WEDDING BLISS
Gettin' Hitched Idaho Style
Jessica Stoecklein and Rich DeFelice [pg. 2]
Fire on the Mountains
Lisa Firestone Caspar von Winterfeldt [pg. 3]
Local Wedding Vendors
Some of the Valley’s Finest Wedding Vendors [pg. 4]
GETTIN' HITCHED IDAHO STYLE
Hillary Maybery
The setting was perfect for the marriage of Jessica Stoecklein to Rich DeFelice. The sky was blue and expansive, the sun was warm and the Three Sisters Mountain peaks rose in the distance above the reflection pond where the two exchanged their vows—at the picturesque setting of Walter and Shelley Stoecklein’s Three Sisters Ranch (named after the distant peaks and also in honor of their three daughters) in Mackay, Idaho. The window boxes and flower beds were overflowing with blooms started from seed by friend and Mackay local Julie Buckwalter over the winter. The ranch grounds had been perfectly maintained (and coaxed out of the damage caused by a wintering elk herd and a surprise 40-minute hail storm just six days prior to the wedding) by Mike Turzian and the Sun Valley Garden Center crew.
Bales of hay wrapped in burlap (something borrowed, as they were on loan from a local rancher and were reused after the ceremony) stood at the ready for the 150 guests and a horse-drawn carriage draped in flowers arranged by Tara Bella Flowers stood at the ready for the bride and her father.
Hillary Maybery
Everything was set. It was perfect. And the wedding went off without a hitch (other than those provided by Three Sisters Ranch). “We have been on the ranch over 20 years and that night was the most spectacular light and sunset we have ever seen in all that time,” says Shelley Stoecklein, the bride’s mother, who adds that she feels it was a work of art aided by the spirit of Jessica’s grandmother and cousin who had both passed away the previous year. “I really feel it was their way of saying, ‘Even though we’re not there, we are with you.’”
A beautiful clear-span tent was set up to allow guests to experience the incredible Mackay sky and miniature wreaths of flowers floated on the pond with tiny lights that twinkled late into the Idaho night. The bride’s dress, a beautiful creation by Tomasina, a Pittsburgh designer who also designed her birdcage veil, was both stunning and functional. The designer came up with the idea of making the dress in two pieces, so that the heavy train could be detached completely, which allowed Jessica to dance with Rich and their guests late into the night. The detachable train also allowed Jessica to show off her hand-tooled and custom-made Rocketbuster boots from El Paso, Texas (her sister and Maid of Honor, Merideth, sported a custom-made pair by Rocketbuster as well).
The high alpine evenings can get chilly, so cozy, soft wraps were rolled up in a big basket as favors for the female guests and pre-made gift bags welcoming each guest to town had also included other essentials—flashlights, packets of natural bug repellent, (just in case), water (essential for hydration at altitude) and a box of locally-made Cowgirl Truffles and other local food specialties. In a nod to the Idaho locale and the Famous Potato state, the gift bags were crafted of burlap bags and hand stamped with a sponged brand from the Three Sisters Ranch.
Dancing & Matches: Craig Wolfrom / Food, Tent and Flowers: HillaryMaybery
“The wedding was special in every imaginable way because there was so much thought, time and detail put into every aspect of the day,” says Jessica, then adds that she was thrilled to be able to share the West with all their friends and family from the East Coast. There were activities all week—with guests staying at the Stoeckleins’ ranch in Mackay, a neighboring ranch, Wild Horse Creek Ranch, down the road toward Trail Creek Summit, and also in Sun Valley. Guests shared in the experience of the West, including a raft trip down the day stretch of the Salmon River with White Otter, fishing, golfing, enjoying the trails and scenic vistas of Sun Valley and Mackay, and an amazing Mexican-themed Welcome BBQ at Wild Horse Creek Ranch for nearly 133 guests that Judith McQueen pulled together on Friday night.
“Rich and I are both huge ‘foodies,’” says Jessica, “and we were so blessed to find Judith. Her menus were truly amazing.”
