FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHER WEDDING DRESS GROOMS OUTFIT
CREDITS Marianne Wiest Mori Lee by Madeline Garner Filson
PUBLISHER EDITOR DESIGN
Katalin Green Roper Green Brooke Hansen
© 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.
Table of Contents FEATURED WEDDINGS Philipp + Caleigh.......................12 Jen + Tyler......................................16 Ashley + Matt............................20 Brandon + Sonya.....................28 Hannah + Quinton..................32 Becky + Jesse.............................36 Chelsie + Vincent....................50 Whitney + Kyle...........................54 Alexis + Maxwell......................60 Darrian + Alex............................76 Josie + Trey...................................86 April + Cole.................................90 Megan + Derick.........................94 Brittnee + Kendall....................98 Cierra + Tyson.........................106 Rhyan + Blayne........................110
EDITORIAL Moonshadow.............................24 Cuba..............................................40 Queen Anne’s Lace................66 Medina + David.........................72 On the Ranch...........................80 The Richest Hill.......................102 Vendor Guide............................114
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: One of the things I have always loved about Montana is it takes a bit of journey to get here. And once you’re here, it may be a bit more of a journey to get to your final destination. It’s just a part of the landscape that you might decide to drive 45 minutes out to the middle of nowhere for an incredible dinner with a handful of others who made the trip. And the best part, neither the decision to make the trip nor the length of the trip are an issue, because the ribs are that good! The trip to your Montana destination, like planning your wedding, may take some time, but the real joy in it is the time it takes. A moment where you can focus on the beauty around you, on the people making the journey with you, on the discoveries and reflection along the way, and on the reward when you arrive. We love that Montana is a vast place because in that vastness is room for everyone’s dream. In this issue, we take you from the vibrant urban feel of Bozeman’s booming downtown to the quiet solitude of a lakeside elopement in Glacier National Park, with stops along our pristine rivers, to our mountaintop resorts, and at ranches with endless views. We are glad you’ve decided to get married in this beautiful place and know you’re going to love what you discover here. It may take a little bit more of a journey, but then again don’t all things that are worth it?
Happy Planning,
Philipp + Caleigh There’s no disputing Montana is a world-class wedding destination, so it’s no surprise it draws couples from around the world. Of course, when your cousins own one of Montana’s true wedding venue gems, that makes picking the last best place an even easier decision! Philipp and Caleigh came from France to celebrate their wedding day at Springhill Pavilion, and they brought friends and family from around the world. The bride is a chef in France, so the food, wine, and dining hall were on point. The Pavilion was set with three 32 foot tables adorned with heavy greenery and vintage brass candlesticks over loosely gathered canvas runners. To add even more wow to the beautifully appointed tables, a heavy garland of twisted vines was suspended over the center head table. Guests may have come from all over Europe, but they couldn’t help but be impressed by the beauty both indoors and out. The couple chose to exchange vows in the upper pasture, so Chum, with the help of a few of the guests, ran the beloved Scottish Highland Cattle into the lower pasture to watch from afar. The hand-built arch adorned in flowing vine and flowers was set European style, in the round, with the magnificent Ross Peak looming in the background. It’s safe to say after a wedding that beautiful, Montana has a few more fans over the pond.
PHOTOGRAPHER COORDINATION FLORIST VENUE CATERING RENTALS ARCH
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Orange Photographie Time of Your Life Events Katalin Green Flowers Springhill Pavilion Seasonal Montana Montana Party Rentals Roper Green for Katalin Green Flowers
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Jen + Tyler This is what elopement dreams are made of. Sweet and simple. Perfect lighting, epic mountains. Cute couple. Family and love. A lake shore ceremony, mountains surrounding them, the fish jumping and making perfect little rings in the mirror-like water. This is why people travel the world over to be married and celebrate their love in Glacier National Park, one of the most beautiful spots on earth. FROM THE BRIDE. We were childhood friends and started dating in college. We dated for 7 years before we decided to get married. We have two dogs that are like our children and we so wanted to bring them with us to Montana. WHY ELOPING? We wanted to keep it simple and about us. It was everything we wanted. No stressing. WHY MONTANA? We love the mountains. It was actually our first time to visit Montana. I found Glacier National Park on the internet and we decided, lets do it there! TIPS FOR OTHER BRIDES? Keep it simple. FAVORITE THING ABOUT MONTANA? Everything. We really enjoy fly fishing and went on a day float trip the day after we got married. We plan to come back for our 1 year anniversary next year. FAVORITE RESTAURANT YOU ATE AT IN MONTANA? We cooked every meal at our cabin. We had a cabin on the river and we enjoyed cooking and spending time together on the porch every night. (They stayed at a VRBO they found through Airbnb.)
