Montana Bride 2015 issue

... 2 ...

-3-

... 3 ...

Contents Montana Bride 2015

Number 14

The Little Things

Featured Weddings Brynne & Dustin.................................................................................. 14

Welcome.........................................................................................................6

Melyssa & Nick.................................................................................... 18

Any Way You Cut It, Cake Makes People Happy............................. 34

Ashley & John....................................................................................... 22

Rock 'n Roll Bridesmaids........................................................................ 42

Samantha & Riley................................................................................ 26

Montana Married...................................................................................... 56

Kelsey & Jason...................................................................................... 30

Local Cheers............................................................................................... 68

Margo & Ethan..................................................................................... 38 Melissa & Jeremy................................................................................. 48 Cassie & Darrin.................................................................................... 52 Ashley & Zack...................................................................................... 60

The Buff Bride............................................................................................ 82 Fashion Under the Big Sky.................................................................... 90 Katalin Loves............................................................................................158

Planning

Jen & Caleb............................................................................................ 64 Antonia & Rance.................................................................................. 72 Dina & Kenneth................................................................................... 78

Timeline.....................................................................................................148

Helen & Matt........................................................................................ 86

Wedding Budget......................................................................................150

Jorand & Brad........................................................................................ 98

Music..........................................................................................................152

Wendy & Abby................................................................................... 102

Make It Legal............................................................................................153

Jennifer & Dax.................................................................................... 108

Happily Ever After..................................................................................154

Dani & Alex......................................................................................... 114

Advertisers Guide....................................................................................156

Katie & Dave........................................................................................ 120 Jill & Shawn......................................................................................... 126

For more on our features or on Montana weddings follow us on:

Britney & Kenny................................................................................ 130 Olivia & Cole....................................................................................... 134 Kierst & Davey.................................................................................... 138

MontanaBride.blogspot.com

Meaghan & Jake................................................................................. 142

Feature your wedding in Montana Bride! Submit your wedding: MontanaBride.com ... 4 ...

Cover Photo Model: Stephanie Quayle Photographer: Arnica Spring Styled by Katalin Green Gown: Augusta Jones Bridal Hair Piece: Elizabeth Bower Ring: Gem Gallery Hair: Amber Wesen / Lux Hair Studio Make Up: Yvonne Reddy Gypsy Vanner: Diva Horse Owner / Trainer: Connie Sparks Location: Private Ranch, Paradise Valley, Montana

... 5 ...

Welcome A note from the Editor in Chief Katalin Green

heart. Even after 20 years, I stand in wonder unable at times to fully comprehend the scope of the beauty, as amazed by the almost unimaginable grace of this place as I was the first time I experienced it.

Congratulations! He popped the question and you said YES! Now it’s time to start the journey to saying “I Do” in Montana, and we are here to help. We’ve been going over weddings from around the state, interviewing some of our finest vendors and working with some amazingly talented individuals to put together the 2015 issue of Montana Bride Magazine. Not to toot our own horn, but we have to say… it’s fabulous! So sit back, enjoy and let’s get down to some planning. You’re getting married to the most awesome guy ever, and you’re going to say “I Do” in Montana!

You’re going to be a Montana Bride!

Weddings are a moment in time, surrounded by the people you love. Montana offers a place to wrap that moment in a setting fitting for such a special day. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, and thank you for picking Montana—a place where style meets the real west. Congratulations on being a Montana Bride. We are looking forward to meeting you and sharing our love for this place that is so close to our hearts.

This year, we’re bringing you 23 real Montana weddings from around the state. We had so many beautiful weddings submitted; editing them down to the final selection was the hardest part of putting together this issue. In fact this year, we had 22 slotted but ended up adding space for one more. It seems to get more difficult every year. From backyards to mountaintops, family ranches to five star resorts, but all under the same Big Sky that defines Montana. It’s a place that draws people with its beauty, history, authenticity and soul. Montana is the real west, still wide open and inviting. Rugged in its beauty with a spirit that draws you in, Montana is a place you can’t help but hold in your

Regards,

Katalin Green Editor in Chief

katalin green event design

... 6 ...

About our cover model Stephanie Quayle grew up in Bozeman MT. As her music career advanced, she moved to Nashville to pursue her dream of becoming a country music singer/songwriter. Her second release as a Rebel Engine recording artist brought her another step closer to that dream with national radio play and recognition of her single, Sugar High, on CMT.com. Stephanie splits her time between Nashville and Montana where she is planning her wedding while working on her next album, "Meant For You" set to release Spring 2015.

For more music and videos check out Stephaniequayle.com

... 7 ...

Special Thanks

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Stephanie Quayle & David Couch. Brian Farrell, Roper Green, Brett Conner, Hunter Green, Hannah Green, Mindy Karl, Lily Barone and LaVonne Stucky Š Montana Bride Inc. 406-587-2520 www.montanabride.com No portion of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Montana Bride Inc. All information contained here is the express opinion of the publisher. All rights reserved.

... 8 ...

... 9 ...

... 1 0 ...

... 1 1 ...

... 1 2 ...

... 1 3 ...

Brynne Dustin

Martin City, Montana Brynne and Dustin met a few weeks before she was leaving for France to work as a hiking guide. Her authentic Montana beauty struck Dustin, and they hit it off immediately, spending as much time together as they could before she left for a year abroad. As she left, he couldn’t imagine not seeing her for a year and wasn’t about to let an ocean stand in his way. So he sold his computer on eBay and bought a plane ticket to France. Although the decision seemed erratic to almost everyone who knew them, it made perfect sense to Brynne and Dustin. He stood in the Gare Montparnasse train station in Paris waiting for Brynne to get off the train from Toulouse. The second he saw her emerge from her train, he knew he had made the best decision of his life. They spent two weeks traveling to the beaches of Normandy, visiting friends in Switzerland and they spent New Year’s Eve under the Eiffel Tower with a bottle of champagne. Dustin begrudgingly retuned to Montana while Brynne

Montana Bride

retuned to work in France. But the spark was lit, and they haven’t left each other’s side since she returned to the States.

Their time in France was only the beginning of their adventures together. During seven years of dating they have embarked on adventures across the globe, experiencing new cultures and places together. On the sixth anniversary of their meeting, Dustin proposed to Brynne in San Francisco at sunset on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

As they began their next chapter in Kalispell, they planned a fiesta to bring together family and friends to celebrate their wedding. On a beautiful September day they promised to continue their adventures and vowed to be with each other for each rising and setting of the sun, no matter where it may be.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 4 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Greener Visuals Rehearsal Dinner: Truby’s Fine Food & Spirits Ceremony Venue: Abbott Homestead, Martin City Florist: Memories in Blossom Catering: Porteus BBQ Cakes & Desserts: Family & Friends Bar Service: Crush Lounge DJ: Sidecar Audio Rentals: Barndoor Rentals Hair & Makeup: Reecia’s Dress Designer: J-Crew Tuxedo: Vest made by Bride’s uncle for her parent’s wedding Rings: Hers- Alexis Russell, NY. His- Grandfather’s ring Officiant: Justin Harkins, friend of groom

... 1 5 ...

... 1 6 ...

... 1 7 ...

Melyssa Nick

Whitefish, Montana We went to Whitefish on a mini getaway. Nick was driving me nuts!

He just seemed so on edge, and a few times I almost said, “What is your problem?” Now, I’m so glad I didn’t. We went for a little walk along Whitefish Lake before we had dinner, which was when he proposed.

We had some spectators from the condos at the lodge that hollered, “Say yes!” and cheered when I did.

The wedding weekend began with a whitewater rafting trip, which was a “must” since many of our guests were traveling from outside of Montana. Everyone had the best time rafting down the Flathead River.

Our wedding was on Saturday at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake with an outdoor ceremony under the pavilion. In Montana anyone can officiate your wedding, even if they were ordained online, so we decided to have my grandfather marry us. It was very meaningful for us to have someone who knew us so well and was able to share his love through that personal connection. Plus, we really considered it an honor to receive

Montana Bride

marriage advice and blessings from someone who has been married over 50 years. Following the ceremony there were lawn games, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres outside on the lawn overlooking Whitefish Lake. Later that evening, everyone moved inside for a lovely dinner provided by The Lodge and a fun-filled night of dancing.

We had so many nieces, nephews and other little children attending our wedding, we wanted them to be included in the reception. We thought a photo booth would be just the way to do this. It turned out to be really fun and gave us many funny memories—everyone loved it!

Advice My advice to future brides is to cherish and enjoy your wedding weekend. I have some of the best memories spending my wedding day talking and laughing with my sisters and best friends while we were getting ready for the wedding.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Jennifer Mooney Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Craggy Range - Whitefish, Montana Ceremony & Reception: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Wedding Planner: Always Planning Florist: Mum’s Flowers Catering: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Cakes & Desserts: Delectable Catering Bar Service: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake Photo Booth: Epic Photo Booth DJ: Sidecar Audio Sound & Lighting: Sidecar Audio Hair Kim Carpenter with Skin Envy Day Spa Makeup: Ashley Dunkelberger Wedding Dress-Designer: Mori Lee Veil / Accessories: Sara Gabriel Veil, Nadri Jewelry Gown Shop: Eskay Bridal Tuxedo Rentals: Mimi’s Bridal Invitations: Kelsey Carlson Morrison Officiant: Lynn Williams (Grandfather) Other: String Trio Violinist - Jeff Iams

... 1 9 ...

... 2 0 ...

... 2 1 ...

Ashley John

Big Sky, Montana We met when were 10 and 11 at a summer swim team league in Roundup, Montana. He was from Glasgow and I was from Glendive, but our teams would compete in small towns all over Eastern Montana. The teams hosted a dance each Saturday night, so we spent many weekends together from those early ages until early high school. We both attended college at the University of Montana and dated there, but John finished his education in New Mexico. While we kept in touch, we were very far apart, so when John visited Las Vegas, where I had relocated for school, we reconnected. We realized the spark was as strong as ever, so we figured it was time to act on it permanently.

The Wedding Our wedding was magical. I can’t think of any other way to describe it.

Friends and family arrived throughout the week before the wedding. We enjoyed dinners, a bachelor float trip, a girl’s spa day, hiking, barbeques and even a whitewater raft trip. I loved the community feel of Big Sky and bumping into our friends and family everywhere we went.

The day was spectacular even though there had been rain the week prior. String music greeted the guests as they arrived at the pavilion tent.

John looked so handsome, but his favorite part was watching me come

Montana Bride

down the aisle. It was such a great moment to turn and see all the people who are important to us gathered around for our ceremony. We kept the ceremony short and sweet. A song from John’s very talented brother and the poem Carrie Bradshaw wrote in the Sex in the City movie were the perfect special touches.

