I Do BBQ in the Heart of Sun valley
Proposal Story from the bride, Kiana:
"We took a long weekend trip to Cabo in October 2024, a getaway I had booked months earlier to celebrate Carter’s new job, never realizing I was unknowingly planning my own engagement. I happily spent the days enjoying margaritas, perfect weather, and the simple joy of being together, completely unaware that Carter was quietly navigating last-minute nerves and logistics behind the scenes.
The evening before dinner, we took a walk along the beach to collect seashells. After just a few steps, he turned toward me and said my name. In that moment, everything else fell away. What followed felt both intimate and surreal, filled with disbelief, tears, and overwhelming joy.
The rest of the trip unfolded as a celebratory, blissful engagement-moon, and Cabo, already special to us both, now holds an even deeper meaning in our story together."
From the planner, Lili Hansen:
"While this was not a wedding, the design vision for the I Do BBQ was rooted in celebrating Kiana and Carter’s upcoming wedding through an elevated, thoughtfully curated event set in the heart of Sun Valley. The goal was to create a gathering that felt festive and refined, yet deeply connected to Idaho’s natural beauty, allowing the landscape and venue to shine while adding just the right amount of sparkle.
The overall aesthetic was elevated rustic with an authentic Idaho soul. We leaned into a warm, sun-washed color palette of soft yellows, sage green, and off-white, creating a fresh, joyful atmosphere that felt effortless and welcoming. Design elements were intentionally layered to feel organic rather than overdone, enhancing the setting without overpowering it.
Kiana wore a Doên halter dress featuring delicate eyelet cutouts, styled with a cinched waist belt, a classic hat, and cowboy boots. The look felt effortlessly feminine and timeless, rooted in Western tradition while carrying soft, coastal chic undertones that felt fresh and modern.
Carter complemented her look in a pearl-snap shirt paired with cowboy boots and a bolo tie, a nod to classic Western style interpreted in a clean, refined way. Together, their looks struck a thoughtful balance, grounded in heritage yet relaxed and unfussy, perfectly reflecting the spirit of the celebration in the mountain west.
Playful, personal details brought the celebration to life. Guests were greeted with a custom chaparral welcome moment and an antler arch, setting the tone from the moment they arrived. Banquet beers were tied with a “His” and “Mrs.” mezcal margarita offering, while custom bandanas added a fun, wearable touch that felt both casual and considered. Beer burros delighted guests throughout the evening, adding charm and whimsy in a way that felt perfectly at home in Sun Valley.
The evening unfolded with live music, beginning with a three-piece folk band to set a relaxed, golden-hour mood, and transitioning into a full dance band playing country classics to close out the night. Food was served BBQ-style with interactive stations, including an Idaho potato bar and open-flame grilled ribs prepared in front of guests, reinforcing the communal, celebratory feel.
The result was a seamless, joyful, and authentically Idaho celebration for 250 guests, one that felt elevated yet approachable, polished yet playful, and entirely true to Kiana and Carter’s story and the place they love."
Vendor Team:
Photography: @sofiadewolfephotography
Planning: @lilihansenevents @bluebottleevents
Floral: @taylordeventssv
Video: @haygilmour
Catering: @atyourplacecatering.sv @5bsaltysisters @cutthroatclub.208 @debbiejsunvalley
Bar: @roadbars @onthehopsunvalley
Rentals: @stagingstudio11 @thatsentertainmentsv @tarabellaflowers @edgeeventproductions @theevent208
Bands: @straight_tequila_night @markmuellermusic
Burros: @drifterbburros
Photo Booth: @treasurevalleyphotobooth
