WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
central montana wedding tips & inspiration
BR I DE
EDITOR’S LETTER
BR I DE
Central Montana 2021 digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline
canadian editorial
grace gatto photography
IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens
& sales staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper
COPYWRITER Lily Harris
digital team
DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Bailey Jameson STYLE EDITOR - Tasha Tagliani CONTENT CURATOR - Lauren Phillips CONTENT CURATOR - Heidi Zeh
operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY RMB Media, LLC
PUBLISHER Erika Oltmann
DISTRIBUTION Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com
contact INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise SUBMISSIONS - rockymountainbride.com/submissions proudly printed in the rockies Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine is published by RMB Media, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publisher. We greatly appreciate those who have contributed to this publication. Contributors’ opinions are their own and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Rocky Mountain Bride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Rocky Mountain Bride cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.
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rockymountainbride.com / central montana wedding guide 2021
Central Montana is full of rugged mountains and diverse landscapes, which makes it a picturesque backdrop for any Rocky Mountain wedding. While researching local eats, sights and activities, I have grown to fall in love with this unique part of the Rockies. This wedding destination is not for the faint of heart, with an endless abundance of local outfitting companies and ranches, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped back in time to the wild west. This wedding planning guide is filled to the brim with 100% local Montana wedding information. A western wedding, woodland fairytale styled shoot and classically beautiful engagement bring to life the rugged beauty of central Montana. My hope is that this Guide serves as a solid resource while you plan your wedding day and dream of a life with your spouse-to-be! Happy Planning!
xo
Savannah @savannah_rockymtnbride
Bittersweet Gardens caters to the customer experience and vision, delivering inspired, field-to-vase floral arrangements for your big day.
Danielle Mullens Photography
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14.
Table of Contents
LOVE STORIES engagements
&
12.
brittany + scott
14.
raven + luke
18.
samantha + kyle
22.
zoie + ethan
weddings
18.
I N S P I R AT I O N 28.
tbd tbd
INFO 6.
central montana- Seasonal weather and activities
11.
make it official - Where to get your license
30.
local vendors - Local places to stay & getting around
32.
restaurants for rehearsal dinners and brunch
34.
venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot
clockwise from the top: sagebrush studio photography, kasandra nicole photography, elizabeth & samuel photography, emily morrison photography and chelsea culp
22.
28.
RMB’s favorite shops, products, and services! ROCKYMOUNTAINBRIDE.COM/MARKET
elizabeth & samuel photography
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central montana COUNTIES Pondera Toole Liberty Hill Blaine Chouteau Fergus Petroleum Wheatland Judith Basin Meagher Cascade Teton
central montana wedding guide 2021 / rockymountainbride.com
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inside scoop what to do, weather to expect & what to pack
BREAKD OWN OF TH E CITY Situated in between Glacier National Park to the north and Yellowstone National Park to the south, you’ll enjoy the rugged landscapes and natural beauty of central Montana. Home to 13 different counties, central Montana is full of diverse landscapes and charming small towns. Plan your wedding weekend in central Montana to experience rich history and the most beautiful scenes of the Rockies.
HOW TO GET TH ERE
BY PLANE
BY CAR
BY TRAIN
Great Falls International Airport has year round direct service from Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Phoenix (Mesa) and seasonal direct flights from Chicago.
•
Major highways east-west are US Highway 2 on the northern border of the region and Montana Highway 200 passing through the middle of Montana.
Amtrak’s Empire Builder takes passengers east-west along Montana’s HiLine. • www.amtrak.com/empire-builder-train
Major Airlines:
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I-15 takes travelers north-south and goes to the US/Canada border where there is a 24-hour port of entry.
•
US Highway 89 is also a north-south route and includes the Kings Hill Scenic Byway through the Little Belt Mountains and then continues along the east slope of the Rocky Mountains.