The reception was a perfect mix of all the people we love. A relative who could not be there surprised us with a touching video. The toasts were all great, with an especially touching and funny speech from my maid of honor. But the best part was the dancing. We have some talented dancers in the family who brought their A game to the wedding, and everyone else brought their love of a good time. Our friends had decorated our room with candy since we had been on the Paleo diet for the wedding. It was hard for us to call it an evening. When you put that many people you love in the same room, it’s something you don’t want to end.

Advice My best advice is that while the wedding might not be perfect, it will still be magical. To keep your sanity, don’t fuss over the little details that don’t pan out. At the end of the day, no one will even notice those things—especially if alcohol is involved!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 2 2 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photography: Becky Brockie Rehearsal Dinner: Private Condo Ceremony Venue: Big Sky Resort, Pavilion Tent Reception Venue: Big Sky Resort Huntley Lodge Wedding Planner: Margo Magnant, Big Sky Resort Florist: Bloom Catering: Big Sky Resort Cakes & Desserts: Sweet Pea Bakery Bar Service: Big Sky Resort Photo Booth: Big Sky Photo Booth Band: Seasons Trio (String Trio for ceremony) DJ: Joe’s DJ Service Hair & Makup: Hair Ninja Wedding Dress: Vera Wang Lodging: Big Sky Resort Cinematographer: Visual Lens

... 2 3 ...

... 2 4 ...

... 2 5 ...

Samantha Riley

Billings, Montana One weekend night while just cruising the town, Samantha was looking through her friend’s phone’s contacts and saw a name she didn’t recognize. “Who is this Riley Jacobson?” she asked. Her friend replied, ”Oh, I think he’s a kid I had a class with, I don’t know why I have his number though.” One thing led to another and Sam decided it would be a good idea to text him. They met at the K-Mart parking lot where Samantha kicked off the conversation by commenting on the “sweet wheels” on Riley’s lifted Chevrolet pick-up truck. Riley and Sam started to hang out...a lot!

On a summer evening, Riley walked the 10 blocks to Sam’s house, texting her to make sure she would not see him, and wrote a message on her truck window asking her to “go out” with him. He left a place to check “yes or no” along with a window marker. Ever since she checked “Yes!” they have been inseparable!

after dating for almost 5 years, Riley popped the question, and these two could not be happier taking this next big step together.

The wedding took place at the Billings Depot. Samantha’s mother, father, grandmother, great uncle, as well as the groom all work or have worked for the railroad, some of them when it was Northern Pacific, so it seemed like a fitting venue. They even used the Northern Pacific logo on their invites, though they changed the colors to navy and coral, the couple’s wedding colors. They incorporated a railroad themed decor with old Northern Pacific memorabilia from Samantha’s late mother’s collection along with rustic wood and burlap to fit the couple’s love of the outdoors.

It was a perfect day and a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the couple’s life together with a nod to the family’s heritage.

Advice Make it fun and personal.

Samantha graduated from nursing school and had a large graduation BBQ in her backyard. There, surrounded by friends and family, and Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 2 6 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Amber Reinhardt’s Photography Ceremony & Reception: Billings Depot Florist: Gainan’s Flowers Catering: Ruff Family Catering Cakes & Desserts: Kim Hopkins Cakes Bar Service: Magic City Casino and Catering DJ: Magic City Productions Hair & Makeup: Taylor South, Salon Avalon Officiant: Pastor Gary Bobo

... 2 7 ...

... 2 8 ...

... 2 9 ...

Kelsey Jason

Livingston, Montana We were in Montana for the Fourth of July week and decided to spend a day in Yellowstone National Park fishing and sightseeing. We stopped at Twin Lakes to have a picnic lunch. While I was busy checking out the water, Jason had set up our camera on a tripod. He looked so nervous, like all of the color had drained from his face. I thought he was going to pass out! He got down on one knee, and pulled out the most perfect antique ring I’d ever seen. We were both so excited we couldn’t even eat lunch and immediately left Yellowstone to tell everyone!

We both knew we did not want a large, traditional wedding. I didn’t want the stress of trying to plan all of the things that come with a big wedding. We’re very outdoorsy people and love to camp, so we knew we also wanted to have an outdoor ceremony. For the past three years, we have spent the Fourth of July week in Livingston, Montana at a family vacation house. We went back and forth between a few ideas – Should we just elope? Should we have a small ceremony at home in Reading, Pennsylvania? Or should we have a small family wedding in Montana?

After much consideration, we settled on Montana.

Montana Bride

The guest list included Jason and myself, my parents, Jason’s parents, his grandmother, my two sisters and one of their boyfriends. Everyone spent the week in Livingston. We planned our “rehearsal” dinner for Thursday night at the Chico Hot Springs Wine Cellar. We visited the Boiling River in Yellowstone and spent most of our time relaxing as a family.

The wedding day was so relaxing, just as we wanted it to be. The food was amazing, and the music was perfect.

Advice Keep it small. Even though it’s easy to get caught up in the details, keep your focus on what really matters. Jason and I kept reminding each other that it was more about the “marriage” than the act of “getting married.” The day goes by so fast; so make sure to stay present in the moment. Take deep breaths, and drink champagne!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 3 0 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Jessie Moore Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Chico Hot Springs Wine Cellar Ceremony & Reception: Family home, Livingston, Montana Reception Venue: Family home, Livingston, Montana Florist: Livingston Floral Catering: Mustang Catering Cakes & Desserts: Bittersweet Bakery Band: Swingley Jazz Trio Hair & Makeup: Hair: Kelly / Halo Salon Wedding Dress-Designer: Dress: Galina / Sash: Vera Wang Lodging: Private Home Officiant: Harlan Durgan Details: Metal Letters: Bride’s father Fabric Flowers: Bride’s sister

... 3 1 ...

... 3 2 ...

... 3 3 ...

Montana Bride

The Little things Any Way You Cut It, Cake Makes People Happy.

By: Jasmine Snyder Cake makes people happy—it’s as simple as that. For several decades the

typically used for small crème filled desserts called “Entremets,” in

wedding cake took a disastrous turn down a dark alley filled with ined-

which a very thin sponge cake with decoration baked into it, is wrapped

ible sweet frosting slathered on cardboard like cake. This was a gloomy

around a cake.

time for a delicious wedding tradition. But fear not: those cakes are long gone, and in their place is a seemingly unlimited bevy of inspiring trends

Rocky Mountain High

and imaginative flavors.

Montana is the perfect setting for a wedding that celebrates natural surroundings, and it comes as no surprise that antlers, exposed wood

In the wedding industry there is a list of terms uttered time and again:

and rusted tin are popular details often found in weddings across this

vintage, rustic, elegant, modern, graphic, floral, organic, delicate... the

great state. A rustic aesthetic is a wonderful way to ensure a masculine

list goes on. While websites like Pinterest make it easy to discover beau-

element in your wedding, which is sure to compliment any delicate

tiful new trends, it is all too easy to copy without really interpreting. This

aspects you are planning. As a rule “hard and soft” or “masculine and

is the one day of your life where every single element has been crafted

feminine” aspects create a contrast that is undeniably pleasing. “Delight-

towards your singular tastes, so why should the cake be any different?

fully undone,” is how I would describe this cake. Thanks to the graceful

After all, you and your fiancé are unique! At this point you might be

ruffle of the thin crepe edging and the artfully disheveled arrangement

asking do yourself, “How do I utilize the wealth of trends, ideas and

of fresh fruit, your guest’s mouths will be watering. The impressive and

traditions to my advantage while still remaining distinct?” Well, I’m glad

complex interior is just the cherry on top, so to speak.

you asked.

Pretty as a Picture

Good as Gold

Painted cakes are incredibly popular at the moment and the reason is

I love metallics. They are elegant and expensive and always look

simple, your wedding cake is an important centerpiece in your wedding

polished. But you have to be very careful; too much and you have found

and should stand alone as a work of art. The artistic expertise necessary

yourself in tacky-land and nobody wants to revisit the 80s. Especially

to really nail this trend is something you don’t always come across in a

not during their wedding! Metallic accents are tearing up the Pinterest

pastry chef. There is an inherently creative aspect to pastry, but taking

boards and I’m not complaining, but if using metallic—be different! I

it to a fine art level requires a greater understanding of line, color and

wanted to bring the gilded details of yore into the present and give them

form. Perhaps that is why I am such a proponent of painted cakes. It

a graphic platform upon which to shine. Typography, repeated patterns

gives me an opportunity to put my illustrative experience to good use,

and handwriting are a wonderful place to start because the clean lines

and the end result is always show stopping. For this cake I wanted to

they provide are a natural contrast to the soft and edible nature of cake.

explore this trend with a modern sensibility, and infuse the subject with a bit of tongue in cheek whimsy. It’s been said, “Diamonds are a girl’s

The New Vintage

best friend,” and chances are they played an important roll in getting

While there are certainly contemporary trends exploring uncharted

you to the alter!

wedding territory, “vintage” reigns supreme in the world of weddings.

The freedom to pick and choose moments throughout the 20th century

So be yourself and let your cake express your love and your vision. And

and revisit them with a modern awareness makes for an aesthetic that

remember—any way you cut it—cake makes people happy.

spans time, and is thus timeless. I wanted this vintage inspired vcake to revel in the past while still feeling very current. Flowers are a peren-

Visit our blog for more information and pictures on these cake styles

nial (pun intended) wedding theme, and with good reason. They are

from Whipped.

comforting and fresh all at once and depending on how they are arranged, they can feel very modern as well. The technique I used for

Jasmine is the owner and pastry artist at Whipped.

the exterior of this cake is my interpretation of a very old French style

... 3 4 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Photos by Ruthless Photography & Designs

... 3 5 ...

... 3 6 ...

... 3 7 ...

Margo Ethan

Big Sky, Montana Ethan and I met at a bluegrass concert at the Filling Station in Bozeman, Montana. When our (to this day!) favorite band the Infamous Stringdusters played their opener, "Fork in the Road," our eyes met, and I smiled and blushed a bit. Ethan averted his eyes, later admitting that he didn't know why the pretty girl was looking at him.

Ethan surprised me with a thoughtful and heartfelt engagement in February of 2013 under the elk antler arches in the wintry town square of Jackson, Wyoming, just before a Stringdusters concert. I was so surprised that it took a while for me to actually say Yes! I still can't help but smile thinking back on that magical moment.

For our wedding at Big Sky Resort, Ethan and his groomsmen rode the ski lift ahead of us girls, waiting for us to arrive. Ethan had his back turned to me as I got off the lift and I tapped him on the shoulder for our high-elevation “first look”! There was not a dry eye among us. Looking back, I can honestly say that our time alone with our bridal party on the top of the mountain was the best part of the day. It was raw, emotional, unscripted and overwhelmingly perfect. I’m also so grateful to have had a few quiet minutes on the lift with my older sister Jill on the way up and with my husband-to-be on the way down.

