IN THE MOUNTAINS. Romance
Surrounded by family, friends and the romantic panoramas of the majestic Spanish Peaks Mountain range, there’s no place like Montage Big Sky to say, “I Do.”
Courtesy of Orange Photographie.
MONTANA
editor-in-chief
Mackenzie
UTAH
COPYWRITER
Laura Osborn
Bailey Richy
COLORADO
Brit Tucker-Kline
canadian editorial
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Celynn Bowman
ASSISTANT
Carly Cooper
digital
CLIENT RELATIONS MANAGER - Amy Wainess
CONTENT CREATOR - Savannah Reynolds
SALES
ACCOUNTING - Kelsey Comstock
TRUE LOVE
tierney + travis - Gibson Flats
sarah + dusty - Yellowstone River
grace + harlan - Absarokee
julia + isaac - Hungry Horse
nicole + luke - Glacier National Park
greta + bryan - Polson
danielle lopez photo
Top to bottom, left to right:
REAL WEDDINGS
alex + john - Bozeman
nate + tanner - Pray
rachael + michael - Hamilton
darby + colton - Belgrade
mary + chandler - Whitefish
jackie + sepp - Big Sky
peyton + dave - Pray
toppy + colin - Big Sky
PHOTO CREDIT
Top to bottom, left to right:
elsa eileen photography
kelsey kradel photography
brigid bradshaw photography
troy meikle photo
danielle mullens photography
Photo: Merissa Lambert
WHERE LOVE BLOOMS
Artisanal floral arrangements, handcrafted with inspiration from ethereal dream worlds. Our bespoke designs offer an immersive and sensory experience, elevating any space and event with intention and sophistication.
emily morrison photography
BEGINNINGS
Tierney and Travis met at the airport on a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they were both headed on family vacations. One evening, the families joined one another at dinner and the now couple secretly held hands under the dinner table. Since then, the pair has been inseparable. Almost two years into dating, Tierney and Travis traveled to Stevensville for a short getaway to visit her parents. While in town, Tierney’s dad asked if they could assist with a photo shoot for their new Airbnb which served as a great disguise for a proposal. When Tierney arrived, Travis, surrounded by rose petals, was waiting for her in front of the beautiful mountain landscape to ask for her hand in marriage. As soon as Tierney uttered the words “Yes!” their friends and family came running out of the house to celebrate.
Photographer: Emily Morrison Photography | emilymorrisonphoto.com Engagement Ring: East West Gem Co | eastwestgemco.com
YELLOWSTONE RIVER SARAH + DUSTY
Photographer: Sweetgrass Studio | sweetgrassphoto.com
Engagement Ring: Jewelry Studio | jsjewelrystudio.com
Sarah and Dusty met during what seemed to be a typical job interview at Sage Lodge. Sarah, a flight attendant at the time, decided she wanted to get into the hotel side of the travel experience. Dusty, formally the General Manager of Fireside and now the Director of Food and Beverage, met with Sarah during her interview. Little did they know, Sarah being hired would change the entire course of their lives forever. “We discovered our mutual love of fishing and our similar reasons for moving to Montana during the slow nights at the restaurant and became fast friends. We continued to get to know each other and fell for each other pretty hard,” recounts Sarah. Together, they became a ‘dream team’ both professionally and personally. A year and a half later, Dusty booked the couple a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to celebrate Sarah’s birthday. Knowing that dog sledding was on Sarah’s bucket list, it became the perfect disguise for planning a picture perfect proposal. During the experience, the musher led the couple to the top of a hill where they rarely venture. With the Grand Tetons in the background, Dusty got down on one knee and asked Sarah to marry him. To top it all off, Sarah could now check off her lifelong dream of dog sledding with the added touch of diamonds.
Engagement Ring Designer: Simon G. Fine Jewelry | simongjewelry.com
Makeup: Simply Moss Beauty | simplymossbeauty.com
Hair: Tandi Rolen at Holistic Hair Studio | holistichairdresser.com
GRACE + HARLAN
Grace and Harlan first met at his brother's wedding in 2018; he was the best man and she was a bridesmaid. They took things slow for a while before making their relationship official. Three years into dating, the two went on a weekend getaway to Glacier National Park. “Our weekend was all about immersing ourselves in the park's beauty, hiking and taking in the stunning surroundings. The peak of our adventure was an incredible afternoon on St. Mary’s Lake, featuring a boat ride on a perfect bluebird day and a captivating hike to an overlook above the lake. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, Harlan surprised me with a heartfelt proposal, making it a truly unforgettable moment,” reminisces Grace. Embracing their ranching roots, Grace and Harlan chose Frazier & Co. to capture their engagement.