• • • •
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Delta | www.delta.com United | www.united.com Alaska Airlines | www.alaskaair.com Allegiant | www.allegiantair.com
rockymountainbride.com / central montana wedding guide 2021
AV E R A G E T E M P E R A T U R E S
SPRING
SUMMER
AU T U M N
WINTER
59° | 32°
83° | 51°
61° | 32°
37° | 13°
RMB Tip: The Rockies are known for their unpredictable weather. Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket for your visit - even if it’s summer!
kasandra nicole photography central montana wedding guide 2021 / rockymountainbride.com
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chelsea culp
W H AT T O D O FOR MORE INFORMATI ON ON CENTRAL MONTANA, VISIT WWW.CENTRALMONTANA.COM.
BREWERIES
SHOPPING
ADVENTURE
2 BASSET BREWERY www.2bassetbrewery.com
BIGHORN OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS www.bighornoutdoorspecialists.com
MONTANA SAFARIS www.montanasafaris.com
BIG SPRING BREWING www.bigspringbrewingmt.com
BEAVERSLIDE DRY GOODS www.beaverslide.com
WINTER ACTIVITIES www.centralmontana.com/winter
BLACK EAGLE BREWERY www.blackeaglebrewery.com
HEADHUNTERS FLY SHOP www.headhuntersflyshop.com
GOLDEN TRIANGLE BREW CO. www.goldentrianglebrews.com
HOLIDAY VILLAGE MALL www.havreholidayvillage.com
SUN CANYON LODGE AND OUTFITTING www.suncanyonlodge.com
HARVEST MOON www.harvestmoonbrew.com
JM DONOVEN DESIGNS www.jmdonovendesigns.com
MIGHTY MO BREW PUB www.mightymobrewpub.com
RED ANTS PANTS www.redantspants.com
OLD STATION BREWING CO. www.oldstationbrewing.com
RIDDLE’S JEWELRY www.riddlesjewelry.com/home/riddles SHORES FLORAL & GIFT www.shoresfloral.com MONTANA COUNTRY BOUTIQUE www.montana-country-boutique.myshopify.com
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7 LAZY P OUTFITTING www.sevenlazyp.com LEWIS & CLARK TRAIL ADVENTURES www.trailadventures.com
Make it official Each county in central Montana has different requirements when applying and purchasing a marriage license. Look for your county’s requirements to purchase a marriage license: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pondera County | www.ponderacountymontana.org Toole County | www.toolecountymt.gov Liberty County | www.co.liberty.mt.us Hill County | www.hillcounty.us Blaine County | www.blainecounty-mt.gov Chouteau County | www.co.chouteau.mt.us Fergus County | www.co.fergus.mt.us Petroleum County | www.petroleumcountymt.org Wheatland County | (406) 632-4893 Judith Basin County | (406) 566-2277 Meagher County | www.meagherco.com Cascade County | www.cascadecountymt.gov Teton County | www.tetoncomt.org
elizabeth & samuel photography
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Brittany + Scott Scott and Brittany were introduced by an unlikely group: Scott’s daughters. Since they live in a small community, everybody knows everybody. His daughters kept trying to get them to date, and they both were adamant that they were just happy doing life on their own. The kids would have Scott send Brittany videos and pictures when, eventually, the conversation started flowing between them. They decided to meet up for a casual drink and see if they really did enjoy each other’s company. One date turned into a couple days of each other’s company. They had spent the days together driving through Canada, working on the ranch, and talking. There was not a dull conversation or a pause at all. From that point on, they knew they had found something that some people spend their whole life looking for. Scott booked a trip for them to meet in Golden, Colorado, so they could drive and check out the feedlot where some of his cattle end up. He had taught Brittany so many things already about farming and ranching, so she was excited to meet his parents and get a better glimpse into this part of the ranch. Little did she know, she was going to get more than a glimpse into the lifestyle and business. They had gone to their room one evening, and Scott told her he wanted to show her what he looked like in his new galoshes. When she turned around, he was on one knee.