Montana Bride

Our ceremony was held at the base of the ski lifts at Big Sky Resort, and we were married under a pine and willow arch my dad made for us.

Our friend Jesse Korb, who was with Ethan the night we met, was our officiant. We wrote our own vows and made everyone cry, then laugh when we forgot the rings. It was amazingly heartfelt and very fitting for the two of us.

I must admit here, after going through the whole process myself, I have new respect for what brides go through. These amazing events truly are labors of love, but the bumps along the way can be difficult and even as a dedicated venue coordinator, I learned a lot throughout the process.

Advice Disconnect in the final stretch. A few weeks prior to your wedding, consciously steer clear of Pinterest, wedding magazines, etc. They will only serve to overwhelm you of things you may have forgotten, or things you think you want to change. Trust that the decisions you have made up to that point will turn out, and trying to change things last minute will only cause you stress.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 3 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Brooke Peterson Photography Ceremony & Reception: Big Sky Resort, Big Sky, Montana Wedding Planner: Bride (Margot is the Wedding Planner at Big Sky Resort) Florist: Budget Bouquet Catering: Big Sky Resort Cakes & Desserts: Bride’s mother Bar Service: Big Sky Resort Band: Kitchen Dwellers Wedding Dress-Designer: Allure Bridal Gown Shop: Eskay Bridal Rings: Miller’s Jewelry Lodging: Big Sky Resort Officiant: Jesse Korb, friend of the couple

... 3 9 ...

... 4 0 ...

... 4 1 ...

Montana Bride

The Little things Rock 'n Roll Bridesmaids

For More on Dress Styles, this photo shoot, and the Gallatin Roller Girlz Visit our Blog at Montanabride.blogspot.com

... 4 2 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Photographer: Loni Mae Photography Second Camera: Whitney Kamman Photography Flowers: Avant Floral Hair: by Blu Chamomile Make up : Yvonne Reddy Bridesmaid Dresses by Bill Levkoff Cupcakes: Sweet Pea Bakery Models: Gallatin Roller Girlz, Nate Howe

... 4 3 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

... 4 4 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

... 4 5 ...

... 4 6 ...

... 4 7 ...

Melissa Jeremey

Beartooth’s, Montana Nothing makes me smile more than sharing my love story! In 2010 my husband traveled from Montana to Pennsylvania to start a new job, only stopping for fuel along the way. Upon arriving, he was exhausted from the 30-hour drive; however, his friend convinced him to go out for a night on the town. I also happened to be out with my girlfriends that evening. I was instantly attracted to him, asked him to dance and here we are four years later, married!

We lived in Pennsylvania until April 2012 when we decided to make the big move to Montana. Jeremey was able to transfer to Wyoming for his job, and I started graduate school at The University of Montana. On St. Patrick’s Day 2014, we planned to take a drive to Emerald Lake in Stillwater County, Montana. We had a clear drive on our way there, but it started snowing as we walked down to the dock on the lake. That’s when Jeremey got down on one knee and proposed! We started a fire, roasted marshmallows and hotdogs and drank champagne on that snowy evening. It was perfect.

On August 10th, 2014 we tied the knot! Due to the distance between our families and friends, we decided to have an intimate wedding in the same spot where Jeremey proposed, on the dock at Emerald Lake.

Montana Bride

We had three guests: Jeremey’s mother, father and his younger brother Chastyn. Jeremey was waiting for me on the dock, looking handsome as ever, when I arrived at the lake with his mom. His brother escorted me to the dock. Jeremey faced the lake while I walked down then turned around once our officiant gave him the OK. I’ll never forget the look he gave me when we made eye contact for the first time on our wedding day. I may have been a little nervous about tripping in my dress, but I definitely wasn’t nervous about marrying the love of my life. We exchanged vows, took photographs and then raised a tent at the nearby campground and had a “reception” with my new in-laws. My mother-in-law even surprised us by making a beautiful cake with a delicious huckleberry filling. It doesn’t get more “Montana” than that!

Our wedding was small, stress-free and in a beautiful setting. I wouldn’t have had it any other way, and we look forward to going back to Emerald Lake for anniversaries to come.

Advice To future Montana brides: Take advantage of the gorgeous Montana scenery and keep the focus on you and your fiancé: it’s YOUR special day!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 4 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Paul Bellinger Photography Florist: Gainan’s Flowers and Garden Center Rings: Jensen Jewelers Hair: Jessica Deese – La Vixen Salon and Spa Officiant: Patricia Clark – Patricia Clark Weddings

... 4 9 ...

... 5 0 ...

... 5 1 ...

Cassie Darrin

Billings, Montana Darrin and I met through my sister and his best friend. Darrin says we actually met before that when my best friend talked his ear off while I ignored him. Two years later, fishing along the river in Laurel, Montana, he asked how much I loved him, and I gave him all of my usual responses, "to the moon and back,” "forever and ever,” "tons and tons and tons.” He asked if I loved him this much, and held out a ring. Completely shocked, I asked where it came from. He got down on one knee and proposed (he had asked for my dad's approval months before hand.) I of course said YES! We decided to get married on July 19, 2014 at Chancey's Event Center.

After hiring our photographer and florist, we asked our wedding party to be a part of our big day—we couldn't have done it without them.

Darrin and I made the decision to plan the wedding ourselves, so we could add our own little touches on things. We wanted our wedding to reflect our love for Montana. I made bracelets with a gold Montanan charm for the bridesmaids and flower girls, as well as the flower girl baskets. My mom and I put together s'mores for our guests to have as a little token of our thanks.

In the process of planning our wedding, Darrin lost his grandfather, and my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was able to spend time with her before it progressed, but she passed a couple of weeks before the wedding. While visiting her, I saw these beautiful mint green cake plates she had. After commenting on them, she told me, "Cassie I want you to have those cake plates for your wedding." I told her she didn't have to do that, but she said, "I don't have to do anything, but you HAVE to have those cake plates, because I want you to have them and Montana Bride

you have to listen to me since I'm your grandmother." They were perfect for our cake table, and it meant so much to have them there. To honor our grandparents, we chose to put pictures of them on the mantle in our reception venue for all of our guests to see. I was also able to have my seamstress sew my paternal grandfather's handkerchief into the bottom of my gown and to have my maternal grandfather's handkerchief to carry down the aisle. I know they were all there with us that day. Darrin thought we should write own vows, which I can't say I was fond of since I have a serious fear of speaking in front of people. Even with my nerves, I think I did a pretty good job. Darrin did an amazing job with his vows.

What a sweet man!

We were able to fit every detail into our day! After finishing our photos, it was so amazing to walk into our reception venue filled with 250+ family and friends. Our DJ, Danny Tellez, kept the celebration going until 3 AM. We had the absolute best day that went by WAY too fast, and now I have a husband forever!

Advise My advice for future brides it to not worry about what else everyone wants, this day is about you. It is great to take advice and opinions from anyone that has one to offer, but keep your needs and desires first. Make sure you put your own touches on your day to keep it personal, and have fun with planning and your big day. It is a day to remember that will go by in the blink of an eye, but so worth it. My biggest mistake was not drinking enough water or taking the time to eat during the day while getting ready. Water and food are definitely important—especially in summer heat.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 5 2 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Brooke Peterson Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Groom’s mother’s home, catering by Long Branch Bar Ceremony & Reception: Chancey’s Event Center Wedding Planning: DIY Florist: Mac’s Floral Catering: Beyond Basil Cakes & Desserts: Harper & Madison Bar Service: Long Branch Bar DJ: DJ Danny Tellez Rentals: Moments in Time Hair: Anita Yampradit with Blanco Blanco Salon Makeup: Christina Burns with The Brooklyn Dress, Veil / Accessories: Avant Bridal Invitations: Jen Rahr with Deer Creek Designs Officiant: Nathan Williams, cousin of the groom

... 5 3 ...

... 5 4 ...

... 5 5 ...

Montana Bride

The Little things Montana Married By: Megan McGaffigan Lang I married my husband Grant on August

alone. So many other chicken fanciers—

3, 2013, a pristinely gorgeous summer

aka Poultry Queens—share the obses-

day filled with laughter and good com-

sion. Women and chickens: simply, it

pany. But the road there wasn’t always

doesn’t get better than that!

easy. Before we were married, Grant and I had managed a two-year long distance

Through my small business, Poultry

relationship: I was in San Francisco

Haus, I aim to show off the avant-garde

finishing my Masters Degree in Fine Art

chicken in its element. Anybody who

focused in Metalsmithing and he was

has ever had chickens knows what com-

in Bozeman, Montana completing his

plex and diva-licious creatures they are!

Engineering degree. That long journey

It seemed so appropriate for me to create

made our wedding day the end of an era.

a line of custom chicken accessories for

A new one started as we finally said “I

the micro niche of enthusiasts. To those

do” and put our roots down together in

who have always wanted to have back-

Bozeman. Though I didn’t realize it that

yard chickens, just do it! The best part of

day, I was marrying a man who is wholly

this adventure so far has been meeting

supportive and encouraging of my

other local women in businesses that

(crazy) dreams.

have creative souls and an enthusiasm for the unusual. In the one year of tinkering, I have launched “The Jewelry” department, which sells

I had always wanted to own my own business but never really knew if

Chicken Bangles and “The Papery,” which produces limited edition

it would happen, when it would happen, or what that business would

chicken themed prints, stationary and photographs from our “Poultry

even be about. Honestly, I had never planned my professional life past

Queen” photo shoots featured on our blog.

graduate school, as it always seemed so far away. After setting aside the posttraumatic stress of the graduate school experience and decompress-

Through the huge learning curve of starting a small business, my

ing from wedding planning, my gears began to turn. I finally knew what

partner and confidante, Grant has supported, encouraged and pushed

was next.

me to keep at it. Without the loyalty and dedication Grant has shown to our partnership and myself, these goals would never have been attained.

I had acquired my first flock of backyard chickens the June before

Now, I look forward to each and every one of those goals coming to

our wedding. This was something Grant promised I could have once I

fruition. Despite calling me a hoarder when our guest room was over-

finished school, as long as he didn’t have to take care of them! My imag-

filling with books on the history of jewelry making and vintage chick-

ination ran wild with my new pets, my love for small hobby farms and

en paraphernalia, Grant cleared out the garage and helped turn it into

the idea of growing my own food again. These rural ideals fused with my

Poultry Haus’ headquarters. (When a man gives up his garage you know

formal background in jewelry and ornament as I began to examine the

it’s serious!) With Grant by my side, I want to continue to grow as an

functional numbered bands assigned to chickens on large commercial

individual and a female entrepreneur. I know that the love I have for my

farms. While my chickens didn’t need a reference number (they have

chickens, my business and my life in Montana will take me further than

names), they surely deserved some sort of ornament! Chicken Bangles,

I can imagine. My message is this: Poultry Queens, I am coming for ya!

tiny bands with semi-precious metals and stones, provide a glimpse into

I am Montana Married.

the private, yet outward obsession, I have with my chickens. And I’m not Megan is the Founder & Poultry Queen at Poultry Haus

... 5 6 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Photos by Loni Mae Carr

... 5 7 ...

