Big Sky Bride Summer | Fall 2017

BIG SKY BRIDE SUMMER / FALL 2017

Real Montana Weddings

sUMMeR / Fall 2017

#IwoKEUpLIKEthIS • MAKInG MEMoRIES • CoMpRoMISE AnD CoMpASSIon A pUBLICAtIon oF MAGIC CItY MAGAZInE

Forever Love

AlternAtives At the AltAr | Burning love not Bridges | recommitted: sAying i do… AgAin PlUs – don’t Be that gUy: a gUide to giving aWay the gRooM

e m t e g t s u J to the Churconhtime

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WEDDING MAKE THE

o f y o u r d re a m s

Photography by Jana Graham

A REALITY

What’s your wedding dream? From mountains to masquerade, western to whimsical, Gainan’s offers over 65 years of experience to help make your wedding vision a reality.

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CONTENTS A PUBLICATION OF MAGIC CITY MAGAZINE

18 21

Recommitted

BY TARA CADY

Saying I Do… Again

Alternatives at the Altar

BY MARLISA KEYES

24

Don’t Be That Guy

27

Burning Love, Not Bridges

BY ROB ROGERS

A guide to giving away the groom

BY TIFFINI GALLANT

Keeping bridezilla at bay

31

The Album

BY TIFFINI GALLANT, MARLISA KEYES & TARA CADY 7 unique Montana weddings

BIG SKY BRIDE SUMMER / FALL 2017

On the Cover: Newlyweds Krystin and

Real Montana Weddings

sUMMeR / Fall 2017

#IwoKEUpLIKEthIS • MAKInG MEMoRIES • CoMpRoMISE AnD CoMpASSIon A pUBLICAtIon oF MAGIC CItY MAGAZInE

Forever Love

AlternAtives At the AltAr | Burning love not Bridges | recommitted: sAying i do… AgAin PlUs – don’t Be that gUy: a gUide to giving aWay the gRooM BIGSKYBRIDE_6-2017COV.indd 1

4 I BIG SKY

5/31/2017 2:03:40 PM

Seth Hansard on their wedding day. Photo by Kristin Jean, Photographer. Cover design

by Nadine Bittner of the Gazette staff.

Inset Photo:

Newlyweds Danielle and Ryley Banks pose at Ryley’s childhood home in Shepherd. Photo by Simply Sara Photography.

MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

SUMMER I FALL 2017

Down the Aisle

ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

10 11 12 14 16 17

The Flowers The Ring The Hair The Dress The Venue The Details

In Every Issue

6 8 46

From the Editor Forever Love

Unveiled

Inventive accents and elements for your big day

I Thee Wed

Kay and Rowland Grant Compromise and Compassion

Forever Love Newlyweds can’t read between the vow lines, but with each milestone in marriage comes a chance to practice what the officiant preached at the altar.

The sentiment, “actions speak louder than words,” unveils its importance over time – but Big Sky Bride magazine readers don’t have to wait, as it’s the focus of this edition.

Explore what couples are doing to not only prepare for their big day, but how they continue to keep the love alive long after the honeymoon.

Billings-based wedding planner Emily Hallock of Emily Hallock Weddings & Events says more emphasis is being put on guest experiences. That means reigning in the “it’s all about the bride” attitude. (We know, we’re cringing, too.)

Bridesmaids are friends first, after all. Maintain your friendships and learn how to keep “bridezilla” at bay on page 27.

Men can cause big day drama, too. Rob Rogers lists the dos and don’ts for the best man in your life on page 24.

Ceremonies are meant for celebrating not only a union of two souls, but the community that nurtured both bride and groom.

Candles, sand, martinis and more are used to symbolize unity in today’s ceremonies. On page 21, discover how twosomes are reshaping traditions to fit their individual style (and what hippies have to do with it).

When the last candle is blown out and the honeymoon has come and gone, couples can preserve the memories of early married life with items listed in our Unveiled section (see page 8).

And if those aren’t enough to bring you back to the big day, vow renewals are another option. See page 18 for local examples on how to recommit and relive precious moments.

Continue daydreaming on page 31, where we highlight seven Montana ceremonies and the local wedding vendors that make it all happen.

We never said commitment was a cakewalk, but with our romantic recommendations you can count on wedded bliss for anniversaries to come.

Tara Cady Senior Editor Big Sky Bride magazine

6 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

SUMMER I FALL 2017 I VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 2

We capture your special moments of your special day.

MICHAEL GULLEDGE PUBLISHER 657-1225 E DI T ORI A L

TARA CADY SENIOR EDITOR 657-1390 MARLISA KEYES ASSISTANT EDITOR 657-1490 TIFFINI GALLANT ASSISTANT EDITOR 657-1474 EVELYN NOENNIG ASSISTANT EDITOR 657-1226 PHO T OGR A PHY

LARRY MAYER, CASEY PAGE AND BRONTË WITTPENN DE SIGN

Vande’ Studios | 406-850-2684 www.VandeStudios.com

APRIL BURFORD C OV E R DE SIGN

NADINE BITTNER A DV E R T ISING

DAVE WORSTELL GENERAL MANAGER 657-1352 RYAN BROSSEAU ADVERTISING DIRECTOR 657-1340 SPENCYR KNATTERUD ADVERTISING COORDINATOR 657-1254 MO LUCAS PRODUCTION/COORDINATOR 657-1204

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C ON TAC T US: Mail: 401 N. Broadway Billings, MT 59101 Find Us Online At: www.bigskybridemagazine.com editor@bigskybridemagazine.com

Big Sky Bride Magazine is published twice per year by Billings Gazette Communications Copyright© 2017 Big Sky Bride Magazine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written consent is prohibited.

Classic Rolls Royce 406-669-8787 | SuaveSedan.com SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 7

Inventive accents and elements for your big day

LOVE SIGNALS

Customize your wedding day décor by painting a sign with a cute quote or monogram. After the nuptials, show off your love to the neighborhood.

Available at The Front Porch Price varies

BE STILL MY HEART

Commemorate the one your heart holds dear when you unwrap this heirloom for your Christmas tree. The ornament has a corded tassel for hanging and a key that fits in a lock in the back to become a stand.

Available at Joy of Living $18

A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS

He will always think about how beautiful you looked on your wedding day. Keep your wedding memories fresh with a framed picture of you both.

Custom framing available at The Frame Hut and Gallery Price varies

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Gowns are meant to be safeguarded once the celebration is over. After all the day’s smudges are removed, your dress is tucked inside an archival box with a clear cover for viewing.

Available at Wetzel’s Dry Cleaning

ON THIS DAY

As you flip through the thick pages of this custom photo album, remember walking down the aisle, the “I dos” and sealing your vows with a kiss.

Covered in linen or leather, the outside includes the couple’s names and wedding date.

