Adventurous Couple Explore Their Wyoming Destination Wedding
After so many years of working as a fashion photographer followed by the over five years I’ve spent photographing destination weddings, you’d think I’ve seen it all.
But then, I met this out-of-this-world couple. They marched to the beat of their own drums and went wherever the skies took them.
And for their wedding day, it led them to a Wyoming destination wedding!
Waiting for the Right Time to Strike
I first met with this couple in San Francisco back in 2019. They were talking to me about their dream wedding vision and how they were heading out to Wyoming. They couldn’t wait to be surrounded by majestic mountains and vintage airplanes. And they were so ecstatic and energetic that I was bouncing in my seat, too!
I couldn’t wait to photograph the two of them on such a monumental day, especially as they planned their aviation-themed wedding.
But, unfortunately, the pandemic happened. And their dream wedding was pushed back. So, we waited… and waited some more. Until, finally, I flew out to Refuge Air Ranch for their Wyoming destination wedding.
A Wyoming Wedding Venue Made for Adventurous Couples
Where so many flock to Jackson Hole for the numerous venues there, these two opted for a non-traditional location just outside of the famed city to celebrate their union.
Nestled in a valley of the surrounding mountains sits Refuge Air Ranch. It’s a small, private airport that local residents in the nearby homes take advantage of. And believe it or not, it made for a spectacular Wyoming wedding venue!
The Free-Spirited Wedding Day Attire
Naturally, two individualists such as these would choose wedding day attire that served on the non-traditional side. As they stepped out of their getting-ready locations, I already knew how incredible their gallery would look, just from their outfits alone.
A Custom, Non-Traditional Groom’s Suit
Rather than a traditional, neutral-colored tuxedo or suit, the groom opted for a tweed, burgundy-colored suit, custom-made by Daniel George. He paired it with a patterned button-up shirt and a rustic hat that pulled the entire look together. It blended perfectly with the aesthetic of the celebration!
The Bohemian-Esque Bridal Gown
The bride wore a stunning, bohemian-inspired bridal gown designed by Riki Dalal Bridal Couture. It was an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting gown that flared into a trumpet-style skirt. The entire dress was made with detailed lace that fit her free-spirited nature impeccably.
An Intimate First Look Inside an Airplane Hangar
Once they were both ready, we made our way into an airplane hangar at Refuge Air Ranch. With a vintage airliner in the background, the two saw each other for the first time. They shared their vows while I stood from afar to freeze everything in time.
Even after so many years of photographing weddings, these sentimental first look moments never get old to me. Because of their natural intimacy, it’s so much easier for couples to let emotions come out with pure joy.
And I love capturing those moments where couples get lost in one another. I just know the photographs will be treasured forever.
Stunning Couple’s Portraits in the Valley and On the Runway
In true Lilly Red Photography style, I couldn’t let the epic landscape of the mountains go to waste! After their first look, we made our way out to the valley for pre-ceremony portraits.
Their unique styles and free-spirited love for one another enhanced the foothills of the mountains around them. There wasn’t a better location in the world for the two of them!
The Bespoke Wedding Ceremony Site at Refuge Air Ranch
For a Wyoming destination wedding venue at a private airport, is there any other place to hold the ceremony than inside a plane hangar?
I hardly think so! And this incredible couple agreed with me because that’s exactly where they had it. At a bespoke altar with a bohemian-style, woven rug, large floral arrangements, and a vintage airplane in the background, the two were united.
“Just Married” Flight
Who needs a getaway car when you can take a plane? That’s exactly what these two did during their one-of-a-kind wedding day. While the guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, I climbed into a vintage plane with the couple and captured the genuine excitement in the moments just after they were officially married.
A Spirited Reception to Follow at the Wyoming Destination Wedding
Naturally, another airplane hangar was repurposed to host the lively reception for the bride, groom, and their friends and family.
With refined, rustic wooden tables and simple flower arrangements in colored glass jars, the reception details coincided with the bohemian aesthetic of the rest of the day. And what made it even more amazing was the fact that this incredible couple designed the reception and wedding details themselves through their wedding rentals business, Palm to Pine Co.!
A food truck and mobile bar even rolled their way into the hangar and prepared both signature drinks and wood-fired pizzas for everyone to enjoy.
And in true fashion to this couple, they relished in dancing the night away with their friends and family!
It was a breath of fresh air seeing how this couple created a wedding completely unique and bespoke to the two of them. I’m so grateful I was there to capture the editorial photos for these lovers and adventurers!
Explore more destination weddings on our blog!
Wedding Day Vendors:
Photographer: Lilly Red
Venue: Refuge Air Ranch
Floral Designer: Bespoke Floral and Events
Wedding Decor: Palm to Pine Co.
Wood-Fired Pizza Catering: In Season
Groom’s Suit: Daniel George Custom Suits
Wedding Gown: Riki Dalal Bridal Couture
Hair and Makeup Artist: Tanya Crocker
