From Wedding Bells to Honeymoon Dreams
Wyoming… a photographer’s dream. Wide open spaces, rugged mountains, and ranching towns that feel like stepping back in time—it’s everything I’ve ever imagined and more.
I’ve always loved to travel, and on my bucket list has been a trip through Wyoming. There’s something about mountain towns and the way each region in the U.S. holds its own culture that fascinates me. But honestly, I never expected to check this one off my list this year.
After getting back from Ireland in June, I was back in Kansas summer mode—relaxing, lesson planning, and trying to stay cool. One afternoon, while sitting in a coffee shop, I got a text from my very first bride. She’s the bride who trusted me with her wedding day when I had zero wedding experience, and she’ll forever hold such a special place in my heart.
Her text said something like: “Would it be crazy if we brought our dress and tux to Wyoming and took wedding portraits on our honeymoon?”
Crazy? To me, that sounded like a DREAM come true. For any bride, the chance to step back into the magic of wedding day portraits—in the middle of the mountains—felt beyond perfect. So of course, I hyped her up right away. Little did I know that one simple text would turn into planning one of the dream trips I’ve always wanted to take.
Trip planning in under three weeks...
We immediately jumped into trip-planning mode. And when I say we, what I really mean is that Gracie dove into finding the perfect place to stay, I hunted down my flight, and together we searched for the most breathtaking photo locations Wyoming had to offer.
Since neither of us had ever been to Wyoming before, I wanted to make sure we had everything lined up—the best views, the dreamiest lighting, and an unforgettable experience.
We had just three weeks to plan, and let’s just say…I went all in. I spent way more hours than I’d like to admit scrolling through guides, blogs, and maps, researching the most iconic elopement spots and hidden-gem views. The anticipation of capturing portraits in a place I had dreamed of visiting for years was enough to keep me buzzing with excitement every single day leading up to it.
Travel Day Pains turn to Gains
The day had finally arrived—I was flying out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and I could hardly contain my excitement. Traveling always gives me a rush, but this time was different. This time, I was heading out for the shoot of my dreams. To be trusted by Gracie and Josh for such meaningful portraits felt like the greatest gift, and I couldn’t stop replaying the thought in my mind as I packed my bags and boarded the plane.
Of course, no great adventure comes without its obstacles. A storm in Denver threw my layover into chaos, and I found myself sprinting through the airport, weaving through people just to make my flight. Then, as if the suspense wasn’t high enough, the pilot announced that a VIP was arriving in Jackson Hole and we might have to reroute. My heart sank for a moment. But luck was on my side—after a few nervous minutes, we touched down right where I was meant to be.
If you’ve never flown into Jackson Hole, let me tell you—there’s nothing quite like it. You step off the plane onto the tarmac, and the mountains rise up around you like a painting come to life. The crisp air, the endless sky, the feeling of being so small yet so alive—it all hit me at once.
With a few hours left in the day, I took the long way to my Airbnb. I wandered down side roads, crossed into Idaho, and let myself get lost in the views. Every turn revealed something new—rolling hills, rustic barns, wide-open skies that stretched forever.
By the time I reached my Airbnb, the sun was setting in a wash of pink and gold. I ended the evening with a quiet walk, letting the anticipation of the next day settle into my soul. Tomorrow was the day.
Something like Christmas Morning,
It felt just like Christmas morning—the kind of morning where you can’t sleep because excitement keeps you awake. At 3 a.m., I rolled out of bed, grabbed my gear, and set out on the hour-and-a-half drive to Jenny Lake. The world was quiet, the stars still hanging above me, and I could hardly believe I was on my way to capture a dream session in the Tetons.
When I arrived, the sunrise was nothing short of magic. The sky blazed in shades of gold and orange, spilling over the jagged mountains and reflecting on the glassy water. The soft hum of nature waking up surrounded me—the rustle of trees, the rhythm of the water brushing against the rocky shore. I couldn’t help but hike a little, just to soak it all in before the session began.
Gracie and Josh met me at Mormon Row, where the stillness of the morning wrapped around us like a secret. We started there, just us and the mountains, before wandering deeper into the park—trails winding toward the backside of Jenny Lake, fields wide open for dancing and laughter, and views that felt almost unreal.
Every stop brought new light, new laughter, and new awe at the beauty around us. From spinning in the grass to quiet moments on the trail, it was as if time slowed down to let us savor it all.
This session will forever be one of my dream shoots. The kind you know, deep down, will be nearly impossible to top.
GRACIE & JOSH
GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK ~ July 2025
From strangers to forever friends
What started as two strangers trusting me with one of the biggest days of their lives has turned into something so much more. I never could have imagined that their leap of faith—choosing me as their wedding photographer—would lead not only to breathtaking experiences but also to a genuine friendship I’ll always treasure.
Gracie and Josh, you have been such a gift. From the laughter we shared in the wide-open Wyoming air to the quiet moments that spoke louder than words, every memory with you has reminded me why I love what I do.
Here’s to the future of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn—to the adventures still waiting for you, the places you’ll see, and the chapters you’ve yet to write together. If this trip was only the beginning, I can only imagine the beauty of what’s ahead.
