Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

What is the Dress code?

What is the dress code for military members?

For military members, active and reserve, the dress code is Dinner Dress Blue Jacket, or their service equivalent.

What does Black Tie Mean?

Black tie is the second highest level of formal dress. It is defined by well-fitting tuxedos and floor-length hemlines, evening fabrics and bow ties.Dresses should be floor-length or longer (if you're in the mood for a train, go for it!).Some appropriate fabrics and textures for dresses include: silks and satin, sequins, intricate beading; jacquard and velvet, chiffon, tulle.Some fabrics that are not black tie: cotton, eyelet lace, limen, chambray, or denim. For an excellent, simple breakdown of Black Tie for men, here's <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/black-tie-attire-explained" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">an article from GQ</a>. Here's <a href="https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/black-tie-guide?page=2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">another guide to black tie</a>, but written by a Brit.

What's the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?

The simple answer is that a Tuxedo (or a Dinner Suit) has certain details that make it more formal. This article, written by a graphic designer and James Bond filmic style expert, details a more useful explanation. <a href="https://www.bondsuits.com/what-makes-a-tuxedo-more-formal-than-a-suit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">What Makes a Tuxedo More Formal than a Suit</a>, by Matt Spaisar

Dress Code

day-of information 

The marriage ceremony and the reception will be held at the same venue: Copper Rose Ranch. The Ceremony will be outside, and the reception will be held indoors, in a fully climate-controlled space. We request that no photos be be taken during the ceremony, nor any cell phones used. Between the ceremony and dinner, there will be mingling and cocktails in an indoor/outdoor patio space. The sun will set at 8:43 PM MST. There will be dancing, including, but not limited to Waltz and East Coast Swing.

Weather

Considering the weather from this time in May over the last three years, it would be helpful to assume a daily average temperature of 50.92 °F, with nightly lows near 32.6 °F, and highs around 76 °F. It would be surprising if it were colder than 27°F or hotter than 84°F. We expect there to be a 26-38% chance of precipitation (almost certainly rain) on May 18. On the day of the wedding, the sun will set at 8:43 PM MST.

The Dress Code for civilians is Black Tie. For more information on Black Tie Dress Code, please see the Dress Code Section. The uniform for Military Members, Active and Reserve, is Dinner Dress Blue Jacket or their Service Equivalent.

After the Big Day

Our hope is that anyone who wishes to and is able feel free to join us on our Yellowstone-area vacation after the wedding. We plan to stay in the area through May 25th. May is a prime month for bear activity in the Yellowstone ecosystem!

Good to know

Neither the bride nor the groom will be changing their names.

Details!

Please check back frequently for updates and changes to the schedule.

Sunday, May 17, 2026: Copper Rose Ranch Evening, 6:00PM-8:00PM (exact time to follow) Drop-In Welcome Drinks at the Hawthorne House An easy evening with drinks (alcoholic and non-) and very light snacks. Come by whenever you like, and dress as your heart desires. Monday, May 18, 2026: Copper Rose Ranch 2:00PM Ceremony on the Lawn The outdoor ceremony will be about 45 minutes long and conducted a stone's throw away from the reception space. The dress code is black tie; military members, active and reserve, please wear Dinner Dress Blue Jacket or your service equivalent. 3:00-5:00PM Aperitifs &amp; Hors d’Oeuvres on the Terrace Hors d'oeuvres, cocktails &amp; mocktails, lawn games, a firepit, and sublime company. In the event of inclement weather, we will move inside the climate-controlled barn directly adjacent. 5:00 Dinner in the Barn We will move indoors for dinner, toasts, and laughter. (See Menu section for details.) Later The Party in the Barn After dinner and toasts, the dance floor will open. Expect an exquisite selection of your favorite songs, and the occasional waltz and East Coast Swing. Participation is required; skill is not. Between songs, there will cake (cut with a sword), dessert—including crème brûlée—and absolutely zero mortifying games. Even Later Midrats A late-night snack to fortify you. Tuesday, May 19, 2026: Copper Rose Ranch Farewell Brunch at the Hawthorne House Morning-Late Morning-Early Afternoon? If you’re still in town, join us for a relaxed morning of coffee, eggs, tea, toast, and whatever else we manage to put together. Come as you are, and whenever. May 19, 2026-May 24, 2026 In lieu of a honeymoon, we will be staying in the Yellowstone area for the week following the wedding. Guests who wish to extend their stay are warmly invited to make plans with us. We would like as much time with you as you would like with us.

Schedule of Events

Here are a few Lodging Options nearby, and their driving distance to Copper Rose Ranch. Unfortunately, camping at the venue is not allowed. Hotels where Claire and Kevin have stayed: <a href="https://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/lodgings/cabin/mammoth-hot-springs-hotel-cabins/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins</a> is inside Yellowstone, and about 1 hour's drive to the venue, this historic hotel is where we stayed the week we were engaged. We encourage you to book early. Hotels we've heard good things about: <a href="https://www.chicohotsprings.com/stay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chico Hot Springs</a>, 15-20 minutes' drive to the venue, is another historic lodging venue with convenient dining. Chico has diverse accomodation options, including a lodge, cabins, a camp, and a chalet. It is worth noting that the Chico Hot Springs themselves will almost definitely be under renovation during May 2026. This would mean that you would not have convenient access to hot springs at your location. However, since the hotel has an arrangement with nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs, your lodging would include daily complimentary access to nearby Yellowstone Hot Springs for the duration of your stay. Yellostone Hot Springs is about half an hour's drive from Chico Hot Springs, and the venue does not provide transportation.

Accommodations

Registry

Aperitifs & Hors d’Oeuvres

Seasonal charcuterie and passed hors d’oeuvres, including Wagyu beef tartare, brie en croûte, and bacon-wrapped dates with gorgonzola.

Dinner

Arugula SaladCherries, mint Entrée Selection Bison &amp; ChickenGrilled bison tenderloin with red wine demi-glaceSeared chicken breast with Boursin cream Vegetarian GnocchiPotato gnocchi with pesto cream sauceRoasted local vegetables Served withWhipped Yukon Gold &amp; Yam PotatoesBrussels Sprouts with pistachio &amp; black lava sea salt

Cake & Dessert

Including crème brûlée and local ice cream.

Midrats

A late-night snack to fortify you.

Yellowstone Hot Springs

Things to Do

We wanted to spend quality time with people we really admire and love. We want everyone who wanted to and could to spend whatever time they wish to spend with us, on and after the day of the wedding itself. Since decided to have a formal wedding, because we both love to dress up, and seldom have the opportunity. We hope that all of our friends and family see this as an opportunity for splendor, for feeling like the most celebratory version of themselves. We don't want a stuffy wedding, but rather a day of beauty and many joys, the greatest of which is the company of all of you. After the wedding, we intend to stay in the area

Claire & Kevin

Claire & Kevin

Things to Do

Yellowstone Hot Springs