Available at Simply Sara Photography $350 and up

8 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Just minutes from downtown Billings, located along Pryor Creek, this spectacular venue brings together the quiet of the country and the convenience of the city. We offer a stunning wedding garden and a brand new 7,800 sq. ft. reception hall featuring a beautiful foyer, private bridal suite, elegant chandeliers, & spacious patio areas

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the ring

the flowers

the hair

the dress

the venue

the details

ALL THE DETAILS YOU NEED FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

the flowers

Lavish blooms

Montana brides favor modern, hand-tied bouquets that evoke nature, with texture and greens adding movement and depth, said Katie Bennett, owner of Mac’s Floral in Billings. “(Flowers) should reflect the bride’s sense of personal style,” she said.

Classic, urban, garden and rustic designs are preferred choices.

Bright or dark blooms turn heads, as do muted, vintage or jewel tones found in carnations and cappuccino roses. Larger bouquets or modern cascades with downward motion are favorites, too.

A girl just wants to have fun on her wedding day. This Mac’s Floral design includes a lush mixture of dahlias, flowering kale, anemones, roses, scabiosa, feverfew, snapdragons, fern, camellia foliage, lisianthus and hops vines.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN & LARISSA PHOTOGRAPHY

Blushing beauty

A deceptively simple cascade puts all eyes on you. Make a sophisticated entrance on your wedding day with sweeping orchids and pink roses.

Autumn chic

Au naturel from the meadow, wheat grasses, brunia berry and eucalyptus catch the eye. Paired with gerbera daisy, calla lily, leucadendron, lisianthus and roses, they keep his focus all on you.

Rustic charm

Country elegance

Summer romance

An exuberant bunch of flowers shout the day’s joy.

Yarrow and dusty miller pop out amid peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, pincushion protea, stock and tulips, creating a perfect arrangement for an outdoor wedding.

Soft and free, this whimsical display expresses a bride’s happiness.

Seeded eucalyptus, mixed greens, succulents, roses and peonies look like they were gathered just before the ceremony began.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

10 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Perfect in its light mix of seeded eucalyptus and agonis, this bouquet recalls quiet walks in the woods with your love. Bold burgundy dahlias, spray roses and ranunculus make this arrangement pop.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDA AHEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

the ring

the flowers

the hair

the dress

the venue

the details

the ring The moment he gets down on one knee, anticipation takes over.

When the box in his hand pops open, what lies inside should be a testament to your personality, his good taste and the tremendous love between you both.

Let’s face it – you’re committing not only to him, but to wearing this ring ‘til death do you part. Make sure the sparkler in the box puts a twinkle in your eye happily ever after.

Your romance has been a whirlwind, so wear a ring that reflects being swept off your feet. A round diamond at the center of this Diadori semi-mount ring is showcased by the open swirl of 18-karat white gold and pave-set diamonds.

Available at Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers

Shine bright like a diamond wearing this 14-karat white gold ring. Featuring a full-carat brilliant-cut center diamond surrounded by .80 carats of channel-set diamonds, this sparkler shines like it was plucked from the night sky and placed on your finger.

Available at Clark Avenue Jewelers

Montana brides pay homage to their home state with this stunning .35-carat round yogo sapphire. Rated AAA in color and clarity, and accented by .27 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, this ring is a reflection of the Big Sky. Available at Montague’s Jewelers

It started with you, and then there were two.

This engagement ring features a .72-carat diamond center as special as you are to him.

Add two .25-carat wedding bands on the big day as an 18-karat rose gold symbol of your commitment.

Available at Montague’s Jewelers

Rubies are said to bring a sense of adventure to those who wear them. With a .71-carat center diamond surrounded by .55 carats of rubies set in 18-karat white gold, you’ll reconsider a relaxing honeymoon and go bold exploring unknown territory.

Available at Montague’s Jewelers

Choose a ring that’s as virtually indestructible as your love with this black tungsten carbide wedding band. The satin finish and vertical grooves make the electric blue center stripe stand out from the crowd just as he did when you met.

Available at Clark Avenue Jewelers

The big day will have your own slant on tradition, and it starts with the closed twist design of this Diadori semi-mount ring.

Pave-set diamonds inlaid in 18-karat white gold makes for a ring as unique as the bride who wears it.

Available at Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers

SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 11

the flowers

the ring

the hair

the dress

the venue

the details

the hair Tie the knot

This year, bridal locks have gone laissez-faire.

Don’t let the trends deter you – if you want to wear a veil, make it modern by setting it below your hairdresser’s hard work. A knotted bun makes it easy to showcase your ‘do with a cascading veil hidden underneath.

Instead of formal updos, brides are opting for looser, more natural looks.

“The biggest trend is an undone style,” said Sasha Mascarena, hairstylist at The Beauty Mark Salon in Billings.

Even the most glamorous brides are donning effortless looks, like pulled braids, simple ponytails, bohemian waves and wisps of hair escaping from loose updos.

Don’t let your hair detract from your bridal beauty this season. Toss out tradition and go au naturel.

#iwokeuplikethis

Nothing says simple elegance like long curls.

Stay away from tight ringlets and opt for loose, natural-looking tresses. You’ll be a bedhead beauty, and no one will know it isn’t as effortless as it looks.

12 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Not-so-perfect pony

A classic ponytail keeps all the focus on you for your big day. Loose curls and pulled-out pieces add just the right amount of whimsy to this simple look. Use a floral or metal accent to dress it up a bit.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRENDA AHEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

Flower child

Put away the curling iron – a woven wreath of flowers, foliage and ribbon makes for a whimsical adornment.

A floral crown will have your flower girl dropping jaws in “oohs” and “aahs” while she drops petals down the aisle.

Undone updo

You’re queen for a day, so why not have hair like one? Look like royalty with a style that says sophistication and romance. Textured tresses woven with elegant accessories pull this look together.

Sweeping beauty

Starting with a deep part, sweep soft waves to the side and pull hair together loosely at the nape of your neck. The style is elegant and low-maintenance so you can celebrate without worrying about the look of your locks.

All about that braid

“Braids are very in,” said Sasha Mascarena of The Beauty Mark Salon. Experiment with fishtail, French or waterfall – they all look stunning in photographs and keep you feeling special all wedding day long.

It’s all in the details…

From small morning coffee breaks to elegant hors d’oeuvre parties and theme buffets, our catering menus are filled with fresh, contemporary ideas.

Contact us today!

101 10th Street West, Suite 2 Billings, MT 59044 • 406-281-5883 Elizabeth.Terrel@sodexo.com Elizabeth.Terrel@sodexo.com

SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 13

the flowers

the ring

the hair

the dress

the venue

the details

the dress The beauty of a wedding gown is only an illusion – illusion accent, that is!

Kesley Jones, manager at Step’n Out Formal Wear in Billings, says brides are wearing dresses with sheer necklines, sleeves or trains. Look for lace adornments to add a classic note to this contemporary style.

When it comes to your gown, show some leg or some length – it’s your choice. Short boho dresses are in, but long trains are making a comeback.

Lady in lace

It’s OK for warm-weather brides to leave a little less to the imagination. Try illusion cutouts accented with luxurious lace for summer nuptials. You’ll be as in vogue as you are in love on the big day.