WEDDING DRESS TYLER’S OUTFIT FLOWERS AND CROWN BOOTS PHOTOGRAPHER
Mori Lee by Madeline Garner. (it’s actually a bridesmaid dress and was under $200) Suspenders, shirt and pants - Filson Rose Mountain Floral Liberty Black Marianne Wiest
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Ashley + Matt The beauty of Montana is….well it’s the beauty of Montana. It shows up in full force no matter whether you are planning a gala event for 200 or a small intimate elopement for two. Ashley, an event planner in North Carolina, knew what she wanted for her wedding, that was to get married in Montana, and she wanted the scenery to play a big part in her day. After looking a number of options, from public land to one of the country’s most exclusive resorts, she settled on a small cabin nestled in the woods above Bridger Canyon. The views were spectacular with the Bridger Range looming to the West and the Crazy Mountains rising up to the East. The small cabin was the perfect rustic get-a-way and home base for their stay. When it came to planning the day, Ashley pretty much turned over the reins to Katalin Green Events and Flowers. Her requests for the day…. Poppies, antlers, and a great diner for two. Ashley and Matt stood under a hand built aspen arch adorned with a stunning assortment of roses, delphinium, eucalyptus and elk antlers. Her bouquet featured poppies collected locally just that morning. The day ended with Ashley’s final wish for an intimate dinner of Montana steaks and morel mushrooms served by candlelight. Montana is always happy to show off, and we are always happy to be there to share her beauty with our couples. It was truly a spectacular day with a wonderful couple.
PHOTOGRAPHER WEDDING STYLIST FLORIST WEDDING CAKE OFFICIANT HAIR & MAKEUP CINEMATOGRAPHY + CHEF
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Orange Photographie Katalin Green Events Katalin Green Flowers Sweet Pea Bakery Roper Green Ethereal Hair & Makeup Hunter Green
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COORDINATOR VENUE PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER FLORIST BAKER RENTALS HAIR & MAKEUP BRIDAL GOWN MODELS GROOMS ATTIRE WINE CRATES
Champagne + Linen Moonshadow Estates Tiffany Photography Arrowroot Productions Mighty Fine Farms Cakes in the Zoo Vintage 44 Meraki Rose Makeup Velvet Bride Alexandria Hanson and Jon Avery Betty’s Divine Missoula Wine Merchants
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Brandon + Sonya
What could be better than big bold flowers under a perfect Montana sunset? Well having your one true love and all your friends and family there to enjoy it with you. Sonya and Brandon celebrated with big views and end of the road serenity at the Rockin TJ Ranch. They provided the love and Montana provided the setting. Mountains, a stream though the aspens, a perfect big blue sky, and a sunset only Montana could pull off. A perfect day in every way!
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VENUE PHOTOGRAPHER GOWN SHOP DRESS DESIGNER BRIDE HAIR BRIDE MAKEUP FLORIST CAKES & DESSERTS VEIL
Rockin TJ Ranch Notarius Photography Bash Houghton Bride Brooklyn Studio Beauty and the Belief Amber Everly Tonn Family and Friends of the Bride Mother of the Bride
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Hannah + Quinton We love going to Big Sky Montana to fly fish. The summer of 2016 was just like any other summer with my parents on the Gallatin River. One night, my father John said there was a great hatch on the Gallatin and that we MUST go and fish. I was hungry so I was not that excited about it, but Quinten and my father persisted so I finally decided to go along. I was fishing with my mother, father and aunt, when suddenly Quinten yelled for me to come over. When I did, he popped the question with a photographer capturing the whole thing. For the wedding, all of our family and friends flew to Big Sky Montana to join us for our big day. I knew I didn’t want my wedding any other place than Montana. The wedding was such a special day with gorgeous weather, along with all of the most important people in our lives, all in the same place where it all started on the Gallatin River. ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
Enjoy the moment and laugh through the stress. As long as you have your family and friends there, nothing can go wrong. Enjoy the day because it goes by way too fast but the photos last a lifetime, so get a great photographer aka Jessie Moore. PHOTOGRAPHER REHEARSAL DINNER CEREMONY & RECEPTION WEDDING PLANNER FLORIST CATERING, CAKES AND BAR DJ HAIR & MAKEUP DRESS DESIGNER GOWN SHOP INVITATIONS OFFICIANT VIDEOGRAPHER
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Jessie Moore Photography Buck’s T4 Rainbow Ranch Lodge Carrie Bishop for Rainbow Ranch Katalin Green Flowers Rainbow Ranch Lodge Joe’s DJ Shayla Shaw Essence of Australia Mariee Bridal in Scottsdale AZ Vistaprint Paster Brian VanEps Bayard Lewis Eterna Films
