BR I DE 2021
MISSOULA Wedding GUIDE
BR I DE
EDITOR’S LETTER
Missoula 2021
digital publication editor Savannah Reynolds
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens
canadian editorial
grace gatto photography
UTAH Heidi Zeh
& 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
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.
Being born and raised in Colorado, I found my love for the Rockies in a state that holds so many beautiful places. Through the years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many of the other states across the Rockies and have found a certain charm to all of them. Something about the fresh air blowing through the evergreens, or the sand blowing across the Southwest deserts, and the aqua blue lakes in the north, I couldn’t think of a better place to say “I do!” than the Rockies. As I begin to plan my own Rocky Mountain wedding using RMB, I find myself in awe of the talented local vendors in each pocket of the Rocky Mountain region. I hope that within these pages you will find all the inspiration and tips you need to make your day everything you want it to be. We’ve scouted the best of the best in your area to provide you trusted local vendors. Happy planning! xo
Tasha @tasha_rockymtnbride
Photography: Ashley Caitlin Photography Night Owl Imagery
Wedding & Event Center Victor, Montana littlesmithcreek.com info@littlesmithcreek.com
32.
30.
Table of Contents LOVE STORIES weddings
&
engagements
12.
kristen + chase - Homestead on McVey
16.
madison + carl - White Raven
28.
sarah + kory - Saint Ignatius
14.
I N S P I R AT I O N 32.
misty mountain picnic elopement -
Flying Diamond Ranch
I N F O R M AT I O N 8.
missoula 101 - Seasonal weather and activities
10.
make it official - Where to get your license
32.
rehearsal dinner spots
34.
venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot
clockwise from the top: katy shay photo, ashley j photography, kelsey cowley, ashley rhian, ashley rhian
18.
18.
Bittersweet Gardens caters to the customer experience and vision, delivering inspired, field-to-vase floral arrangements for your big day.
Danielle Mullens Photography
find your vendors THE BEST VENDORS IN THE ROCKIES!
www.rockymountainbride.com/planning/venue-guide
Missoula located in western montana, missoula is home to a bustling art scene, rich western culture and miles of rugged mountain trails.
kelsey cowley
MISSOULA 101 Plan the perfect Missoula trip with these favorite spots in the area. Planning ahead can make all of the difference for your guests and you.
SEASONAL WEATHER Summers, although short, are one of the most beautiful times of the year in Montana. The average temperature from June to August is around 80°, which will make for the perfect warm and sunny day for a summer wedding. Winter in Montana is freezing, with temperatures often falling below 20°, so make sure to plan ahead and make sure your guests bundle up if you’re wanting a winter wonderland wedding.
ACTIVITIES Missoula hosts an abundance of outdoor activities for you and your guests to partake in before your wedding festivities. Fish or walk along the Bitterroot River for a peaceful moment amidst your wedding weekend. Climb Mount Seintel to enjoy stunning 360° views of Missoula or explore Garnet Ghost Town for some old Western experiences. Most buildings in downtown Missoula are refurbished from the old Western era and are home to some funky local boutiques. If you’re looking for a unique local shopping experience, stop by Hip Strip to shop the local Farmer’s Market and enjoy craft eats at some of the best restaurants in the state. One special part of Missoula is their bustling music and arts scene. Plan a special night out with your bridal party and see a show at the historic Wilma Theatre. After you go out with your friends, end your night at The Still Room to enjoy craft cocktails.
Make it official One integral piece of your wedding day is your marriage license. You can buy a marriage license in Missoula at the Missoula County Clerk & Recording office for $55. You and your spouseto-be must provide proper identification and proof of age. Unlike many other Rocky Mountain states, you also must be prepared to provide both of your parents’ information.
