When ongoing pandemic concerns continued to alter their wedding plans, Alexis Naylor and Bergen Palmer decided to throw out the playbook. The result: An unforgettable August day as perfect as Plan A.
Originally from Salt Lake City, Alexis met Bergen, a Ketchum native, on a camping trip to Bloods Lake in Utah. During one of their many weekend trips to her parents’ cabin in Heber, Bergen popped the question at sunset after an ATV ride to take in the fresh air.
When it came time to plan their big day, Alexis and Bergen originally wanted a 200-person spring wedding at River Run Lodge, envisioning a big, traditional celebration. They postponed in hopes the pandemic would settle down, but soon realized they couldn’t postpone any longer. “Bergen’s mother had a life threatening type of brain cancer, and we weren’t sure how long she would be with us,” Alexis said. A new wedding vision took hold.
With just 14 immediate family members, the couple planned an intimate weekend at Palmer’s family home—with a surprise in store.
Alexis and Bergen led their family on a mid-morning hike to the Big Wood River; unbeknownst to the rest of the hikers, the real destination was a riverfront wedding. “We told them we were getting married, not tonight, but right now,” Alexis said. Alexis changed into a blush pink dress and Birkenstocks and wore a flower crown, and Bergen wore a linen shirt with a bolo tie, slacks and flip flops.
While their chocolate Lab Siggi took a dip in the river, the couple said, “I do,” followed by a champagne toast and lunch by the river catered by The Haven. After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a reception at the Palmers’ home along East Fork. Wedding planner Amanda Seward created a lovely tablescape with yellow and orange flowers and colorful accents. The families enjoyed yard games, danced the night away, and ended the evening with s’mores by the campfire.
VENDORS:
Venue – Lake Creek Trail + East Fork private home
Catering – The Haven
Planner – Amanda Seward
Florist – Tara Bella Flowers
Hair – Ali Sherbine / The Feathered Flip
Ceremony Music – “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles + “Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole
Furniture Rentals – That’s Entertainment + Tara Bella Flowers