Whether you’re trendy or traditional, Jones recommends saying ‘yes’ to the dress nine months to a year in advance.

A leggy length

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN JEAN, PHOTOGRAPHER

14 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Even Marilyn Monroe would say “Oh my!” for this tea-length wedding dress. A nod to vintage style, this short flowing frock shows some leg while keeping you ultra-classy. Stay on trend with an ornamental bodice and neutral heels.

Flowers for All Occasions Plan your wedding day with us.

Call for your free Bohemian belle

Highlight your natural beauty with a simple silhouette. Boho style is perfect for outdoor weddings where you can embrace your surroundings without dirtying your dress.

Add long tresses to be especially hippie chic.

Sheer beauty

A long illusion veil is a great alternative to a lengthy train.

The sheer fabric looks elegant and accentuates a bride from the crown down. Easily removed, you won’t have to worry about guests stepping on it as you dance the night away.

Blushing bride

consultation.

Dare to be different in a soft, blush-toned dress this season.

The pink hue will be all the rage as you take center stage in a gown that looks romantic without the fuss of wearing white.

Take the plunge

Dramatic neckline drops – in the front or back – are on trend for your summer or fall wedding. A free-flowing gown softens this look while a slender silhouette makes it exceptionally daring.

245-5138

1540 13 St. West Located in Evergreen IGA SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 15

the flowers

the ring

the hair

the dress

the venue

the details

the venue Lush grasses, winding rivers and stunning mountain backdrops make Montana a beautiful setting to tie the knot. With many venues under the Big Sky, couples can choose the perfect scene for their big day.

320 Guest Ranch

Gallatin Gateway offers a wilderness wedding experience with dense forest and star-studded twilight.

The 320 Guest Ranch helps you plan your day down to the detail with an PHOTO COURTESY OF CLUNEY PHOTO on-site coordinator and gourmet catering service. From rustic picnic table seating for 200 to luxurious banquet hall galas for 170, they’ll provide the space for the day you’ve always dreamed of.

Address: 205 Buffalo Horn Creek Road, Gallatin Gateway Phone: (406) 995-4283 ext. 117 Website: 320ranch.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMELOT RANCH

Camelot Ranch

Billings’ newest event venue is launching this summer just in time for wedding season. With rustic charm and wide open spaces, the large venue is perfect for country chic events, comfortably seating 300 people with loft space, a full kitchen and grand fireplace. Stay on site with optional accommodations in the guest cabin. Now booking for 2017 and beyond.

Address: 8736 Camelot Lane, Billings Phone: (406) 861-5458 Website: camelotranchevents.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROCK CREEK RESORT

Rock Creek Resort

Nestled in the Beartooth Mountains next to Rock Creek is a historic Montana resort with character. Indoor and outdoor areas for all seasons means nothing will rain on your wedding day parade. With attentive banquet staff and an on-site coordinator, you’ll have the romantic place, the rustic space and the gourmet taste for an intimate gathering or a gala with a long guest list.

Address: 6380 US HWY 212, Red Lodge Phone: (406) 446-1111 or 800 667-1119 Website: rockcreekresort.com

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MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMELIA ANNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Big Yellow Barn

Visible for miles, the big yellow barn is considered a local landmark in an inspiring country setting. The second floor comfortably seats 200 and serves as a great space to scoot your boots. With ample parking, breathtaking views of the Bridger Mountains and year-round access for your indoor or outdoor wedding, it’s a memorable location befitting of the day you’ll never forget.

Address: 9466 Springhill Road, Belgrade Phone: (406) 579-3415 Website: bigyellowbarn.com

the flowers

the ring

the hair

the dress

the venue

the details

the details It’s the little things that count.

A handmade hairpiece, mom’s favorite flowers and shirt sleeves secured with grandpa’s cuff links are gentle reminders of those that stand to support and celebrate your union.

Set your wedding apart with small touches that have big meaning.

Your love provides the clues to get those details just right.

Game on

There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition. Guests loosen up and mingle while trying their hand at lawn games like Jenga, dominoes and corn hole.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

Security detail

Engage your craft y talents with a catchy phrase on your ring bearer’s chalkboard sign. It’s anyone’s guess what he’s hiding.

All that pizzazz

Prints pop against a solid suit and reveal his personality, too. A dashing paisley handkerchief pairs nicely with a simple rose boutonnière.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CABEL NOTEBOOM PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

Sentimental charm

Bouquets don’t have to be all blooms.

Make room for mementos like a strand of mom’s pearls or tuck an amulet with your grandparents’ wedding photo in the foliage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

Chance confections

Dining in style

Get people talking about what happens after that first slice of wedding cake is cut with a cute game.

A mix of white tablecloths, delicate rose glasses and crystal dinnerware lend elegance to your table. Yellow gold and bronze accents add the pièce de résistance.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SIMPLY SARA PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTIN JEAN, PHOTOGRAPHER

SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 17

Saying I Do… Again

BY TARA CADY

“…for better or for worse, until death do you part.”

Who really knows what “worse” means at the altar?

Partners reach “old married couple” status once they can apply those vows to specific times in their marriage.

Vow renewals go beyond anniversaries as another way to celebrate love’s resiliency and reestablish promises. There’s no standard to what that ceremony looks like, nor is there any one reason to meet again at the altar.

Three local couples share the intimate and unique details of their vow renewals – and the reasons behind celebrating their marriage once more.

A decade of devotion

When Shelly and Cliff Yarbrough got married at a California courthouse, Shelly put a plan in motion.

She wanted a church wedding for their 10-year anniversary.

From their October 1987 nuptials to their September 1997 vow renewal, the Yarbroughs had all four of their children, moved to Montana, and were settling into family life in Lockwood.

Cliff and Shelly Yarbrough renewed their vows for their Family flew in from 10th wedding anniversary.

California for the occasion; COURTESY PHOTO Shelly’s sisters participated in the ceremony, as did Cliff ’s brother and best friend. “(My oldest) was 9 and he walked me down the aisle,” Shelly said.

The couple’s youngest was too little to be included, but both middle daughters were flower girls. Shelly’s friend provided the catering, and Shelly made her own cake.

The Yarbroughs renewed their vows at what was Lockwood

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MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Closer by the dozen

Brooke and Bo Wagner dated for 4 ½ years before their 2003 North Carolina nuptials. Four years into marriage, the Wagners moved to Montana, where they’d raise their three children.

One year was particularly taxing for Brooke and Bo Wagner vacationed to North Carolina to renew their the family of five. The vows after 12 years of marriage.

Wagners reassessed their COURTESY PHOTO lifestyle to make family a priority, and renewed their vows with revived purpose after 12 years of marriage.

The couple had already planned visit North Carolina, so they incorporated a ceremony into the trip. Involving their children was important to the Wagners.

“We’re always talking to our kids about what it takes, but part of it was a visual for them,” Bo said.

Several couples and their kids joined the Wagners at their ceremony. A family friend officiated.