Missoula County Clerk & Recording 200 W. Broadway St. Missoula, MT 59802
ashley rhian
LOCAL WEDDING INSPIRATION
Kristen + Chase h amil t o n
Chase pulled off the ultimate surprise proposal for Kristen in front of a stunning waterfall at Kaaterskill Falls near Hudson, New York. Kristen had an idea that they were going to get engaged soon, and even helped pick out her engagement ring. On their weekend getaway, Chase kept the ring in his pocket the whole weekend until he felt it was the perfect time to propose. Their impromptu hike ended with the two love birds getting engaged! Kristen and Chase planned their Bitterroot Valley wedding with the intention of incorporating minimal and natural elements to let the natural beauty of Montana do the talking. Some of the most special moments of their wedding came from the three days leading up to the big day where they were able to spend quality time with almost every one of their wedding guests. On the Thursday before the wedding, they did a big group tube float down the Blackfoot River. For most of their guests, it was their first time floating down the river! They gave their guests the choice of trap shooting at the Hamilton Trap Club or partaking in a hike and yoga adventure with Joanna Schwartz of Roam Yoga for Friday’s activities. They ended their pre-wedding festivities with a barbeque rehearsal dinner catered by Smokin Pup BBQ.
RECEPTION HIGHLIGHTS “Thanks to the several days of events prior to the actual wedding, all of our guests knew each other by our wedding day. It was really amazing to have all the people in life most important to us, half from Montana, and half from New York/Boston who had never met, melded into this special, friendly group.”
-VENDORSVenue The Homestead on McVey | homesteadonmcvey.com Day-of-Coordinator & Florist Rachael Ellen Events | rachaelellenevents.com Photographer Kelsey Cowley | kelseycowley.com Caterer Crave To Go | thecravetogo.com Bridal Boutique & Gown Designer BHLDN | bhldn.com Groom’s Shoes Allen Edmonds | allenedmonds.com Beauty Katie Livingston | klartistry.com Rentals Oh So Chic Rentals Montana | ohsochicmt.com Music & Entertainment Roadie Music | reverbnation.com Bozeman DJ | bozemandj.com Invites Minted. | minted.com Transportation The Brew Bus | brewbusmissoula.com
Madison + Carl al b e r t o n
Madison and Carl met in Salt Lake City through mutual friends. Carl attended school in Missoula and would often spend his winters snowboarding in Salt Lake City. They met one fateful night at a friend’s birthday party, both attending by chance. Madison is entirely grateful to the friend who dragged her to the party where she met the love of her life. Four years after that fateful night, Carl booked a weekend getaway in east Glacier so Madison could experience one of the most beautiful parts of Montana. After one night of horrible weather and sleeping in a tent, the couple decided to stay at the Many Glacier Hotel. Their getaway included a 14-mile hike and boat tour, where they were able to explore Grinnel Glacier and the beach on Upper Grinnel Lake with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. It was on the Upper Grinnel Lake beach where Carl surprised Madison with the perfect proposal. Both obsessed with the beauty of Montana, Carl and Madison planned a rustic fall wedding in Missoula. Madison knew from the moment she arrived in Montana that it was the place she wanted to get married and start their life together!
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Communicate everyday and remind each other how grateful you are for the love you have created and will continue to create.”
-VENDORSLocation White Raven | whiteravenmontana.com Photographer Ashley Rhian | ashleyrhianphotography.com Caterer The Notorious P.I.G. | thenotoriouspigbbq.com Sweets Black Cat Bake Shop | blackcatbakeshop.com Florist Kayte Epperson | @kayte.m.p.e Bridal Shop Last Best Bridal Shop | lastbestbridal.com Gown Designer Justin Alexander | justinalexander.com Bride’s Shoes BHLDN | bhldn.com Bride’s Jewelry Amy O | amyobridal.com Bridesmaids’ Attire JJ’s House | jjshouse.com Groom’s Attire Men’s Wearhouse | menswearhouse.com Groomsmens’ Accessories Etsy: London Jae Apparel | etsy.com/shop/LondonJaeApparel Hair Micah V Beauty | @micahvbeauty Makeup Tegan Spangrude | @electriclyte
Misty Mountain Picnic Elopement A misty mountainscape, bold fall colors and bohemian elements bring to life this moody Missoula elopement inspiration. Dreamt and designed by Katy Shay Photography, each detail of this styled shoot embodies quaint and cozy fall charm. The handcrafted cocktails and rustic elements are the perfect pieces of inspiration for a fall elopement and picnic.
