Texans in the Tetons: Erin & Benton

Charmed by Jackson’s hospitality

Benton and I both grew up in the Austin area, went to high schools that were 20 miles apart and had a host of mutual friends. But for some reason, we never met in Texas. We attended different colleges, then I moved to Dallas and he moved to Houston. In January 2005, we were both attendants in an Austin wedding; my friend Jennifer was marrying Benton’s business partner, Gregg. I’m not sure about “love at first sight,” but it was certainly “big-time connection at first sight!”

Our first trip together was to Jackson. Benton is an avid fly fisherman and had been here several times with family and friends. For me, that visit was my first glimpse at the magnificence of the Tetons, and sharing it with the man I loved was just amazing. I actually cried the day we had to return to Texas. It was natural that when we decided on a destination wedding that Jackson was the only place we considered. Many of our friends had never visited the area, so sharing this spectacular place was as exciting as planning the wedding.

Our plans began with selecting the Chapel of the Transfiguration, the beautiful Episcopal chapel in Grand Teton National Park, for our ceremony. Just the photos of the chapel melted my heart, and I booked the site without seeing it in person. In April before our wedding, my mother, Benton’s mother, and I made a weekend trip to Jackson to visit with vendors and check out other locations. I still couldn’t see the Chapel because the snow was 18 inches deep!

On that weekend trip, we scheduled a meeting with Monica of the Jackson Cake Company at the Hard Drive Café. Arriving a little early, we were told that the café was closing soon, but the owners ushered us in anyway and said they would let Monica “lock up.” Honestly, Pleasantville couldn’t have been more wonderful!

First, though, we learned that the owner of the Hard Drive Café was also the Mayor of Jackson, a warm and friendly man whose love for his wife exuded as she prepared us lattes and he raved about her coffee beans. Monica arrived soon thereafter, and as our bodies were warmed by the wonderful coffee, she warmed our hearts with her sweet spirit and her amazing talent and vision.

We met with many talented vendors that weekend and were touched by their friendliness and camaraderie. I left Jackson feeling calm—knowing that my friends would love the location and that my vendors were incredibly talented and sweet people who genuinely cared about making my day special.

Most of our 60 guests arrived a few days before the wedding to take in the sights and activities around Jackson. What a joy to walk around the Town Square and see our college friends having a drink on the balcony of the Town Square Tavern! I have no doubt we added to the future tourism of Jackson. Everyone left saying, “I’ll be back here!”

I am thrilled to have introduced them to Jackson and to have shared with them our wonderful wedding celebration.