“Our youngest, he actually cried during the whole ceremony,” Brooke said.

The two oldest Wagner children read from First Corinthians.

The stress that went into the first wedding was absent with the second.

“I was much less focused on the details of the day and more focused on the meaning,” said Brooke. “I was a lot more laidback about it.”

It wasn’t a big production; it was short and sweet, Bo added.

The couple’s vows were similar, but they really struck a chord the second time around.

ELEMENTS OF LIGHTPHOTOGRAP HY

Evangelical Church. Pastor Ken Schock officiated, and the reception was held at the Yarbrough household.

“One of our nephews was our mock DJ,” said Shelly.

Having moved states away, it was an opportunity for family to get to know their children.

“It was kind of a family reunion in a way,” Cliff said.

And the family could see first-hand how the marriage had blossomed into something beautiful.

“Reaffirming your commitment to the world, it gives people hope,” said Cliff. “We’re still on our honeymoon.”

The Yarbroughs celebrate their 30th anniversary this fall.

For their 19-year milestone, they went to Hawaii.

While Shelly warns of the financial burden of weddings to future brides and couples looking to renew their vows, Cliff says, “I’d do it all again.”

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406.446.2610 ext 101

www.RedLodgeMountain.com/Weddings SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 19

celebration was not without sentimentality, however.

The couple presented a PowerPoint slideshow, which chronicled their lives from birth to having babies. Background music reflected the time period of the photographs.

“It was all about making her happy, really,” Jeff said. “I would absolutely do it again. But if I did, I wouldn’t make it as big of a production.”

“We didn’t really know what sickness and in health meant,” Brooke said of their first vow exchange.

Bo says the renewal doesn’t change anything, but it’s a new launching pad.

Brooke and Bo are open to renewing again, but next time it’ll be somewhere tropical and they’ll call it a vacation.

Twice as nice

Amy and Jeff Berve were 19 and 23 when they tied the knot.

Nineteen years later, the Berves began planning their 20-year anniversary vow renewal.

“In a nut shell, I wanted to tell the world I’d do it again,” Jeff said.

The second ceremony was similar to the first, both involving Peace Lutheran Church of Billings, where Jeff was confirmed.

The pastor who’d married the Berves had passed away, but the institution’s new pastor, Will Sappington, had a similar personality and mindset.

“The fit was great,” Amy said.

Thirty people attended the church ceremony, including the couple’s two children.

The timing was important to the Berves, who wanted Amy’s grandmother to attend.

Second chance at romance

Jeff and Amy Berve celebrated 20 years of marriage with a vow renewal and reception.

COURTESY PHOTO

“The closest people were invited to the renewal,” said Amy. “Our kids stood up for us.

And two of our oldest friends.”

Jeff wore a vest and vintage-style black pants. Amy wore a 20s-inspired dress.

“This one we did completely the way we wanted,” Jeff said.

After the ceremony, about 75 friends and family members gathered at Amy’s father’s residence for a reception.

The Berves kept it fun with carnival games, a dunk tank and Fuddruckers catering. The

Let us Preserve your memories for years to come • Wedding gown cleaning and preservation with proper storage in an elegant preservation box!

• Cleaning and preservation of veils, detachable trains, gloves and more!

• Formal wear cleaning and alterations.

These Big Sky brides and grooms have some words of advice for engaged couples.

“Don’t be disappointed if you can’t do it all the first time,” Amy said.

And as for timing, Jeff says milestones don’t matter as much as having loved ones present.

“Why wait?” he asked. “Some of the most important people there might not be there in five years.”

Brooke and Bo Wagner agree, finishing each other’s sentences.

“If it’s a season you’ve grown or had some depth-,” she said.

“-celebrate it.”

“But definitely have cake.”

“And have someone else pay for dinner.”

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BY MARLISA KEYES

The modern Montana bride knows exactly how to make her wedding personal, said Emily Hallock, owner of Emily Hallock Weddings in Billings.

While each bride’s approach is individual, they share some contemporary ideas like wanting ceremonies that last 20 to 30 minutes and spending less time on cutting the cake and the bouquet toss.

Whether she’s getting married outdoors or choosing who walks her down the aisle, she understands she can be as conventional or unique as she wants because it’s her day.

SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 21

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MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Anything but ordinary

Today’s brides and grooms are comfortable planning weddings to suit themselves, keeping some traditions and discarding others, Hallock said.

“Couples (are) putting their own twists on their weddings – from the location, to the ceremony, to the reception,” she said.

The majority of couples Hallock works with either live in or grew up in Montana.

She said 90 percent of them typically want destination-style Montana weddings.

Uniquely You Planning owner Wendy Means, who organizes weddings for people who like unique theme affairs, credits the willingness to change or eliminate traditions to a generation who came of age in the 1960s and ‘70s.

The laid-back approach has rubbed off on their children and grandchildren, now in their 20s, who want weddings they can relate to, said Means.

“They’ve grown up with grandparents from the 60s – hippies,” she said.

Hallock and Means agree age is often a predictor of a couple’s vision for the big day.

Young couples in their early to mid-20s like to make an impression.

“Young brides still want the white dress and to be a princess,” Means said.

Those in their late 20s and older turn inward, seeking a personal experience that’s all about their relationship and family, and less about the bride.

“They want something that has feeling and is more meaningful,” she said.

Out with the old

Gone are white dresses symbolizing chastity and the awkward, time-wasting receiving line where people stood around with nothing to do.

Aisle runners are out. They weren’t used to keep a bride’s dress clean, but stemmed from an old belief that she would be harmed by evil creatures if her feet touched the ground.

“The traditions of weddings are kind of archaic,” Means said.

Some couples get excited about tossing the bridal bouquet or garter to friends, wanting to know who is next to tie the knot. Others nix it all together, as not to embarrass single friends.

While Means doesn’t expect to see the trend go away soon, it’s rarely done for the weddings Hallock plans.

Getting married in a church, veiling a bride’s

face, pairing bridesmaids and groomsmen for the walk down the aisle, and having separate seating for family and friends at the ceremony are less common in modern-day weddings, too.

The phrase “who gives this bride,” which conveys ownership, has gone the way of the dodo.

If couples want to see one another before the ceremony, don’t worry about it being bad luck.

Most are opting to have first-look photographs taken before exchanging vows, allowing them the opportunity to enjoy cocktail hour and the reception.

More importantly, it gives them time together before the day’s festivities.

“It is a more intimate, low-pressure moment for the bride and groom,” Hallock said.

The tradition of head tables is changing to family-style seating or having bride’s attendants on one side and the groom’s on the other, rather than the old-school style that alternated males and females.

Done are the dollar dance and decorating the

it,” Fry said. “The couple has a hard time getting through it.”

Means, who does double-duty as an officiant, has performed Harry Potter, Renaissance and Star Wars-themed weddings, using Old English and other voices to perform vows. She once slipped into the voice of Yoda, ending with: “The bride you may now kiss.”