SPICY PICNIC FOR TWO The rust orange and dried flower details add warmth to a cloudy fall day. The colorful bohemian rug and laid-back pillows make the perfect accessories to a picnic following your elopement. End your day cozied up with your new spouse for a charcuterie board full of fall fruits and veggies followed by a toast to your new life with spiced fall cocktails.
creative team
& photography: katy shay photo | katyshayphoto.com montana diaries | montanadiaries.com venue: little smith creek ranch | @littlesmithcreek dress designer: rue de seine | ruedeseine.com sweets: black cat bakery | blackcatbakeshop.com florals: agile goat flower farm | agilegoatflowerfarm.com beauty: josie gibson | @josiegibsonesthetics jewelry: oro y plata metal works | oroyplatametalworks.com invitations: scarlet gilia creative | scarletgiliacreative.com bride’s jacket and hat: ally jacqueline | @allyyjacq models: kiara & jordan
planning
videographer:
Sarah + Kory sai n t ig n a t ius
Sarah and Kory met in college at Texas A&M University. They knew they were a perfect match after their first date where they studied at Starbucks. After Kory graduated, he moved to Montana to get his Masters in Geosciences. They did long distance for almost a year before Sarah graduated and moved to be with Kory in Montana.. They dated for three years and one day before Kory proposed. He had planned an epic proposal in Glacier National Park on their three year anniversary, but Sarah unexpectedly had to work, pushing the special moment back by one day. Sarah almost spoiled the proposal on their hike in Glacier National Park by looking for some deodorant in Kory’s overnight bag. They started on the Highline Trail and then hiked up to the Grinnell Glacier Overlook where Kory got down on one knee and proposed!
-VENDORSLocation St. Ignatius Photographer Ashley J Photography | ashleyj.photo Bride’s Engagement Ring Helzberg Diamonds | helzberg.com
Rehearsal Dinner Spots R U M O U R R E S TA U R A N T Rumour Restaurant is rustic-chic with a blend of wood features and elegant lighting. You and your guests are greeted with a friendly atmosphere and great food to share with family and friends over a good cocktail, beer or glass of wine. If you’re looking for memorable moments to be made a beautiful venue for your rehearsal dinner, you can stop the search and let the celebration begin!
1855 Stephens Avenue, Missoula, MT | 406 549 7575 | rumourrestaurant.com PLONK Plonk offers its clientele a stunning venue in which to conjugate amongst friends and family. Their meticulous attention to detail and attentive service makes Plonk the perfect place to host a rehearsal dinner with one of their world-class nine course meal in their private cellar. Plonk strives to present a comfortable experience in which people can enjoy the magical union of food, wine and music.
322 N. Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT | 406 926 1791 | plonkwine.com FINN Finn Restaurant gives surf and turf a contemporary twist. Plan your rehearsal dinner at this Missoula restaurant for your guests to enjoy signature cocktails and wine served in an elegant dining room with expansive Montana views. Choose from the freshest steaks, seafood and hand-tossed pizza for your pre-wedding celebration.
100 Madison Street, Missoula, MT | 406 542 4660 | finnmissoula.com
SECOND SET BISTRO Located in the historic Florence building in downtown Missoula, Second Set Bistro is a restaurant dedicated to leaving guests with a piece of their heart and stomachs full of the most flavorful meals. Your rehearsal dinner will feel like your dining at a friend’s house with their cozy atmosphere and incredibly delicious food. 111 North Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT | 406 830 3233 | secondsetbistro.com
T H E K E E P R E S TA U R A N T The Keep Restaurant was born from the ashes of a Missoula landmark, The Mansion. Today, the Keep continues the tradition of serving fine food, wine and spirits in a unique and memorable setting. Their space is a picturesque setting for any event, but will make the perfect backdrop for even the most glamorous of rehearsal dinners.
