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 allison 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.

allison allison 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.

allison 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.




photography by Carrie Patterson wedding date 9 August 2008 ceremony & reception location Wilson, WY private residence monogramming Doormouse Designs invitations Paper & Grace caterer Bistro Catering dressmaker The Apparels of Pauline flowers Marigold hair & makeup Renae Murray – The Hair Place band Mandatory Air ceremony music Pamela Periconi and Mike Duffy transportation Alltrans Rental services Canvas Unlimited, Macy’s	>> home 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. - By Brian & Allison Merritt