An Upscale Mountain Wedding at the Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Texas natives Katie Molak (24 and a marketing coordinator) and Cody Courtney (25 and a commercial real estate broker) met in sixth grade but didn’t begin dating until they were sophomores in high school. Upon selecting a wedding venue, the high school sweethearts decided it was important to be in Jackson Hole on the day they exchanged vows; it was the location of the their proposal and most beloved vacation destination. The rehearsal took place at a riverfront working cattle ranch nestled cozily in a rustic red barn. “We wanted to embody the western culture, mixed with a little bit of home [Texas], without being too kitschy” Katie says. The judge who officiated the ceremony used several special verses from American Indian prose in Katie and Cody’s vows, including metaphors to the mountains, which emphasized the beautiful view of the Teton Mountains behind them. The ceremony and reception at the Amangani offered the perfect mix of upscale elegance with fire pits and a luxurious pool mixed with rustic elements like stone tables and faux-sheepskin-covered chairs. The cocktail hour after the reception featured a mariachi band and the newlyweds served spicy hibiscus margaritas, chicken flautas, and pulled-pork tacos to add a little southern Texas flair to the Wyoming setting. Cody had an idea to include their dog, Gracie, who was unable to attend the wedding: create life-size cutouts. Guests were able to use the cutouts to take pictures with "Gracie" during the reception. —Juliette Cheatham