One couple, who enjoy the fantasy role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons, wanted an elegant event, Means said. They chose a simple white cake with hearts and touches so subtle that unless you looked closely, you wouldn’t know there was a theme.

The centerpieces included paper flowers made from Marvel comics, vases created with Dungeons and Dragons dice and accent pieces, and a groom’s cake with knights fighting a fire-breathing dragon.

“It was the coolest cake I’ve ever seen,” Means said.

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Something new

Couples can create a wedding that suits them both by incorporating common interests and unique things about the relationship.

Learning about each other’s family and background is a good place to start, said Wenda Fry, a Billings-based wedding officiant and owner of Weddings with Wenda.

And love letters can inspire personal vows and wedding themes.

Sentimental weddings are on the ascent.

Deceased loved ones are memorialized with in-memory tables and picture charms wound through the bridal bouquet.

“Last fall, we even had a couple get married on the same day as the bride’s parents and grandparents; so special,” Hallock said.

Using family history is an emotionally stirring way to include everyone in the moment.

“The parents love it, the grandparents love

Traditions can be fashioned to fit the times.

More Montana couples are forgoing engagement and wedding rings and choosing matching tattoo rings for practical reasons, Means said.

Wearing rings is unsafe for jobs in carpentry, mechanics and refinery work.

Unity ceremonies come in many forms and don’t have to include a candle, either.

Means said a scuba-diving couple who love exotic fish poured two fish from separate bowls into one bowl. Others have planted trees in the yards of their new homes or mixed soil from their family residences to signify unity. Mixing martinis and decanting a bottle of wine are other options.

Blended families opt to pour different colors of sand, representing the union of parents, children and new family.

Couples are decreasing the time spent on the ceremony, choosing instead to make the reception the big event. Those who have sat through long religious weddings they didn’t like want shorter ceremonies that last 20 to 30 minutes, Fry said.

Whether your wedding toast is celebrated with a favorite micro-brew or you marry in your family church, there is no right or wrong in planning your big day. It just needs to suit the both of you and make lasting, joyful memories.

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SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 23

DON’T BE

THAT

GUY A guide to giving away the groom

A

BY ROB ROGERS

s best man, this is the worst case scenario: You were tasked with speaking at the reception and have gone 15 minutes longer than anyone wanted. You’ve insulted the bride, made her mother cry and watched the groom — previously your best friend — climb out of his chair to take a swing at you.

To punctuate the whole thing, you’ve just puked up all the Jägerbombs you and your buddies downed before the reception.

Your speech is a complete disaster.

Fortunately for you, your best friend, his bride and her mother with the sensitive constitution, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Follow this guide and you will be cheered as a wedding reception hero.

DO THESE THINGS

Short, simple and sincere: Everything you want to say can be said in less than seven minutes. At the 10-minute mark people’s attention begins to wander. Long, winding tales of questionable college hi-jinks, the birth of your friendship or the unintentionally hilarious name of the groom’s childhood gerbil have a short shelf life, especially in a room full of people waiting to congratulate the newlyweds and get on the dance floor. Keep it short and to the point.

Prepare and practice: In the weeks leading up to the reception, make sure you give yourself enough time to think about what you want to say and craft those thoughts in a meaningful way. Then practice the speech in front of a small group of trusted friends or a significant other and listen to their feedback. Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of believing you can wing it on the day of. You can’t. This is not a romantic comedy, it’s your best friend’s big day. Show the couple your respect by properly preparing.

From the heart: Your speech is a big deal, so be sincere. The temptation is to take a canned speech and turn it into a vaguely personalized plate-warmer. The better option is to express what you feel and tell the newlyweds how happy and excited you are for them and what they mean to you. Speaking true emotion will always be more memorable than meaningless bromides.

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MAGAZINE I 25

Others are in the room: Remember, this isn’t about you. As you wrap up your remarks, make sure you take a moment to thank the parents of the bride and groom for making the wedding possible and for raising two great kids. Thank the guests for making the effort to help celebrate the couple.

Raise a glass: This is important and oftentimes forgotten in the rush of the moment. As you close, take a moment and invite everyone to raise a glass to the new couple and make a toast to their continued happiness. It’s a meaningful gesture that brings the room together and the attention back to the newlyweds.

NO-GO AREAS

There is no ex-girlfriend: To be successful, do not talk about, make jokes about or otherwise reference the groom’s or the bride’s past relationships. If you remember nothing else from this smartly-written and delightfully helpful article, please commit this one to memory. Talking about past relationships is tacky, uninspired and can oh-so-quickly go off the rails.

Avoid the open bar: It’ll be easy enough to knock back a drink or three to steel yourself for a speech delivered in front of dozens and dozens of people. But please, stay sober. You don’t want to end up with inhibitions so loosened that you

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speak incoherently or, worse, too freely. Hit the bar once you’ve finished your remarks. It will be your reward for giving such a fine, funny and touching speech.

Avoid the open mic: The goal is to be sincere, concise and gracious. So do not end your speech by handing someone else in the room the microphone and inviting them to say a few words about the bride and groom. Before you know it, an hour is gone and the bride’s cousinin-law is loudly explaining how courtship is just like catfish noodling. No one needs to hear that.

Keep that mic firmly in hand until you’re done and then hand it to a responsible party.

Inside jokes aren’t funny: Humor can and should be an important part of your remarks.

A smart, well-placed joke in your speech can be disarming and entertaining. Inside jokes have the opposite effect. It turns off your audience and leaves them disconnected from your remarks. The better idea is to trade those stories and jokes when it’s just you, the groom and your buddies sharing a beer at the end of the night.

Don’t go blue: You’ll know your audience and should have a sense of what’s appropriate for this crowd. Chances are that won’t include a string of profanities. Keep it clean and classy.

If the word or phrase would disappoint your grandma, it’s best you not use it. The same holds

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Embrace your inner rock star: The best way to hold a microphone is full-fisted and right up to your mouth. It’s easy to let it drop to midchest or end up with it six inches in front of your mouth. No one will hear you. Most reception halls and rented pavilions have less than stellar sound systems. You’ll need to hold that mic right in front of your face to be heard.

Patricia Clark of Patricia Clark Weddings in Billings said in her experience the worst speeches are the ones given while drunk and the ones that go on too long.

“The worst one I saw was a speech that just would not end,” she said.

Clark says the best way to ensure success is to keep it short, keep it sober and to inject some genuine emotion. People will remember the really good speeches and the truly awful ones.

“Men prefer humor over emotion,” said Clark. “A good speech has both.”

A little smart crafting in advance can ensure the speech you give will be memorable for all the right reasons.

“There’s no reason it can’t be great,” Clark said.

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MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

(406) 850-1879 | www.UniquelyYouMT.com

Burning NOT BRIDGES KEEPING BRIDEZILLA AT BAY

BY TIFFINI GALLANT SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 27

Stress can show the cracks in relationships.

But don’t end a friendship in the heat of the moment.

Dr. Karen Kietzman, clinical psychologist

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MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

T

and it’s no secret that it can get the best of a person.

