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Tony and Cortney Filler ~ July 4, 2015
Rob and Deserae Kelley ~ February 27, 2015
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Catering to your Taste
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Honeymoon Travel Talk By Paul Dragu, Havre Daily News
The most commonly desired honeymoon destinations are warm, said Magic Carpet Travel travel agent Teresa Brown and Lelok Travel travel agent Alex Herrig. “Brides like warm beaches — Hawaii, Cabo, Cancun, the Carribean,” Brown said. Herrig added Jamaica and Costa Rica to the list of popular honeymoon destinations. And, yes, when it comes to chosing honeymoon destinations, the brides are usually more invested than the grooms, Brown said. Other popular honeymoon destinations are in Europe, Paris and London especially, Brown added. Many couples stay within the 48-state region for their honeymoon, Las Vegas and various places in Florida being some of the more popular choices. As for popular honeymoon destinations which aren't renowned for beaches and
By Pam Burke, Havre Daily News
After the wedding ceremony is complete — the aisle walked, the I-do’s said and the bird seed thrown — it’s time for the celebration to begin. Food at a reception, whether in a full meal or finger foods, is a longstanding, post-ceremony tradition, and a good place to get assistance from others to take some of the wedding preparation work off the couple.
Keeping it Simple In rural areas like north-central Montana where the bride and groom can’t just look through the yellow pages to get a list of wedding planners to help make arrangements, you can still rely on family, friends and some online research to create the perfect reception. Websites from W ikihow to MarthaStewart.com, Pinterest and a plethora of wedding-specific sites offer a wealth of ideas, then it’s up
to you to match those ideas to your style and your budget. If you are on a tight budget, the time of day you have your wedding can save you money, says NBCNews. com. A wedding and reception planned for mid-afternoon could have coffee, punch and light snacks such as nuts, candies and, if your budget allows, cold cuts, cheese and crackers. A mid-morning reception could have brunch foods: fresh fruits with sweet dips, pancakes, sausages and juice. A cost-saving idea for couples who want to give guests a meal and who are expecting a large turnout from local family and friends, is to enlist their help in preparing and bringing food as their wedding gift. This is how Misty and Jason Morehouse of Havre fed guests at their November 2015 wedding. A buffet of home-cooked foods n See Catering Page 5
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extreme heat, Brown said, Alaskan summer cruises are popular. “That's a honeymoon the guys really like,” she said. “There's hiking, fishing — halibut and salmon — glacier watching and whale watching.” The appeal for the ladies is that the Alaskan cruises offer “fabulous” restaurants, spas on board and nightly entertainment such as comedy and traveling Broadway shows, she added. Lastly, Brown said that many couples honeymoon in some of the great destinations Montana offers — Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Chico Hot Springs. And while a good number of honeymoons are taken in the summer, Havre being a farming and ranching town plays a role in inspiring some couples to wait until winter months to take theirs. It's also a good excuse to escape the Montana cold and enjoy warm weather.
Courtesy Photos
Jack Teske & Caitlin Harbolt ~ December 19, 2015
Justin & Tiana Boyce ~ June 13, 2015
Laura & Andrew Bradshaw ~ June 13, 2015
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After the Wedding Checklist o Return all rented tuxedoes. o Return all rented equipment. o Return all borrowed accessories. o Write thank-you cards. o Preserve your bridal bouquet. o Send your wedding gown to the cleaners and have it sealed in a vacuum bag or box. o Decide on filing taxes jointly or separately, and update your tax forms at work.
o Add your spouse to your employer's health insurance. o Make your spouse the beneficiary of any retirement and 401(k) plans. o Purchase life insurance. o Start financial planning and consider meeting with an accountant and financial advisor for strategies that fit your goals as a married couple.
Name Change Check List o SOCIAL SECURITY CARD o DRIVER'S LICENSE o PASSPORT o BANK ACCOUNTS o CREDIT CARDS o SAFE DEPOSIT BOX o INVESTMENTS o LOANS o WILL o PROPERTY TITLES o UTILITY COMPANIES
o POST OFFICE o MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS o CAR REGISTRATION o INSURANCE POLICIES o VOTER REGISTRATION o DOCTORS o DENTIST o EMPLOYEE RECORDS o SCHOOL RECORDS o CLUB MEMBERSHIPS o ANYONE WHO BILLS YOU
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How to Publish Your
Engagement & Wedding Announcement In The Havre Daily News
Use this guide to help you format your announcement to be published on Fridays in the Havre Daily News Community section. Deadline is 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the requested Friday publication.
Engagement announcement suggested content: Full name of bride-to-be and groom-to-be, bride's parents' names and city, groom's parents' names and city, bride's education and year(s) of graduation, bride's employment and city, groom's education and year(s) of graduation, groom's employment and city, wedding date and location, couple's future home city.
Wedding announcement suggested content: Full maiden name of bride, full name of groom, noting if the bride is keeping her maiden name; wedding date, time and location; bride's and groom's parents' names and city; first and last name and title of officiant; name and city of maid or matron of honor, of best man; name and city of bridesmaids and groomsmen, flower girl, ringbearer, candlelighters, ushers and musicians; location of reception and hosts; bride's and groom's education and year(s) of graduation; bride's and groom's employer and city; honeymoon location; and couple's new home city.
Call 406-265-6795 with any questions or for more info. You may submit your photo and announcement these ways: Deliver in person: 119 Second Street, Havre, MT 59501 Email: smantle@havredailynews.com Mail: P.O. Box 431, Havre, MT 59501 Fax: 406-265-6798
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How to file for a marriage in Montana
By Tim Leeds, Havre Daily News
One part of the often-lengthy planning in holding a wedding has fairly simple requirements in Montana: to receive a marriage license, people need to fill out an application with a clerk of District Court in the state, swear the information is true, pay the $53 fee and either have a blood test completed or sign a waiver of that requirement, then get married within six months. The only major change this year is the ruling by federal courts that same-sex marriage is legal in Montana. The requirements are still all the same. On the state application, everything is gender neutral and now refers to applicants as spouse 1 and spouse 2. While people in Montana can have a common-law marriage, going through the official steps can save some trouble later on. Commonlaw marriages result from actions of a couple — typically living together as husband and wife while of legal age and not being legally married to someone else — holding themselves forth as a married couple and having an agreement to be married, says a brochure by Montana Legal Services Association. But common-law marriages have been known to cause troubles with applying for or receiving insurance or Social Security benefits and other issues because of a lack of a license to prove a marriage exists.