... 5 8 ...

... 5 9 ...

Ashley zach

Greenough, Montana Zach and I met at a party in Manhattan, New York. At the time, Zach was living in San Francisco and I in New York City. Zach, always playing it cool, put me in his phone as Ashley Edell (my now married name) and showed it to me that same night. Sure enough, within days, we “knew.”

We did long distance for ten months before I moved out to San Francisco in August of 2012. A little over a year later, on a cliff near Half Moon Bay, California, we got engaged. We were giddy over our forever future together.

Being an event planner, I immediately began piecing together our dream wedding weekend. Knowing early on it wasn’t going to be in either San Francisco or New York (and therefore a destination for all of our family and friends), we started making a dream list for our venue. At the top of that list was for everyone to be on property all weekend. Soon thereafter we stumbled upon the Paws Up Resort, the perfect venue for our big day.

Montana Bride

From trivia hosted by our close friends and a movie night (Blazing Saddles!) on Thursday, to our rehearsal dinner on the Blackfoot River Friday night, our friends were blown away with the Montana charm. For the wedding, we wanted a modern, clean and cozy approach to black tie.

Tons of candlelight, a quilt made by Zach’s mother over the chuppah and simple wood benches were all we needed for our intimate ceremony in the Bull Barn. Afterwards guests joined us for a seated dinner at king’s tables, hilarious and heartwarming speeches, fireworks, and hours of dancing.

Everyone keeps asking, “How is married life? How does it feel?” The only way to describe it is heavier and lighter all at the same time. We love, LOVE.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 6 0 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Cabel Noteboom Photography Reception Band: Tiny Band Ceremony and cocktail hour entertainment: Kugelplex Florist and coordination: Habitat Floral Studio and Events Venue: The Resort at Paws Up

... 6 1 ...

... 6 2 ...

... 6 3 ...

Jen Caleb

Big Sky, Montana How We Met We first met in high school; it was anything but love at first sight. We came from opposite social circles, and it was truly a Pride and Prejudice relationship from the start. But given the perfect amount of time, maturity and distance, the right recipe for forever came together, and Jen found in Caleb her Mr. Darcy. We got our second chance while attending a Halloween party some years later, and have seldom been without each other since. Together, life became more vibrant and adventures more memorable. When the time came to tie the knot, Montana provided us the most breathtaking venue.

The Wedding As we began planning the wedding, the one thing we knew for sure was we wanted an outdoor ceremony. A winter wedding was a given since we are both skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts, and there is something enchanting to us about the beauty of Montana winters. We found our perfect ceremony venue in the Wedding Garden at Bucks T-4 Lodge. We brought in the creative staff at Katalin Green Event Planning, and they made our dreams come to life. The Wedding Garden was done in a fire and ice theme with fire pits and large blocks of ice. The

Montana Bride

bridesmaids wore black fur coats, with Jen in a matching coat in ivory.

The groomsmen looked posh in their black pea coats, complete with Montana shaped copper pins on their lapels.

In every picture of the ceremony, the guests are always smiling and having a good time, which meant the most to us. The reception moved to the Montana Room, aglow with specialty lighting reflected in the crystals hanging from the flowers. We will never forget how perfect it all was. To bring in a Butte tradition that is important to us, pasties were served at the end of an evening of dancing, food and drink. Jen’s mother and father, along with the rest of our guests, danced the night away. It felt just like a traditional Butte wedding had been transported to Big Sky.

Advice My advice for future Montana brides is to completely immerse yourself in every minute of the big day—it all goes by too quickly! Have fun and make it an adventure you can enjoy with your loved ones. And lastly, make it the day that you want, not what is in style or trending at the moment. Good luck to you all and congrats for deciding to say “I Do” in Montana!!!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 6 4 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: MKate Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Bucks T-4 Lodge Ceremony Venue: The Wedding Garden at Bucks T-4 Reception Venue: The Montana Room at Bucks T-4 Wedding Planner: Katalin Green Events Florist: Avant Floral Catering: Bucks T-4 Cakes & Desserts: Anticipated Creations Cakes Photo Booth: Big Sky Photo Booth DJ: Joe’s DJ Service Hair & Makeup: Ashlee Beardslee- Whitney’s Elite Botique Wedding Dress-Designer: Alfred Angelo Sapphire Gown Shop: Thomas’ Apparel Tuxedo Rentals: Thomas’ Apparel Invitations: MidnightWine Designs Lodging: Bucks T4 Lodge Officiant: Bill Kennedy

... 6 5 ...

... 6 6 ...

... 6 7 ...

Montana Bride

The Little things Local Cheers By: Brett Conner

Thoughts on Cheers!

picking up the kegs yourself, get plenty

Choosing your wedding beverages—

of ice, as well as an appropriate container

especially beer—can be challenging

to hold them. A galvanized tub or water-

with so many craft brewery choices.

ing trough works and looks great. You

With craft breweries seemingly pop-

can also dress up an otherwise blah trash-

ping up every day, the options can seem

can with a couple of extra tablecloths.

endless. Just a few of the factors you will need to consider are: price point, choos-

If you are serving cans or bottles, it’s

ing local to the area, keg vs. bottles / cans

often most affordable to go straight to

and the types of beer and selections you

the brewery. If not then check your

want to offer. If you are having a wedding

local grocery store, package store or even

of more than 100 people, our opinion is

the super market. We also recommend

at least two beer selections that are a per-

having these on display in a stainless

fect compliment to any fare. A light beer

steel beer cooler or large galvanized

(Pilsner, Belgian White / Blonde Ales or

bucket for easy self serve.

any Honey Ale) paired with a darker or “hoppy-er” beer (Cold Smoke or the Hopzone IPA) is a wonderful way

Drinking Vessel

to mix it up for your guests. Ultimately, you know your wedding guests

If you are not interested in ordering glassware from the rental company

better than anyone else, so choose what you think is most fitting for

or venue, we recommend biodegradable cups. These cups feel similar

your crowd’s palette.

to typical plastic Solo cups, but they are completely compostable. You can find several different options online and have them shipped to your

Some Favorite Montana Wedding Beer Choices

door. Being environmentally friendly is always a great choice and your

Belgian White- Harvest Moon Brewing Co. (Belt, MT)

guest will appreciate it! If your friends are craft beer fans, consider logo

Cold Smoke- Kettle House Brewing Co. (Missoula, MT)

glasses and pints from the brewery as a guest gift. Your guests can use

Czech Mate Pilsner- Red Lodge Ales (Red Lodge, MT)

them throughout the reception and then take them home.

Hopzone IPA- Bozeman Brewing Co (Bozeman, MT) Salmon Fly Honey Rye- Madison River Brewing Co. (Belgrade, MT)

Bar Tenders

Summer Honey Ale- Big Sky Brewing Co. (Missoula, MT)

We are big fans of hiring a bar service, even if you are doing just beer

Saw Tooth Ale- Bitter Root Brewing Co. (Hamilton, MT)

and wine. Bartenders can help you with ordering based on your preferences, budget and guest count. A professional bartender will make sure

When Ordering

the bar stays stocked; tap kegs as needed and make sure everything runs

Half Barrel Keg- 165 pours, (12 oz servings)

smoothly. As a professional bartender, they are also able to control the

Pony Keg- 82 pours, (12 oz servings)

flow of alcohol when a guest has had too much. Most services will break down your bar at the end of the evening and pack up the bar rentals

Estimate 2-4 pours per guest, but once again, you know your guests best.

properly. It’s important to note that some venues require a professional

If you are having doubts, cans / bottles are a good option, since you can

bartender on location for liability and insurance reasons.

you can stock your fridge with the leftovers.

Let’s raise a glass to your big day!

In many instances, you can order kegs directly from the breweries. Also check with local distributors, they may even deliver to you. If you are

Photo by MKate Photography

... 6 8 ...

Cheers!

... 6 9 ...

... 7 0 ...

... 7 1 ...

Antonia Rance

Big Sky, Montana We kicked off our wedding weekend with our closest friends and family from all around the country with a tour of Yellowstone National Park.

Most people had never been to Montana, and its natural beauty blew them away. We rented two large sprinters for transportation and spilt up the guys and girls. There were a lot of laughs and the scenery was amazing. We had our welcome party on Thursday at Buck’s T4 with an amazing dinner capped off with an incredible double rainbow.

Saturday, the morning of the wedding, was so special. It began with an intimate yoga class taught by my sister and was followed by a group breakfast. We had the entire lodge booked, so it was so nice running into our friends and family as they all spent time together. I was worried about the weather because it had been raining on and off each day, and our ceremony was planned for outside. We had a backup plan, but it was less than ideal. It was still raining as I was walking to my room to put on my dress. Just before we were scheduled to start our pictures, the sun came out! After pictures and a little champagne, the clouds were back and it was looking a little dicey. With just 30 minutes until the ceremony, we decided to just go with it!

It stopped raining as the bridal party started down the aisle, but it was still cloudy. As I started my walk with my mother, the sun came shining

Montana Bride

down. Rance was emotional, and the setting was so beautiful…it was perfect! Timothy Tate, our officiant, asked everyone to be present and began his opening which was so heartfelt and touching. The violinist and classical guitarist started “Bitter Sweet Symphony.” As we stood there, the most magical thing happened…it began to lightly mist onto us. It wasn’t enough rain to be concerned about—it was so surreal. Then it stopped, and the rest of the day was sunny. We proceeded with our vows and as we kissed, our dogs came together from each side (they were in the wedding) and apparently kissed each other too! Everyone kept telling us it was the most beautiful ceremony they have ever attended.

The night continued with a fun cocktail hour, amazing food and desserts and an off the charts 13 person band that got everyone out of their seats.

We even had guys joining the band, including my husband. The evening continued with dancing until 2 AM, and people sitting around the fire pit-roasting s’mores. It was so special and so much more than I could ever imagine.

Advice Just relax and enjoy it all! Montana is so laid back, which makes it easy to do!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 7 2 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Larry Stanley Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Buck’s T4 (Welcoming Party) Ceremony & Reception: Rainbow Ranch Florist: Avant Floral Catering: Rainbow Ranch Cakes & Desserts: Rainbow Ranch Bar Service: Rainbow Ranch Band: Groove Merchants DJ: Groove Merchants Rentals: Montana Party Rentals Hair & Makeup: Theory & Indulgence Wedding Dress-Designer: Lian Carlo Invitations: Laura Cook Designs Lodging: Rainbow Ranch Transportation: Big Sky Taxi Cinematographer: Scenic Route Films Officiant: Timothy Tate

... 7 3 ...