It was a week filled with activity, sunshine and new memories. And the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display high across the deep Idaho night and above a tent that looked like it had been made of glass for a clear view towards the future.
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAINS
Kirsten Shultz
Lisa Firestone has spent her summers in Sun Valley since she was a little girl—traveling from Scottsdale, Arizona, to enjoy the long summer months for as long as she can remember, first as a regular performer in the Sun Valley Ice Shows and later in ice hockey camp. But it was a winter wedding that captured both her and her husband-to-be’s, Caspar von Winterfeldt, hearts. And they were married in the midst of a snow-filled and magical Sun Valley night on February 19, 2011.
The jet-setting couple met on New Year’s Eve on the island of St. Bart’s while on vacation with different groups of friends. And although they both lived in Los Angeles at the time, their paths had never before crossed. A whirlwind romance followed and Caspar, in a moment of perfect timing (he is a film producer), proposed less than a year later at La Colombe d’Or in Saint-Paul de Vence while they were traveling in the south of France. The ring, which had been in the von Winterfeldt family for five generations, was a stunning black pearl with diamond heirloom.
The couple’s deep love of Sun Valley led them away from the sand and surf of Santa Monica and toward the snow-covered slopes of Sun Valley Resort. The wedding theme was focused around the winter wonderland of Sun Valley and featured a full week of events that ranged from dinners and cocktail receptions to skiing and relaxing in the outdoor pool at the Sun Valley Lodge. “Many of our guests were traveling internationally from Paris, Madrid, Germany and Chile,” says Lisa, “and we wanted them to enjoy all that Sun Valley Resort and the area had to offer and know why we both love it.”
Kirsten Shultz
A cocktail reception was held at the Sun Room in the Lodge, the mountain played host to organized ski days with après-ski at the outdoor pool at Sun Valley Lodge, ice skating at the outdoor rink and bowling in the Lodge added authenticity, and The Sun Club hosted the rehearsal dinner on Friday night. Special touches included a cocktail reception on Thursday night at the home of Alex Kuczynski and Charles Stevenson, and a Wednesday night dinner at the Roundhouse restaurant for 100 that was snowy, intimate and magical. “The history and tradition of the lodge created such a unique atmosphere,” Lisa says, “and riding the gondola at night was incredible.”
The wedding and reception for 120 was held at The Valley Club and silver tablecloths, delicate and glittering tinsel and glass snowflake cutouts, elegant white orchids, roses and lilies, and silver drapery echoed the winter wonderland theme. Aisha Duyen Davis, a good friend of the bride, married the couple, and international superstar DJ Max Chipchase, another good friend of the couple, got the party up and on its feet. “Max had everyone rocking, from the 7-year-olds to the 70-somethings,” Lisa recalls, “he was amazing and really made our wedding a huge success!”
And in one final nod to Sun Valley and all things snow, the crowning moment of the night was the cutting of the cake. “It was a highlight of the night and very special to us,” Lisa recalls. The cake was a towering and whimsical skier’s cake that reflected the passions of the bride and groom—a one-of-a-kind creation from Cristina’s that featured a gondola made out of graham crackers and special trails dedicated to the bride (Firestone Trail) and groom (von Winterfeldt Way).
Hillary Maybery
Local Wedding Vendors
There is no better place on the planet to get married than Sun Valley and its surroundings. To make sure your nuptials are nothing shy of magical, here are some of the Valley’s finest wedding vendors.
BEAUTY
24/7 Skin Care
Offering a licensed professional wedding makeup studio and the perfect skin preparation skincare program, 24/7 Skin Care specializes in making sure brides and grooms look gorgeous on their big day. Offering bridal and groom parties, radiant natural or dramatic applications, we work with all budgets. Pre-honeymoon waxing, eyebrow shape and lash tinting, we also offer makeup lessons and educate our brides on their skin type and the basic makeup application techniques they may apply themselves.