In Montana, people also can be married without a ceremony by filing a written declaration of marriage with a clerk of court. Even that could cause problems depending on whether it would be recognized under rules in other states, including by insurance companies. The requirements in Montana to apply for a marriage license are fairly simple and straightforward. Residents of the state don’t even have to apply for marriage in the county where the ceremony will be performed. A license issued in Hill County, for example, can be used in any Montana county. If neither party to the marriage is a resident of the state, Montana Code Annotated says that the license may be obtained from the clerk of court in the county where the ceremony will be performed. If one person is a nonresident, that person’s section of the application may be completed before an official authorized to accept such applications in the county and state where the party resides, the law states. The application is fairly simple, requiring information including the names of the par-
ties, their residence and address, names of the parents and their birthplaces, race, education and information about any previous marriage and its termination. The participants are required to swear under oath that the information provided is true, and state law specifies that the parties must pay the filing fee. The law requires that the parties applying provide satisfactory proof that they will be at least 18 years old when the license is issued, or will be 16 and have judicial approval of the marriage, generally with the consent of the parties’ parents. The parties must also be able to provide proof that their marriage is not prohibited under state law, such as a marriage between first cousins or an uncle and a niece. Montana law does specify that the woman applying for a marriage license must submit a blood test confirming immunity to rubella, but also allows the parties of the marriage to request a waiver of the requirement after reading information about the need to ensure rubella immunity to protect any children conceived. Infection of a woman with the rubella
virus during early pregnancy can lead to complictions with the pregnancy or a variety of congenital defects, the waiver reads. The marriage must take place within 180 days of the application being completed, though there is no waiting period before the ceremony can take place, a change in former law. Previous Montana law required a threeday waiting period before the marriage could take place. Once the marriage is completed and the license issued, it is kept on record both in the county where it was filed and on the state level. Another issue people might need to remember is taken care of after the marriage: making sure any name changes are on record. If a name is changed due to marriage — such as the woman taking the family name of the husband — it is important that the change is recorded by any agencies or entities that need to know. That would include the Social Security Administration, for recording income and issuing benefits; insurance companies; bank and other financial accounts including mortgages, and making sure names — and addresses — are correct on driver’s licenses, passports and other identification, as well as any other documents or entities that require a name to be on file.
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Relaxation and Sophistication favored choices for bachelorette parties
(BPT) — As a rite of passage, the bachelorette party has long gotten a bum rap. Stereotypes persist of the bride's night-before-the-wedding gathering as a ladies-only version of the raucous bachelor party. Yet the truth is, a growing number of brides crave a tasteful, relaxing and deeply personal send-off for their single days. In fact, a relaxing getaway ranked high as an ideal bachelorette party for 59 percent of bridesto-be in the Ultimate Bridesmaids Census. Sixtyseven percent wanted dinner, dancing and time spent with their closest friends, and 23 percent wanted something non-traditional that really reflected their personal interests. "Bachelorette parties are as unique as the women they celebrate," says Michael Belot, general manager of Destination Kohler - home to AAA five-diamond and Forbes five-star hotel that hosts scores of brides, bridesmaids and weddings each year. "We're seeing an emphasis on relaxation for the bride and companionship with her friends in today's bachelorette parties. Brides want to spend their special night - and often an entire weekend - in a soothing, stressfree atmosphere before the hectic pace of their wedding day." So what are the things that brides and bridesmaids tell the Destination Kohler team they must have for their bachelorette soirees? Belot points to five in-demand elements:
1. Spa time
Derrek and Carrie Spring ~ July 11, 2015
Jeffrey and Leevie Howey ~ June 24, 2015
Whether it's a group mani-pedi, a yoga class or a lunch of delicious, healthful spa cuisine, bachelorette groups crave spa time. Parties are looking for spas that offer a comprehensive list of salon services, familiar and new massages and
4. A location "away from it all"
body treatments, and easy access to luxury accommodations. For example, at Destination Kohler, bachelorette groups often book rooms in the Carriage House, which is located above the Forbes five-star Kohler Waters Spa. Participants can spend the day in their spa robes if they choose. "Kohler Waters Spa is by far the most popular request and activity among bachelorette parties, and is often the center of the trip," says Garrett Mersberger, manager of Kohler Waters Spas. Playing to this trend, many resorts have created female-centric spa packages like the Girls Getaway.
2. Great food Forget the pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs and other de rigeur finger foods long associated with
bridal showers. Modern bachelorette groups are looking for dining options that are luxurious and delicious, or that accommodate lifestyle needs such as gluten-free or low-calorie diets. Spa fare often fits well with this preference. Resorts with multiple dining options afford bachelorette guests the opportunity to dine lightly for lunch and then enjoy a more indulgent dinner.
3. Bonding activities Hitting the bar and dancing the night away are no longer the only bonding activities for bachelorette groups. From yoga classes and golf outings to wine and chocolate pairings, bridesto-be are looking for more diverse, sophisticated activities they can do with their girlfriends.
Nearly a third of respondents in the Bridesmaid Census said they didn't want to go crazy for a bachelorette party, they just wanted to enjoy time with their friends. Perhaps it's because their lives are about to change dramatically. Maybe it's a need to reaffirm the girlfriend bond that has seen them through life's ups and downs to reach this happy point in their lives. Whatever their reasons, a growing number of brides are looking for a bachelorette experience that transports them and their closest friends far away from their daily routines. Some fulfill this wish by choosing a resort location far from home. Others may choose accommodations that are more intimate. At Destination Kohler, bachelorette parties can also opt to stay at Sandhill, the resort's luxury private cabin that sits on 350 natural acres just a 10-minute drive from the resort.