... 7 4 ...

... 7 5 ...

... 7 6 ...

... 7 7 ...

Dina Kenneth

Whitefish, Montana Ken and I first met in 1991 in Winter Park, Colorado. Our paths often crossed in our friendly little mountain town, but we eventually found a need to pursue career goals that separated us. Ken ended up in the mountains in Montana, while I moved to Denver to go to school. One day I received a call from Ken who was in town, and my heart skipped a beat. A year and a half later, I moved to Whitefish, Mont. where we have been together ever since.

The day Ken proposed he turned to me and said, “Maybe we should talk about getting married.” I replied, “Dear, after over two decades of friendship and romance, and seven years of shared home ownership, I think the time for talking about marriage has long since passed.” He replied, “I think we should get married.” I told him, “Then I need you to look me in the eye with a look that says being with me is the most important thing to you in the world and ask me to marry you.”

And that's just what he did.

Our wedding was about our family, which is spread across the country.

We both realized this was our one chance in life to have our two families here, in Montana, together.

Montana Bride

To keep things fun we decided on a theme centered on the moon.

We were getting married at the Haymoon Resort, and we have a loving border collie named Moonrocks, so we went with it. We created a photo booth with an old picture of a paper moon, which was a perfect fit for the day. It was a huge hit, and the pictures were gorgeous.

Our families were incredible! My sisters, Christina and Daryl, came out twice, and we couldn't have done it without them. They kept us on track and while their families supplied a labor force that went beyond the call of duty. Heavy rains flooded the area we planned on using, so we made last minute changes and moved to the resort’s yurt, which our family transformed into a refreshing and intimate space. When we entered for the first time, we felt like we were being married under the canopy of a great tree. With our wonderful dogs, Bob Marley and Moonrocks as ring bearer and flower girl, we couldn't have had it any better. The wedding was a rare point in time where love, family and friendship all came together in one place. We couldn't have felt more blessed.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 7 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Lindsey Jane Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Cuisine Machine Ceremony & Reception: Haymoon Resort, Whitefish, Montana Wedding Planner: Christina O'Donell and Daryl Hopper, the bride’s sisters Florist: Friends and Family Catering: Cuisine Machine Cakes & Desserts: Laurel Hartle Bar Service: Self -Supplied Photo Booth: Ken and Dina Deeds Band: Emily Clark Makeshift Band Sound & Lighting: Marco Rentals: Celebrate Event & Party Rentals Hair & Makeup: Med Spa at Glacier Medical Associates – Facial / Hair and Makeup - Family Rings: Hart Jewelry Invitations: Ken and Dina Deeds Lodging: Haymoon Resort Officiant: John Frandsen Ministry Services

... 7 9 ...

... 8 0 ...

... 8 1 ...

Montana Bride

The Little things The Buff Bride By : Ky l e e Se i f e r t Close your eyes and imagine the big day has finally arrived (as I'm sure you have done a million times already). You are in front of your beloved family and friends, standing next to your soul mate. The sun is smiling down on your entire bridal party; the wind ever so gently kisses your cheeks as you say those magical words. Everything is perfect. Except for that aggravating voice in your head reminding you how your back looks in that strapless dress and whispering, “Why didn't I devote more time to those darn pushups?” Talk about major buzz kill during the perfect moment.

Luckily, there is still time to kick your butt into shape, become a buff and healthy bride and silence that nasty inner voice. Between puzzling together a cohesive seating arrangement, trying to speak the language of caterers and getting significantly closer with your future mother-in-law, you’re going to need something to keep your sanity in check. Making time for some serious sweat sessions before the big day will help you remain sane and tone-up for your wedding day.

Keep it realistic, Ms. (soon-to-be Mrs.) Sit down and decide what are your specific goals, but most importantly, keep those goals realistic. In this time sensitive situation, you don't want to bite off more than you can chew. This will just result in more stress and less progress. A good rule of thumb is to begin your fitness journey at least six months prior to walking down the aisle. The average person can plan to lose anywhere from two to four pounds in one month, possibly up to four to six pounds. Knowing those numbers will help you when setting your goal. If there isn't a whole lot of time before your wedding, focus on toning versus weight loss. Instead of shooting to fit into a specific dress size, take this time to become the healthiest you have ever been and to tone up instead of dropping pounds.

First and Foremost, Nutrition There is so much going on during this time of planning, so don't make eating an added stress. Instead, keep your diet simple and clean. That means eating veggies, healthy fats, lean protein and clean carbs. Try to commit to two hours a week of food prepping so you will have healthy options for your meals even if you are running around like a wild woman. While you want to watch your portion size and be smart about how much you are consuming, don't starve yourself—unless you want to look like the corpse bride. You'll need the fuel for all your pre-nuptial errands. In fact, if you are not eating enough, your body will start storing your calories and turn them into fat. That’s more terrifying than the corpse bride!

White Dress Ready Once your nutrition is in check, it's time to commit to fitting a few workouts into your weekly schedule. This is a challenge in itself;

however, look at it this way—you're planning everything else, so make working out an appointment. If the thought of committing to a workout gives you the sweats without even moving a finger, think about hiring a personal trainer. Let them take the reigns, keep you accountable, create a workout specific to your goals and get you the results you want.

Perhaps getting your groom or bridesmaids to workout with you will make busting your butt a tad bit more bearable. Then again, you want to be the best looking one on your wedding day, so maybe rethink inviting your wedding party to partake. If you know that getting your butt to the gym is going to be an added stress, opt for an at home workout.

Your Go-To Workout Pushups: Complete four sets of 15 repetitions. If you cannot perform these on your toes right away, set that as a goal and celebrate when you can. Pushups help with posture during the ceremony.

Plank: Complete three sets of maximum effort. Try to increase the length of your hold each time. This full body exercise helps strengthen your back, shoulders, core, glutes, quads... did I mention it was full body?

Hollow Rock: Complete four sets of 25. These are great for shrinking and strengthening your core.

Lunges: Complete four sets of 25 (add overhead weight for a challenge.)

Strong legs equal strong quads. Strong quads help with posture and look great for the removal of the garter.

Cardio: Try to perform at least an hour to an hour and a half of cardio each week. This will help you look lean, and dance the night away on the big day.

Burpee: Complete 20 seconds of burpees, 40 seconds of rest for a total of 15 minutes. When preparing your wedding day body, try to focus on movements that work your entire body instead of targeted exercises.

You'll get more bang for your sweat this way.

Handstand Hold: Complete four sets of maximum hold, provided no existing shoulder issues. Here's another full body, core kicker for you!

Plus, you'll have impressively toned shoulders thanks to hanging out upside down.

Row: Complete four sets of 25. For at home, use a towel and wrap it around something sturdy to perform these. This is going to make your posture and upper back look knockout sexy!

Kylee is the owner and a personal trainer at Main Street Gym.

... 8 2 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Pushups

Plank Row

Handstand

Hollow Rock

Lunges

Burpee One last tip: Recognize that the days leading up to your big day, fitness wise, you've already done all you can. Spend these last days relaxing. A little yoga will help you reflect on everything that has happened up to that point and calm your pre-wedding jitters. In fact, adding yoga into your regular schedule during your pre-wedding days would be a beneficial decision. Let what will be, be. Take time to focus on you and your future life with the one who swept you off your feet. Photos by Fran Ze Photography

... 8 3 ...

... 8 4 ...

... 8 5 ...

Helen Matt

Clyde Park, Montana Matt and I fell in love in the mountains of Montana, skiing, laughing and adventuring together. We wanted our wedding to be a celebration of our love and the mountains that nurtured it, which is why we chose to have the wedding at my godfather’s property in Clyde Park, Montana.

The property sits nestled in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains and was one of the oldest homesteads in the Shields Valley. I grew up just outside of Livingston, Mont. and have always been inspired and amazed by the ruggedly beautiful Crazy Mountains, which dominate the skyline. My godfather’s cabin has always had a special place in my heart, so we knew it was the perfect spot for our wedding.

Matt and I planned the wedding ourselves, but we couldn’t have done it without the help of our amazing family and friends. Matt used old barn wood from the property to build us a stage, complete with vintage wooden skis, for the ceremony. Matt’s mother, Kristi, organized most of

Montana Bride

the décor, which perfectly complimented the rustic nature of the venue.

Both of our mothers, along with their friends, teamed up to bake lots of pies for the dessert table.

The day started with storms and heavy rain that was coming down sideways, but right before I walked down the grassy aisle, the clouds lifted and the sun shone down on our special day. Reverend Phillip Zemke, a longtime family friend, served as the ceremony officiant, and welcomed the guests with a traditional drum song of the Mandan Tribe. Matt and I shared the vows we wrote, joining our lives together in the most beautiful and unique setting we could have imagined. My longtime childhood friend and professional photographer, Jennie Lynn, captured all the amazing moments. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect and wonderful wedding with all of our amazing family and friends present in the mountains of my beautiful home state.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 8 6 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Jennie Lynn Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Gallatin River Lodge Ceremony & Reception: Private residence, Clyde Park, Montana Florist: Bloom Catering: Lafoley’s Woodfired Oven Pies: Kristi Paris, Marie Lynn, and friends Band: Bridger Creek Boys Rentals: Gallatin Event Rentals Hair & Makeup: Sage Spa & Salon Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller Officiant: Rev. Philip Zemke

... 8 7 ...

... 8 8 ...

... 8 9 ...

Montana Bride

The Little things Fashion Under the Big Sky

Photography: Paul Bellinger Photography Stylist: Katalin Green Hair & Makeup: Sydney Ross Dress: Left: Tia Adora by Alvina Valenta, Right: Theia Men's Tuxedo: Jim's Formal-wear Suspenders: Jess Leather Bowtie: Hitched Location: Billings Open Studio

... 9 0 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

... 9 1 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Photography: Kacie Q Photography Stylist: Katalin Green Hair & Makeup: Alexa Mae Groueff Dress: Justin Alexander Jacket: The Wedding Dresser Flowers: Avant Floral Location: Serenity Farms Belgrade, Montana

... 9 2 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

... 9 3 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Photography: Amelia Anne Photography Stylist: Katalin Green Hair & Make Up: Kate Minalga / Theory Hair Salon Dress: Nicole Miller Shoes: Grace Flowers: Avant Floral Location: Private Home

... 9 4 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Photography: Jenna Martin Photography Hair & Makeup: Sydney Ross Dress: Blush by Hayley Paige Flowers: Mac’s Floral

... 9 5 ...

... 9 6 ...

... 9 7 ...

Jorand Brad

Glasgow, Montana We are both born and raised in Montana, with Brad being from Scobey and I coming from Glasgow. We met when I went to prom with one of his friends, and Brad came up and told me he had the next dance.

