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From Both Sides: Brian & Allison

Sharing favorite pastimes and places.
Jackson has always been a comfort zone for me. When life gets too
chaotic, I always know that Jackson is the right place to find what
I’m looking for. But little did I know how true this was going
to be just two short years ago when I met Allison.
No one can make me smile like Brian can. Both hopelessly committed
to our favorite sports, we decided when we fell in love that I would
teach him to ride horses, he would teach me to ski, and together we
would continue to fly fish — the perfect union of what was important
to us.
When it came to planning our wedding, the same ideals held true:
we wanted to share the things we cherish on a daily basis with friends
and family near and far, and we wanted to show them why we, too,
fell in love with Jackson.
A historic private ranch in Wilson, where we frequently ride horses,
provided the perfect setting for our celebration. The views are vast,
and the tall grasses and wildflowers dancing in the breeze provide
a serene setting. With the winter hay
freshly cut and baled, a tent
went up in the middle of an open field. Twinkle lights and lanterns
draped from the ceiling. White linens and stemware covered the tables,
as did a single rectangular vase wrapped with moss, tied with a leather
strap, and holding cascades of flowers and grasses. A dance floor
was built joyfully anticipating Mandatory Air playing all night long.
White couches, votives, and bistro tables were arranged outside the
tent so guests could enjoy watching everyone ride the mechanical bull
during the cocktail hour.
Everywhere you looked were trays and stations—an outpouring
of colorful culinary surprises. Bistro Catering provided the most
amazing selection of food: a giant raw seafood bar, buffalo tenderloin,
heirloom tomato and watermelon salads drizzled with honey, and lobster
macaroni and cheese. It was comfort food at its finest. Our drift
boat—filled with ice and beer—and the margarita station
provided the liquid courage that quickly prompted everyone to hit
the dance floor.

Perhaps like all weddings, what made this one so special were the
people. Two local friends played acoustic guitar and sang during the
ceremony, choosing songs that were special to us. I walked down the
aisle with my father and stepfather on each arm. My mother and Brian’s
brother stood up with us as we exchanged vows, and a friend of ours
performed the marriage ceremony. The intimacy of everyone so dear
to us in one space was truly romantic and memorable.
A little after midnight, the last of our guests followed a torch-lit
path to the waiting buses and our wonderful day came to a close.
We drove home together just as we often do after a long day fishing—hand
in hand, me behind the wheel while Brian comfortably sits shotgun.
Smiling, we both noted our favorite parts of the day, listing memories
that we will reminisce about as we continue to return to the ranch
that is so close to our hearts.