208.726.5400 / www.24-7skincare.com
Chic Nail + Beauty Bar
Affordable luxury with top-of-the-line products for natural nail and glowing skin care. Indulge your senses and experience a complete beauty bar with facials, waxing, manis and pedis, spray tan and Happy Hour Fridays. Come pamper your feet, hands and face!
208.788.1355 / www.chicnailandbeautybar.com
CAKES
The Sweet Crumb
The Sweet Crumb is Sun Valley’s newest bakery specializing in sweet treats for all occasions! Our cakes are baked to order using the finest quality ingredients to ensure they taste as good as they look. Wedding cakes, specialty cakes, cupcakes and cake pops. We also offer styling services for any of your special events.
208.720.1255 / www.thesweetcrumb.com
CATERING
Ciro
Whether it’s a party for 20 or 200, an event held at CIRO restaurant, or having our chefs come to the venue of your choice, CIRO will make sure you can relax and enjoy your special day. From simple occasions to elaborate celebrations, in all it approaches, CIRO is dedicated to service, quality and detail.
208.622.4400 / www.cirosunvalley.com
Judith McQueen Entertaining
Judith McQueen Entertaining’s events exemplify the quintessential Sun Valley experience. From classic destination weddings to memorable local fare, we provide world-class catering and event coordination—making your entire experience weightless and, more importantly, fun. We suggest you book far in advance so we can realize your vision together.
208.788.7716 / www.judithmcqueen.com
Rasberrys
Let Rasberrys catering take away the stress and put the joy in your special events: bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, receptions and weddings, intimate dinners or parties for all your family and friends. Tell us your dream, we’ll make it come true for you.
208.928.7711
EVENT LOCATIONS
Elkhorn Springs Restaurant
Located in the heart of beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho, Elkhorn Springs Restaurant is available to rent year-round for parties, weddings, meetings or banquets. Newly constructed and completed in 2008, the restaurant features the finest commercial cooking equipment, 800-square-foot steel patina wood burning fireplace, beautiful décor and much more.
208.725.2256 / www.elkhornspringsrestaurant.com
Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch
Privacy and breathtaking natural beauty create the picture-perfect setting for your wedding or private party at historic Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch. Charming accommodations, excellent cuisine and a gracious staff provide a perfect celebration event. Martha Stewart Weddings named IRMR an outstanding wedding destination venue.
208.774.2544 / www.idahorocky.com
Wild Horse Creek Ranch
If you’re looking for a supreme Idaho wedding experience, look no further than the Wild Horse Creek Ranch. Nestled in the incomparably picturesque Copper Basin, just 20 miles east of Sun Valley, the ranch is located in one of the West’s most spectacular and serene landscapes. Whether it’s for your next group retreat, or for a truly unique and unforgettable Western wedding, the Wild Horse Creek Ranch is waiting. Come, be inspired in the Pioneer Mountains of central Idaho, at a guest ranch that offers the authentic West.
208.588.2575 / www.wildhorsecreekranch.net
Craig Wolfrom
EVENT PLANNING & RENTALS
Absolute Weddings
saseaward@hotmail.com / 208.720.4713
A-List weddings – Ashley Dyer
Recently engaged? Are you or someone you know getting ready for their big day? A- List Weddings is dedicated to making those special occasions effortless and extraordinary! Offering complete wedding and event planning, we will help you envision your day and take care of every detail to perfection. We look forward to hearing from you.
208.720.5764 / www.alistweddings.com
Barbara’s Party Rentals
With 25 years of experience, Barbara’s Party Rentals has everything you need to make your special event perfect. Classic and transparent tents, wedding and party planning, beer and wine sales, tables, chairs, linens, dance floors, and casual to elegant place settings and clever accessories to personalize every detail. They’re the local know-it-alls that you can trust to deliver quality to your event.