Photographer: Frazier & Co. | fraziercophotography.com
Engagement Ring: JB Hudson | jbhudson.com
Bride’s Attire
Dress: Ulla Johnson | ullajohnson.com
Earrings: Tiffany & Co. | tiffany.com
Boots: Tecovas | tecovas.com
Groom’s Attire
Hat: American Hat Company | americanhat.net
Belt: Buckaroo Businesses | buckaroobusinesses.com
Jeans: Wrangler | wrangler.com
Boots: Anderson Bean | andersonbean.com
JULIA + ISAAC
Julia and Isaac met through mutual friends. Julia’s college roommate, Lauren, who she had convinced to be a plus one at a wedding she was attending in Montana, and Isaac’s junior high friend, Connor, were dating. The ladies, needing a place to stay for the wedding, had Connor reach out to Isaac to see if he would play host. Reluctantly, Isaac agreed! After a wonderful week together, including missing the wedding they were there for, Isaac and Julia stayed in touch. Four years later, the two returned to Montana, Isaac with a specific purpose in mind. On a horseback ride up a mountain in the South Fork, Issac proposed, with his cousin and talented photographer, Haley J Photo, capturing it all.
Photographer: Haley J Photo | haleyjphoto.com
Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth | brilliantearth.com
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
NICOLE + LUKE
Nicole and Luke’s love story began on Memorial Day weekend back in 2019 when their paths crossed in Chicago, Illinois. Having recognized one another, they initially thought their connection might have roots dating back to high school, however, they soon discovered they had been Facebook friends for seven years, adding an intriguing layer of mystery to their encounter. From that moment on, conversation flowed effortlessly between them, marking the beginning of a love story that seemed destined to unfold.
Almost four years later, Luke planned a heartfelt proposal on Earth Day which was only fitting due to their love for the great outdoors. After a morning spent at the salon, Luke whisked Nicole away, capitalizing on her freshly styled hair and radiant smile. The pair returned home to the surprise of a lifetime! Disguised as a gift for Nicole’s recent promotion and their upcoming trip to Paris, France, Luke had arranged roses and Parisian themed gifts on their patio. Before Nicole knew it, Luke was down on one knee with the most perfect and intimate proposal. The two celebrated their engagement later that evening with dinner reservations including bottles of champagne, wine and assortments of desserts sent by loved ones. And, as the perfect finale, the newly engaged couple jetted off to the City of Love!
Photographer: Photography by Brogan | photographybybrogan.com
Engagement Ring Designer: Ross Designs | rossgems.com
Hair & Makeup: Halle Maddock at Covet Beauty | shopcovetbeauty.com
GRETA + BRYAN
Greta and Bryan met back in 2020 during their first year of veterinary school at Montana State University. After spending numerous hours together during the year studying and exploring together, it was clear that there was something more between the two. As the summer approached, the pair made it official and began dating. During their last year of school, Greta and Bryan visited Greta’s family farm on the Blackfeet Reservation in North Central Montana for an early Christmas break. One winter morning, Bryan asked Greta to join him and their dogs on a walk. Greta describes the moment Bryan proposed perfectly, “The sun was bright with light blue skies, the air was crisp and the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains were glowing from the sunrise. We stopped on the bank high above the Two Medicine River and the ranch below to take some pictures of the Sun Dog appearing in the clouds. Bryan moved behind me, and suspicious he was about to play a prank of some sort on me, I quickly turned around, only to find him on one knee with a glittering ring in his hand.” She of course, said “Yes!” dropping to her knees with a hug and kiss to seal the deal.
