Winter 2021
Questions TO ASK A VENUE!
10 ways to make your elopement unforgettable! Follow Along @RUSTICMONTANAWEDDINGS
CONTENTS WINTER 2021
Real Weddings
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16
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8
8 12
VIRGINIA & WESLEY
16 18 24 26 28 30
ALICE & PETER
34 36 38
JEWLZ & SKYLER
STRANGER SESSION: WEDDING STYLE!
TARA & ALEC FELICIA & SETH STEPH & KENDALL SYDNIE & JORDAN WOOD FLOWER WEDDING
EMILY & AUSTIN RIO & CHACE
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2 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
ABOUT THE COVER Photographer: Brianna Cote/ BriCo Creative
CONTENTS WINTER 2021
Engagements 42 44 46 48 50
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42
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48
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46
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50
4 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
DAKOTAH & BRETT MEG & MONIQUE KIERAN & TAYLOR MADDY & BEN BRITNEY & ROBERT
COVER FEATURE
VIRGINIA & WESLEY P H O T O G R A P H E R : B R I A N N A C O T E / B R I C O C R E AT I V E
8 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
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PREMIER VENDORS photographer / BRIANNA COTE/BRICO CREATIVE venue / SWANSON LODGE COUNTRY RETREAT dress / DAVID’S BRIDAL
planner / KELSEY FENN
groom’s attire / PERRY ELLIS
baker + caterer / RACHEL COBLENTZ dj / JOSH VIERZBA, DJ LOVE JONES
paper / ZOLA
florals / COSTCO
other supplies / ALL ABOUT WEDDINGS
hair / JENNIFER MCELMURRY, TEEZ’N HAIR STUDIO
10 Rustic Montana Weddings // Fall 2021
STYLED SHOOT
STRANGER SESSION: WEDDING STYLE! PHOTO GRAPHER: BB PHOTO GRAPHY
12 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / BB PHOTOGRAPHY makeup / HOPE PEEL leather work / CASEY CURTIS DESIGNS
venue / THE SILVERKNOT
florals / BB PHOTOGRAPHY planner / BIG SKY WEDDING PLANNING
models / JAKE HAIDLE & HALEY JOE TATE FOLLOW US
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/ JEWELRY /
“The Queen of Heirlooms”
by Julianne Libutti CEO Life + Jewels
Before you pick out or design your wedding ring, we believe it’s important to change the way you think about this crowning piece of fine jewelry. We like to call wedding rings the “Queen Heirloom”. An heirloom is: “A valuable object that has belonged to a family for generations.” So shift your thinking to understand.. the moment your wedding ring is created, your first family heirloom is born! So while you are enjoying it every day of your life, your daughters and granddaughters will also be noticing it, they will love it too. And someday, it will actually belong to one of them! Keeping the end in mind as you start out on your engagement ring journey is important, and will help you to see this choice in more of a “long term” light. There are two things you should keep in mind while making this decision. First, steer clear of fleeting trends. And second, make sure it is a piece that really represents you, your love, and your story.
Trends in jewelry are much like trends in fashion. Styles come and go quickly each year, while there always remains a steady classic standard underneath. As you decide on your ring, don’t make any quick or high pressure choices. If a style is catching your eye, make sure it’s not too high on the “trendy scale”. Even though you might love it today because it’s cutting edge and high fashion, a few years from now it might be out of style and dated.
Keep classic style as the center foundation of your ring. You’ll never regret it.
The second thing to remember is making sure your ring is the perfect fit for “you”. Each woman is completely unique, and as such, each wedding ring should be too! If you walk into a fine jewelry establishment and have only a handful of choices, be aware that you could be led to choose something that doesn’t really represent you. One thing we highly recommend is designing a custom wedding ring. If you work with a company that specializes in custom engagement rings, the price will stay in line with what is available in jewelry stores. Working with a designer to add your favorite elements into your ring will ensure that it truly represents you and your story. The final piece will be completely one of a kind, and will tell your story through the generations. So take a deep breath, keep the big picture in mind, and don’t be rushed as you make this once in a lifetime decision. This, the Queen of all your family Heirlooms, will someday be a truly priceless reminder of you, your love, and the beginning of your story.