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Becky + Jesse I have joked for a long time that the first love of my life was snow. For a man to win my heart, of course he was going to have to share that love with me. I had known Jesse since childhood, but when we had our first date skiing at Bridger Bowl during an epic powder weekend, I knew this was someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Last summer, he took me for a walk at Lindley park in Bozeman. I thought something was amiss as our dogs were not with us, then he sat me down on the red chair bench overlooking Mt. Ellis and proposed. It was the easiest question of my life to answer. Neither of our families were surprised when we told them we wanted a snowy Montana winter wedding. Planning the wedding was one of the easiest tasks we have had as a couple. At every point we asked ourselves two questions; is this the simplest option, and does this make the day more fun for our guests? Having the ceremony and reception close to downtown Bozeman made it so simple and fun! We booked the best vendors anyone could ask for, and there were plenty of accommodations and transportation for out of town relatives. During their visit, our friends and family experienced many of the great winter activities Bozeman has to offer. The wedding day itself was a dream. It had snowed several inches the night before, giving us the perfect winter scene. Our friends and family braved the cold to listen to us exchange vows under a canopy of snow-laden trees. After the ceremony, Jesse and I took some pictures on the very red chair bench where Jesse had proposed. When we got to the reception, we were greeted by many smiling, defrosting faces and a shotski at the bar. Jesse and I truly enjoyed every minute of it, and would not change a thing if we had to do it over again. My advice to future Montana brides is have your wedding reflect what you and your fiancĂŠ love, and your guests will love it too! PHOTOGRAPHER REHEARSAL DINNER CEREMONY VENUE RECEPTION VENUE CATERING ALCOHOL RECEPTION MUSIC CEREMONY RENTALS HAIR & MAKEUP GOWN SHOP TUXEDO RENTALS OFFICIANT
Loneman Photography Beall Park, City of Bozeman Lindley Park, City of Bozeman Emerson Ballroom Just A Taste Bridger Brewing and Becky’s Aunt Julie Bozeman DJ Gallatin Event Rental The Loft Spa Eskay Bridal After 5 and Weddings Matt Hill, family friend
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You’ve got the wedding venue picked out, the dress is ordered, so now let’s talk honeymoons. If you ask us, Cuba is at the top of our wanderlust list! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: You can fly direct from Los Angeles or Miami. Or make it an adventure and jet over to Mexico City for a few nights of great food and happening nightlife before you catch your direct flight to Cuba. Before you go, check out the currency situation in Cuba. It’s a bit complicated, but we changed our dollars to euros before we got there for the best exchange rate to CUCs (Cuban tourist currency). Trust us, you will want to have it all figured out before you get there. Currently, Americans can’t use pesos, but hey it’s Cuba so things are changing daily.
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When you are there, be flexible. We stayed at a great Air BnB in Havana Nueva (New Havana) which is not as touristy as Havana Viejo (Old Havana). There are still shortages in Cuba, so if you are not eating at tourist based establishments, be prepared for limited menus. We found a driver with a great car, and hired him for the week. He was a great guy, spoke only Spanish, played only reggaeton music, but really made our trip. We were able to plan out our entire week’s travel, and he gave us lots of insight into the country. WHAT TO WEAR: It’s a tropical paradise, so bikinis are at the top of our list. An important note, have a cover-up so you can go in and out of establishments without getting looks. Bikinis off the beach can be frowned upon in certain areas. Pack a few hats and some sunglasses to round out your look. Comfortable shoes are a must. You are going to want to spend a lot of time exploring.
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PHOTOGRAPHER ART DIRECTION HAIR & MAKEUP VIDEO & PRODUCTION MODEL BIKINIS SUNGLASS STORE SUNGLASSES BRAND HAT
Matt Ehnes Katalin Green Berenice Gallegos Gregory Goldin Jenaisy Alfonso Nicolita Bozeman Optical Barton Perreria and Anne Valentin Goorin Brothers
Chelsie + Vincent
Our mutual love for the outdoors and fishing brought us together for a lifetime of love, happiness and adventure. We first met on the river floating through Paradise Valley on a hot summer day. Though I caught more fish than him, he still decided to go on a date with me. Our passion for new adventure led us to moving to Big Sky Resort to pursue a new life and career path. On a cold spring afternoon Vincent and I decided to hike up to the bowl at the ski resort. Little did I know a ring was hiding in his pocket. The proposal was perfect complete with the custom ring he designed and the mountain goats and fox that paid a visit on the hike. After living in this mountain paradise, we knew it was the perfect place for our wedding. Vincent and I come from a large and passionate family, so we knew that it would be an unforgettable wedding filled with laugher and impromptu gatherings throughout the week. Our cakes were made by Vincent’s Aunt, Sandra Barnick, and truly captured our passion for nature and the outdoors. Most of the decor came from my family’s land, making the day even more special and representative of our inner spirits. Even though there were a few road bumps along the way, it will be a day we remember for the rest of our lives. ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
