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Intimate Garden Party-Inspired Sun Valley Wedding

Kara and Jack’s intimate Sun Valley wedding is the perfect example of creating a wedding day that is truly your own; one that doesn’t abide by the traditional rules and expectations of society, but follows its own path through and through. A beautiful blend of elements taken from both elopements and weddings, their celebration in the Sawtooth Mountains revolved around quality time with loved ones who had traveled to be with them, outdoor adventures through the scenic Ketchum wilderness, and vibrant colors that embodied the essence of summertime in Idaho.

bride and groom kissing in mountains

Kara & Jack’s Intimate Sun Valley Wedding

A laid-back, multi-day affair in Ketchum

Ever since getting engaged in the city of romance, Kara and Jack knew that they wanted their wedding day to be full of romance, whimsy, and charm—just like the gardens where he got down on one knee and proposed. The two had discussed getting engaged for a while and went ring shopping together before heading off to Paris for a dreamy European vacation. After walking around for hours with the ring in Jack’s pocket looking for the perfect spot, he gave up for the day and insisted they go on an early walk in the park the next day. Kara almost bailed, but he managed to drag her out of their hotel for a quiet walk in Luxembourg Gardens; little did she know that after finding a secluded area, he would ask her to marry him. They were able to use their next two weeks in Europe as a well-deserved celebration before diving headfirst into wedding planning!

Rewind a bit to three years ago, when Kara and Jack visited Sun Valley on a whim and absolutely fell in love with the natural beauty and with Ketchum. They knew almost immediately that this would be the setting for their dream wedding day; a breathtaking, picturesque place that they could share with their family and plan a celebration reflective of their unique personalities. 

Want to see more of the beauty that Sun Valley has to offer? Check out this Winter Sun Valley Resort Elopement, or this Authentic Sun Valley Elopement for inspiration.

bride and groom hugging
bride and groom celebrating

They described their ideal day as laid-back, enjoyable for all involved, and filled with love—all phrases I would use to describe the joyful celebration I ended up photographing for them. It was important to them that they have a more intimate experience without the stress and expenses of a traditional wedding; an experience that their guests would all enjoy wholeheartedly, and that would allow them time to spend one-on-one amidst all the chaos. A small wedding/elopement was the best way for them to make that possible while keeping it intimate and exclusive.

Kara and Jack’s wedding day turned into multiple days of festivities, inviting their guests to join them for not just one memorable day but three, starting with a group whitewater rafting adventure the day before. What a fun way to experience the scenic beauty of Sun Valley and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, before the official wedding events even begin! It was easy to see that by the time the day arrived, everyone was already feeling relaxed, happy, and so fulfilled from their time spent together. The day after the wedding festivities, they also hosted a farewell dinner to send everyone off on a high note.

sun valley wedding invitation
wedding ring on vow book
wedding dress hanging
groom's shoes on chair
wedding dress and florals
summer wedding details
bride getting ready for wedding
bride putting shoes on
bride walking up to groom
bride and groom first look
bride and groom snuggling

The best of both the elopement & wedding worlds

Seeing how Kara and Jack incorporated elements from both elopements and traditional weddings was so much fun, making their day into their own rather than following along with any expectations. They spent the majority of their day with family and friends by their side, saying their I do’s in the spectacular Boulder Mountains. Later on in the evening, they exchanged private vows and intentionally created some time alone together. I hope you always feel encouraged to craft your dream day just as Kara and Jack did, with nothing but their love story as the main priority.

bride walking down aisle
sun valley elopement ceremony
bride and groom kissing
bride and groom holding hands
sun valley wedding photos

A whimsical summertime celebration

As I mentioned earlier, Kara and Jack’s vision for their Sun Valley intimate wedding was very whimsical, vibrant, and garden party-esque; reminiscent of the lush gardens where they were engaged in Paris. They embraced the summertime vibrance of Sun Valley in all of their details, incorporating various bright and bold colors in Kara’s bridal bouquet, as well as the stunning tablescape setup for their reception. Held on a grassy lawn along a rushing creek, their intimate reception was ever the effortlessly elegant celebration, providing guests with a gorgeous space to connect, sharing laughs, hugs, and tears throughout the evening.

Sun Valley gifted us with the most breathtaking summer sunset to end the day, the sky painted in soft pinks, purples, and blues as Kara and Jack ventured on a short hike and shared private vows with the mountains in the distance. 

garden party wedding tablescape
spring inspired wedding name card
spring inspired wedding flowers
bride and groom reading vows
bride and groom crying
bride and groom hugging
bride and groom at golden hour
bride and groom at sunset
bride and groom in the mountains
bride and groom portraits

Sun Valley wedding vendors

Beauty: The Feathered Flip

Food/Entertainment/Tablescapes: Judith McQueen

Florist: Tara Bella Flowers

Dress: Anthropologie Wedding

Veil: Nazemi Bridal

Engagement Rings: Shelter DC

Suit: Suit Supply


Sun Valley Wedding Photographer

Sun Valley is one of my favorite areas of Idaho, and I’d love to help you elope or plan your intimate wedding in this picturesque setting. Inquire with me to get started envisioning your dream celebration with an expert Sun Valley wedding photographer by your side!