You would have thought he was some big football star with all the confidence he had. He was 5 feet 4 inches; skinny with braces and the cutest baby face I’d ever seen. I thought he meant the next slow song, but nope! Taylor Swift’s “Our Song” came on and he ran over and grabbed my hand, pulling me onto the dance floor. He sang the entire song word for word as he twirled me around.

For our wedding, my mom and I did all the decorations. I made my maid of honor’s and my bouquet with broaches and silk flowers. Mine had a special broach, my grandmother’s from Norway, which meant even more since my mother also wore it on her wedding day. I also made my birdcage veil and the men’s boutonnieres.

We decided to have our wedding ceremony on a Friday with the reception on Saturday. We knew how fast it would fly by and wanted to make sure we weren’t to caught-up in the whirlwind to enjoy it all. We had an

Montana Bride

intimate ceremony with our siblings, parents and grandparents. We each had one best friend as our attendant. Everyone gathered in the beautiful yard at my uncle’s wheat farm, the same one my grandpa homesteaded back in 1919. My aunt had worked all spring and summer planting the flowers, so it was absolutely beautiful. After the ceremony and pictures, we loaded up in my dad’s airplane. It was such a fun way to leave the farm. Everyone was on the ground waving as we circled 500 feet above.

On Saturday, we had the reception at the Ridge Runner’s Saddle Club just outside of Glasgow. It was decorated with lace and wheat, and we had a baked potato bar, a sundae bar and popcorn with a variety of seasonings for our 200 guests. I danced with my father and Brad danced with our daughter, since his mother had passed when he was young.

Together, we choreographed our first dance, and no, it wasn’t to Taylor Swift. Our DJ had everyone on the floor until midnight. A little karaoke after that and the night was a wrap.

It was a beautiful weekend and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off this new chapter of our lives.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 9 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: One O.A.K Photography Ceremony Venue: Family Farm Reception Venue: Glasgow Ridge Runners Saddle Club Flowers: Bride and her mother, heirloom broach on bouquet Catering: Cottonwood Inn & Suites DJ: Chirs Pippin Hair & Makeup: Kaitlin Hagfeld Officiant: Seth Runner Veil: Made by Bride

... 9 9 ...

... 1 0 0 ...

... 1 0 1 ...

Wendy Abby

Bozeman, Montana We were legally married in New York City in December 2013. When our church in Montana, St. James Episcopal Church in Bozeman, approved the blessing of same-sex couples, we immediately planned a blessing and reception with our families and friends—the “real” dream wedding.

The Ceremony It was the best day EVER! The ceremony was beautiful, a true demonstration of love capped by Father Clark Sherman’s moving homily.

It was amazing to walk down the aisle together as our families and friends looked on, and so fun to walk out to their cheers and claps.

Our reception was perfect, too. We wanted to create a mix of both classic and contemporary for the wedding day. The Baxter Ballroom is a really

Montana Bride

traditional venue, and we created some whimsical charm with gerbera daisies in bright colors, cupcakes of all flavors and French macaroons.

Dinner was delicious, family and friends were everywhere, and we all danced the night away in celebration of our union. It was truly unforgettable. We are so grateful to our wonderful vendors for making the whole event run smoothly and perfectly.

Advice Have a point person for the day of your wedding. Someone you trust, but who does not need to be anywhere else except for making sure all the vendors have what they need and can answer any questions for you.

(You will be unavailable!)

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 0 2 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Jessie Moore Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Nova Cafe Ceremony Venue: Saint James Episcopal Church Reception Venue: The Baxter Hotel Ballroom Catering: Food for Thought Cakes & Desserts: Cakes by Jenn Bar Service: The Baxter Hotel Photo Booth: Big Sky Photo Booth DJ: Missy O'Malley Hair & Makeup: Hair: Dezaray Paunovich; Makeup: Indulgence Rings: Alara Invitation: Design: Abby McMillen Letterpress: Ice Pond Press Officiant: Rev. Dr. Clark M. Sherman

... 1 0 3 ...

... 1 0 4 ...

... 1 0 5 ...

... 1 0 6 ...

... 1 0 7 ...

Jennifer Dax

Missoula, Montana fter years of watching Dax work as a wedding photographer, we knew exactly what we wanted in our own wedding. He and I joke that we’re terrible examples of Montanans. Even with Dax’s upbringing in the home of a true forester, we prefer to imagine ourselves living the city life.

So naturally, a traditional Montana barn or field was out when we started planning our wedding. We wanted urban. We dreamed of a downtown rooftop wedding with great food and cocktails. After scouring Missoula for such a destination and coming up short, we decided to just inquire at our favorite wine bar, PLONK, about their intimate Tuscan rooftop terrace. To our delight they agreed to host our wedding!

The plans fell together quickly from there. We no longer had to worry about catering or drinks or ceremony decorations—it was all ready perfectly in place. I consider myself very lucky that I had a groom who was so involved in our wedding planning since he knew almost every

Montana Bride

wedding vendor in town. We truly worked on everything as a team, which allowed our closest friends and family to fully enjoy the day.

Because of Dax’s wedding photography skills, I wanted him to come up with an epic shot for our engagement portrait / save the date. He answered the challenge by building a rain machine and shooting the picture himself, creating a truly unique image. We hand-made exploding box invitations so each person on our limited guest list would feel special. We twirled and cut paper and fabric for our bouquets and boutonnieres so they’d last forever. I secretly made my own veil, and Dax secretly drew me as a pin-up bride. We designed a cake to fit our modern tastes and a palette of hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to please the most distinguished preferences. Ultimately, working so closely together on every detail of our big day made our wedding that much more personal and perfect.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 0 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: David Clumpner Photography Ceremony & Reception: Plonk, Missoula, Montana Wedding Planner: The couple Florist: Handmade paper flowers Catering: Plonk Cakes & Desserts: Black Cat Bake Shop Bar Service: Plonk DJ: Aaron Traylor Officiant: David Elliott, the bride’s uncle

... 1 0 9 ...

... 1 1 0 ...

... 1 1 1 ...

... 1 1 2 ...

... 1 1 3 ...

Dani Alex

Paradise Valley, Montana I met Alex on a balmy South Florida night in 2009 through my close friend, who also happened to be his cousin. Our paths continued to cross over the course of the next few years, and the sparks slowly grew into a flame. Finally, in 2011, we went on our first date, and soon we knew that our years of friendship would become something more. We were engaged in March of 2013. Since then, Alex and I have experienced many adventures together, but we particularly love spending time at my family's home in Montana. I have been visiting Paradise Valley for the past 20 years. It's a place I hold close to my heart, and we couldn't think of a better location to celebrate our love, alongside our closest family and friends.

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 1 4 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Emily Helen Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Emigrant Hall Ceremony & Reception: Private home, Paradise Valley, Montana Event Design: Katalin Green Events Florist: Avant Floral Catering: Food for Thought Cakes & Desserts: Family friend Band: The Tiny Band Rentals: Montana Party Rentals Hair & Makeup: Bliss Hair Studio Wedding Dress-Designer: Provonvias Invitations: Paper Pigeon Cinematorgrapher: Niles Grey Jeran

... 1 1 5 ...

... 1 1 6 ...

... 1 1 7 ...

... 1 1 8 ...

... 1 1 9 ...

Katie Dave

Ronan, Montana When Dave and I met, we were both out with our friends. I couldn't get over how cute he was, so my friend dared me to send a drink to the "cute guy.” Well of course I accepted the challenge. Afterwards he came over to thank me and asked for my phone number. A few weeks later he called, and we went on our first date. We’ve been falling for each other ever since.

Every summer we try to take a trip to our favorite place, Glacier National Park. After hiking to Virginia Falls, the largest waterfall in the park, Dave got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Though it took forever to respond, I finally said YES after I realized it wasn't a dream.

Dave had packed a bottle of champagne, and we spent the afternoon by the waterfall celebrating. It was by far one of the best days ever!

We wanted our wedding to represent us as well as the beauty of Montana. We both love the outdoors and knew we wanted to get married outside. We also wanted to make sure the view was breathtaking since many of our guests had never been to Montana before. Growing up, my grandparents lived in the Mission Valley, and I knew the Mission Mountains would be a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. We also wanted to make sure we represented Dave’s career as firefighter, so

Montana Bride

we incorporated some of his gear into the décor to add a personal touch.

I have always had a slight obsession with shoes and fashion. When I found bright red suede shoes… well I knew I, along with my bridesmaids, had to have them. And what a perfect way to tie in classy / firefighter / rustic / antique look all together!

Whenever we get together with friends or family we enjoy sitting by a campfire, making each other laugh and playing games, so we incorporated these favorite things into our special day. All of these things somehow bring people closer together and were a perfect part of our celebration. This day was absolutely perfect. We couldn't have asked for better weather or a more perfect sunset. We are humbled to know how many friends and family support us and helped us celebrate the love that we share.

Advice Don't get caught up in the small details of wedding planning. In the end it won't matter what the table numbers look like or what color the programs are. People remember the overall experience and just want to have a good time. So don't stress over the little things that people probably aren't going to even notice or care about.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 2 0 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Carrie Ann Photography Ceremony & Reception: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan MT Wedding Planner: Riverhaus Productions Florist: JNJ Floral Catering: Caffe Firenze Cakes & Desserts: Nicki Maslowski and Christine Rasmussen Photo Booth: Bride & Groom DJ: Riverhaus Productions Hair & Makeup: Jena Schafter Gown Shop: Brides & Beaux Transportation: The Molly Trolly

... 1 2 1 ...

... 1 2 2 ...

... 1 2 3 ...

... 1 2 4 ...

... 1 2 5 ...

Jill Shawn

Big Sky, Montana The pair met in college in Duluth, Minnesota in Physics class. A few months later, when Shawn had still not asked Jill out, she decided to infiltrate his extra-curricular activities. Snowboarding was the obvious choice since Shawn was a regular at the local hill. Although learning to snowboard while keeping up with “the guys” cost her two broken ribs, Jill got to spend countless hours on the hill with Shawn. Their mutual love for snowboarding led them to Big Sky, Montana, where they lived, worked and snowboarded for a season. When Shawn asked Jill to marry him, they both knew they wanted to share their vows along the Gallatin River nestled in the Gallatin Canyon at the 320 Guest Ranch.

Shawn proposed on an afternoon walk on Jill’s family farm, homesteaded in the 1800s by her Norwegian great-great grandfather. Shawn knew it would always be a very special and sacred place to her, which made it an ideal setting to ask Jill to be his wife.

The week of the wedding, the bride, groom and several friends, caravanned west from Minnesota to Montana in a 1967 Dodge RV. Shawn and Jill kept busy preparing welcome baskets filled with home brewed beer and wine for their guests. On top of the fabulous welcome baskets, the guests got to enjoy all the activities offered by the 320 Ranch. Shawn even went fly-fishing on the Gallatin with his groomsmen the morning of the wedding!

relationship took hold. The tree, lovingly named Monty (short for Montana), is now planted on the site where the two were engaged.