The stress hormone, cortisol, is responsible for the feelings of irritability that make a bride turn bridezilla faster than you can throw a bouquet. “(Cortisol) puts you in a flight or fight mode,” said Dr. Karen Kietzman, a clinical psychologist in Billings.

Brides are working hard to get the details of their wedding perfect, she said. When a person is so emotionally invested in something, they’re bound to react (and sometimes overreact) if it doesn’t go as planned.

“Something always goes wrong,” she said. “How are you going to handle that?”

Kietzman recommends brides defend against stress proactively by setting and sticking to a budget, asking for help, and turning to a designated organizer or wedding planner.

Hiring a coordinator means, “you don’t have to worry,” said The best offense During a major life transition Becky Adams, an event planner in like marriage, stress is inevitable, Billings.

he term “bridezilla” is not one of endearment.

On your wedding day, guests should refer to you as beautiful, classy or elegant.

So how do you avoid becoming a bridal monster?

Stress, poor planning and lack of support is a recipe for wedding disaster. Turn to bridesmaids, friends and family to help events go smoothly. But keep in mind that they’ll be feeling the pressure, too.

While your head is in the clouds, don’t act high and mighty. If emotions aren’t contained, tempers will flare, and you’ll end up doing damage control after your pre-nuptial tantrum.

Since the big day won’t be a success without help, be sure your friends don’t say “goodbye” before you say “I do.”

Wedding planners help walk brides through the steps to plan and prepare for their big day. If you’re hiring a person to help you coordinate, Adams recommends starting the process a year in advance, if possible.

It’s not necessary to hire someone as long as you designate tasks to other people involved in the wedding, said Adams. Some duties might be to help with invitations, check in with vendors, or plan a bridal shower.

Even with help, be prepared for surprises.

“Really understand that sometimes things aren’t going to happen the way you want them to,” Adams said.

Contrary to popular belief, weddings aren’t all about the bride, Kietzman said. If you want to share your experience with other people, then there needs to be a balance between your dream day expectations and what that entails for everyone else.

“If it’s not perfect, at the end of the day, you’re still married,” she said.

Vows to your pals Involving loved ones in your nuptials is like asking, “Do you take me to be your awfully controlling friend, relative or future wife?”

If the answer is anything but “yes,” consider asking someone else.

Not only does a bride have their own expectations to live up to – often those they dreamt about from a young age – their stress compounds with that of their family, friends and social expectations.

Have a post-proposal conversation with your fiancé about how both of you want to celebrate your impending nuptials. Kietzman says to remind yourselves that this is a day for both of you – not just the bride. You’ll have to work as a team to make it happen.

When it comes to choosing the wedding party and family members to help, you’ll need reliable people at your side.

“Pick people you think you can count on,” said Kietzman. “Talk about what everybody’s expectations are.”

Adams encourages brides to select their wedding party carefully.

Don’t choose your bridesmaids out of a feeling of obligation, and think about how everyone will get along, she said.

You’ll also need to be thoughtful of peoples’ financial situations.

“Be aware of who you’re asking to be in your wedding and what they’re able to do financially and

wrong. But it may be necessary to repair a relationship that’s on the outs.

“Stress can show the cracks in relationships,” Kietzman said. “But don’t end a friendship in the heat of the moment.”

Take a step back and evaluate your emotions. Then try to be empathetic toward the feelings of those around you.

Kietzman says empathy is asking “Can I stop a moment and think about how they feel?”

Repairing the relationship requires reaching out with a sincere desire to put in the work to make things better.

Once the dust has settled and with time,” Adams said. the dispute resolved, move on.

Factor in their jobs, children, Kietzman says to ask yourself, ability to get time off work and dis- “What is more important – the day tance to travel to your events. or celebrating it with friends and Most importantly, be honest. If family?” you’re not planning to wear your mother’s heirloom wedding dress, The dust settles tell her. If you expect your bridesThis is it. This is the day you get maids to fork over expenses for a to sit back, retract the claws and bethree-day bachelorette party in Ve- come a married woman. gas, let them know right away. But be prepared for people to resist or opt out of their role.

“Don’t be offended if they don’t want to do it or are unable to,” said Adams. “You can’t take it personally.”

For those that stick around, ask them to be patient, supportive and candid as you all begin preparing for the wedding day. Your goal should be to avoid a meltdown if they fulfill that promise and call you out when your bridezilla bares its teeth.

Up in smoke When the inevitable happens and something goes wrong, tempers flare and words are had.

After the tantrum is over, assess the damage.

“Usually anger is covering hurt because anger is easier to deal with,” Kietzman said. “Or it’s about justice.”

When you feel wronged by your support group, it’s easy to point fingers. It’s not so easy to take responsibility when you’re the one that’s

“You get to focus on being a bride and having fun,” said Adams.

Your support team of bridesmaids will be there for pre-nuptial jitters. You’ll have a person to bustle your dress, someone keeping track of your bouquet, and a friend to run and get the wedding planner, if necessary.

After “I do,” remember to say “thank you” to your bridesmaids.

Jewelry is always a good idea, Adams said. If your wedding is during cooler months, consider a wrap to cover bare shoulders. A tote bag is helpful to keep street clothes and personal items together, and monogrammed robes for getting ready are a simple, yet thoughtful gift.

If you purchased the bridesmaids’ dresses, forked over travel expenses, or made another large financial gesture, keep it simple.

“Always give a thank you note expressing appreciation,” said Adams.

After all, your bridesmaids deserve it.

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MAGAZINE I 29

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

THE ALBUM

BY TIFFINI GALLANT, MARLISA KEYES & TARA CADY

The math is simple. It takes two.

Two lovers, two families, two words – ‘I do.’

If a future engagement is in the equation, you’ll find the solution in the following 14 pages.

Calculate your next move toward marriage with the help of seven local couples whose nuptials are sure to influence a full-on romantic frenzy.

The inspiration is yours to have and to hold.

DANIELLE & RYLEY BANKS

• JUNE 25, 2016

THANKFUL FOR LOVE

Wedding & Reception: Ryley’s childhood home Photography: Simply Sara Photography Jeweler: Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers Cake: Jayne’s Signature Sweets Florist: DeeLynn Designs Floral Art Beauty: Marielle Spitzer and Molly Fitzpatrick, Nail-issimo Salon and Spa Videography: Justin Hutchinson Videography

Danielle LeBoeuf and Ryley Banks texted for a month before their first date.

Weeks after they met, a job opportunity brought Danielle to Billings from Wyoming, enabling the two to spend more time getting to know each other and go on mountain adventures.

One year later, Danielle brought Ryley to Louisiana to meet her parents.

Ryley got Danielle’s father’s permission to marry her while on a fishing trip.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2015, Ryley asked everyone to go around the table and say what they were thankful for.

When it was his turn, Ryley turned to Danielle and on bended knee, asked her to be his wife.