5. Personalization Twenty-three percent of surveyed brides said they wanted a bachelorette party that was deeply personal and tailored to their individual tastes and interests. For some, that's a spa experience. For others, a golf getaway. Even when they've booked a bachelorette package, brides and their bridesmaids are looking for ways the resort can customize their experience. Add-ons are popular, from spa treatments to wine tastings. Bachelorette party experiences are becoming as individual as the brides they celebrate, Belot notes. "Brides are not cookie cutter, so their bachelorette parties shouldn't be either."
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Catering: Taste test: Take the time to sample the food that will be served ■ From Page 5 secure and when payments are needed." • Budget: Figure out your food budget early, so you can get started on the menu as early as possible. "Ask (your prospective caterer) about what options are available to you," Bridalmusings.com says. "If you are on a limited budget tell your caterer what it is — ideally they should be able to provide a package to suit your needs." The site also recommends understanding what is and is not included in the price because different caterers provide different services. Davison said that about 70 percent of his catered receptions are more laid back and casual, even if the wedding is fancy. One cost-saving measure for a couple on a tight budget is to offer the food in buffet style rather than having it served by wait staff, he said. And using disposable dinnerware saves on having to pay staff clean and transport dishes and silverware. • Taste test: Take the time to sample the food that will be served, says Bridalmusings.com. Take note of the quality, style and presentation of the food and whether or not it fits the style you have in mind for your reception. • Services: Make sure you and the caterer are clear about what services you are providing and what the caterer is providing, so you have no last-minute surprises, like no silverware to eat with. The details can be worked out well in advance of your wedding reception if you start early. Having the food for your reception catered can help you save time and stress on your wedding day, and it can add to the quality of your wedding day experience.
Tips on things to look for in a catering contract: • Who: name and contact info (yours and theirs) • What: everything they’ll be providing (hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees and more) • Where: the location of your event(s) • When: date(s) and time(s) of service • How much: cost per item and delivery, set-up and clean-up fees • Receipt: the deposit paid, the balance due and payment due dates • Uh oh: cancellation policies and emergencies
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Tax tips for newly married couples (BPT) — In most parts of the country, the months of June, August, September and October are the most popular for weddings. Whether recently married or anxiously counting the days until you tie the knot, there are some important tax implications that you and your spouse can't afford to overlook. "In between the flurry of wedding planning, dress shopping and bridal showers, few engaged couples stop to think about how getting married will affect their income taxes," explained TaxAct spokesperson, Shaunna Morgan. "While it's important to understand the tax consequences, keep in mind that you can still do your own taxes. TaxAct, a leading DIY tax solution, asks simple questions about life events like marriage to guide you through the tax implications and help you get all of your deductions to maximize your refund."
Name changes Your name(s) and Social Security number(s) are critical elements of your tax return. Both identifiers must exactly match the information the Social Security Administration has on file. That means if you legally change your name after you get married, the SSA needs to know. To get a Social Security card with your new name, you'll need to provide proof of identity, such as a marriage certificate, fill out an application and either mail it or deliver it in person to
your local SSA office. You'll want to do this long before you file your income tax return.
New address If you're moving, remember to report your new address to the IRS. The fastest way to make the change is to complete Form 8822 available at www.irs.gov.
New filing status Once you've said, "I do," you'll have the option to claim one of two filing statuses on tax returns: married filing jointly or married filing separately. If you and your spouse each earn an income, consider running the numbers to determine if you have a lower combined tax by filing one way versus the other. Some tax software packages do the calculations for you so it's easier to make an informed decision when selecting a filing status. TaxAct Deluxe, for example, gives users a Joint vs. Separate Analysis report that does all the calculations on estimated refund amounts for each filing status. For many couples, married filing jointly results in lower income tax liability. Keep in mind that no matter when in the year you get married, you are considered married for the full year. Even if your big day is Dec. 31, you will have a married status in the eyes of the IRS for the entirety of that tax year.
Changing your tax withholding
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Catering: Some advance planning can help make the catering go smoothly ■ From Page 2
Any time you have a life change you should revisit your Form W-4. Getting married is definitely one of those times. If both you and your spouse work, you'll likely have a higher combined income, which may put you into a higher tax bracket. In order to ensure the right amount of withholding, you'll want to update your Form W-4.
also brings a warm, homey feel to a reception and helps family and friends feel included by giving them a chance to pitch in. On the other hand, if you have a food budget for your reception it can be worthwhile looking into having caterers do the food preparation, and even the serving, for you.
Affordable Care Act premium tax credit
Bringing in the Pros
If you or your spouse receive health insurance through a government-sponsored marketplace and receive advance payments of the premium tax credit to help offset the cost of your premiums, you'll want to review your coverage after the wedding, and notify the marketplace of your newly married status. Reporting this change will help you avoid having too much or too little premium assistance paid and ultimately, help you steer clear of owing additional money or getting a small refund when you file your taxes. If you elect to keep your coverage "as is," separate from your spouse, or wish to add your spouse to your coverage, you should notify the marketplace of your special changes in coverage. If you elect to go under your spouse's health plan, be sure to cancel your marketplace coverage. For more information, visit www.irs.gov and www.taxact.com/taxinfo.
