As Lars and Megan’s Grand Targhee wedding photographer, I had the privilege of documenting their wedding day at Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, where sweeping views of the Grand Tetons and unpredictable mountain weather made for a truly unforgettable celebration.
As a seasoned wedding photographer, I have a certain idea of what to expect on a wedding day. What I didn’t expect at Megan and Lars’ wedding was just how welcomed I would feel.
Two years ago, I photographed one of Megan’s best friends’ weddings. This time, as I interacted with the guests, I recognized so many familiar faces that it honestly felt less like showing up for a new wedding and more like being welcomed back to a family reunion. This feeling made Lars and Megan’s wedding was one of those days I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Getting Ready at Grand Targhee Resort
The morning started in the Teewinot Lodge at Grand Targhee Resort.
Megan spent the morning laughing with her bridesmaids while everyone got ready together. The atmosphere felt relaxed, but underneath it all was this quiet excitement. Lars and Megan have been together for years, and everyone knew this day had been a long time coming.
Meanwhile, the guys were helping Lars get ready, and one of my favorite moments happened before portraits had even begun. Lars realized he was starving, tucked a towel into the front of his dress shirt, and took an enormous bite of a sandwich to make sure he didn’t spill on himself. It was completely unplanned, completely hilarious, and exactly the kind of real moment I love documenting.
Before seeing Lars, Megan shared a first reveal with her bridesmaids. She had everyone turn around while she stepped into the room, then quietly told them they could look.
Their reactions were some of my favorites from the entire day. There wasn’t a hint of performative excitement, just genuine joy that their friend was finally getting married.
A few minutes later, Megan shared an equally sweet first look with her dad before moved on to portraits of Lars and Megan.
Portraits with the Grand Tetons
As we got ready for Lars and Megan to see each other, I knew I wanted to try and find a space that incorporated wildflowers but also some shade. The sun was brutally hot during the first part of the day. As I was looking around the lodge, I found one sweet spot that encapsulated everything that I wanted. A quiet hillside, surrounded by trees, with the daintiest wildflowers scattered around.
The second that Megan tapped Lars on the shoulder, the nerves disappeared.
As soon as he turned around, they were both in tears.
This is exactly why I love first looks. For Lars and Megan, it gave them space to experience that moment together without rushing. They could hug, laugh, cry, and simply be together before the day moved into the ceremony.
After a few portraits, we made our way toward the chairlift for one of the highlights of any Grand Targhee wedding; a trip up to the top of the resort for panoramic views of the the Grand Tetons
Just as we were about to head up the mountain, lightning moved into the area and the lifts shut down.
Mountain weddings have a way of reminding you who’s really in charge.
Instead of waiting around and hoping for the best, we pivoted. We photographed romantic portraits around the base of the mountain and started working through bridal party photos while we waited for updates. We even had a backup location in mind if the lifts never reopened.
Thankfully, about thirty minutes later, we got the call we’d been hoping for.
The lifts were running again.
A short ride up the chairlift brought us to panoramic views of the Grand Tetons that never get old. We created some of my favorite portraits I’ve ever photographed, images that feel every bit as adventurous as Lars and Megan are.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Grand Targhee
If there was ever a wedding where guests were genuinely excited for the ceremony, this was it.
The ceremony wasn’t scheduled to begin until 3:30, but by 3:00, nearly half the guests were already seated, ready for everything to begin.
Lars and Megan wrote their own vows, and there truly wasn’t a dry eye around us. Even though I had only recently met them, hearing everything they’d walked through together made it impossible not to get emotional.
Their story stretches far beyond their wedding day.
They met playing soccer, built a friendship before they started dating, weathered long-distance moves, graduate school, and even a life-changing rock climbing accident that left Lars recovering from broken legs. Through every season, Megan stayed by his side.
Watching them exchange vows, it was obvious they weren’t building a marriage on excitement alone. They were building it on years of choosing each other.
They also included a beautiful hand-fasting ceremony, tying three strands together into a single knot before sharing their first kiss as husband and wife.
Cocktail Hour and a Private Dinner Together
After family portraits and bridal party photos, Lars and Megan made one of my favorite decisions of the entire day.
Instead of jumping straight into cocktail hour, they slipped away for a private dinner together.
No cameras.
No guests.
Just the two of them.
I intentionally left them alone because that time belonged to them, not to me.
It’s something I always encourage couples to consider. Your wedding day moves quickly, and creating intentional space to simply sit together and realize you’re married can become one of the most meaningful parts of the day.
Intimate Grand Targhee Wedding Reception
As the reception began, Lars welcomed everyone with a heartfelt thank you before dinner was served.
One thing I noticed throughout the evening was how intentionally they spent their time.
Rather than staying at one table, they wandered the reception greeting guests, sharing hugs, and soaking in conversations.
Those interactions often become some of my favorite photographs because they’re impossible to recreate.
Later, we slipped away for one last set of sunset portraits among the summer wildflowers at Grand Targhee Resort before the dance floor officially opened.
Once it did, it stayed packed.
The celebration ended with an incredible dance party and a room full of people who were genuinely thrilled to be there.
Why Trust Matters During a Grand Targhee Wedding
Summer weather in the Tetons can change in an instant.
We started with intense heat, paused because of lightning, and finished the evening in cool mountain air.
That’s exactly why I believe flexibility is one of the most valuable things I bring to a wedding day.
When weather changes or timelines shift, my job isn’t to panic. It’s to communicate clearly, adjust the plan, and make sure we’re still creating the images that matter most.
Lars and Megan trusted me to do exactly that.
That trust gave us the freedom to adapt quickly, stay calm, and ultimately create some of my favorite wedding photographs to date.
Looking for a wedding photographer for your Grand Targhee wedding?
If you’re planning a Grand Targhee wedding and want a photographer who will help you stay present, adapt when mountain weather inevitably changes, and create photographs that feel just as meaningful years from now as they do today, I’d love to hear your story.
You can learn more about my approach and collections on my Services page, and when you’re ready, reach out through my Contact page. I’d be honored to help you tell your story.
Lars and Megan’s Grand Targhee Wedding Vendors
Venue: Grand Targhee Resort Weddings
Catering: Grand Targhee Resort
Photography: Rachel Jobst Photography
Hair and Makeup: Renew Salon Lacey Scheidel
Florals: MD Florals
DJ: Rocky Vertone