The couple chose a venue with sentimental value, Ryley’s childhood home in Shepherd. Danielle’s favorite decorative touch was an arch Ryley built, featuring an elk skull from one of his hunting trips.

Other details included shades of navy and blush and a Green Bay Packers miniature cake.

The careful planning that went into the June nuptials didn’t account for the high winds they experienced at the altar.

“Our big day was not without its hiccups. However, it was magical and everything we imagined it would be,” Danielle said. “All we wanted was to be surrounded by friends and family and end up husband and wife at the end of the day, and that’s exactly what we got.”

As Mr. and Mrs. Banks, the newlyweds honeymooned in Riviera Maya, Mexico to “get away, relax and enjoy time with just the two of us in the sun and the sand.”

SUMMER/FALL 2017 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 33

WHITNEY & CHAD DOCKTER

• AUGUST 6, 2016

ENCHANTED MEMORIES

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wedding, Reception & Food: Rock Creek Resort Photographer: Simply Sara Photography Dress: Belle en Blanc Bridesmaids’ dresses: Eskay Bridal Flowers: Mac’s Floral DJ: Toonz DJ Cake: Shelly’s Cakes

Bank examiners Whitney and Chad Dockter tell different stories of when they met on a job.

She says he ignored her. He says he was too nervous and couldn’t speak to her since they were in different rooms.

Their relationship bloomed when Chad asked Whitney for their first date after playing golf and having drinks with friends at Pryor Creek Golf Course.

“I am very lucky to have found such an amazing man who likes to spend time (outdoors),” Whitney said.

That shared sense of adventure led them to the Enchanted Highway while on a trip from Bismarck, North Dakota. Wanting a memorable proposal the couple could reflect on during future drives by the highway’s metal sculptures, Chad popped the question.

Whitney was asleep when he pulled over, saying the dog, Ollie, needed out.

“I had a hard time believing this since the dog had been sleeping in my lap,” Whitney said.

Plan foiled, Chad walked the dog and returned to the car, asking her to help with a nonexistent problem with the camper.

“When I got to the camper, he was on one knee and asked me to marry him,” she said.

The Dockters chose Rock Creek Resort for their wedding ceremony and reception because when Whitney was a child, her family drove by it on the way to her grandparents’ cabin.

She thought it was the perfect place for a wedding - everyone could stay there and wander through doors connecting the reception hall to the outside.

“I loved that it was centered in the mountains along a beautiful creek,” Whitney said.

Special touches included navy lace table runners, brightly-colored hanging and tabletop floral decorations, and floating candle centerpieces. Two charms embellished Whitney’s bouquet: One with a wedding photograph of her grandparents and the other of the church where they were married in 1953.

After marrying in a field, the Dockters camped at Cascade Campground in Red Lodge and took a trip to Fort Collins, Colorado. They plan to snorkel, golf and swim at a resort in Jamaica this November for their honeymoon.

WINTER/SPRING 2016 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 35

CHLOE & JAKE HEDGE

• AUGUST 13, 2016

FORE BETTER OR WORSE

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wedding: Rocky Mountain College Reception/Caterer: Hilands Golf Club Photography: Kristin Jean, Photographer Tux: Prohibition Clothiers Cake: Dancing Oven Bakery Jeweler: Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers Beauty: The Brooklyn Spa & Salon Wedding Planner: Better To Gather Events

“Do you golf?”

That’s what Jake Hedge asked Chloe Kanning when they met.

Love was in the air like the aroma of their first-date coffees. The couple spent every minute together before Chloe departed for the University of Montana and Jake continued his education at the University of Wyoming.

They dated at a distance for more than four years. Chloe attributes their relationship success to “plane trips, car trips, late night phone calls and a lot of grace and love.”

One fall afternoon, Jake invited Chloe to take some pictures on the Rimrocks. What she thought was a date to capture photos was actually a proposal. As a hidden GoPro camera filmed the moment, he knelt down into the October foliage and asked Chloe to spend her life with him.

With only candles and greenery as decoration, the President’s Hall at Rocky Mountain College was the perfect vintage wedding venue.

As a nod to their introduction, Hilands Golf Club provided indoor and outdoor accommodations for 300 reception guests.

Every detail made the ambiance joyful and fun – a fitting tribute to the bride’s mother who passed away six months before the event.

“The majority of the special pieces made for our wedding were designed to incorporate and honor my mother,” Chloe said, including a gold locket tied to the bride’s bouquet and playing Pharrell’s “Happy” for guests to sing and dance in remembrance.

Chloe, a speech-language pathologist, and Jake, a banker, spent six days relaxing in the hot Mexican sun for their honeymoon, happy to see an end to their long-distance relationship.

“Our wedding was highly-anticipated, filled with so much love and laughter, and however cliché it may be, it was the best day of our lives,” Chloe said.

WINTER/SPRING 2016 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 37

SPENCYR & KOLTEN KNATTERUD

• SEPTEMBER 4, 2016

A PERFECT DAY

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wedding, Reception & Caterer: BruMar Estate Photography: Brenda Ahearn Photography Dress: Belle en Blanc Tux: J Scott Couture Cake: Just Desserts Music: Extremely Tuned DJ Service Hair/Beauty: Her Alibi Salon

Spencyr Schmaltz forgot the name of the cute guy she danced with the night she met Kolten Knatterud.

The two attended the wedding of a mutual friend in Sidney, Montana, where Spencyr was a bridesmaid and “Kolten was on the prowl,” she said.

Soon, dancing led to dating and a vacation to Maui. Kolten arranged for an evening of whale watching and a sunset dinner. The island scenery served as the setting for his proposal.

Seven months later, Spencyr was saying “I do” in the Flathead Valley where she grew up.

The wedding was held in Bigfork, Montana, near Spencyr’s hometown.

BruMar Estate, secluded in the woods at the base of the Swan Mountains, offered beautiful views for the outdoor ceremony and rustic indoor charm for the reception.

Hues of emerald green, burgundy, blush pink and peach complemented the late-summer season. Guests signed a hand-painted wooden guestbook, designed specifically for the special day.

Spencyr’s wedding veil was handmade with the help of a family friend as another unique addition to the occasion.

“It truly was overwhelming to see all the love and support from so many of our friends and family,” she said.

The couple wanted a fun reception atmosphere, so the brothers of the groom sang a boy-band medley.

Spencyr, an advertising coordinator, and Kolten, a civil engineer, made the most of their honeymoon by traveling to her parents’ Lake Tahoe time-share.

“I don’t like using the word ‘perfect,’ but that’s pretty much what it was,” said Spencyr.

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MAGAZINE I 39

KRYSTIN & SETH HANSARD

• SEPTEMBER 9, 2016

HEARTS GROW FONDER

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wedding & Reception: Billings Depot Photography: Kristin Jean, Photographer Dessert: Log Cabin Bakery & Jennuinely Sweet DJ/Band: Magic City Productions Caterer: Cajun Phatty’s Food Truck Decorator: Better to Gather Events

Krystin and Seth Hansard have been in one another’s orbit since their college days.