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If you aren't having your reception at a restaurant or other facility that provides food, you can get a variety of foods and services from local caterers. Many times local restaurants and delis offer catering services. John Davison, co-owner with his wife, Julie Davison, of Wolfer’s Diner and The Lunch Box, said they can do “pretty much anything and everything.” Davison said that most people who come to him to cater wedding receptions already have a good idea of what they want and what their budget is. After initially talking to the couple, he said, he sits down and comes up with a couple meal ideas and a rough estimate of cost, then they get together again to iron out the details. He said he likes to get the catering options as close to the customers' ideal as their budget can afford. Maybe that means offering a pulled pork dish instead of a roasted pig on a rotisserie. “Costwise (the roasted pork) was very expensive,” he said. “It’s very time-consuming, very labor-intensive to do that and to maintain it. Whereas, I was actually able to do pulled pork in the end and put together the same meal, basically, at not even half the price.” It also might mean he can cook a full prime rib dinner because it costs less than the couple was anticipating. “If I can help people try to stay inexpensive, I try to do that,” he said. “Or if I get a lot of notice, I like try to shop for things so I can pass the savings on to people.” Because he can shop with different wholesalers to get good prices, Davison said, he doesn’t like to give an exact dollar amount on cost until a few weeks before the reception date. “Nine times out of 10, I actually save people money that way,” he said. As for the service provided, Davison said it’s a little more convenient for him to prepare foods at Wolfer’s and deliver them to the reception site, but he is equipped to cook on site if that’s needed or the couple wants that for the atmosphere. “We’re licensed to cater. That’s part of being licensed is that you have to have a catering plan submitted through Clay (Vincent the Hill County Sanitarian),” he said. “You have to have a way of keeping your hots hot and your colds cold. There’s all kinds of food safety stuff that you have to follow — and that’s something that we pride ourselves on.” He said he can deliver the food, or take
care of on the cooking duties on site, if that’s what the couple wants or he also has enough staff to do a full service, sit-down dinner. If the wedding couple has enough people to serve or keep watch over buffet tables, other kitchens such as Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods and Nonna's Coffee House offer a variety of food choices to pick up or have delivered. Sabrina St. Marks, deli manager at Gary & Leo’s, said they have 12 different standard tray options. They include vegetables, fruits, cold meats, cheeses, hot wings and shrimp, but the deli can prepare full meals as well. While the deli has standard prices on roast beef, ham and turkey dinner, that can be ordered with salads, dinner rolls, desserts and more, they can do specialty orders, as well, she said. Whether it’s for marinated ribs, specific salads or gourmet breads, the staff can create a menu to order. “As long as they call us in advance, we can usually get it figured out without a problem,” she said, “and I can do costs on it and call them back.” For a smaller order of standard items, such as meat and cheese trays, generally 24-hour notice is all she needs, St. Marks said, but larger orders and specialty orders need more lead time. This is especially needed in May and December, which are the deli’s busiest months. Laurie Johnson, owner of Nonna's Coffee House, which specializes in Italian cuisine, said she sees more brides looking to serve hors d'oeuvres than full meals. Though she can do either style catering, she said she prefers making full meals because they are actually less time consuming and provide more food for the customer's money. Johnson said she needs about three months lead on scheduling a catered event, and once a menu is worked out, she has a contract explaining what will be provided, which can include local delivery. See page 8 for a list of tips about catering contracts.
Bringing the plans together Some advance planning can help make the catering go smoothly. While the caterers interviewed said they can generally pull something together on short notice, they also said that advanced planning can help you with costs and with making the foods special for your wedding. A few tips can help keep the plans on track. • Availability: Wedding sites across the Internet agree that when looking for a caterer, the first question to ask to sort out those you can and cannot use is whether or not the caterer is available on the date you need. Bridalmusings.com also says to "be sure to understand at what point your date becomes n See Catering Page 8
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The Morehouse Wedding
By Paul Dragu, Havre Daily News
When Misty Mercedes and Jason Morehouse got together, they literally created more house. Misty added four children to Jason’s three, and, together, they bought a larger house in North Havre that they completely remodeled, ending up with five rooms instead of the original three. Misty and Jason bought their house in May. They liked its potential. Before moving in, the couple got down and dirty and made adjustments. The idea for the modifications, Misty said, was born on a “little, bitty, tiny sheet of paper” on which she scribbled ideas for a new floor plan. Afterward, Jason, who is in construction, took the ideas and ran with them. Gone was the pink living room carpet. Gone was the blue kitchen carpet. “There was even carpet in the bathroom,” Jason said. That too was ripped out. Jason tore down walls and raised others elsewhere. The popcorn testure on the ceiling was taken out. Beams, roof support and windows
were added in the house. Some windows were walled. Sheetrock was thrown up. Texture was added. One bathroom got three additional feet. Some rooms got doors. Other doors got the shaft. The basement living room became two spacious bedrooms. The laundry room stayed large, Jason made sure to say. And there was paint. Lots of paint, on new and old walls. “We opened up the walls to the kitchen. The living spaces upstairs are really nice — it’s exactly what I wanted. It’s beautiful,” Misty said, smiling. The original plan was to be married some time this year. Misty credits pressure from friends for their November 2015 wedding. Jason and Misty's wedding happened in the backyard of their recently revamped home. Two groups of foldout chairs were set up on the lush grass with two rows hay bales lined in front of both sides. A white gazebo, with a little music stand pulpit, stood in the front, where the bride and groom
were married by the bride’s father. “My dad walked me down the aisle and married me. It was really special to me,” Misty said. Another family member to participate was Misty’s 15-year-old daughter, who provided the music. Misty's daughter played the wedding song on her flute, and afterward, she made sure the iPod continued cranking music through the attached speakers. Jason and Misty had a backup plan if the Montana weather were uncooperative. The wedding would be moved into the large shop where the reception was scheduled to be held no matter the weather. But the weather was perfect. Nobody got wet. Nobody was cold. “It was nice and warm. I was wearing a sleeveless shirt,” Misty said. In congruence with the simple and intimate theme, the food was provided by the guests. Each of the 40 or so guests brought their best dish. And there was plenty of food to go around, Jason and Misty said.
Jason and Misty Morehouse November 1, 2015
Courtesy Photos
The cake was the only food ordered from a professional. It was a two-tiered cake veneered in white icing with sunflowers on one side. Only one thing went wrong. Misty's dear friend, who happened to put up most of the decorations for the wedding, showed up an hour late. She simply misunderstood the starting time. “She walked in and we were all eating. She almost cried because she missed the wedding,” Misty said. Jason and Misty have yet to go on a honeymoon. Given their Brady Bunch-like circumstances, taking time alone, say for a honeymoon, is about as easy as Misty said it is
cook something that everyone will like. Misty and Jason said, though, they are planning to go on a delayed honeymoon. Misty said she has been thinking about going on a cruise to some place warm and, while they're at it, during a season when it's cold in Montana. Jason, on the other hand, was unaware there was a delayed honeymoon in the making until doing the interview. But he was not opposed to the idea, and said he's fine with tagging along. —— For more on honeymoon travel, see page 11.
