions below!

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

The fabulous doesn’t stop there.  You don’t want to miss this ah.ma.zing film from Max Monahan Productions.  (Psst… Prepare yourselves for some happy tears!)  Enjoy!

From the Bride… Alex and I knew that we could have been happy with a number of different types of weddings- from a traditional church wedding similar to those that were familiar to our families, a casual beach wedding in Malibu where we both attended college, or a rustic vineyard wedding to reflect our love of all things Italian, the country where we met and where Alex proposed three years later.

What our wedding eventually became was a collection of all of our favorite things, and it couldn’t have been more perfect for us. We chose beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho, as our location, a place that has always been special to my family that we wanted to share with all of our guests. We wanted the details to reflect our personalities and the things that we loved. After scouring over Style Me Pretty, friends’ weddings, magazines, and other blogs, we found our favorites of everything and put our own spin on them. We used our favorite colors, our favorite foods, and our favorite songs. We played lawn games at cocktail hour and had a photo booth running all night. Our wedding party was introduced with a choreographed dance that kicked off the party, and a good friend sang “That’s Amore” during dinner while Alex and I toasted each table with wine. By the time the DJ could invite everyone to the dance floor, it was already full and never lost its momentum.

We wanted the members of our wedding party to know that their roles were each unique and personal as well. The bridesmaids chose their own dresses from three shades of blue at Priscilla of Boston, and the groomsmen each wore unique cufflinks- Superman, cowboy hats, cassette tapes, wine openers, and more. Alex and I found the cufflinks and the bridesmaids’ jewelry on Etsy and surprised them with it on the day of the wedding.

Because we planned most of our Idaho wedding from Los Angeles where we live, the most important thing that we did was hire the right vendors to help us. We started with Hillary Maybery, who we knew would capture our day perfectly, then secured our favorite wedding planner, florist, and DJ. We could not have planned our long distance wedding without them or without the help of our fabulous families and friends who were there from the time Alex proposed to the time we closed down the party with a magical sparkler exit. The day turned out to be exactly what we wanted and a perfect reflection of the two of us.

Wedding Photography: Hillary Maybery Photography / Second Photographer: Kristin Cheatwood / Wedding Planner: Amanda Seaward of Absolute Weddings / Wedding Reception: Trail Creek Cabin / Wedding Videography: Max Monahan Productions / Make-up + Hair: Jamilynn from Vertu / Flowers: Tara Bella Flowers / Suits: Marc Echo / Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta / Photo Booth: Funny Face Photobooth / DJ: Lenny Joseph / Bridesmaid Dresses: Priscilla of Boston / / Wedding Planner: Amanda Seaward of Absolute Weddings

We know that many of you have moved on to spring, but as we’ve said, we are still falling in love with just about every single winter wedding we come across. The romance factor is always OFF the charts. This Winter Wonderland photo shoot from an awesome crew of Sun Valley wedding gurus is no exception. How amazing are all the different shades of blue playing against the snow? Hillary Maybery was able to capture all the brilliant colors, and it has totally convinced me that it’s time to make a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. I mean, the hot springs shots, alone, have me packing my bag. If you’re as winter obsessed as we are, Hillary’s blog has some phenomenal winter weddings on it, right now!

See even more on this cute, cute, cute film from Maximilian Monahan …

Jess + Al Engaged from Hillary Maybery on Vimeo.

Don’t forget about the gallery for more!

For this styled photo shoot we wanted to create the feel and look of a rustic winter wonderland. To accomplish this, we used a combination of white, silver, shades of blue, and loads of cozy textures.  Croney Cove Warm Springs is a hidden, charming cabin chalet set in the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho.  We loved this venue; it was perfect for the feeling we were going for. From the vintage European flair inside the barn to the roaring outdoor fireplaces, it was a blast, and even a little surreal to create this shoot.