102 Ben Hogan Drive Missoula, MT | 406 728 5132 | thekeeprestaurant.com
MISSOULA Sky Ridge Ranch The Silver Knot
Montana River Lodge
Z5 Ranch 3 y9 wa gh Hi
The White Raven Hi gh wa y9
Snowbowl 0
0
20 way High
The Barn on Mullan
Highway 93
Seven Mile Meadows
Hi gh wa y9
0
Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Highway 93
Highway 12
Stone Tower Estates Little Smith Creek Ranch
Homestead on McVey
The Resort at Paws Up
missoula V E N U E S
homestead on mcvey
the barn on mullan
338 mcvey road victor, montana (406) 802-4146 www.homesteadonmcvey.com
8500 mullan road missoula, montana (406) 206-6474 www.ranchclub.com/barn-events the resort at paws up
little smith creek ranch
2461 smith creek road victor, montana (916) 429-5833 www.littlesmithcreek.com
40060 paws up road greenough, montana (866) 915-5122 www.pawsup.com the silver knot
montana river lodge
822 river gorge road superior, montana (406) 207-0673 www.montanariverlodge.com
35115 timberlane road ronan, montana (406) 270-5237 www.thesilverknot.com white raven
seven mile meadows
3630 petty creek road alberton, montana (406) 531-6093 www.sevenmilemeadows.com sky ridge ranch
35415 timberlane road ronan, montana (406) 270-5237 www.skyridgemontana.com snowbowl
1700 snow bowl road missoula, montana (406) 549-9777 www.montanasnowbowl.com
6 plateau road alberton, montana (406) 529-8020 www.whiteravenmontana.com z5 ranch 1300 coombs lane arlee, montana www.z5ranchmontana.com
white raven 6 Plateau Rd, Alberton | 406.529.8020 | www.whiteravenmontana.com
White Raven Venue & Retreat is Missoula’s leading wedding and event venue featuring a style they call “Montana- Modern”, an elegant play between modern big city and rustic mountain lodge. Stone cliffs and majestic pines set among wildflower meadows offer guests a stunning backdrop for their elegant event and ensure amazing photography. Host your reception in the spacious indoor ballroom adorned with high ceilings, elegant wood detailing, chandelier lighting and a massive stone fireplace. Take your party outside under the timber framed and sail covered veranda, grab a drink at The BARR (Montana’s most awesome outdoor covered libation station), and dance the night away under the lights and stars on the large concrete dance floor. You and your loved ones will enjoy the 360º of unobstructed views, natural mountain beauty, and intimate nature trails that surround you. Lastly, you can spend the night in the nicest modern overnight accommodations in northwestern Montana, the Driftside (family/ after party) private retreat and the Cliffside (couples) private retreat.
Venue Specs venue spaces Indoor + Outdoor Ceremony + Reception Open Year Round
capacity Up to 125
curfew 11:00 p.m.
outside catering Yes
outside alcohol Yes
guest accommodations Yes
pet friendly Yes
price range $6000+
in house coordinator Yes
# of events per day One
little smith creek ranch
2461 Smith Creek Road, Victor | 916.429.5833 | www.littlesmithcreek.com
Escape – or elope – to this wild and beautiful place in Montana! Little Smith Creek Ranch is a place for rest, reflection, and celebration – whether for a wedding, elopement, family reunion, work or group gathering, or concert. Magnificent views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Sapphire Range are ever-present and inspiring. This beautiful 80-acre property is located a mile northwest of Victor, Montana in the famous Bitterroot Valley, the ancestral home of the Salish Indians. The site includes remains of a homestead cabin and apple orchard that reminds us of the apple cider heyday at the turn of the 20th Century. The Valley’s cider glory and other small farm, dairy, craft cheese-makers, distilleries and breweries are enjoying a resurgence today, along with the ever-present and legendary fly-fishing. Little Smith Creek runs through the center of the ranch and Smith Creek borders it, joining in the ceremony grounds. The rushing sound of the creeks in this lovely riparian area combines with shade to provide respite to a variety of wildlife – and you. This year-round venue welcomes you regardless of season – changing its wardrobe to delight you and your guests anytime.
Venue Specs venue spaces Indoor + Outdoor Ceremony + Reception Open Year Round
capacity Up to 150
outside catering Yes
outside alcohol Yes
bridal suite Yes
guest accommodations Yes
rockymountainbride.com/travel
plan your escape!
featured image: umaya resort and adventures, honeymoon collective resort