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The Morehouse Wedding
By Paul Dragu, Havre Daily News
When Misty Mercedes and Jason Morehouse got together, they literally created more house. Misty added four children to Jason’s three, and, together, they bought a larger house in North Havre that they completely remodeled, ending up with five rooms instead of the original three. Misty and Jason bought their house in May. They liked its potential. Before moving in, the couple got down and dirty and made adjustments. The idea for the modifications, Misty said, was born on a “little, bitty, tiny sheet of paper” on which she scribbled ideas for a new floor plan. Afterward, Jason, who is in construction, took the ideas and ran with them. Gone was the pink living room carpet. Gone was the blue kitchen carpet. “There was even carpet in the bathroom,” Jason said. That too was ripped out. Jason tore down walls and raised others elsewhere. The popcorn testure on the ceiling was taken out. Beams, roof support and windows
were added in the house. Some windows were walled. Sheetrock was thrown up. Texture was added. One bathroom got three additional feet. Some rooms got doors. Other doors got the shaft. The basement living room became two spacious bedrooms. The laundry room stayed large, Jason made sure to say. And there was paint. Lots of paint, on new and old walls. “We opened up the walls to the kitchen. The living spaces upstairs are really nice — it’s exactly what I wanted. It’s beautiful,” Misty said, smiling. The original plan was to be married some time this year. Misty credits pressure from friends for their November 2015 wedding. Jason and Misty's wedding happened in the backyard of their recently revamped home. Two groups of foldout chairs were set up on the lush grass with two rows hay bales lined in front of both sides. A white gazebo, with a little music stand pulpit, stood in the front, where the bride and groom
were married by the bride’s father. “My dad walked me down the aisle and married me. It was really special to me,” Misty said. Another family member to participate was Misty’s 15-year-old daughter, who provided the music. Misty's daughter played the wedding song on her flute, and afterward, she made sure the iPod continued cranking music through the attached speakers. Jason and Misty had a backup plan if the Montana weather were uncooperative. The wedding would be moved into the large shop where the reception was scheduled to be held no matter the weather. But the weather was perfect. Nobody got wet. Nobody was cold. “It was nice and warm. I was wearing a sleeveless shirt,” Misty said. In congruence with the simple and intimate theme, the food was provided by the guests. Each of the 40 or so guests brought their best dish. And there was plenty of food to go around, Jason and Misty said.
Jason and Misty Morehouse November 1, 2015
Courtesy Photos
The cake was the only food ordered from a professional. It was a two-tiered cake veneered in white icing with sunflowers on one side. Only one thing went wrong. Misty's dear friend, who happened to put up most of the decorations for the wedding, showed up an hour late. She simply misunderstood the starting time. “She walked in and we were all eating. She almost cried because she missed the wedding,” Misty said. Jason and Misty have yet to go on a honeymoon. Given their Brady Bunch-like circumstances, taking time alone, say for a honeymoon, is about as easy as Misty said it is
cook something that everyone will like. Misty and Jason said, though, they are planning to go on a delayed honeymoon. Misty said she has been thinking about going on a cruise to some place warm and, while they're at it, during a season when it's cold in Montana. Jason, on the other hand, was unaware there was a delayed honeymoon in the making until doing the interview. But he was not opposed to the idea, and said he's fine with tagging along. —— For more on honeymoon travel, see page 11.
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Catering: Taste test: Take the time to sample the food that will be served ■ From Page 5 secure and when payments are needed." • Budget: Figure out your food budget early, so you can get started on the menu as early as possible. "Ask (your prospective caterer) about what options are available to you," Bridalmusings.com says. "If you are on a limited budget tell your caterer what it is — ideally they should be able to provide a package to suit your needs." The site also recommends understanding what is and is not included in the price because different caterers provide different services. Davison said that about 70 percent of his catered receptions are more laid back and casual, even if the wedding is fancy. One cost-saving measure for a couple on a tight budget is to offer the food in buffet style rather than having it served by wait staff, he said. And using disposable dinnerware saves on having to pay staff clean and transport dishes and silverware. • Taste test: Take the time to sample the food that will be served, says Bridalmusings.com. Take note of the quality, style and presentation of the food and whether or not it fits the style you have in mind for your reception. • Services: Make sure you and the caterer are clear about what services you are providing and what the caterer is providing, so you have no last-minute surprises, like no silverware to eat with. The details can be worked out well in advance of your wedding reception if you start early. Having the food for your reception catered can help you save time and stress on your wedding day, and it can add to the quality of your wedding day experience.
Tips on things to look for in a catering contract: • Who: name and contact info (yours and theirs) • What: everything they’ll be providing (hors d’oeuvres, salads, entrees and more) • Where: the location of your event(s) • When: date(s) and time(s) of service • How much: cost per item and delivery, set-up and clean-up fees • Receipt: the deposit paid, the balance due and payment due dates • Uh oh: cancellation policies and emergencies
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Tax tips for newly married couples (BPT) — In most parts of the country, the months of June, August, September and October are the most popular for weddings. Whether recently married or anxiously counting the days until you tie the knot, there are some important tax implications that you and your spouse can't afford to overlook. "In between the flurry of wedding planning, dress shopping and bridal showers, few engaged couples stop to think about how getting married will affect their income taxes," explained TaxAct spokesperson, Shaunna Morgan. "While it's important to understand the tax consequences, keep in mind that you can still do your own taxes. TaxAct, a leading DIY tax solution, asks simple questions about life events like marriage to guide you through the tax implications and help you get all of your deductions to maximize your refund."
Name changes Your name(s) and Social Security number(s) are critical elements of your tax return. Both identifiers must exactly match the information the Social Security Administration has on file. That means if you legally change your name after you get married, the SSA needs to know. To get a Social Security card with your new name, you'll need to provide proof of identity, such as a marriage certificate, fill out an application and either mail it or deliver it in person to
your local SSA office. You'll want to do this long before you file your income tax return.
New address If you're moving, remember to report your new address to the IRS. The fastest way to make the change is to complete Form 8822 available at www.irs.gov.