Photography: Hillary Maybery Photography / Event Design:  Heather Minor, Elaborate Events / Hair and Makeup: Jamilynn Smith, Vertu Salon / Home Decor: Picket Fence Table / Cake: Amy Anderson, The Sweet Crumb / Solar Lanterns: Allsop Design / Floral: Ketchum Flower Company / Jewelry: Anne Mulick with Stella and Dot Jewelry / Venue: Croney Cove Warm Springs / Cinematography: Maximilian Monahan

We are just now getting the BEST winter weddings and photo shoots in our mailboxes! And although some of you girls who live where it’s STILL snowing might think you want to move on ~ we REALLY don’t. Not just yet. This next week, on The Little Black Book Blog, we have a few more weddings from those brave souls who adore the snow and pray for a bushel of it on their wedding day. How else will they get those winter-wonderland-shots that they’ve always dreamed of? Here’s a peek at what’s in the line-up on The LBB Blog.

A Wonderland Shoot from the awesome Hillary Maybery + a sensational Sun Valley group of wedding afficianados…

A Classic Boston Wedding (from a fabulous team of Little Black Book members) at the Hampshire House (aka CHEERS) …

Plus a wedding planner’s dream wedding ~ One of LOLA’s pro’s ties the knot in the blistering cold Chicago winter. Another lovely, brave soul!

So as you see, we’re not done yet! One more small request … we want to hear from ALL of you winter wedding sweethearts! We want to hear a loud and resounding round of applause for these couples ~ and their wedding vendors who have choreographed the most spectacular weddings during somewhat less-than-predictable circumstances. We want to hear from you this week!

I guess I can’t really say that I have a NEW favorite LBB photographer, because I have SO MANY FAVORITE Little Black Book photographers! But ONE of my NEWEST favorites is definitely Hillary Maybery. Although Hillary is based in Sun Valley, Idaho, there’s definitely travel in her plans … and there isn’t a wedding, engagement, photo shoot, or kid pic on her site that you won’t adore! Seriously adore. So when she teamed up with Taylor Sturges of Taylor’d Events who designed this gorgeous Fall Wedding-Inspired shoot ~ starring newlyweds, Steph & Zac … well, pure and simple LOVE!

See this gorgeous day-after shoot on Taylor’s blog and Hillary’s blog!

Photography: Hillary Maybery / Flowers and Event Design: Taylor Sturges at Taylor’d Events / Event Design: Terry Murphy owner of Bellissimo / Reception Location: Sun Valley / Hair and Makeup : Jamilynn Smith from Vertu / Vintage jewelry and fur : Suzy Hart owner of Deja Vu / Cake by Amy Anderson at The Sweet Crumb / Cinematography: Max Monahan

We have one of Hillary’s weddings coming up later this afternoon. In the meantime, here’s a quick peek at Kristin and Tim’s winter wedding featured on Sun Valley’s “Hitched”!

More on Hillary’s blog here!

We’ve shared hundreds of weddings with you here on The Little Black Book Blog this year. We want to thank ALL of our amazing wedding vendors and ALL of our delightful couples and most of all … ALL of our readers! We feel very blessed and privileged to share in your wedding planning process and hope that 2011 will be an even bigger and better year for everyone!

And so, hand in hand we’ll lead you into the new year with another stunning Sun Valley Resort wedding from the ever-fabulous  Tana Photography …

From Tana Photography:
This was a stylish and casually elegant wedding that brought friends and family from all over to famous snow ski destination, Sun Valley, Idaho. It’s a gorgeous place to hold a wedding and give guests a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.
Natalie’s an outdoor Idaho girl at heart, who works as a stylist for Ralph Lauren in NYC. Natalie really wanted to bring her NYC businessman fiancé, (whom she met on a blind date) to her home state to share it’s rustic, outdoor beauty at their nuptials.
As the photographer, I was really excited to see how Natalie would combine her designer style with her laid-back outdoorsy attitude for this event. I know she wanted to bring the couple’s personalities together and show their guests an unforgettable time. The night before, the couple hosted a cowboy-themed costume party at the local “saloon” for their guests and on the wedding day, the ceremony gave everyone from NYC to Florida to Boston a breathtaking view of Sun Valley’s famous ski resort mountains.
Natalie’s co-workers custom made her Ralph Lauren wedding shoes, covered in Swarovski crystals, which the bride wore dancing up until the end of the reception. The groom wore a navy RL suit and groomsmen sported navy suits with purple ties. Natalie wanted bright, fun and colorful flowers in the bouquets and decor. She used mock ski-passes, with quirky facts about the couple, hanging from small evergreen trees to guide guests to their tables. Mini vintage SV posters showed the table numbers, and SV chocolate bars with colorful orchids were at each place setting. Local birch trees were placed inside the reception tent to bring the natural beauty indoors.
A sweet gesture (and great idea) came at the end of the evening when Natalie presented her grandmother a special gift bouquet before the official “toss”.