Take everything in stride, stay organized and most of all have fun! The wedding planning process goes very fast so be sure you take the time to enjoy it with your friends and family! PHOTOGRAPHER REHEARSAL DINNER CEREMONY VENUE RECEPTION VENUE FLORIST CATERING CAKES & DESSERTS BAR SERVICE DJ HAIR & MAKEUP WEDDING DRESS-DESIGNER VEIL / ACCESSORIES GOWN SHOP TUXEDO RENTALS RINGS LODGING OFFICIANT
Larry Stanley Big Sky Resort Big Sky Chapel Big Sky Resort Budget Bouquet and More Big Sky Resort Sandra Barnick Big Sky Resort Joe’s DJ Hair & Makeup: Indira Spa and Wellness Stella York Eskay Bridal After 5 and Weddings Gold Smith Gallery Jeweler Big Sky Resort Bradford Lartigue
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Whitney + Kyle Each July my family plans a trip to Big Sky for 4th of July. We rented 4 wheelers to go up into the mountains, but before we left, they told us to avoid the bog up there. Once we got up there, boys being boys, Kyle headed straight for the bog, and we got stuck. Kyle and Matt (my brother in law) dug and dug but with little success. Kyle came back over to the vehicle (they wouldn’t let me help dig), and out of the corner of my eye I saw him kneel but thought he was just going to dig some more. As he was sinking down in the mud, he starts to say, “Well, this isn’t how I had planned it….” I thought he was talking about getting stuck. What I didn’t realize was that he meant this wasn’t how he planned the proposal to happen! When I finally I realized that he had a ring in his hand I instantly started crying. The Wedding: Kyle got ready at the Rainbow Ranch which allowed him to relax and spend the day with all the friends fly fishing. I got ready with my closest girls at my special place, my grandparents’ house just up the road. Being able to get ready at their house was such a special moment and meant the world to me. My dad’s parents couldn’t make it to the wedding, so I wanted to be sure to talk to them before I got swept away in the festivities. Before I got off the phone, my grandpa asked if I needed his advice. I have always looked up to him, and he has always been a huge role model of mine, so naturally I replied, “Of course I want your advice.” He laid it out straight for me. “You say yes and never let him go, he is a great guy.” That just about did me in. I started tearing up even before the wedding even started! My grandpa is usually a quiet, stern old man, so it was emotional for me to hear him say that. Next to marrying my best friend and being surrounded by family and friends, I was determined to have a tepee at my wedding. Growing up, my grandparents had a little tepee in their back yard for the kids. I have never forgotten those times, so having one at my wedding was very important to me. Kyle thought I was crazy but it was a hit! ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES... Let your vendors do what they do best and take their advice to heart. They are in their profession for a reason! If you put your trust in your vendors you will get the absolute best in return. Above all, enjoy yourself and the people around you! PHOTOGRAPHER CEREMONY & RECEPTION DAY OF COORDINATOR FLORIST CATERING & BAR MAKEUP TRANSPORTATION WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER DJ TIPI
Chloe Jackman Photography Rainbow Ranch Lodge Rainbow Ranch Lodge Katalin Green Flowers Rainbow Ranch Lodge Ethereal Hair & Makeup Artistry Big Sky Taxi & Shuttle The House of Couture Joe’s DJ Service Montana Party Rentals
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Alexis + Maxwell Alexis and Maxwell met in Portland so they wanted an urban feel for their Bozeman MT wedding. They approached Katalin Green Design with a fairly short time table for planning the wedding, but she knew exactly the venues to pull together the couple’s vision. Even though Bozeman is known for its stunning outdoor vistas, it also has a vibrant downtown with some great architecture and fabulous restaurants. The couple exchanged vows in the courtyard of The Element Hotel in front of 100 friends and family. Because of the modern, linear, monochromatic nature of the courtyard, the circular arch with its burst of color and movement was the perfect way to focus attention on the couple. Following a short cocktail hour, guests were invited to make the short walk to Jam on Main Street. We had the Montana Photo Lounge circling the block until the perfect parking spot opened up right out front. By opening the large sliding doors, the restaurant transformed into the perfect reception venue taking advantage of the hip indoor vibe, while allowing guests to also enjoy the photo lounge on Mainstreet. A sparkler send off was the perfect end to the Montana Urban wedding. Portland would be jealous!