During cocktail hour the guests were treated with the couple’s favorite local brews including KettleHouse Brewing’s Coldsmoke and Lone Peak Brewing’s IPA. The wedding can now be attributed for the high demand of Coldsmoke beer in Minnesota! At the reception, the couple requested that married guests demonstrate a fun kiss they wanted the bride and groom to imitate. Jill and Shawn quickly learned that marriage clearly requires creativity and a surprising amount of acrobatic skill! The guests danced the night away in the reception lodge, even gathering in one giant circle to serenade the couple with the John Prine song, “In Spite of Ourselves.”

Montana was the perfect place for the perfect wedding for the couple whose love was born in the mountains.

Advice My advice is let the beauty and grandeur of Montana be your most useful and unique accessory. I kept the decorations to a minimum so the guests could listen to the river and smell the wildflowers and feast on the mountain sights. Several of our guests had never visited the Big Sky State and by allowing the ambiance to flood their senses they fell in love with Montana just as we had years ago.

During the ceremony, the couple signified their vows by planting a spruce tree showered with water from Lake Superior where their Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 2 6 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Anna B Photography Rehearsal Dinner: Gallatin Riverhouse Grill Ceremony & Reception: 320 Ranch Florist: Big Sky Blooms Catering: 320 Ranch Cakes & Desserts: Blue Moon Bakery DJ: Joe’s DJ Service Hair & Makeup: Jade Morris Wedding Dress Designer: Melissa Sweet Invitations: Willow Tree Project Officiant: Pastor Carol Olson, Peach Lutheran Church

... 1 2 7 ...

... 1 2 8 ...

... 1 2 9 ...

Britney Kenny

Bozeman, Montana Kenny and I were casual acquaintances for several years. He knew I was a fan of the Game of Thrones books and TV show, so he asked if I was interested in getting together to catch up on the show. We spent time as friends for a few months and decided to try a first date on my birthday.

Obviously it was a great first date because here we are years later, and now we are married! It was easy for Kenny and I to fall into a rhythm together. We have always been upfront and honest with each other, always able to be our true selves. We laugh quickly and are pretty goofy with each other. We have a strong connection because know we can share every facet of ourselves and always receive acceptance and love back from one another. Â

Montana Bride

We both agreed at the start of the wedding planning process that we had to have an epic cake and use it as our chance to show our geeky side at an otherwise elegant affair. Kenny surprised me by buying the cake toppers before we knew if a local bakery could pull off this kind of cake! We chose a fabulous and truly unique venue in Bozeman that had an old-world feel, perfect for this girl who loves history and playing medieval on the weekends. Katalin Green was floored when I showed her our inspiration ideas (especially for the cake!), but quickly understood what we envisioned for our day and immediately started spinning ideas. We're so grateful that Katalin was able to take our off-beat ideas and turn them into an elegant, cohesive scheme. She made our day effortlessly easy; we just got to kick back and have fun with each other and our family and friends!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 3 0 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Mountain Wedding Studio Ceremony & Reception: La Petite Chateau Event Design: Katalin Green Events Florist: Avant Floral Catering: Custom Catering Cake: Elle’s Belles DJ: DJ Entertainment Hair: Rouge Salon Make Up: Yvonne Reddy  Dress: Lazaro Veil: Jennifer Leigh Calligraphy: Cast Calligraphy & Design

... 1 3 1 ...

... 1 3 2 ...

... 1 3 3 ...

Olivia Cole

Livingston, Montana Cole and I met through mutual friends at a party in New York City. To help pay for my graduate studies in teaching, I had taken a job with a financial head hunting firm. Once I found out that Cole worked in finance, I immediately bombarded him with questions about equity derivatives and other financial jargon, which might as well have been Latin for me. Luckily, my lack of financial knowledge didn’t scare Cole off, and two weeks later we met for our first date at Molly Pitcher's on the Upper East Side. Amid the $3 drafts and buffalo wings, Cole recounted his harrowing journey to Elk Lake in the Absaroka Mountains when a summer blizzard blew in forcing him and his friends to rough it on the mountain for unplanned night. I didn't know whether to be charmed by his bravery or take this story as a warning to stay away from this crazy mountain man. But, Cole's charm–along with his kind heart and generous spirit—won me over in the end. When we were engaged

Montana Bride

three years later, these qualities convinced me to move from my life as a fervent East Coaster to follow him and his job to the great state of Texas.

We chose to say “I Do” in Montana because we knew it would be the best place for all of our friends and family to get together and have a truly memorable trip, with our wedding as the culminating event!

Montana and his family's ranch in Livingston have always held such a special place in Cole's heart. Living with him in New York and Texas is nothing like knowing him in Montana where he is in his true element.

The adventures we have had there have pushed our limits and forged an important trust between us. When it came to our wedding, we knew there would be no better place to begin the biggest adventure of our lives than in this land of limitless boundaries.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 3 4 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Amelia Anne Photography Ceremony & Reception: Private Ranch, Livingston, MT Event Design: Katalin Green Events Florist: Avant Floral Catering: Food For Thought Cakes & Desserts: Sweet Pea Bakery Band: The Tiny Band Rentals: Montana Party Rentals Hair: Jade Morris Makeup: Indulgence Wedding Dress-Designer: Alvina Valenta Comfort Stations: Montana Johns

... 1 3 5 ...

... 1 3 6 ...

... 1 3 7 ...

Kierst Davey

Bozeman, Montana A Designer’s Dream It’s rare that a designer gets carte blanche to design a wedding. I was approached by a mutual acquaintance who told me Kierst and Davey were planning a small ceremony in a field on the farm of Davey’s best friend. I had been looking for an opportunity to create something intimate in just such a setting. I could have just done a styled shoot, but I really wanted it be an event built around a couple with all the emotion and soul that accompanies an actual wedding. Fortunately, I knew both the couple and the owner of the farm. In fact, I had done a beautiful ceremony for the owner’s mother on the farm just a few weeks prior.

After a meeting with Kierst, I assembled a wedding dream team.

The ceremony was for seven guests at a single table in a field. The groom, a professional chef, would prepare the meal. I immediately hit all of my favorite antique shops, piecing together an eclectic but gorgeous collection of vintage pieces to dress the table. My favorite pieces, were the “Montana, Land of Shining Mountains” plate and the vintage ceramic log vase. I rounded it out with some fantastic glassware in various styles and sizes. We rented a rustic farm table from Montana Party Rental’s wonderful collection and completed it with mismatched vintage chairs from my own collection. Since Davey was preparing the meal, we did not have to focus on the food, but I did want a cake, and I wanted it to be spectacular!

Montana Bride

I did not have to look far. I had noticed a single layer cake Jasmine from Whipped had done using thinly sliced candied rhubarb to create a naturally beautiful effect, so I knew that as a wedding cake, it would be stunning! Needless to say, it was amazing!

We planned gently sweeping pathways to be mowed into the field leading to the ceremony site and the outdoor dining area. The couple exchanged vows under a chuppah dripping with flowers. Davey’s best friend—and owner of the farm—officiated. Following the ceremony, the bride and groom shared the amazing farm to table dinner with their closest friends under the carnival lights and the Montana summer sky.

The crowning touch came with their first dance on the dance floor we had improvised from an old barn door purchased by a friend just for that purpose.

It was such an amazing experience to be able to create something so beautiful and personal for this couple. There are few things as rewarding as seeing the joy in a bride’s eyes when she first sees her wedding environment. It was a gorgeous evening for a wonderful couple—filled with the emotion and soul that only a real wedding can bring to the table.

I was honored to be a part of it.

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 3 8 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Mountain Wedding Studio Ceremony & Reception: Ostrovsky Farm Wedding Design: Katalin Green Events Florist: Avant Floral Catering: The groom Cakes & Desserts: Whipped Table Rental: Montana Party Rentals Vintage Place Settings: Katalin Green Events Hair & Makeup: Indulgence Wedding Dress-Designer: Blush by Hayley Paige & Alvina Valenta Gown Shop: Avant Bridal Tuxedo Rentals: Avant Bridal Place Cards: Cast Calligraphy & Design Officiant: Zach Ostrovsky

... 1 3 9 ...

... 1 4 0 ...

... 1 4 1 ...

Meaghan Jake

Garrison, Montana You never know when you’ll meet the love of your life…

We met in May of 2011. I had just finished another year of college when a friend invited me to a rodeo and dance where I was introduced to Jake. We enjoyed the rodeo with several friends and then headed for the dance floor. Jake asked if I would teach him how dance… Little did I know he was an amazing dancer. It was the perfect end to college that year, and the perfect start to the rest of our lives!

Our proposal happened on March 9, 2013, a date we will always remember. A beautiful barn in the mountains with candles, flowers and a bottle of champagne made the picture perfect setting as Jake got on one knee with a beautiful ring in hand and proposed!

For us, our wedding can be described in one word—perfect. It was our version of a cowboy Christian wedding in the beautiful state of Montana (where we’re both from), and we couldn’t have asked for anything more.

Montana Bride

The ceremony began with my dad and I riding in on horses and ended with Jake and I riding out on horses. Mountains and trees set the backdrop on a perfect summer day. Our reception included a band (whose members own the ranch I grew up on), large white tents, a big dance floor and family and friends from all over the country. Two trails became one and it was the perfect start to a lifelong marriage!

Advice My advice to future brides is to enjoy it all and don’t stress too much!

There is a lot to do in order to plan and prepare for a wedding, but it should be fun and exciting, not stressful and overwhelming. Also, involve your family and friends. We had so many people help with every aspect of our wedding, and we couldn’t have done it without them.

When you look back at your wedding, the thing you will remember most is how you felt, so take a deep breath and enjoy it!

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

... 1 4 2 ...

Montana Bride

F e a t u r e d We d d i n g

Photographer: Shanna Mae Photography Ceremony & Reception: Beck Ranch Band: Ruby Valley Boys Tuxedo Rentals: Wein’s Men’s Store

... 1 4 3 ...

... 1 4 4 ...

... 1 4 5 ...

... 1 4 6 ...

... 1 4 7 ...

Montana Bride

Timeline 12 Months Meet with officiant to work our prenuptial requirements

Announce engagement Interview and select wedding planner

Make reservations for rehearsal dinner

Set a date Determine your budget

Apply for passports and visas if leaving the country for honeymoon

Reserve ceremony and reception sites

Order gown, veil, jewelry and shoes

Reserve your tent if planning an outdoor wedding

Order bridesmaid’s dresses and arrange for fittings

9 Months

Reserve basic rental needs

Interview and select photographer and videographer

4 Months

Interview and select ceremony and reception musicians

Address and send invitations

Interview and select caterers

Pick attire for groom and groomsmen

Interview and select cake designer

Select ceremony music and readings

Interview and select officiant

Select wedding rings

Send out Save the Date cards if planning a destination wedding

Make honeymoon reservations

Start shopping for gown

Make wedding day transportation arrangements

Start compiling guest list

Plan activities for out of town guests

6 Months

2 Months

Plan ceremony details and vows Interview and select florist

Have measurements for groom and groomsmen to tuxedo shop

Finalize guest list

Select and purchase attendant’s gifts

Order invitations and stationary

Make Bridesmaid luncheon arrangements

Block rooms for guests

Schedule final wedding gown fitting

Set up your gift registries

Buy toasting glasses, ring pillow, cake knife, guest book, etc.