New filing status Once you've said, "I do," you'll have the option to claim one of two filing statuses on tax returns: married filing jointly or married filing separately. If you and your spouse each earn an income, consider running the numbers to determine if you have a lower combined tax by filing one way versus the other. Some tax software packages do the calculations for you so it's easier to make an informed decision when selecting a filing status. TaxAct Deluxe, for example, gives users a Joint vs. Separate Analysis report that does all the calculations on estimated refund amounts for each filing status. For many couples, married filing jointly results in lower income tax liability. Keep in mind that no matter when in the year you get married, you are considered married for the full year. Even if your big day is Dec. 31, you will have a married status in the eyes of the IRS for the entirety of that tax year.
Changing your tax withholding
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Catering: Some advance planning can help make the catering go smoothly ■ From Page 2
Any time you have a life change you should revisit your Form W-4. Getting married is definitely one of those times. If both you and your spouse work, you'll likely have a higher combined income, which may put you into a higher tax bracket. In order to ensure the right amount of withholding, you'll want to update your Form W-4.
also brings a warm, homey feel to a reception and helps family and friends feel included by giving them a chance to pitch in. On the other hand, if you have a food budget for your reception it can be worthwhile looking into having caterers do the food preparation, and even the serving, for you.
Affordable Care Act premium tax credit
Bringing in the Pros
If you or your spouse receive health insurance through a government-sponsored marketplace and receive advance payments of the premium tax credit to help offset the cost of your premiums, you'll want to review your coverage after the wedding, and notify the marketplace of your newly married status. Reporting this change will help you avoid having too much or too little premium assistance paid and ultimately, help you steer clear of owing additional money or getting a small refund when you file your taxes. If you elect to keep your coverage "as is," separate from your spouse, or wish to add your spouse to your coverage, you should notify the marketplace of your special changes in coverage. If you elect to go under your spouse's health plan, be sure to cancel your marketplace coverage. For more information, visit www.irs.gov and www.taxact.com/taxinfo.
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If you aren't having your reception at a restaurant or other facility that provides food, you can get a variety of foods and services from local caterers. Many times local restaurants and delis offer catering services. John Davison, co-owner with his wife, Julie Davison, of Wolfer’s Diner and The Lunch Box, said they can do “pretty much anything and everything.” Davison said that most people who come to him to cater wedding receptions already have a good idea of what they want and what their budget is. After initially talking to the couple, he said, he sits down and comes up with a couple meal ideas and a rough estimate of cost, then they get together again to iron out the details. He said he likes to get the catering options as close to the customers' ideal as their budget can afford. Maybe that means offering a pulled pork dish instead of a roasted pig on a rotisserie. “Costwise (the roasted pork) was very expensive,” he said. “It’s very time-consuming, very labor-intensive to do that and to maintain it. Whereas, I was actually able to do pulled pork in the end and put together the same meal, basically, at not even half the price.” It also might mean he can cook a full prime rib dinner because it costs less than the couple was anticipating. “If I can help people try to stay inexpensive, I try to do that,” he said. “Or if I get a lot of notice, I like try to shop for things so I can pass the savings on to people.” Because he can shop with different wholesalers to get good prices, Davison said, he doesn’t like to give an exact dollar amount on cost until a few weeks before the reception date. “Nine times out of 10, I actually save people money that way,” he said. As for the service provided, Davison said it’s a little more convenient for him to prepare foods at Wolfer’s and deliver them to the reception site, but he is equipped to cook on site if that’s needed or the couple wants that for the atmosphere. “We’re licensed to cater. That’s part of being licensed is that you have to have a catering plan submitted through Clay (Vincent the Hill County Sanitarian),” he said. “You have to have a way of keeping your hots hot and your colds cold. There’s all kinds of food safety stuff that you have to follow — and that’s something that we pride ourselves on.” He said he can deliver the food, or take
care of on the cooking duties on site, if that’s what the couple wants or he also has enough staff to do a full service, sit-down dinner. If the wedding couple has enough people to serve or keep watch over buffet tables, other kitchens such as Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods and Nonna's Coffee House offer a variety of food choices to pick up or have delivered. Sabrina St. Marks, deli manager at Gary & Leo’s, said they have 12 different standard tray options. They include vegetables, fruits, cold meats, cheeses, hot wings and shrimp, but the deli can prepare full meals as well. While the deli has standard prices on roast beef, ham and turkey dinner, that can be ordered with salads, dinner rolls, desserts and more, they can do specialty orders, as well, she said. Whether it’s for marinated ribs, specific salads or gourmet breads, the staff can create a menu to order. “As long as they call us in advance, we can usually get it figured out without a problem,” she said, “and I can do costs on it and call them back.” For a smaller order of standard items, such as meat and cheese trays, generally 24-hour notice is all she needs, St. Marks said, but larger orders and specialty orders need more lead time. This is especially needed in May and December, which are the deli’s busiest months. Laurie Johnson, owner of Nonna's Coffee House, which specializes in Italian cuisine, said she sees more brides looking to serve hors d'oeuvres than full meals. Though she can do either style catering, she said she prefers making full meals because they are actually less time consuming and provide more food for the customer's money. Johnson said she needs about three months lead on scheduling a catered event, and once a menu is worked out, she has a contract explaining what will be provided, which can include local delivery. See page 8 for a list of tips about catering contracts.
