Grand Tetons Surprise Proposal

Planning the Proposal

I normally don’t travel to Grand Teton National Park. November thru April. The Teton pass gets nasty during those winter months but when I got Jud’s email about coming to Jackson Hole in April to propose to Abbey, I had to make it happen!

I chatted with Jud on the phone a few times before meeting up and warned him that our winter was intense with over 400 inches of snow at Jackson Hole Mountain. Since he and Abbey had hiked in Bryce Canyon a few weeks prior in 5º weather, he was confident the weather would be just fine. We planned to meet on the outside of the park at Glacier View.

At the Grand Tetons

I was extremely grateful we were blessed with clear skies when just the day before clouds covered the peaks of the Grand Tetons. Jud and Abbey arrived looking astounding! Jud had told Abbey he booked a little mini tour guide before a fancy dinner in Jackson Hole after. I gave a few cool facts about the park while showing off the beautiful view. Then I asked if I could take a few photos since i’d been dabbling in photography, (dabbling for 10 years that is 😉). And that’s the moment Jud proposed to Abbey with the beautiful Grand Tetons as a backdrop! It was a perfect night!

I got to know Abbey and Jud and their 11 year relationship that started in the 8th grade! I thought that was so cute! Jud is a pilot and Abbey is a traveling nurse. I found out they did long distance for 5 months and hated it so now they try to stick together as much as possible. They travel to National Parks when Abbey isn’t on a contract. It was a fantastic night in Jackson with these two! I feel like best friends with them now! Congrats to the newly engaged couple!

Grand Tetons Elopement

Elopement and Vow Exchange in the Grand Tetons

I will not forget this amazing elopement! I loved EVERYTHING about it. Seth and Emme have been together for over 6 years and met in an untraditional way. Seth is a videographer, and yes, I was extremely nervous shooting for another creative. Anyways, he’s a videographer and he needed a model for a commercial he was shooting for school and he and his friends asked random girls on campus to be a part of the commercial. Emme said yes and Seth asked her on a date after shooting the commercial and the rest is history!

One of my favorite things about Emme and Seth was how relaxed and truly happy they were. I felt like I was hanging out with two friends honestly! When Seth and Emme met me in Grand Teton National Park they still had to get dressed. It was kind of fun being able to get a few getting ready shots. Because elopements and vow exchanges are short, getting ready photos don’t usually make it to the must haves. So I loved getting photos of Emme fixing Seth’s hair and Seth commenting how pretty Emme looked after she put her wedding dress on.

Seth and Emme told me their vision for their elopement and vow exchanges so we decided to do a few bridal photos first so we could end with their vows at Schwabacher’s Landing. We started near Cascade Canyon which is such a gorgeous view! I love the mix of sun and cloud coverage we had during the evening. Cloudy weather happens to be my jam!

Vow Exchange

We decided to head to Schwabacher’s Landing after getting a variety of formal shots. Once we got to Schwabacher’s Landing it was so busy! We quickly changed the plan (since the sun was going down), to doing vows right off the side of the road. Even though their vows weren’t happening exactly how they envisioned, Seth and Emme still rolled with the punches and were giddy to be together in the Grand Tetons. They even celebrated with a little picnic with cake and champagne and it was truly the best ending to the night. I am still so happy for these two and grateful I was able to be a part of their celebration.

Best Locations in Grand Tetons for Photos

I’ve spent my fair share of time within Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Grand Tetons are my FAVORITE place to photograph and I’ve found some of the best spot for sessions or just to enjoy views! I have a few spots I love for different reasons. Here’s my top 3!

Blacktail Pond Overlook (Outside of park)

Blacktail Pond Overlook is a great spot if you don’t have a Grand Teton National Park pass. This pull off is just about 2 miles after the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park so you’re still close to the Park and Jackson Hole! This is also one of my favorite places to see Moose and other amazing wildlife in the Snake River. If you’re willing to walk the trail down where fishermen go, you’ll see tall grass with sagebrush and be right next to the Snake River.

Schwabacher Landing (Outside of park)

Another amazing spot on the outside of Grand Teton National Park! This is about 5 miles from the Moose entrance of the park. This location can get busy during peak season (May-August), but is definitely worth putting on your list to visit! Another hot spot for wildlife in the Snake River, especially Moose! I love this location for the variety it offers. The Trail has so many amazing view with the river, leave foliage during the fall, and a beautiful, classic view of the Tetons which you can’t go wrong with! This location is closed off November-April.

Cascade Canyon Turnout (Park pass needed)

Cascade Canyon Turnout is absolutely stunning!! This spot is probably my favorite of all these locations because it’s a unique view in the park. I love being up close to the mountains and seeing snow on the tips of the mountains, (very common in Fall and Spring months). This spot is usually pretty quiet and not quite as touristy as other areas in the park. This view is about 8 miles from the Park entrance on the Moose side.

There are so many amazing views near Jackson Hole and in the Grand Tetons. I’ve made it a goal to go explore more. Jenny Lake is on my list because I know how stunning it is but I want to find some more unique and cool views there. I hope you enjoy your time in Wyoming! And reach out if you’re wanting some epic family or couple photos while you’re in town!