In 2021, Gunnar lived in Cody, WY for about a year after helping his mom move out here to start ranch living. We traveled together to Cody for Christmas 2022 to celebrate with his family and had an absolute blast! The first moment I arrived, I knew it would be such a beautiful place to celebrate a wedding. We explored some venues in Tennessee where we currently live, but none felt quite right. We understand this is more of a destination wedding. We hope as many friends and family are able to join us as possible. Our idea was that, if able, guests could extend their stay and turn this into a summer vacation with family members if seeing Yellowstone National Park has been on your bucket list!
This is the time to bring out your boots! The bride will be going for a formal look and heels for the ceremony. Attire is formal with emphasis on brighter/pastel colors and floral patterns over dark colors. Please keep in mind we will be outside, walking through gravel and grass! Even though we are out west, please no jeans! Boots and cowboy hats welcome at ceremony and reception. Copy and paste the following link for Pinterest inspiration: https://pin.it/3jKbcU6xv
Monica's niece and nephew will be participating in the wedding ceremony. A select few bridal/groom's party and immediate family members will have children listed on their invites. To avoid disruption, we ask that invited guests under the age of 3 remain out of the ceremony. Then little ones will be welcome to join in the celebration at the cocktail hour and reception!
Once invites are mailed out, please RSVP no later than June 14th, 2025. We want to ensure all finalizations for transportation and food are made well in advance so we can make this is as convenient as possible.
The wedding ceremony and reception will be at the property of Colonel Christian DeFries III and Dr. Amy DeFries, Gunnar's step-dad and mom. As ride-share apps are limited, we are arranging guest transportation arrival and departure buses for the big day. You are welcome to utilize rental cars responsibly. There is some parking available at the property. We will update with transportation meeting locations and pickup times as they are finalized, but will likely arrange pickup at the Best Western Premier, where we have a block of rooms. Please note, after you enter the Lower South Fork Road, you will cross 3 cattle grates prior to arriving at the property. If you have not passed 3, you have not gone far enough.
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