Mel & Noah are getting married

This is a casual, weather-dependent outdoor gathering hosted by the Christenson family and celebrating the role rivers have played in Mel and Noah's relationship.

Please wear casual outdoor clothing, bring layers, and make sure you have a hat or sunglasses - we are hoping to be blessed by high UV. Wedding guests will mix and mingle on the grassy flats near the confluence of the Snake and Greys Rivers while Mel and Noah float down, accompanied by some river family.

When Mel and Noah meet at the rivers' confluence, we will celebrate the symbolic joining of their separate lives into a united force, just as the rivers combine into a greater body.

The confluence is located at the bottom of the Snake River Canyon and shuttles are not available for this event; carpooling with friends and family is a great way to make the most of the drive and for ease of coordinating unpaved parking. Picnic-style refreshments will be provided; this is an alcohol-free event. Limited seating is available, locals are encouraged to bring camp chairs or picnic blankets if desired.

Friends and family who have traveled from out of state are invited to join us at Calico, a longtime family favorite of Mel's, for a dinner welcoming you to wide wonderful Wyoming. Calico is a local family-style Italian establishment with indoor and outdoor seating (plus one of the best lawns in Teton County).

Western Swing dance lessons will be provided - special thanks to our instructors, Ralph Boyack & Casey Singer, as well as the generous friends lending us their portable dance floors, Ralph Boyack & Lora Payne.

Shuttles will be provided from various locations starting at 5 pm - please make sure to let us know where you are staying on the RSVP form so you are not abandoned by the side of the road.

Please come attired in whatever feels fun and festive. Dance lessons are optional and ongoing from 6:00-7:30; our sincerest hope is to empower you with enough boot-scooting knowledge and joy to keep the wedding dance floor full from open to close.

Dinner is buffet-style beginning at 7:00, and you are welcome to start eating as soon or as late as you want depending on how much fun you are having. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions on the RSVP form so we can be sure to accommodate them and label all food appropriately.

Shuttles home will begin at 9:00.

The big day! Please come attired in your favorite fancy clothing, whether semi-formal, formal, or Western; dress blues and dress Wranglers alike are welcome. We ask that you avoid denim with holes in it (besides the ones you put your legs in) and any kind of outdoor wear that would otherwise be appropriate to go hiking, biking, boating, or summit the Grand. Most importantly, please select shoes you can wear comfortably on grass and enthusiastically on the dance floor.

Shuttles provided starting at 5:00 to a private residence off Moose Wilson Road.

There will be music and dancing from 5:30-6:30, prior to the ceremony. Music is courtesy of local band Tasha & The Goodfellows, with the titular Tasha being not only the best female vocalist in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem but also the bride's frequent partner in crime.

Somewhere in the range of 6:30-7:30 (depending on when the sun sets), Mel and Noah will legally bind themselves to each other. Tears will be shed, a glass will be broken, and (most importantly) music and dancing will start back up after 7:30.

Strong young people (and more experienced semi-young people) will be pressed into service to lift the chairs during the Hora; if your biceps are visible through standard shirtsleeves, we suggest you emotionally prepare yourself now.

Dinner will be served shortly before 8:00, and shuttles home begin at 9:00.