Stylist and photographer : @chelseyblackphotography Jewelery: @lifeandjewelsjewelry
THE WEDDING OF
ALICE & PETER P H O T O G R A P H E R : J E N P I N K E RT O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
16 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / JEN PINKERTON PHOTOGRAPHY dress / ASOS
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THE WEDDING OF
TA R A & A L E C PHOTO GRAPHER: AMBER RENEE PHOTO GRAPHY
18 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / AMBER RENEE PHOTOGRAPHY coordinator / LOVE THE DAY OF dj / THOMAS BRUNER catering / TOP NOTCH CATERING video / WHITE ROSE VIDEO hair + makeup / KATHY HEDGES florals / A&E FLORAL
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Important Questions
to Ask a Venue
SCHEDULING AND ACCOMMODATIONS 1. Is my wedding date available? 2. How many other weddings are scheduled that day? 3. How many people can the venue accommodate? 4. How long will I have use of the event space(s) 5. I reserve? Is there an overtime fee if I stay longer? 6. Can I hold my ceremony here, too? If so, is there an additional charge? 7. Is there a bride’s changing area? 8. How much time is allocated for the rehearsal? 9. Is there room for a band and/or dancing? 10. Are there adequate bathroom facilities? 11. Is there a coat check? 12. Is the site handicap accessible? 13. Is there parking on site? If so, is it complimentary? Do you offer valet parking?
MONEY MATTERS 1. What is the venue fee and what is included in that price? 2. Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or Sunday through Friday? 3. How much is the deposit, when is it due, and is it refundable? 4. What’s the cancellation policy? 5. What’s the payment plan for the entire bill?
GENERAL QUESTIONS 1. Is there a backup plan for rain or inclement weather? 2. Who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the decor, and when will it be completed? 3. Does the venue have liability insurance? 4. Will there be security guards on site, or do I need to make my own arrangements?
Photo Credit: C. Baron Photography
VENDORS AND SETUP 1. Must I use in-house caterers, or choose from a preferred vendor list? 2. If I hire my own caterer, are kitchen facilities available for them? 3. Can I bring in a cake from an outside cake maker or must I use a cake made on the premises? Is there a cake-cutting fee? If I use a cake made on site is the fee waived? Do you provide special cake-cutting utensils? 4. When can my vendors arrive for setup? 5. Are there any decoration limitations? 6. Are candles permitted? 7. Are tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware and glassware provided? If so, is there an additional charge? 8. Can I move things around and decorate to suit my purposes, or do I have to leave everything as is? 9. Does the venue own sound equipment, or do I need to rent my own?
FOOD AND BEVERAGE 1. Are you licensed to provide alcohol service? If so, is alcohol priced per person? 2. By consumption? Are there additional charges for bar staff? 3. What is the food & beverage cost on a per-person basis? What is the tax and service charge? 4. Can I bring my own wine, beer or champagne, and is there a corkage fee if I do? 5. Can I bring in other alcohol?