Venue: Hoodoo Farms Photographer: Sagebrush Studio Photography | www.sagebrushstudiophotography.com Florals: Rose Petal Floral | www.rosepetalmt.com Hair: Caitlin Vinson Makeup: TaChanté Cole | @tachantecole
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LO C A L W E D D I N G I N S P I R AT I O N 14
Raven + Luke Luke and Raven met through mutual friends and spent three years together before getting engaged. Luke proposed after a hunting trip in the Judith Mountains. After a few hours of hunting, Luke wanted to set up a little higher, so they set out on a four-wheeler. When they stopped, Raven unstrapped her rifle when Luke stopped her and asked her to use a gun from his bag. She unzipped the bag and found a custom AR he made for her. Immediately, she saw a gold plate on the magazine that read “Raven will you marry me?” She turned to find him down on one knee with a ring in hand! They planned a rustic, summer wedding at the Judith Shadows Golf Course. Raven and Luke wanted to customize their wedding day to their relationship by including inside jokes and heartfelt declarations in their personalized vows.
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-VENDORSVenue Judith Shadows Golf Course | www.judithshadows.com Photographer Kasandra Nicole Photography | www.kasandranicolephotography.com Planner Personal Touch Occasions | www.facebook.com/renepto Florals Lonesome Thistles Bridal Boutique Belle en Blanc | www.belleenblancmt.com Music/Entertainment Montana Rebel DJ Officiant Jake Zauche | www.fcclewistown.org Lodging The Calvert Hotel | www.thecalverthotel.com
Samantha + Kyle Kyle and Samantha met in Bozeman when Kyle came to visit friends, one of whom Samantha was living with at the time. That very next weekend, Kyle drove three hours south again to take Samantha on a date. After a few glasses of wine, good steak dinner and even better conversation, they talked non-stop every day and eventually fell in love. Kyle planned a romantic breakfast proposal and the two set out on planning a late spring wedding in Choteau. Their wedding day went off without a hitch thanks to the help of family and friends. Personal touches and sweet memories were shared on their day thanks to a heartfelt speech from Samantha’s dad and hosting their ceremony at home with the Rocky Mountain Front as their backdrop.
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WHY THE ROCKIES?
“For Kyle, the Rocky Mountain Front has always been his home. Since we’ll be living here for the rest of our lives, we decided it was the perfect place for our favorite memory. “
-VENDORSCeremony Venue Gollehon Ranch - Choteau, Montana Reception Venue Choteau Pavilion Photographer Elizabeth & Samuel Photography www.elizabethandsamuelphotography.com Caterer Josh Durocher & Gabi Rasmussen Sweets Jami Gameon Florals Debbie Stokes Bridal Boutique Poppy Bride | www.poppybride.com Dress Designer Theia Couture | www.bridal.theiacouture.com/bridal Bride’s Shoes Lane | www.laneboots.com Jewelry Prairie Fire Designs MT | www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieFireDesignsMT Bride’s Ring James Allen | www.jamesallen.com Bridesmaids’ Attire Baltic Born | www.balticborn.com Hair Bozeman Barber - Jess Stenson | www.bozemanbarber.com Makeup Mckenzie Brevig | @mckenziebrevig Groom’s Suit Wrangler | www.wrangler.com CINCH Jeans | www.cinchjeans.com Invitations Cedar & Grey Paper Co. | www.etsy.com/shop/cedarandgreypaperco Music/Entertainment Ryan Bradshaw Media | www.ryanbradshawmedia.com Officiant Travis Pilon
Zoie + Ethan Ethan and Zoie me through their talents, or more specifically, their high school talent show. Ethan performed a duet with his dance partner and Zoie played the piano. They bonded backstage that talent show weekend and were smitten! Ethan surprised Zoie seven years later with a proposal under the guise of family photos. They planned a summer wedding that included ethereal elements with a touch of vintage. Zoie’s grandmother’s house, a 70s vintage masterpiece, set as the backdrop for their ceremony. They hosted their reception at the Great Falls Civic Center, the venue of their first meeting seven years earlier. A most memorable portion of their day was a ring warming ceremony where their family and friends passed along their wedding rings bestowing their hopes and prayers for Zoie and Ethan’s lives together.
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WHY THE ROCKIES?