Interview and select hair and make-up artists

Confirm guests accommodations

... 1 4 8 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

4 to 6 Weeks

1 Day

Plan guest seating arrangement

Manicures and pedicures

Make guest seating cards

Spend time with family and friends

Confirm ceremony with officiant

Have a massage or spend time at a spa to relax

Design and order wedding program

Rehearsal dinner

Meet with hair and make-up artists

Your Wedding Day

Book appointment at spa for your bridal party

Relax and drink plenty of water

Confirm final guest count with caterer

Hair and make-up

2 Weeks

Make sure you have your rings and marriage license

Confirm final count and details with rental company

Say “I do�

Obtain marriage license Confirm selections with musicians Confirm final floral arrangements with florist Alert credit card companies there will be a number of charges coming up Confirm with photographer shot list Finalize wedding day timeline

1 Week Final pre-event meeting with wedding consultant or planner Prepare final payments for vendors Make final arrangements for wedding gown pressing and pickup Make final arrangements for tuxedo pickup or delivery Confirm rehearsal dinner reservations Bridesmaid luncheon Bachelor / Bachelorette party

... 1 4 9 ...

Montana Bride

Wedding Budget Ceremony Vendor

Contact

Chapel / Site fee Officiate / Gratuity Flowers Music Transportation Photographer Videography Invitations / Programs

Reception Site fee Event Planner Catering Plate fee Number of guests: Total fee: Service fee Gratuity Bar Liquor Staff / Bartender Gratuity Wedding Cake Favors Seating Chart / Table Cards Decor Flowers Music / Band Guest Book Rentals

... 1 5 0 ...

Budget

Actual

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Bride Budget Actual Wedding Gown Headpiece / Veil Alterations Shoes Jewelry Wedding Ring Hair & Make-up Manicure / Pedicure Lingerie

Groom Budget Actual Tuxedo / Suit Wedding Ring Accessories

Flowers Budget Actual Bride’s Bouquet Groom’s Boutonnière Bridesmaid’s Bouquets Groomsmen’s Boutonnière Parents Grandparents Ushers Officiate

Notes

... 1 5 1 ...

Montana Bride

Music Ceremony Musician(s) Prelude Processional Ceremony Recessional Postlude

Reception Musician(s)

Cocktail Hour Dinner First Dance Father / Daughter Dance Mother/ Son Dance Wedding Party Dance Bouquet Toss Cake Cutting Wedding Couple Exit

... 1 5 2 ...

Montana Bride

Make it Legal ID Requirement

Proxy Marriages

Valid Driver’s license and certified copy of birth certificate, current passport or military identification card.

Yes.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage

Residency Requirement

Department of Health and Human Services Vital Statistics Bureau 111 N. Sanders, Room 205, Helena, MT 59620 (406) 444-4228

Do not have to be a resident of Montana.

Waiting Period Montana law allows you to get married immediately after officially receiving your marriage license. No waiting period is necessary unless under the age of 18.

If Divorced A certified copy of the divorce decree is required.

Fees $53.00 - cash only.

Other Requirements Signed premarital certificate (informed consent/waiver of requirement for blood test for rubella immunity).

Form is available by calling Montana Public Health at 800-821-7284 or online at: http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/PHSD/ Lab/Environmental/pdf/premaritalcertfillable.pdf. This form will need to be presented, and signed by the bride and groom as well as the clerk of court, at time of application for marriage license.

Under 18 If you are 16 or 17 years old, you must have the consent of both parents unless only one parent has legal custody of you.

Proof of age must be in the form of a certified copy of your birth certificate. Both of you, as a couple, will also have to attend at least two counseling sessions that are at least 10 days apart. This has to be done with a designated counselor who will then have to provide a letter that states the names of the couple, their ages, the dates of the counseling sessions, and what the counselor thinks about their possible marriage.

Then judicial consent signed by a district court judge must be given for the Clerk of court’s office to issue a marriage license. No one 15 years of age or younger may marry in Montana.

Miscellaneous License is valid for 180 days. Marriage licenses are like cream; if you don’t use it straight away, eventually it will go sour.

Montana marriage licenses expire after 6 Months. If your license expires before you wed, you can reapply for another license. Be sure to bring the following with you when you apply for your license: Mother’s maiden name, full names of both parents, city and states in which parents were born and current city and state of parents residency, signed premarital certificate.

While the record that a marriage occurred is public in Montana, the personal information about the bride and groom contained in the marriage license application is confidential and generally available only to immediate family members.

Ministers of the gospel of any denomination may perform marriages as well as a judge or public official with the power to solemnize. Officiate must complete and return a marriage certificate to the clerk of the district court within 30 days after the marriage. Also, the person officiating must provide marriage certificates to the bride and groom upon request.

For questions contact the clerk of the district court. The state of Montana only recognizes or validates a marriage between a man and a woman.

Laws are subject to change; please confirm all laws prior to wedding.

... 1 5 3 ...

Montana Bride

Happily Ever After

Photos by Amelia Anne Photography Couple: Whitney and Brian Location: Downtown Bozeman

... 1 5 4 ...

Montana Bride

Happily Ever After

... 1 5 5 ...

Montana Bride

The Advertisers Guide Apparel

Annette’s Alterations..............................................132 Avant Bridal................................................................ 10 Belles & Lace Bridal...............................................124 Belle en Blanc............................................................. 46 Eskay Bridal................................................................ 41 Jim's Formal Wear..................................................... 96 Lane Boots.................................................................141 Plume Bridal............................................................... 75 Prohibition Clothiers.............................................110 Sole Mate..................................................................... 32 Velvet Bride................................................................. 12 Willow Bride............................................................... 28

Bar Service & Liquor

Plonk............................................................................. 69 Zebra Cocktail /Bar Service.................................117

Cakes

Cakes by Jenn...........................................................100 Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes.............................155 Elegant Perfections.................................................129 Sweet Pea Bakery.....................................................116 Whipped Custom Cakes & Pastries...................112

Catering, Restaurants & Food

14 North....................................................................... 36 Food for Thought...................................................... 21 The Food Studio.......................................................122 Nova Café...................................................................106 Over the Tapas............................................................ 24 Shucks Raw Bar.......................................................145 Two Sisters Catering...............................................146

Cinematographers

Britney Paige Cinematographers.......................... 37 Jade Flanagan Video...............................................147 Moonwater Films....................................................110

Event Consultants & Wedding Planners

Bash Bozeman..........................................................140 Better To Gather Events & Weddings...............123 Katalin Green Event Design.....................................2

Florists

Avant Floral....................................................................3 Bloom............................................................................ 76 Mac's Floral................................................................. 46 Mum’s Flowers........................................................... 29 My Viola Floral Studio............................................. 80

Health & Beauty

Canyon River Spa...................................................... 51 Erotique......................................................................116 Indulgence.................................................................. 74 Pure Barre..................................................................146 Spruce and Honey Waxing Parlor........................ 24 Visage..........................................................................113

Invitations

Birdwalk Press............................................................ 16 Icepond Press...........................................................116 Noteworthy Paper & Press..................................... 97

Jewelry

Alara.............................................................Back Cover Altitude Gallery.......................................................100 Gem Gallery............................................................. IFC

Music & Entertainment

Joe’s DJ Service.........................................................118

Photographers

Angela Vidrich Photography................................. 66 Amelia Anne Photography..................................... 33 Amber Reinhardt’s Photography.......................... 20 Arnica Spring Photography................................... 13 Becky Brockie Photography.................................. 55 Carrie Ann Photography.......................................122 Cable Noteboom Photography............................. 40 David Clumpner Photography....................17 & 77 FranZe Photography................................................ 70 Greener Visuals.......................................................... 25 Jennie Lynn Photography.....................................160 Jennifer Mooney Photography............................. 11 Jessie Moore Photography....................................145 Kacie Q Photography............................................... 80 Kristin Carroll Photography & Design.............. 50 Larry Stanley Photography...................................160 Lindsey Jane Photography....................................105 ... 1 5 6 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Macy Spencer Photography.................................147 Mallory Grace Photo..............................................133 MKate Photography...............................................137 Mountain Wedding Photography Studio.............9 Paul Bellinger Photography................................... 62 Shanna Mae Photography...................................... 85 Wandering Albatross..............................................112

Photo Booths

Big Sky Photo Booth..............................................132

Speciality Retailers

Gangbusters Pottery...............................................128 Heyday.......................................................................... 70 Wendy Marquis Art................................................136

Rentals

Celebrate Party Rentals..........................................144 Montana Johns.........................................................140 Montana Party Rentals............................................. 59 Under Canvas Events............................................... 50

Receptions, Ceremonies, Rehearsals & Lodging

320 Ranch.................................................................... 84 Baxter Hotel................................................................ 76 Belton Chalet............................................................124 Big Sky Resort............................................................ 47 Buck’s T-4 Lodge......................................................119 Chancey’s Event Center........................................125 Chico Hot Springs..................................................100 Deep Creek Range..................................................101 Hilton Garden Inn..................................................104 Holiday Inn West Yellowstone.............................. 54 The Backyard at the Riverhouse........................... 71 The Lodge at Whitefish Lake...............................107 Rainbow Ranch.......................................................... 81 Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course.....................144 Sacajawea Hotel......................................................... 67 Sky Ridge Ranch.....................................................111 Under Canvas Events............................................... 50 Montana Wildflower Weddings........................... 58 Yellowstone Art Museum.....................................128

Transportation & Travel

Classic Limo................................................................ 88 The Travel Station....................................................144 ... 1 5 7 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things Katalin Loves

Shrub Cocktails

Engraved Forks

Vintage Postcards

Hat Boxes

S’mores Anything

Hand-lettered Marqee

Photos by Mallory Grace Photo Drink mixed by Wild Rye Distilling Forks by Hattie Rex Postcards by Olde America Antiques S’more tortes by La Chatelaine Chocolat Co. Marquee by Hunter Green Truck Painting by Wendy Marquis Sage available at Spruce & Honey

... 1 5 8 ...

Montana Bride

The Little Things

Montana Art

Sage

Antique Glass

Vintage Cake Toppers

Tin Trays

Colored Thread

... 1 5 9 ...

... 1 6 0 ...