It just took a while for their romantic paths to align.

They bumped into each other through mutual friends as students at Montana State University. Their encounters continued after college graduation when both were living in Helena and returning to Bozeman for Bobcat football games.

After Krystin moved to Billings in 2012, the couple’s romance began.

“That’s when we finally decided to start dating, long distance of course, because why make it easy?” she said.

After the couple spent a weekend “browsing” for a ring, Seth ordered it the next day. He had to wait almost a month to propose because the diamond was sent off to be fitted to the setting.

“As soon as it came in, he knew he couldn’t keep it a secret - never can with any gift - and plan some elaborate proposal,” Krystin said.

The Hansards chose the Billings Depot for their wedding and reception because the historic building’s neutral interior fit their industrial-theme space and had room for food and reception tables.

Seth’s aunt made the bride’s bouquet and table arrangements, using white hydrangeas, roses, mums and greenery, while Krystin’s sister fashioned the veil.

After discovering that distance makes hearts grow fonder, the Hansards honeymooned in Ireland, where they enjoyed beer, seafood and the beginning of their married lives.

WINTER/SPRING 2016 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 41

ERIN & BRANDON MOOER

• NOVEMBER 4, 2016

CHEMISTRY TOGETHER

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wedding: St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral Reception: Billings Depot Photography: Cabel Noteboom Photography Dress: Belle en Blanc Cake: Velvet Cravings Florist: Van’s Evergreen IGA Transportation: Total Transportation

Erin Rice and Brandon Mooer used to be friends in high school, but they never dated.

The Dawson County High School students were both in band, and Brandon always had a crush on Erin. He’d use his friends as an excuse to spend time with her before she left for college.

The two lost touch for many years until Erin moved to Billings and reached out to her old classmate. Brandon said he was studying in Bozeman and invited her to a Halloween party.

“It was like instant friends all over again and we remembered how much fun it was to be around each other,” Erin said. “He gave me a kiss that night and we were inseparable since.”

Brandon moved to Billings to be with Erin, but he was ready for the next step. He proposed using the couple’s rabbit, Bun Bun, as a prop, decorating her cage with streamers and the room with balloons and pictures of their last four years together.

“It was so unexpected, I felt like the room was swirling around me,” she said. “I said, ‘Absolutely.’”

The Mooers became husband and wife in Billings’ St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral. Their reception remained downtown at the Billings Depot.

Yellowed foliage painted the perfect fall scene for the early November nuptials. Erin incorporated the harvest season into the reception atmosphere with decorative leaves atop dinnerware and made everything sparkle with metallic accents.

Cassie LaGreca with Better to Gather Events created an interactive way for guests to showcase the fun they were having at the reception. Family and friends texted photos, and LaGreca printed and displayed the pictures as the night went on.

“It was so neat to see the funny and sweet things people did and sent for us to have,” Erin said.

Newlyweds Erin and Brandon are a chemist and pharmacist, so you could say together they have a lot of chemistry.

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MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

HOLLY MUNSON & ANDREW HAGENAUER

• DECEMBER 16, 2016

THE BEST MEDICINE

44 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I WINTER/SPRING 2016

Wedding: New Apostolic Church Reception: Billings Depot Photography: Cabel Noteboom Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Moss Mansion Caterer: Abby’s Catering Company Florist: Gainan’s Flowers and Garden Center Cake: Dancing Oven Bakery Hair: Salon Avalon Wedding Planner: Patricia Clark Weddings

Holly Munson and Andrew Hagenauer both stepped onto a plane as medical students heading to a conference in Las Vegas. Little did they know, the two had another destination - love.

“We spent the entire conference together and from then on we were inseparable,” said Holly.

Andrew made it official with an intimate proposal. While the two were out to dinner, he had a friend fill Holly’s apartment with rose petals. A bottle of wine and a scrapbook Andrew created awaited her.

Their December wedding featured even more personal details.

With record snowfall that week, the bride and her bridesmaids donned fur stoles and took photographs decorated in snowflakes.

“Our wedding day was essentially a winter wonderland,” Holly said.

The ceremony was held at the New Apostolic Church Holly grew up attending, with a reception at the Billings Depot.

“We loved the fact that (the depot) was a part of history,” said Holly. “It is such a beautiful building, and the options were endless to help create our perfect day.”

Inside, gold, ivory and black gave the venue a luxurious ambiance. Champagne bottles rolled in gold glitter, a personalized cake with flowers shipped from out-of-state, and vintage-style bells wrapped to look like Christmas presents for guests were a few of the glamorous adornments.

After the ceremony, Andrew and Holly returned to Clemson, South Carolina, where they work as family medicine physicians. Despite busy schedules, the two celebrated their nuptials with a honeymoon to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

From a chance encounter as medical students to bright futures as practicing physicians, Andrew and Holly prove that the best medicine is love.

WINTER/SPRING 2016 I BIG SKY

MAGAZINE I 45

I Thee Wed

COMPROMISE AND COMPASSION

By Tiffini Gallant

When Kay and Rowland Grant met at the University of Northern Colorado in 1959, they didn’t know what the future held. But when Kay needed a date to the sorority dance, Rowland obliged. They dated six months, visiting each other on weekends.

“He even wrote me love letters,” Kay said. “And I still have them.”

The couple married on June 24, 1961. They spent their honeymoon traveling across Canada with a camper in tow.

That sense of adventure has stayed with them for 56 years.

The newlyweds moved to Great Falls, Montana, to teach. They had their first child, Jay, before relocating to Billings where Rowland became an instructor at Eastern Montana College.

In 1967, they purchased the home they still reside in today. Their daughter, Jody, was born the following year.

“We’re most proud of our family,” said Kay of their two children and three grandchildren.

In the five decades since, Kay and Rowland have taken their adventurous spirits around the world. From church mission trips to Bolivia and South Africa to tracing Rowland’s Scottish heritage to the Isle of Iona and visits to the Middle East and China, the couple has spent a great deal of time abroad.

With so many years together, Kay says they have common interests. They enjoy the companionship of one another – reminiscing over what they’ve seen and done, and where they’ve traveled.

For their 50th anniversary, Kay and Rowland took yet another journey, this time to Alaska. They usually celebrate in Yellowstone National Park.

“We’ve tried to make each anniversary special,” said Rowland.

He attributes their marital success to having different upbringings on opposite sides of the country, and thanks Kay for restoring his faith.

“Make your differences work,” he advises of newlywed couples. “(Marriage) is something you have to work at every day.”

For Kay, it comes down to compromise – she says she chooses battles carefully and has learned to forgive and forget.

“We’ve had a wonderful life together.”

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MAGAZINE I SUMMER/FALL 2017

Kay and Rowland Grant were married June 24, 1961 in Kay’s hometown of Sterling, Colorado. COURTESY PHOTO

After 56 years of marriage, the couple says their secret has been respect, forgiveness, strong faith and compromise. A sense of adventure and Thursday night square dancing helped, too. CASEY PAGE, GAZETTE STAFF