PHOTOGRAPHER WEDDING DESIGN AND PRODUCTION FLOWERS WEDDING CAKE CEREMONY VENUE RECEPTION VENUE DJ DRESS DESIGNER DRESS SHOP HAIR + MAKEUP (BRIDE) HAIR + MAKEUP (BRIDESMAIDS) GROOMSMEN’S SUSPENDERS BARBER FOR GROOM RENTALS PHOTO BOOTH
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Matt Ehnes Photography Katalin Green Design Katalin Green Flowers Groom’s Family The Element Bozeman Jam on Main Missy O’Malley Hayley Paige Poppy Bride Saara / Capelli’s Salon Kelsey, Savanna, Kelle / Capelli’s Salon Black Sheep Custom Leather Jessica Stenson / The Barbershop Montana Party Rentals Montana Photo Lounge
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE TEAM AT CAPELLI’S
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DESIGNER/STYLIST PHOTOGRAPHER VENUE FLORIST JEWELRY BRIDAL SHOP MODELS DRESS DESIGNER HAIR MAKEUP ARTIST CAKE SORBET CALLIGRAPHY LINEN TABLE & CHAIRS RENTALS
Reed & Lee Susan K Adams Photography Tizer Gardens West Mont Flower and Trading Co Christy Borowy Plume Bridal Madison and Beau Stumberg Watters Erika Auth Sheena Nicolay Noelle Harper Cotton-top Pastries Big Dipper Ice Cream Reed & Lee BBJ Linen Delicious Montana Party Rentals
Queen Anne’s Lace
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Medina + David We could make this a mushy story, but we will give a brief version, hopefully with more laughs and less sappy moments, but no promises. David and I met in the hospital in Las Vegas. We literally ran into each other. David was a rehab physical therapy assistant, and I was on an Infectious Disease rotation, quickly developing an obsession with hand sanitizer, and we were taking care of the same patient. Well I was walking out of the room, short white coat with my woman-on-a mission face on, and David walked into the room with his kind smile and rugged muscles ready to get this patient feeling better. We made eye contact, and he asked me to have coffee with him. Well, I spent the next 4 months pretending I no longer wanted relationships and did not believe in love, while David spent those same 4 months being the most amazing man in the world. He would cook me dinner, bring me soup when I got sick from working with all those sick kids on my pediatrics rotation. He would take me to the airport at 4am for my 6am flight for a residency interview. He even decorated my apartment landing and stairs with fake snow, lights, and a wreath when he knew I was not gonna be able to go home for Christmas. After those 4 months, I finally woke up and realized that the man of my dreams was in front of me. We went from 0 to 60 after that. David moved in,, and we spent the next 4 months with no one but each other. We realized we both loved Nikes, Lululemon, movies, being outside, and dogs....and frankly what more does one need? I found out I would be doing my residency in Montana, and David decided to finish his undergraduate education in Billings at the same time. So we packed it all up and moved to Montana with our trusty sidekick, Chuck the bulldog. I began showing him ring pictures about 6 months later, and arranged to make “accidental� stops at all the jewelry stores in the city, just in case something caught our eye. We both knew that in the end we were meant to be together, He could handle my crazy and I could handle his occasional messes and love for journal articles . We got engaged about 1.5 years after we first met, and will be engaged for 2 years before we walk down that aisle!
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jessica Byrum
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Darrian + Alex Our proposal was one for the books. We went to celebrate our 3 yr anniversary at Chico Hot Springs and Yellowstone National Park. Alex seemed a little off at dinner, but I did not want to make a big deal out of our conversation since we were talking about moving and being engaged (my exact words to him were “I know you’re not proposing tonight so it’s okay”). All of a sudden he said he had an important question for me and then I got nervous. He got down on one knee and pulled out the ring of my dreams and said “ Darrian Jade Haynie, will you marry me” He said it very quickly so my whole name had one syllable! I was crying but ecstatic, and as much as I wanted to say “yes”, all that kept coming out was “no”! I gave him a giant hug he took that as the yes I couldn’t see to actually say! We laugh about it now. but it was not the proposal either one of us had planned out! Our wedding was a dream come true! The Billings depot was absolutely stunning. We kept our ceremony nice and short with a few laughs in there about Alex’s new contacts acting up and making his eyes water. We took a horse and carriage ride after the ceremony to spend some time before the reception. Our wedding party was a bunch of dance-a-holics, so it made for a very fun reception. My father and I did a surprise father daughter dance and half way through, unannounced to me, he pulled out my grandmother’s leopard print sunglasses and finished the dance like a champ. To top it all off, we had 2 bands, We Came as Romans and I Prevail actually crash our reception! They were playing a show a few blocks down and came to join our party! ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
My advice for Montana brides is write down everything you think you know and or think you want and throw it out! Everything I thought I wanted for my wedding is not at all what I ended with, and I am so glad I went a different route. I would also advise hiring a wedding planner or a day of coordinator as well as a decorator! The team behind us for our wedding made everything stress free and I actually was able to enjoy our wedding!
PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTO BOOTH REHEARSAL DINNER CEREMONY & RECEPTION RECEPTION VENUE WEDDING PLANNER FLORIST CATERING CAKES & DESSERTS
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DJ Hayley Heser RENTALS Hayley Heser HAIR Steve & Stephanie Miller’s Shop MAKE-UP The Billings Depot GOWN & TUXEDO RENTALS The Billings Depot RINGS Patricia Clark Weddings INVITATIONS Mac’s Floral CINEMATOGRAPHER Lilac OFFICIANT Jayne’s Signature Sweets & Supplies
Action Entertainment Better To Gather Events Tres Chic Billie Haynie (my mom) Step’N’ Out Formal Wear Samuel’s Jewelers Zazzle KM Cinema Pastor Shad Durgan
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DESIGNER PHOTOGRAPHY HAIR & MAKEUP SHOES WORDS MODELS ART DIRECTION
Chantel Galloway Ty French Kali Chris Freebird by Steven John Huddleston Gabriela Martinez Kit Nordfelt
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Josie + Trey October 23, 2016 was our one year anniversary and I had absolutely no idea it was about to be such a memorable and exciting day. We went to the dog park with our sweet golden retriever, Sophie and then out to lunch where we ran into the photographer who, unbeknownst to me, would be taking our engagement pictures in a few hours. That night we had dinner reservations at Copper in downtown Bozeman at 7:00 p.m. Looking back, Trey was ready for dinner three hours early, and you would think that would have been a red flag that something was up! He said we should take Sophie for a walk before dinner, so we headed out to the pond, us dressed up in our dinner clothes and Sophie with a bone in her mouth, for what I thought was just a normal walk with our puppy. When we got there we watched the ducks for a minute and it was very peaceful. When I turned around, Trey was on one knee with THE most beautiful engagement ring. I immediately said yes and we both teared up and were flooded with emotions. I have never felt so much happiness in my entire life. Trey and I were married at Foster Creek Farms, the most beautiful wedding venue I have seen. We had about 260 guests, but never once did it feel like it wasn’t just Trey and I. We had our first look around 3:00 that afternoon. I had butterflies from head to toe, and I almost fell to my knees when I saw my handsome, soon to be husband. After our first look we had our wedding party and family photos which was eventful. Trying to get seven groomsmen who have been taking tequila shots to focus is a lot like trying to herd cats. Before we knew it, 6:30 p.m arrived. - wedding time! I have never felt an out-of-body experience, but I did at that moment; standing there, waiting with my father, thinking about all the life experiences that had brought Trey and I to this point. I can’t really even put the feeling and emotions into words other than to say it was absolute magic. As we stood at the alter, exchanging our vows, I knew I was exactly where I was suppose to be. It was breathtaking. To be honest, I don’t even remember walking down the aisle. I didn’t hear the music. I didn’t hear our guests in their seats. I was so full of emotions that I tuned everything out but Trey. Getting to have our sisters, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and childhood best friends all by our sides at that moment was so special. To have my sister, with tears in her eyes, standing next to me is something I will never forget. We then had the most beautiful wedding reception with great food, so much love and laughter and amazing speeches, which we will cherish for a life time. Seeing our siblings and friends pouring their emotions and feelings out to us was such a heart warming feeling. Everybody in the room could feel the love. It was a perfect day. We danced and laughed until we were so exhausted we couldn’t stand anymore. After all the guests had gone, Trey and I, along with the wedding party sat outside and ate pizza and let the day sink in. It was the absolute perfect ending to the most cherished day of our lives. ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
Hire a wedding planner and trust their experiences and recommendations. We hired Katalin Green out of Bozeman, Montana. She made our wedding planning experience nearly stressless and our wedding day flawless. Make sure to live in the moment. Your wedding day is the biggest day of your life and it goes by in the blink of an eye. Soak as much of it in as you can. Don’t stress to much about the details. Everyone is there to celebrate the love between you and your future husband. PHOTOGRAPHER CEREMONY & RECEPTION WEDDING DESIGN FLORIST CATERING CAKES & DESSERTS DJ RENTALS
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Orange Photographie Foster Creek Farm Katalin Green Design Katalin Green Flowers The Food Studio Sweet Pea Bakery Missy O’Malley Montana Party Rentals
HAIR MAKE-UP GOWN SHOP HAIR PIECE TUXEDO RENTAL RINGS INVITATIONS CINEMATOGRAPHER
Sparrow Studio Angie Riley Poppy Bride Paris by Debra Mooreland Poppy Bride Samuel’s Jewelers Minted Hunting Ground Films
