Love is in the air! To the chagrin of some, maybe, who wonder at what point St. Valentine endorsed chocolate, flowers and gifts, but the pandemic could never put love out of business.
Thinking about a romantic engagement, wedding or honeymoon destination? There are still many options closer to home. If there’s one thing last year taught us, it’s to be imaginative.
I’ve inquired with some creative friends who’ve found picturesque places to pop the question:
“We went out to Dude DeWalt Cellars near Eagle for a tasting at the end of October,” said Rich Ellinger. “It was a beautiful fall afternoon, and we had a really nice view of the valley.” He said the setting was ideal, with wine in hand, and he asked a passerby to take a photo of them. “I said, ‘Let’s make this the last photo before we’re engaged.’ And then I got the ring out.” His bride-to-be, Mandy Kayler, was completely surprised. They naturally took several “after-engagement” photos. The winery owners and staff joined in the celebration - their first wedding proposal.
Erik Bird of Boise proposed to then-fiancé Brandee Schuelke on Christmas Eve, 2015. “We were at home and had a romantic dinner with a special wine,” Erik said. “We went out on the deck under the full moon and new snow; it was perfect.”
Weddings
Koree Hawkes-McGrady and her husband Dane McGrady were engaged in January 2020. They began planning their fall wedding, and then…Covid-19. They still had a lovely ceremony outdoors at her aunt and uncle’s house just north of Ketchum. “Nearly everything about our wedding changed between January and September,” she said. “We had to shrink the guest list from 120 to 50, which was difficult, but it turned out just fine – it was beautiful.”
Rich and Mandy were going to wait until later in 2021 so they could have a large gathering but opted instead to “share some joy at a time when many needed it,” Rich said. Hello, Zoom wedding! Twenty days later they held the ceremony inside their home with eight guests and a minister. They carefully selected the day and time (4:00 p.m. on a Friday) so friends and family around the world could “attend.”
The following are ideas and venues to consider for engagements, weddings and honeymoons this year (keep in mind varying Covid-19 restrictions may be in place):
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The Grove Hotel – This classic downtown venue offers a distinguished collection of services year-round, including roof-top weddings, ballrooms, and event planning for everything from casual family affairs to formal black-tie banquets for 350, and beautiful accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
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The Redfish Lake Lodge in Stanley provides a unique and memorable setting along with a variety of accommodations to suit any family size and event style. The honeymoon cabin has a private lake-front deck, and onsite dining is available, as well as indoor and outdoor event sites.
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Chateau des Fleurs is a heartfelt and elegant full-service event venue located in charming Eagle. With architecture and public gardens reminiscent of old world Europe, the pristine marble floors, tall ceilings, and huge windows bring to mind a French palace and an English garden only a hundred yards from the Boise River. Room options range from seating for 600 to private celebrations for 25.
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The Riverside Hotel – This remodeled hotel has honeymoon suites, space for a variety of wedding parties, lovely grounds with a pool, and several rooms right on the river.
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Tamarack Resort - Combining serious luxury and incomparable natural beauty, the historic Arling Center consists of three distinct buildings – the Grange, the non-denominational Chapel, and a School House totaling approximately 10,000 square feet of wedding and reception space.
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Telaya – In addition to award-winning wines and fabulous staff, the winery has beautiful indoor and outdoor settings nestled next to the Boise River perfect for smaller weddings and receptions from 50-100.
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Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyo. is a luxurious four-season, five-star resort and spa that sits on a secluded hilltop offering spacious suites and terraces. Weddings both intimate and grand can be held indoors or out in a location that resonates with the bridal couple. Watch for a full review in a future issue.
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Inn at 500 – This upscale boutique hotel is a striking addition to downtown Boise; it has elegant rooms with balconies, wine tastings in the lobby, and space for events.
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The Shore Lodge in McCall offers lakefront luxury in the mountains, including The Cove Spa, fine dining and four-season fun.
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The fabled Sun Valley Lodge is at the heart of America’s first ski resort, offering sweeping majestic views, impeccable service, and nine different venues, each unique in their own way. From seating for 800 to a candlelit dinner for 70, surround yourself and your guests in the warmth and charm of Sun Valley Village.