Bringing the plans together Some advance planning can help make the catering go smoothly. While the caterers interviewed said they can generally pull something together on short notice, they also said that advanced planning can help you with costs and with making the foods special for your wedding. A few tips can help keep the plans on track. • Availability: Wedding sites across the Internet agree that when looking for a caterer, the first question to ask to sort out those you can and cannot use is whether or not the caterer is available on the date you need. Bridalmusings.com also says to "be sure to understand at what point your date becomes n See Catering Page 8
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Relaxation and Sophistication favored choices for bachelorette parties
(BPT) — As a rite of passage, the bachelorette party has long gotten a bum rap. Stereotypes persist of the bride's night-before-the-wedding gathering as a ladies-only version of the raucous bachelor party. Yet the truth is, a growing number of brides crave a tasteful, relaxing and deeply personal send-off for their single days. In fact, a relaxing getaway ranked high as an ideal bachelorette party for 59 percent of bridesto-be in the Ultimate Bridesmaids Census. Sixtyseven percent wanted dinner, dancing and time spent with their closest friends, and 23 percent wanted something non-traditional that really reflected their personal interests. "Bachelorette parties are as unique as the women they celebrate," says Michael Belot, general manager of Destination Kohler - home to AAA five-diamond and Forbes five-star hotel that hosts scores of brides, bridesmaids and weddings each year. "We're seeing an emphasis on relaxation for the bride and companionship with her friends in today's bachelorette parties. Brides want to spend their special night - and often an entire weekend - in a soothing, stressfree atmosphere before the hectic pace of their wedding day." So what are the things that brides and bridesmaids tell the Destination Kohler team they must have for their bachelorette soirees? Belot points to five in-demand elements:
1. Spa time
Derrek and Carrie Spring ~ July 11, 2015
Jeffrey and Leevie Howey ~ June 24, 2015
Whether it's a group mani-pedi, a yoga class or a lunch of delicious, healthful spa cuisine, bachelorette groups crave spa time. Parties are looking for spas that offer a comprehensive list of salon services, familiar and new massages and
4. A location "away from it all"
body treatments, and easy access to luxury accommodations. For example, at Destination Kohler, bachelorette groups often book rooms in the Carriage House, which is located above the Forbes five-star Kohler Waters Spa. Participants can spend the day in their spa robes if they choose. "Kohler Waters Spa is by far the most popular request and activity among bachelorette parties, and is often the center of the trip," says Garrett Mersberger, manager of Kohler Waters Spas. Playing to this trend, many resorts have created female-centric spa packages like the Girls Getaway.
2. Great food Forget the pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs and other de rigeur finger foods long associated with
bridal showers. Modern bachelorette groups are looking for dining options that are luxurious and delicious, or that accommodate lifestyle needs such as gluten-free or low-calorie diets. Spa fare often fits well with this preference. Resorts with multiple dining options afford bachelorette guests the opportunity to dine lightly for lunch and then enjoy a more indulgent dinner.
3. Bonding activities Hitting the bar and dancing the night away are no longer the only bonding activities for bachelorette groups. From yoga classes and golf outings to wine and chocolate pairings, bridesto-be are looking for more diverse, sophisticated activities they can do with their girlfriends.
Nearly a third of respondents in the Bridesmaid Census said they didn't want to go crazy for a bachelorette party, they just wanted to enjoy time with their friends. Perhaps it's because their lives are about to change dramatically. Maybe it's a need to reaffirm the girlfriend bond that has seen them through life's ups and downs to reach this happy point in their lives. Whatever their reasons, a growing number of brides are looking for a bachelorette experience that transports them and their closest friends far away from their daily routines. Some fulfill this wish by choosing a resort location far from home. Others may choose accommodations that are more intimate. At Destination Kohler, bachelorette parties can also opt to stay at Sandhill, the resort's luxury private cabin that sits on 350 natural acres just a 10-minute drive from the resort.
5. Personalization Twenty-three percent of surveyed brides said they wanted a bachelorette party that was deeply personal and tailored to their individual tastes and interests. For some, that's a spa experience. For others, a golf getaway. Even when they've booked a bachelorette package, brides and their bridesmaids are looking for ways the resort can customize their experience. Add-ons are popular, from spa treatments to wine tastings. Bachelorette party experiences are becoming as individual as the brides they celebrate, Belot notes. "Brides are not cookie cutter, so their bachelorette parties shouldn't be either."
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After the Wedding Checklist o Return all rented tuxedoes. o Return all rented equipment. o Return all borrowed accessories. o Write thank-you cards. o Preserve your bridal bouquet. o Send your wedding gown to the cleaners and have it sealed in a vacuum bag or box. o Decide on filing taxes jointly or separately, and update your tax forms at work.
o Add your spouse to your employer's health insurance. o Make your spouse the beneficiary of any retirement and 401(k) plans. o Purchase life insurance. o Start financial planning and consider meeting with an accountant and financial advisor for strategies that fit your goals as a married couple.
Name Change Check List o SOCIAL SECURITY CARD o DRIVER'S LICENSE o PASSPORT o BANK ACCOUNTS o CREDIT CARDS o SAFE DEPOSIT BOX o INVESTMENTS o LOANS o WILL o PROPERTY TITLES o UTILITY COMPANIES
o POST OFFICE o MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS o CAR REGISTRATION o INSURANCE POLICIES o VOTER REGISTRATION o DOCTORS o DENTIST o EMPLOYEE RECORDS o SCHOOL RECORDS o CLUB MEMBERSHIPS o ANYONE WHO BILLS YOU
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How to Publish Your
Engagement & Wedding Announcement In The Havre Daily News
Use this guide to help you format your announcement to be published on Fridays in the Havre Daily News Community section. Deadline is 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the requested Friday publication.
Engagement announcement suggested content: Full name of bride-to-be and groom-to-be, bride's parents' names and city, groom's parents' names and city, bride's education and year(s) of graduation, bride's employment and city, groom's education and year(s) of graduation, groom's employment and city, wedding date and location, couple's future home city.
Wedding announcement suggested content: Full maiden name of bride, full name of groom, noting if the bride is keeping her maiden name; wedding date, time and location; bride's and groom's parents' names and city; first and last name and title of officiant; name and city of maid or matron of honor, of best man; name and city of bridesmaids and groomsmen, flower girl, ringbearer, candlelighters, ushers and musicians; location of reception and hosts; bride's and groom's education and year(s) of graduation; bride's and groom's employer and city; honeymoon location; and couple's new home city.