From Natalie, the bride:
“East meets the Pacific Northwest”. That would be the perfect description of our wedding. More that half of the wedding guests traveled from the East Coast to celebrate with us on our big day. Growing up in Idaho, I have always loved Sun Valley and for my family, it’s very special. Getting to share this magical place with our closest friends was the best part of our event! Many of our friends are looking to return to Sun Valley again!

Venue: Trail Creek Cabin, Sun Valley Resort / Photography: Tana Photography / Décor: The Sun Valley Company / Coordination: Bliss Events / Accessories: Ralph Lauren / Gown: Angel Sanchez / Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale / Bride’s Shoes: Ralph Lauren / Cake: The Sun Valley Company / Florist: Sue Bridgman / Music: The Big Wow Band / Makeup: Gabrielle Marcantonio for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.

There is something about this lovely Sun Valley wedding that embraces the winter in such a beautiful way. It could be the snow boot and jacket clad bride that has our hearts pitter-pattering with delight or maybe it’s the candle filled reception that screams total romance. Whatever the case, Hillary Maybery photographed it to perfection and Taylor’d Events crafted one heck of a cozy winter wonderland and we think it deserves a standing ovation. Bravo Winter Wedding. You are completely delightful from beginning to end. See the rest of the day here.

see the rest of this cozy wedding here!

We did not have a wedding party.  We live in Sun Valley, Idaho which is 2 1/2 hours from the closest airport, and our siblings and friends live all over the country. Everyone coming for our wedding had to travel a long ways to get there. We ultimately decided that it would be less stressful for us and more enjoyable for our friends if they could just sit back and enjoy the weekend- go skiing, snowshoeing, etc. w/o worrying about where they need to be or what time. We had a very formal Catholic ceremony including a full mass. We needed to have witnesses stand next to us as we said our vows and we chose our parents. It was incredibly meaningful to have each set of parents,the people who made us who we are, standing next to us as we said our vows.

For the décor I turned to Taylor’d Events and That’s Entertainment (linens, extra champagne flutes). In addition, I went online to CB2 and Z Gallerie and purchased some of their candlesticks, vases, decorative bowls, etc. and that way Anthony and I could keep some of the decor for our condo when the wedding was over and give some to our parents and siblings. I was able to search and find the exact look I was going for, and we were able to keep everything at the end. Our wedding planner provided additional vases, candles and hundreds of votives.  Anthony and I knew from the start that we wanted to cut out a lot of the things that just weren’t as important to us or that would keep our stress levels down. We also knew we wanted it to be a huge party for our friends and family. Because of the formal nature of the wedding mass, we wanted the reception to be more like a cocktail party than a wedding reception. The result was perfect. We got rid of the cutting of the cake and throwing of the bouquet. My dad and older sister gave very short, but wonderful, speeches. Anthony and I danced (Bob Marley) and my dad and I danced (Louis Armstrong) but we only did 2 minutes of each song.  By doing it that way, we didn’t have any breaks in the continuity of the evening. Then, everybody danced for hours!

Photography: Hillary Maybery /2nd photographer: Kristin Cheatwood / Flowers: Taylor Sturges of Taylor’d Events / Fur Jacket: Milly / Cake baker: Christina’s Restaurant and Bakery / Event Planning: Taylor’d Events / Ceremony Location: Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church / Reception Location: Elkhorn Lodge, Sun Valley, Idaho / Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss Black Label / Shoes: Richard Shah / Wedding favors: In lieu of wedding favors, we sent out welcome packets three weeks before the wedding to all of our guests that had maps, guides, handwarmers, schedule of events, etc. / Wedding bands: Robert C. Wesley Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona / Invitations: Izzy Girl out of Seattle, Washington / Honeymoon location: Cook Islands and Auckland, New Zealand