A Bluegrass Bash at a Rustic Ranch

Ripped straight from the lyrics of a Dixie Chicks song, Idaho is where a girl (and/or guy) can go to find some seriously “wide open spaces.” The rustic scenery sets a spectacular setting, a seemingly  real life romance novel. It’s also just over the hill from Jackson Hole, which as we all know is the home of Indiana Jones (and his darling wife Calista Flockhart).

 

 

The Venue

A fantastic suburb, Victor is a self-proclaimed “Town to Come Home to”  - much like a serious country boy with a lot of charm. Emily Starr Alfano, of MStarr Event Design, was lucky enough to plan, execute and crush a soiree at Moose Creek Ranch. If she was lucky enough to plan it – we are privileged she  shared a little bit about the big day and the town surrounding it with us.

Nicole, the bride and founder of Brideside.com (an online bridesmaid dress resource), and Erik chose Moose Creek Ranch because Nicole's family has a house in Victor. The couple shares a mutual love of the outdoors and they really wanted their closest friends and family to experience an area of the country they love so much.

 

 

The Event

Taking their notes from nature, Emily and the team at MStarr Event Design wanted this country wedding to fit into the rustic surroundings like a classy cowboy in a well-worn Stetson.  Using the mountains as the ceremony backdrop with subtle accents adorning the wedding arch, the bride was the main event  in her Jenny Packham original.

"As we do for so many of our events, we let the venue and location dictate the general design.  Nicole + Erik didn't want anything too fussy as that's just not them, and wouldn't represent the ranch setting, but we did want to add some rustic glam elements. Nicole's KILLER Jenny Packham gown led the glamorous way to the outdoor ceremony by the stream followed by a tented dinner" - MStarr Event Design 

 

 

Style for Your Venue Setting 

"There are wildflowers and grasses surrounding  the property so we wanted to keep the ceremony and cocktail hour decor as minimal as possible to let nature shine. We adorned a rustic wood arch with greenery and blue silk ribbon." - MStarr Event Design 

 

 

Emily wanted to incorporate leather elements to fit in with the rustic ranch setting, so when she found a huge leather hide for $89 she snapped it up! They used it to make custom luggage tags that also served as escort cards and table numbers.

 

 

The Venue Setting

"Hands down, the best part about the ranch is having free reign of the grounds. You can't beat the surroundings...the Tetons, the trees, a stream right behind the main lodge. We also had access to the "event" closet which is full of props left by guests over the years."  MStarr Event Design 

 

 

"It is the most beautiful, peaceful area, there's no light pollution so you have a clear view of the starry sky. You can literally see for miles and every night we'd just sit outside and pick out the big dipper and watch shooting stars." 

 

 

 Inside Scoop 

Hosting your event at Moose Creek Ranch means the grounds are all yours. You and your guests have the run of the ranch. Take your pick from where to put your tent to how to decorate the barn. Emily also mentions that Jeanette, the innkeeper of Moose Creek, is very hands-on and helpful in accommodating your big day or intimate event.

 

 

Inside Scoop

"We had to ship or carry-on a decent amount of specialty decor, as there are limited vendors in the area. Be prepared with backup items since the closest stores aren't that close {extra candles, batteries etc.}!" - MStarr Event Design 

 

 

Bonus

Luckily, Moose Creek Ranch has a secret stash of odds and ends at your disposal. Emily utilized local talent to make this event come alive, “we brought in desserts + late night pizza from spots in town, and the crew that owns the local bread company also plays in a bluegrass band [They] handled the ceremony & cocktail hour.”

 

 

Spectacular Spaces

We love when a venue has multiple spaces that take guests on an experience, and you can do just this at Moose Creek Ranch. Starting at the creekside ceremony to a tented dinner reception, and finally guests will be wowed by the barn for lounging and dancing!

"The celebration transitioned to the barn for a dance party accented with sequins and a disco ball decked out in greenery {my personal favorite detail."  - Emily Starr Alfonso

 

 

Events that can be hosted at Moose Creek Ranch

Moose Creek Ranch is ideal for all sorts of fantastic fêtes such as rehearsal dinners, weddings, brunches, bachelor parties and corporate retreats.

One of the best features of Moose Creek, is that it’s far enough away from everything to play host to an epic nightly showing of shooting stars and twinkle lights. You can lie under nature’s blanket and be completely content. (Though we recommend bringing your own, those Idaho nights can get chilly).

 

 

Highlights of Moose Creek Ranch

 "The horses!  I loved how they roamed the areas outside the barn, and would come right up to the doors + windows to say hello. the nights in that part of the country are just breathtaking, and the wide open spaces at moose creek were perfect to take it all in. despite the wedding being in mid-august, by 10pm, the weather turned cool {ok cold!} + the stars came out in all their glory." - MStarr Event Design 

 

 

Pillow Talk

Moose Creek Ranch is a venue that truly has it all. Boasting two luxury cabins, eight cabins with complete kitchens, spots for glamping and a ranch house that can accommodate up to twelve. Guests can sprawl out at the grassy lawns, hide out from the winter chill at the communal lodge or venture into the nearby shops and eateries.

 

 

Around Town 

If you’re planning to host your event at Moose Creek Ranch, take some time to get to know Victor. Hop over to Big Hole BBQ for a brisket sandwich, or head to West Wide Yard for the biggest burrito you’ve ever seen. The only downside to hosting nuptials in this rural alcove of the Tetons, is that it’s a bit off the beaten path. Although for some, this could be just what the doctor ordered! It certainly makes for a romantic and special setting with your nearest and dearest... After all, that's what gatherings are all about right?!

Correspondents

Venue: Moose Creek Ranch | Photography: Hello Love Photography | Event Design: Mstarr Event Design | Floral Design: Flowers By Chloe | Invitations: Minted | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Custom LHC Via Brideside | Catering: Dining In Catering |  Calligraphy: Hush Lettering | Bridal Gown: Jenny Packham | Ceremony & Cocktail Music: 460bread  | Dessert: Pendl's Bakery | Select Rentals: Signature Party & Event | Tent: Signature Party & Event |