“Great Falls is a big part of both of our pasts. I grew up here and Ethan moved here with his family when he was 15. It was where we met and fell in love, and I feel we incorporated how important that past is to us as we made promises to one another for our future.”
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-VENDORSReception Venue Great Falls Civic Center | www.greatfallsmt.net Planner Bunny May Events & Concierge Services | www.bunnymayecs.weebly.com Photographer Chelsea Culp | www.chelsearculp.com Catering Smoked | www.smokedmt.com Florals Flower Moxie | www.flowermoxie.com Bride’s Dress Shop J Bridal Studio | www.etsy.com/shop/JBridalStudio Bride’s Crown Batcakes Couture | www.etsy.com/shop/BatcakesCouture Bride’s Ring Designer Brilliant Earth | www.brilliantearth.com Hair Roan Beauty Studio | www.facebook.com/roanbeautystudio410 Makeup Sierra Johnson Groom’s Accessories Silas & Sloan | www.silasandsloan.com Groom’s Shoes H&M | www.hm.com Invitations Zoie Koostra | www.zoekoostra.com Signs Montana Vintage Signs | www.facebook.com/Vintagemontana6 Officiant William Hoard
Woodland Fairytale Deep in the Montana woods sits The Basin Haus, the perfect backdrop for any woodland fairytale wedding. J.Vigil Photography planned a dreamy styled shoot complete with tributes to nature, romantic fairy lights and bohemian elements. Emily Morrison captured the warmth and rustic charm of this unique, romantic venue.
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SOFT AND ENCHANTING
The soft color floral palette by Mum’s Floral & Home and bohemian textures in the table settings by Empress Tents and Events create an air of whimsy amongst the tall trees. Each element is brought to life by the enchanting backdrop and inspiring fairytale details.
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creative team Venue: The Basin Haus | www.airbnb.com Planner: J. Vigil Photography | www.jvigilphotography.com Photographer: Emily Morrison | www.emilymorrisonphoto.com Florals: Mum’s Floral & Home | www.mumsflowers.net Cake: Fleur Bake Shop | www.fleurbakeshop.com Bridal Boutique: Grace Loves Lace | www.graceloveslace.com Hairpiece: Curried Myrrh | www.curriedmyrrh.com Hair: Shayna Beauty | @shaynabeauty21 Makeup: Marcela Cloud | @cloud_marcela Groom’s Suit: Mimi’s Bridal | www.mimisbridalmontana.com Rentals: Empress Tents and Events | www.empresstentsevents.com
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local vendors A C C O M O D AT I O N S
BRIDAL BOUTIQUES
YOGO INN www.yogoinn.com
THE BRIDE’S SHOPPE www.thebridesshoppe.com
GRAND UNION HOTEL www.grandunionhotel.com
BELLES & LACE BRIDAL www.bellesandlace.com
T H E G R E AT N O R T H E R N B & B www.stayinchestermt.com
BE LOVED www.belovedformal.com
M O N TA N A S T Y L E B & B www.montanastylebnb.com
SWEETS
HOTEL ARVON www.hotelarvon.com/home WILLOW CREEK CABINS www.willowcreekcabinsmontana.com J U D I T H M O U N TA I N L O D G E www.judithmountainlodge.com
FLORALS SHELBY FLORAL & GIFT www.shelbyfloralandgift.business.site V I N TA G E F L O R A L www.vintagefloralchester.com SHORES FLORAL www.shoresfloral.com BLOOM AND BEAN ww.bloomandbeanmt.com
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D’CAKE LADY www.dcakelady.com HARRY PENNY CUPCAKES www.hennypennycupcakesmt.com
CHELSEA CULP central montana wedding guide 2021 / rockymountainbride.com
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dining rehearsal dinner & day-after brunch
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CEN T R A L FEE D G R I L L I N G CO. Lewistown, MT www.centralfeedgrillingco.com
406 CAFE Lewistown, MT www.406cafe.com
