Snowy Mountains Engagements • Alpine and Pinedale, Wyoming

I had never shot in the area before and I’m so glad Alex and Christian introduced me to it! It was a blast to shoot someone else besides the Grand Tetons and Jackson! Funny enough, Christian and Alex both work in Jackson!

These photos were actually taken in between Alpine and Pinedale in a small town called Bondurant, Wyoming. Can we just give this small town some credit here? I couldn’t believe these locations were all within just 5 minutes of each other and each had such unique views. One with the river beautiful rocks, another with snow covered pine trees, and our last with some cool red rock and river view!

Alex and Christian actually eloped a month before these photos! They were planning their wedding for June 2023, but majority of their family was in town during Alex’s favorite season of Fall. They decided to elope with their family and still do a celebration in June of 2023. Call me crazy, but I love seeing couples eloping more! It puts the focus on the thing that matters most: The COUPLE! I’m excited to still party next year in Wyoming with these two during their wedding celebration and reception.

Alex mentioned wanting a cozy photos for their engagements, and the snow and weather came out just in time! We still had some left over fall colors as well!

Enjoy these gorgeous images we took in 38º but it actually felt amazing!

Best Locations in Grand Tetons for Photos

I’ve spent my fair share of time within Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Grand Tetons are my FAVORITE place to photograph and I’ve found some of the best spot for sessions or just to enjoy views! I have a few spots I love for different reasons. Here’s my top 3!

Blacktail Pond Overlook (Outside of park)

Blacktail Pond Overlook is a great spot if you don’t have a Grand Teton National Park pass. This pull off is just about 2 miles after the Moose entrance to Grand Teton National Park so you’re still close to the Park and Jackson Hole! This is also one of my favorite places to see Moose and other amazing wildlife in the Snake River. If you’re willing to walk the trail down where fishermen go, you’ll see tall grass with sagebrush and be right next to the Snake River.

Schwabacher Landing (Outside of park)

Another amazing spot on the outside of Grand Teton National Park! This is about 5 miles from the Moose entrance of the park. This location can get busy during peak season (May-August), but is definitely worth putting on your list to visit! Another hot spot for wildlife in the Snake River, especially Moose! I love this location for the variety it offers. The Trail has so many amazing view with the river, leave foliage during the fall, and a beautiful, classic view of the Tetons which you can’t go wrong with! This location is closed off November-April.

Cascade Canyon Turnout (Park pass needed)

Cascade Canyon Turnout is absolutely stunning!! This spot is probably my favorite of all these locations because it’s a unique view in the park. I love being up close to the mountains and seeing snow on the tips of the mountains, (very common in Fall and Spring months). This spot is usually pretty quiet and not quite as touristy as other areas in the park. This view is about 8 miles from the Park entrance on the Moose side.

There are so many amazing views near Jackson Hole and in the Grand Tetons. I’ve made it a goal to go explore more. Jenny Lake is on my list because I know how stunning it is but I want to find some more unique and cool views there. I hope you enjoy your time in Wyoming! And reach out if you’re wanting some epic family or couple photos while you’re in town!

Juliette Leilani Peterson

I remember that Friday in October. I got a call from our case worker, which was pretty normal since we were just over 2 weeks from Jace’s adoption date. She said, “JayCee, I know you planned to close your home to foster placements, but Jace’s biological mother just gave birth to a baby girl. She’s currently in the NICU. Because you have her brother, I wanted to ask you first. Can you take her?” I asked if I could talk things over with Jake and get back to her in half an hour.

Jake and I both sobbed on the phone to each other, right where we were. He cried in the gym, while I cried there in TJ Maxx. All I could think is I wanted her in our home, but I didn’t know how we could do it. I had felt like I just found a balance with motherhood, Jace, and my business.

I'm fairly certain I told Jake that I couldn’t do it. I mean, two kids only 13 and a half months apart while running a business with just a few days notice really did seem impossible. And I remember Jake saying, “We have to keep them together. They’re brother and sister.”

The past 9 months have been by far the hardest months of my entire life. I’ve been drowning in work and motherhood ever since, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Jules really has taught me so much, especially patience. It was a difficult first few months, but we made it through. Now that I can leave Jace and Jules together in a room for more than 20 seconds, it’s kind of a game changer.

Here’s a few things about Juliette.

She’s smiles IMMEDIATELY when you smile at her. Like, no hesitation. Just loves smiles and eye contact from anyone.

She’s crawling and cruising furniture all day, every day.

Babbles and growls often.

Loves Jace so much. Watches what he does and tries copying. She tolerates about 95% of his “close and in your personal space” habits he has.

We’re so happy to have Jules a part of our family. She really is the perfect addition. Happy Gotcha Day Juliette!