Call 406-265-6795 with any questions or for more info. You may submit your photo and announcement these ways: Deliver in person: 119 Second Street, Havre, MT 59501 Email: smantle@havredailynews.com Mail: P.O. Box 431, Havre, MT 59501 Fax: 406-265-6798
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How to file for a marriage in Montana
By Tim Leeds, Havre Daily News
One part of the often-lengthy planning in holding a wedding has fairly simple requirements in Montana: to receive a marriage license, people need to fill out an application with a clerk of District Court in the state, swear the information is true, pay the $53 fee and either have a blood test completed or sign a waiver of that requirement, then get married within six months. The only major change this year is the ruling by federal courts that same-sex marriage is legal in Montana. The requirements are still all the same. On the state application, everything is gender neutral and now refers to applicants as spouse 1 and spouse 2. While people in Montana can have a common-law marriage, going through the official steps can save some trouble later on. Commonlaw marriages result from actions of a couple — typically living together as husband and wife while of legal age and not being legally married to someone else — holding themselves forth as a married couple and having an agreement to be married, says a brochure by Montana Legal Services Association. But common-law marriages have been known to cause troubles with applying for or receiving insurance or Social Security benefits and other issues because of a lack of a license to prove a marriage exists.
In Montana, people also can be married without a ceremony by filing a written declaration of marriage with a clerk of court. Even that could cause problems depending on whether it would be recognized under rules in other states, including by insurance companies. The requirements in Montana to apply for a marriage license are fairly simple and straightforward. Residents of the state don’t even have to apply for marriage in the county where the ceremony will be performed. A license issued in Hill County, for example, can be used in any Montana county. If neither party to the marriage is a resident of the state, Montana Code Annotated says that the license may be obtained from the clerk of court in the county where the ceremony will be performed. If one person is a nonresident, that person’s section of the application may be completed before an official authorized to accept such applications in the county and state where the party resides, the law states. The application is fairly simple, requiring information including the names of the par-
ties, their residence and address, names of the parents and their birthplaces, race, education and information about any previous marriage and its termination. The participants are required to swear under oath that the information provided is true, and state law specifies that the parties must pay the filing fee. The law requires that the parties applying provide satisfactory proof that they will be at least 18 years old when the license is issued, or will be 16 and have judicial approval of the marriage, generally with the consent of the parties’ parents. The parties must also be able to provide proof that their marriage is not prohibited under state law, such as a marriage between first cousins or an uncle and a niece. Montana law does specify that the woman applying for a marriage license must submit a blood test confirming immunity to rubella, but also allows the parties of the marriage to request a waiver of the requirement after reading information about the need to ensure rubella immunity to protect any children conceived. Infection of a woman with the rubella
virus during early pregnancy can lead to complictions with the pregnancy or a variety of congenital defects, the waiver reads. The marriage must take place within 180 days of the application being completed, though there is no waiting period before the ceremony can take place, a change in former law. Previous Montana law required a threeday waiting period before the marriage could take place. Once the marriage is completed and the license issued, it is kept on record both in the county where it was filed and on the state level. Another issue people might need to remember is taken care of after the marriage: making sure any name changes are on record. If a name is changed due to marriage — such as the woman taking the family name of the husband — it is important that the change is recorded by any agencies or entities that need to know. That would include the Social Security Administration, for recording income and issuing benefits; insurance companies; bank and other financial accounts including mortgages, and making sure names — and addresses — are correct on driver’s licenses, passports and other identification, as well as any other documents or entities that require a name to be on file.
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Catering to your Taste
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Honeymoon Travel Talk By Paul Dragu, Havre Daily News
The most commonly desired honeymoon destinations are warm, said Magic Carpet Travel travel agent Teresa Brown and Lelok Travel travel agent Alex Herrig. “Brides like warm beaches — Hawaii, Cabo, Cancun, the Carribean,” Brown said. Herrig added Jamaica and Costa Rica to the list of popular honeymoon destinations. And, yes, when it comes to chosing honeymoon destinations, the brides are usually more invested than the grooms, Brown said. Other popular honeymoon destinations are in Europe, Paris and London especially, Brown added. Many couples stay within the 48-state region for their honeymoon, Las Vegas and various places in Florida being some of the more popular choices. As for popular honeymoon destinations which aren't renowned for beaches and
By Pam Burke, Havre Daily News
After the wedding ceremony is complete — the aisle walked, the I-do’s said and the bird seed thrown — it’s time for the celebration to begin. Food at a reception, whether in a full meal or finger foods, is a longstanding, post-ceremony tradition, and a good place to get assistance from others to take some of the wedding preparation work off the couple.
Keeping it Simple In rural areas like north-central Montana where the bride and groom can’t just look through the yellow pages to get a list of wedding planners to help make arrangements, you can still rely on family, friends and some online research to create the perfect reception. Websites from W ikihow to MarthaStewart.com, Pinterest and a plethora of wedding-specific sites offer a wealth of ideas, then it’s up
to you to match those ideas to your style and your budget. If you are on a tight budget, the time of day you have your wedding can save you money, says NBCNews. com. A wedding and reception planned for mid-afternoon could have coffee, punch and light snacks such as nuts, candies and, if your budget allows, cold cuts, cheese and crackers. A mid-morning reception could have brunch foods: fresh fruits with sweet dips, pancakes, sausages and juice. A cost-saving idea for couples who want to give guests a meal and who are expecting a large turnout from local family and friends, is to enlist their help in preparing and bringing food as their wedding gift. This is how Misty and Jason Morehouse of Havre fed guests at their November 2015 wedding. A buffet of home-cooked foods n See Catering Page 5
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extreme heat, Brown said, Alaskan summer cruises are popular. “That's a honeymoon the guys really like,” she said. “There's hiking, fishing — halibut and salmon — glacier watching and whale watching.” The appeal for the ladies is that the Alaskan cruises offer “fabulous” restaurants, spas on board and nightly entertainment such as comedy and traveling Broadway shows, she added. Lastly, Brown said that many couples honeymoon in some of the great destinations Montana offers — Glacier National Park, Whitefish, Chico Hot Springs. And while a good number of honeymoons are taken in the summer, Havre being a farming and ranching town plays a role in inspiring some couples to wait until winter months to take theirs. It's also a good excuse to escape the Montana cold and enjoy warm weather.
Courtesy Photos
Jack Teske & Caitlin Harbolt ~ December 19, 2015
Justin & Tiana Boyce ~ June 13, 2015
Laura & Andrew Bradshaw ~ June 13, 2015
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Tony and Cortney Filler ~ July 4, 2015
Rob and Deserae Kelley ~ February 27, 2015