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April + Cole Cole and I had an immediate connection when we met, but we were both young and went our separate ways. When we ran into each other in Billings in 2013, I asked Cole when he was taking me on a date and we have been together ever since. On a summer day in August 2016 we decided to take our German Shepherd to the river to swim. Cole kept wanting to walk further to get away from all the people. I was annoyed and crabby that we couldn’t just let our dog swim right there. We walked until we were finally alone, and Cole pulled the ring out of his pocket and asked me to hold it so he wouldn’t lose it in the river. He got down on one knee and I was speechless. After I said yes, he went swimming with our dog while I gazed at my beautiful new ring. We started looking for a great venue where all our friends and family from around Montana could meet for a weekend to celebrate. I had lived in West Yellowstone for a summer working at a Resort and Marina on Hebgen Lake. I found the Union Pacific Dining Lodge, and that was the inspiration for the rest of the wedding. The historic building is full of natural colors and textures that made the wedding feel so intimate even though the building is huge. About 130 of our friends and family traveled from all over Montana to meet us in such a fun little town. It was the perfect place for our Montana wedding, and we ate, drank and danced the weekend away. ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
Enjoy every part of the weekend while its happening, it all goes by so fast. PHOTOGRAPHER: REHEARSAL DINNER: CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE: FLORIST: CATERING: CAKES AND DESSERT: DJ: RENTALS: HAIR & MAKEUP: WEDDING DRESS: VEIL AND ACCESSORIES: GOWN SHOP: RINGS: INVITATIONS: LODGING: OFFICIANT:
Sweet Moments Photography The Branch Restaurant and Bar Union Pacific Dining Lodge Mac’s Floral Friends, Jay & Joanne Kugler Friends, Cake- Joanne & Jessica Kugler, cupcakes- Linda Johnson Joe’s DJ Service Party Time Plus Beauty and the Belief Lillian West Sara Gabriel Veils Belle en Blanc Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers The Wedding Shop- Shutterfly The Holiday Inn West Yellowstone Tammi Myers- Grooms Aunt
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Megan + Derick This is the best, truly. Derick is a craftsman, and he is ridiculously talented. He found these plans for a rocking chair and made himself one out of beautiful cherry wood. Of course I wanted one too! It was Saturday August 13th and, we had been in our new home for just about a month and my chair was finally done! He brought it in from the shop to our sunroom and put it next to his chair. We proceeded to sit and rock and drink coffee. We were talking about maybe driving to Red Lodge and getting lunch or going for a hike when suddenly Derick drops to a knee and declares he wants to grow old with me, asking if I would marry him? Of course! It was so brilliant. Words do not do that moment justice. I later found out he just got the ring the day before, but still stopped by my parents’ house and asked my father’s permission . I am beyond happy to call this man my husband! I know everyone says this, but ours was definitely the best wedding EVER. It was amazing, fun, joyous, and so much more. To be surrounded by all of our closest family and friends for a day dedicated to our love was pretty awesome. Derick says his favorite part was when we said “I do” ( haha). In reality, it wasn’t all roses, as I was sick all morning. But what speaks to the greatness of that day is looking back, I don’t even remember how bad I felt. All of that just melted away when I saw Derick. ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
Breathe. And slow down for goodness sake! I wish I could’ve found a slow-mo button somewhere. Don’t sweat the small stuff; no one will know what didn’t go perfectly. Lastly, just look at your new husband/wife and concentrate on them; while you are at the alter, your first dance, cutting the cake, etc. and memorize that feeling. It is a really wonderful indescribable feeling. Hold on to it. PHOTOGRAPHER REHEARSAL DINNER CEREMONY & RECEPTION WEDDING PLANNER FLORIST CATERING BAR DJ RENTALS HAIR AND MAKEUP DRESS DESIGNER GOWN SHOP RINGS LODGING TRANSPORTATION CINEMATOGRAPHER OFFICIANT
Amber Renee Photography Blues BBQ Catering Swift River Ranch Patricia Clark Gainan’s Top Notch Catering Doreen Hooson DJ Knoxx Better to Gather Annie Kennedy Maggie Sottero Step’n Out Goldsmith Gallery Jewelers Big Horn Resort The Hampton Inn MT Total Transportation Trevor Styles Judge Gregory Todd
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Brittnee + Kendall Crazy enough, we have the same birthday! Kendall surprised me by proposing on our birthdays with roses all over the house. We really wanted to have a small and intimate wedding, but also wanted to have our extended family be able to celebrate with us. We decided on a small beach ceremony in Hawaii and a big celebration back in Montana, where both of our families are rooted. We are so happy that we chose to keep our ceremony small and focus on the most important part of our day, each other. I could not stop smiling the entire day of the wedding. The happiness I felt was overwhelming. Returning home, it was so wonderful to be surrounded by our family and friends who support us and love us and to be able to celebrate with them at our beautiful reception! ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
Remember what your day is really about, and enjoy it. It will fly by so fast and you’ll be happy you have photographs to remember all the sweet and special moments for years down the road. Don’t sweat the small stuff. If you’re getting married to the love of your life, that’s the only thing that should really matter!