COPPER CREEK COFFEE Choteau, MT www.facebook.com/coppercreekcoffee
BA R 47 White Sulphur Springs, MT www.bar47mt.com/index.html
T H E JAW B O N E White Sulphur Springs, MT www.thejawbonemt.com
S TO CK M A N S T E A K H O U S E White Sulphur Springs, MT www.stockmanbarwss.com
T H E PU B L I C H O U S E Fort Benton, MT www.publichousemt.com
THE UNION GRILLE Fort Benton, MT www.grandunionhotel.com/restaurant
WA K E U P CO FFEE H O U S E & R E S TAU R A N T Fort Benton, MT www.wakecupcoffeehouse.com/index.html
rockymountainbride.com / central montana wedding guide 2021
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Wedding planning guides
photo by kaylee chelsea photography
wedding tips & inspiration
50+ dedicated guides to our favorite cities & towns ACROSS THE ROCKIES LOCATED ONLINE AT ROCKYMOUNTAINBRIDE.COM/LIBRARY
CE N TRA L MONTA N A
B A RN
RES TA U RA N T
C H UR CH
C O U N T RY C LU B
M U S EU M
EV E NT CE NT E R
ES TAT E
LO D G E
G L A MP ING
U RB A N
G A RD EN
W I NE RY
RES O RT
RA N C H
H OT E L
Grand Union Hotel
Hotel Arvon
Int ers tat e1 5
Ranches at Belt Creek
US Rou te
287
Summer Star Ranch Cabin Creek Ranch Shades of Green Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness Cathedral of St. Helena Feathered Pipe Ranch
Hotel Finlen
The Montana Club Restaurant
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Kleffner Ranch The Barnsion
Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa, and Retreat Center
The Copper K Barn
rockymountainbride.com / central montana wedding guide 2021
Inte rsta te 9 0
central montana V E N U E S
boulder ridge
grand union hotel
shades of green
417 wilson butte road great falls, montana (406) 788-4285 www.boulderridgemontana.com
1 grand union square fort benton, montana (406) 622-1882 www.grandunionhotel.com
3403 cooney drive helena, montana (406) 579-0743 www.shadesofgreen-events.com
boulder hot springs inn, spa,
118 1st ave south great falls, montana (406) 952-1101 www.hotelarvon.com
hotel arvon and retreat center
31 hot springs road boulder, montana (406) 225-4339 www.boulderhotsprings.com broadwater hot springs
4920 us-12 helena, montana (406) 443-5777 www.broadwatermt.com cabin creek ranch
7150 three mile road helena, montana (406) 449-5680 www.cabin-creek-ranch.com cathedral of st. helena
530 n ewing street helena, montana (406) 442-5825 www.sthelenas.org columbus center
1601 2nd ave n # 108 great falls, montana (406) 727-7453 www.columbus-center.com feathered pipe ranch
2409 bear creek road helena, montana (406) 442-8196 www.featheredpipe.com
summer star ranch
7451 owl gulch road helena, montana (406) 461-2659 www.summerstarranch.com
hotel finlen
100 e broadway street butte, montana (406) 723-5461 www.finlen.com
the barnsion
402 s river drive harlowton, montana (406) 220-0795 www.thebarnsion.com
kleffner ranch
305 mt hwy 518 east helena, montana (406) 495-9090 www.kleffnerranch.com
the copper k barn
786 point of rocks road whitehall, montana (406) 581-4477 www.thecopperkbarn.com
montana style b&b
10975 river road havre, montana (406) 394-2245 www.montanastylebnb.com
the montana club restaurant
1791 majestic lane billings, montana (406) 969-1211 www.montanaclub.com
prairie farms golf course
4910 shepherd road n havre, montana (406) 265-4790 www.prairiefarmsgolfcourse.com
townsend ranch willow creek cabins
4545 us-12 white sulphur springs, montana (406) 580-6928 www.willowcreekcabinsmontana.com
ranches at belt creek
277 armington road belt, montana (406) 750-6135 www.ranchesatbeltcreek.com
yogo inn
211 e main street lewistown, montana (406) 535-8721 www.yogoinn.com
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