208.726.3778 / www.barbaraspartyrental.com
Heather Minor Events
Heather Minor Events offers creative wedding planning and event planning services that will help you create an event that reflects your own personality and style. We are here to make your magical day a reality from start to finish. Our proven approach ensures that your event will be meticulously planned and perfectly executed so you can sit back and enjoy. We look forward to working, with your help, to plan your big day or next event.
208.309.1014 / www.heatherminorevents.com
Tabletoppers Event Planning
Maria Gerhardt and Sonya Wilander’s strong philanthropic ties to the community found them developing some of the most glamorous and successful fundraisers in Sun Valley, leading to the creation of Tabletoppers, a full service event planning company. Today, they are renowned for orchestrating and designing the Valley’s most elegant parties.
208.578.0583 / www.tabletoppersv.com
FLORISTS
Primavera
Primavera Plants and Flowers is Sun Valley’s premier florist specializing in weddings, parties, and home décor. Orchid plants, blooming and foliage plants, baskets, candles, pottery and planters. Gourmet gift baskets, fresh, silk and dried flower arrangements. We deliver and wire flowers anywhere.
208.726.7788 / www.primaverasunvalley.com
Sue Bridgman Florist
Specializing in innovative and stylish floral design, Sue Ellen Bridgman Florist is the leading floral design studio in the Sun Valley-Ketchum area. Our reputation for quality and service is built on years of creating beautiful and spectacular weddings, parties, conventions, and distinctive events. From the exotic and bold, to the simple and elegant, we can do it all.
208.725.0606 / www.bridgmanweddings.com
Tara Bella Floral Designs
Tara Bella specializes in beautiful destination weddings and eye-popping special events. Celebrated for her unique style and meticulous attention to detail, Tara Ooms and her talented staff tailor custom elegant floral designs for every occasion. Ooms’ passion for flowers shines through with the grace and hospitality that only a true Southern belle could possess.
208.788.4046 / www.tarabellaflowers.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Craig Wolfrom Photography
Weddings are inherently staged events. Months of decisions finally lead to the big day with impeccable decorations adorning a choreographed schedule. While detail images are essential, Craig Wolfrom Photography believes wedding images should transcend cliché and celebrate the relationships shared by family and friends, reflect moments candidly, and capture unique, creative and artistic portraits.
208.578.3601 / www.craigwolfromphotography.com
Hillary Maybery Photography
I’m easy going and down to earth. I love things daring, to laugh, flip flops, and strawberry margaritas. My style is fresh, vibrant, with a dash of fashion. I photograph every detail—from the decor to the shoes, kisses, hugs and laughter. I love Sun Valley and destination weddings!
208.928.7333 / www.hillarymaybery.com
Kirsten Shultz Photography
An award-winning editorial and wedding lifestyle photographer, unobtrusively documenting the beauty of the day as it unfolds. Available in Sun Valley and worldwide.
208.481.0138 / www.ksweddings.com
Hillary Maybery
REGISTRY & GIFTS
The Picket Fence
Proudly serving our loyal clientele for over 30 years, The Picket Fence offers stylish tabletop settings, luxury bedding, unique home décor, and fine bath products. Conveniently register online, and guests can have your gifts wrapped and ready for pick-up, or let our friendly staff assist you in our Sun Valley store.
866.944.5511 / www.thepicketfence.com
STATIONARY & INVITATIONS
Honey Paper – A Paper & Design Boutique
Honey Paper is a paper and design boutique specializing in event graphics. Details are key to creating a special celebration, whether it is a personal touch on an invitation or unique favors, we will help you create your vision with a custom design or assist you with do-it-yourself elements. Call for an appointment.
208.928.7999 / www.honey-paper.com
Willow Papery
Celebrating in Sun Valley? Let Willow Papery help. A full-service stationery boutique, Willow Papery carries a wide range of invitations, gifts, greeting cards, wrapping paper, ribbon and Kristy Logan Jewelry. We’re also here to assist with last-minute printing needs: menu cards, place cards, gift tags and so much more.
208.726.0456 / www.willowpapery.com