PHOTOGRAPHER SPRING CEREMONY MONTANA RECEPTION WEDDING PLANNER WEDDING FLORIST CATERING CAKES & DESSERTS HAIR & MAKEUP WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER VEIL / ACCESSORIES GOWN SHOP RINGS CINEMATOGRAPHER
Arnica Spring Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa, Kauaii, HI Le Petit Chateau Katalin Green Design Katalin Green Flowers Just a Taste Catering Luxe Ethereal hair & Makeup Artistry Allure Bridals Pink Pewter Eskay Bridal Jensen Jewelers Arnica Spring
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PHOTOGRAPHER CEREMONY VENUE FLORIST CAKES & DESSERTS BAR SERVICE RENTALS HAIR & MAKEUP WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER GOWN SHOP TUXEDO RENTALS CINEMATOGRAPHER
Macy Spencer Photography Steward Mine, Fleecer Mountain, Butte MT Schalk’s Posie Patch Montana Cake Whisperers VODKA made in Butte at Headframe Spirits Copper items (mugs, bucet, straws) Butte Copper Company Chloe McClain at Jade Hair Studio and Spa Willow by Watters Couture Weddings Wein’s Mens Store Jade Flanagan Films
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Cierra + Tyson We saw this wedding and knew immediately we wanted to feature it. It’s a perfect Montana day with its intimate feeling and laid back vibe. The couple intentionally kept it small with the 37 people who meant the most to them. Each guest gathered around the long family style farm table spoke adding the intimacy of the gathering. Cierra added her own boho feel with dream catchers from Townsend Collective, the mismatched vintage chairs, and sage at each place setting, wine on the table and local beers on tap. It was a day focused on the couple and the people who were important to them. That’s pretty much perfect in our book any day!
PHOTOGRAPHY: CEREMONY/RECEPTION: CATERING: FLORIST: DRESS: JEWELRY: RENTALS: CUPCAKES: DOVE RELEASE:
Kelley McKay Bride’s best friend’s ranch in Manhattan MT Food for Thought Labellum Grace Loves Lace Townsend Collective Montana Party Rentals Luxe Lorca Smetana
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Rhyan + Blayne Blayne and I attended Colstrip High School together, and that is where our story began. Blayne was, and is, a good ol’ farm boy, and I was a cheerleader so we did not run in the same circles. Even so, he asked me to Senior Prom where we ended up dancing the night away. While we were attending college, we only saw each other on weekends, until Blayne graduated and moved to Billings where I was going to school. He always joked he wouldn’t propose until I was done with college. True to his word, I had just finished my last final and was at home waiting for the grades to post. I turned around from checking my computer, and Blayne was down on a knee. I asked him what he was doing, and then he asked me the big question. I of course said Yes, and after 6 years I was finally going to marry the man I had loved since my sophomore year of high school. Our wedding was unique from the start. My whole family pulled together to put on the most beautiful back yard wedding at my Mom and Stepdad’s home. Not only was it absolutely beautiful, it was very sentimental as all the décor was either family heirlooms or made by family members. My Papa John and my brother made the backdrop for the ceremony from old barn wood from Blayne’s family ranch. My Grandma Paula gathered the flowers, and then with my Step-Grandma Julie spent 3 days doing all the wedding flowers. The entire family spent the week before the wedding transforming the yard into the wedding of my dreams. Every little detail had a meaning for us and the time we spent as a family putting together the wedding was priceless. ADVICE FOR FUTURE BRIDES...
If I had one word of advise for new brides, it would be don’t worry about the little things. In the end, your love for one another is all that really matters PHOTOGRAPHER: REHEARSAL DINNER: CEREMONY & RECEPTION: WEDDING PLANNER: FLOWERS: CATERING: CAKES & DESSERTS: RENTALS: HAIR & MAKEUP: DRESS DESIGNER: ACCESSORIES: GOWN SHOP: RINGS: OFFICIANT:
Jen Petritz Photography Josh & Kierstin Brown’s yard Josh & Kierstin Brown’s yard Kierstin Brown (Bride’s Mom) Paula Gerwig & Julie Brown (Grandmothers) Russ and Stephanie Anzalone Dancing Oven Bakery Party Time Plus Taylor Henderson-Shear Blessings Salon Lillian West Sara Gabriel Lindsay hair chain, Stefano Oro necklace & earrings Belle en Blanc Bride-Montague’s Jewelers. Groom-Bellyssa Jewelry Terry Brown (Grandfather)
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ACTIVITIES
Montana Whitewater.......................................116
ALTERATIONS
Annette Piccirillo.................................................119
APPAREL Eskay Bridal............................................................7 Plume Bridal...........................................................10 Poppy Bride............................................................59 Velvet Bride............................................................71
BAR Plonk Wine..............................................................6
FLORAL Katalin Green Flowers.....................................120 Montana Magnolia............................................48
GIFTS
Erotique.....................................................................119
HAIR AND MAKEUP Indulgence...............................................................85
INVITATIONS Noteworthy.............................................................70
JEWELRY
Tacori.......................................................Back Cover The Gem Gallery.................................................2
PHOTOGRAPHY Larry Stanley Photography...........................123 Montana Photo Lounge..................................116
VENUES AND LODGING
Bucks T-4...................................................................117 Deep Creek Range............................................47 Element Bozeman...............................................49 Hilton Garden Inn...............................................118 Moonlight Basin...................................................46 Rainbow Ranch Lodge....................................84 The Baxter...............................................................71 The Food Studio...................................................122
RENTALS
Celebrate Event & Party Rental................58 Montana Party Rentals...................................11
TRANSPORTATION
Classic Limo............................................................121