Photo Credit: Alexander Cross Photography
Photo Credit: Kristyn Hogan Photography
THE WEDDING OF
FELICIA & SETH PHOTO GRAPHER: BB PHOTO GRAPHY
24 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / BB PHOTOGRAPHY cake / SAMS CLUB
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dress / STEPIN OUT
florals / GAINANS
hair / HALLEE LOPEZ-KNOX, BELLE ESTELLE SALON
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THE WEDDING OF
STEPH & KENDALL P H O T O G R A P H E R : J E N P I N K E RT O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
26 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / JEN PINKERTON PHOTOGRAPHY venue + catering / QUAKING ASPEN RANCH ASPEN RANCH
coordinator / JUDI POWERS, QUAKING
florals / POLLINATION, KIM FARLEY OWEN
hair / MEAGAN LUCARA & HAIR ON MAIN
dress / STEP N’ OUT
makeup / MEAGAN LUCARA & HOPE GLUNT
dj / YODJ, SHELDON DOUGLAS
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THE WEDDING OF
SY D N I E & J O R D A N P H O T O G R A P H E R : AU T U M N T W I T C H E L L P H O T O G R A P H Y
28 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / AUTUMN TWITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY dress / FLUTTER BRIDAL CO jewelry / CALLI CO SILVER
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florals / WILD IRIS
leather work / PRAIRIE REIGN LEATHER, TANA HOVDE
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STYLED SHOOT
WOOD FLOWER WEDDING P H O T O G R A P H E R : T I F FA N Y P H O T O G R A P H Y & M A D D I E BELL PHOTOGRAPHY
30 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / TIFFANY PHOTOGRAPHY & MADDIE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY florals / BIG SKY BOHO
dress / VELVET BRIDE
chocolate / NIKKOS CHOCOLATE
hair + makup / STUDIO 21 HAMILTON
cake / OCCASIONALLY CATERING
model / BROOKE WILTBANK
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/ ELOPEMENT /
10 Ways to Make Your Elopement Unforgettable by Jacqueline Grena I truly believe that a wedding/elopement should be a unique expression of your love for each other so when you start planning, throw ‘traditional’ out the window and YOU DO YOU! Letting your personalities shine is the #1 way to make sure your elopement is extra special and one-of-a-kind but here are 10 more ways to make sure it’s unforgettable: Choose an Epic + Meaningful Backdrop Close your eyes and consider what you want your big day to look like. Are you on the beach? In the mountains? At an Airbnb by the lake? In your parent’s backyard? At the spot where they proposed? In your favorite National Park? Where ever you choose, make it a place that you both love!
1
Wear a Dress that makes you feel like a Q U E E N! Long, short, simple, elegant, white, ivory, or even pink! Let your personality shine through and make sure you feel freaking gorgeous when you put it on. Oh and if you can dance in it, it’s definitely a winner!
2
Include Alllllll the Personal Details - Y’all. THIS IS YOUR DAY! If you want a friendsthemed wedding, let’s do it. Star wars? “Luke, I am your (wedding planner!)” Haha but seriously, all the little details that you incorporate from vow books, centerpieces, ring engravings, signage, wax seals, guest books, custom scents, place setting cards, favors, backdrops, jewelry, pre-wedding love letters, hand-written vows..... you get the point. There are so many ways to mak e every aspect of your wedding reflect you and your lover!
3
Make it an Adventure - Your elopement should be a unique expression of your love story so let all that personality shine through. If your first date was an ATV ride, incorporate it into your elopement. If you both share a bond over cliff jumping into water... DO IT! Focus on having fun with each other because those are the stories and the experiences that make it unforgettable. Plus, your photos will be incredible!
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Involve your closest Friends + Family - surround yourself with people who will support you, love you, and hype you up all day long so that you can leave any pre-wedding jitters behind.
Consider Private Vows + First Looks - It’s so easy to get caught up in ‘wedding planning’ and lose sight of what really matters: each other! Choosing to do private vows and first looks is an opportunity on your wedding day for you to connect with each other without the pressure of ‘all eyes on you’ or feeling like you need to play ‘host’. Depending on your wedding day timeline, these could be done the morning before your ceremony or even the day before. Throw out the ‘rulebook of traditions’ and do what makes you happy and make sure to take time to enjoy these special moments together.
6
Get the Bouquet of your Dreams - Your flowers are a huge part of the wedding decor and overall vibe so make sure you choose flowers that scream ‘you’. It is not uncommon to create a color palette around a bouquet that you fall in love with - especially since your bouquet will be a major focal point (besides you and your lover) in a lot of your photos. Real flowers can enhance an entire wedding and are the perfect accessory for you in your wedding attire!
7
What Unforgettable Moment doesn’t involve Food? CAN I GET AN ‘AMEN!’ I don’t think I’m alone when I say that food freaking rocks and should definitely be incorporated into your wedding. Whether you’re doing a plated dinner or an intimate picnic, choose your favorite foods to enjoy on your wedding day. Trust me, at the very least it will keep you from getting hangry, and at most, it will enhance your overall experience (as long as you remember to take time to actually eat it - which I highly recommend!
8
Use the Best Vendors (including a wedding planner!) -- the best way to make sure your elopement is unforgettable is to make sure that it is totally + completely filled with unforgettable memories - none of that pesky (but necessary) behind-the-scenes stuff. Make sure you have the best vendors involved so that you don’t have to worry about anything other than each other on your wedding day. Leave the logistics up to your planner, and yes - even elopements need planners!
9
Yes, you get a bonus tip because I can’t let you finish this article without re-iterating that YES, EVEN ELOPEMENTS NEED A COORDINATOR! You don’t realize the millions of details that go into planning an elopement until you’re in the middle of it and having a coordinator on board ensures that nothing falls through the cracks. We are there to be the liasion with your vendors, to hike with your bouquet, to make sure you look flawless when you change into your dress at the top of a cliff, to hype you up, to make sure your romantic picnic is set-up before you arrive, and to make sure you eat and drink (no one likes a hangry bride!) But mostly, an elopement coordinator is there to make sure that your day is flawless whether you decided to have 2 people or 200 people at your celebration of love.
9.1
Preserve your Bouquet- remember that ‘bouquet of your dreams’ that I mentioned? What if I told you that there was a way for you to keep it forever? Yes, f o r e v e r! Whether you choose a pressed floral frame, a floral block.....(or both!)... you can preserve that magic of your wedding day through a unique keepsake that will serve as a constant reminder of the vows you made to each other on that day. There are only a few physical things that you get to keep from your wedding day (besides your lover, of course): your ring, your photos, and now your bouquet. Pro tip: Include this in your budget or as a ‘cash’ option in your registry so that guests can contribute to this forever-piece!
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OH and...marry the love of your life, but that’s a given. ;) Planning an elopement is more than just ‘throwing a party’ - it’s a celebration of the love and commitment that you are making to each other and that is worth making sure it’s absolutely unforgettable. So what do you think? Will you be incorporating any of these things into your wedding/elopement? Keep Shining, Lovers! Eventfully, Jacqueline
THE WEDDING OF
J E W L Z & S KY L E R P H O T O G R A P H E R : H A L E E J O C R E AT I O N S
34 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / HALEE JO CREATIONS
venue / BRIARWOOD GOLF COURSE
florals / AMY KUGLER, BEHIND THE BOUQUET officiant / MARC JOHNSON
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THE WEDDING OF
E M I LY & A U S T I N PHOTO GRAPHER: TINA O’D ONNELL PHOTO GRAPHY
36 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / TINA O’DONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY venue / FAMILY FARM
hair + makeup / BEAUTY AND THE BELIEF dress / PLUME BRIDAL
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THE WEDDING OF
RIO & CHACE P H O T O G R A P H E R : B R I A N N A C O T E / B R I C O C R E AT I V E
38 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
PREMIER VENDORS photographer / BRIANNA COTE/BRICO CREATIVE getting ready location / RUBY CREEK CHALET dress / BELLE EN BLANC dj / ROB EVERINGHAM
venue / RUBY DELL RANCH BARN coordinator / JERI WOOD
live music / PLOWED UNDER BAND men’s attire / NORMAN’S RANCH WEAR
florals / BEAR PAW BLOOMS
caterer / HELL’S CANYON BARBECUE
officiant / KEN OVERCAST, BRIDE’S GRANDFATHER hair + makeup / LEXI WARBURTON, SERENITY SALON paper goods / SHUTTERFLY
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ceremony singer / BRIDE’S COUSIN
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Engagements
ENGAGEMENTS
ENGAGEMENT
D A KO TA H & B R E T T PHOTO GRAPHER: BB PHOTO GRAPHY
42 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
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ENGAGEMENT
MEG & MONIQUE P H O T O G R A P H E R : J E N P I N K E RT O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
44 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
@BillingsDepot and @downtownbillings
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ENGAGEMENT
K I E R A N & T AY L O R P H O T O G R A P H E R : N O TA R I U S P H O T O G R A P H Y
46 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
@Roy’s Barn & Lodge FOLLOW US
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ENGAGEMENT
MADDY & BEN P H O T O G R A P H E R : J E N P I N K E RT O N P H O T O G R A P H Y
48 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
@Malsam Ranch FOLLOW US
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STYLED SHOOT
BRITNEY & ROBERT P H O T O G R A P H E R : N O TA R I U S P H O T O G R A P H Y
50 Rustic Montana Weddings // Winter 2021
Makeup: Just For You
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