Photographer: Presley Gray Photography | presleygrayphoto.com
Engagement Ring: Montague’s Jewelers | montaguesjewelers.com
Hair & Makeup: Macayla Sloan | @macaylasloan.hair
A c a r e f u l l y c u r a t e d B r i d a l B o u t i q u e o f f e r i n g
i n t i m a t e p r i v a t e b r i d a l a p p o i n t m e n t s t o
p r o v i d e a u n i q u e , c o m f o r t a b l e a n d
i n c l u s i v e w e d d i n g d r e s s s h o p p i n g
e x p e r i e n c e i n d o w n t o w n M i s s o u l a , M o n t a n a .
w w w . v e l v e t b r i d e . c o m v e l v e t b r i d e ( 4 0 6 ) 5 2 9 - 0 0 6 1 |
brigid bradshaw photography
REAL WEDDINGS
COVER STORY: BOZEMAN // AUGUST 5
alex & john
Alex and John met like many modern day couples do, on social media. After their first date in Billings, it didn’t take long for the pair to move forward towards forever. John proposed just nine months into their relationship during photos with Alex’s family. Ready to start their next chapter, the couple planned an autumn wedding for 125 guests at Firelight Farm in Bozeman. Ensuring that the beauty of Montana took center stage, a clean color palette featuring variations of green was selected to create a natural luxury aesthetic.
The couple worked with wedding planner, MagnoliaBlue Events, to bring their vision to life full of personal and unique touches. From the blessing of the rings and gift bags filled with dog treats shaped like the couple’s pups to a cigar bar for the groom, each moment was curated to reflect the couple and their love story. Complementing the aesthetic of the day, the bride wore a fitted mermaid gown with a veil embroidered with “forever & a day” while her bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in hues of green paired with bouquet baskets and parasols. As the celebration came to an end, everyone indulged in delightful flavors from Genuine Ice Cream’s retro ice cream truck followed by a private getaway for the newlyweds in a mint green Jaguar.
favorite moment of the celebration
The day before the wedding we decided to do a first look and it was the best decision ever! It gave us the opportunity to talk and spend more time together during the day! It was my favorite part because it was just for us. We still talk about that quiet time we had before guests arrived and how special it was that we weren’t rushed.
AISLE SONG
"Can’t Help Falling in Love”Instrumental Elvis Presley, performed by a quartet
highlight of the ceremony
A bald eagle flew over our heads as we said our vows to one another, it was so magical and so cool.
signature cocktails
Marry Me Margarita & Into the Sunset Whiskey Mule
FIRST DANCE
song
"Biblical” by Callum Scott
What song made Everyone Dance "Hotel Room Service" by Pitbull
late night snack
Genuine Ice Cream Truck
vendor that went above and beyond
Austin, with Gather, created the most amazing food! Every one of our guests constantly complimented the food we chose and how incredible it was! Austin and his team were absolutely exceptional and I’m so thankful they were available for our date! He is a truly talented chef and person!
VENDORS
Venue
Firelight Farm | firelightfarmmt.com
Wedding Planner
MagnoliaBlue Events | @magnoliablueevents
Photographer Brigid Bradshaw Photography | brigidbradshaw.com
Videographer
Youphoria Films | youphoriafilms.com
Florist Jae Le Mae | jaelemae.com
Invitations minted. | minted.com
Rentals
Montana Party Rentals | montanapartyrentals.com
Catering Gather | gather406.com
Dessert
Genuine Ice Cream | genuineicecream.com
Music & Entertainment
Big Sky Strings | bigskystrings.com
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Gown Designer: élysée bridal design | elyseebridal.com
Veil: Rivini | ritavinieris.com
Shoes: Marc Fisher | marcfisherfootwear.com
Ring: La Casa Diamonds | milescityjewelry.com
Reception Dress Designer: Watters by Watters | watters.com
Reception Dress & Veil Boutique: The White Dress | thewhitedress.com
Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Jewelry
Apricot Lane Boutique | apricotlaneboutique.com
Hair Life in Bobby Pins | lifeinbobbypins.com
Makeup HR & CO | hrandco.com
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire
Men’s Wearhouse | menswearhouse.com
Groom’s Shoes Ariat | ariat.com
Honeymoon Tulum, Mexico
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“The last thing you want is for it to rain on your wedding day, but unfortunately it rained our entire outdoor ceremony. One thing my dad said to me right before the doors opened to walk me down the aisle was ‘water makes the knot bind tighter.’ You can’t control everything that goes right or wrong no matter how hard you try, as long as you are present in the moment with your significant other, nothing else truly matters.”
Tanner and Nate both swiped right. “Nate had a real way with words, ‘Hey there’ and ‘Do you like beer?’” jokes Tanner. Three years of riveting conversation later, the two set out on an anniversary hike up to Mystic Lake. Tanner, accustomed to being the planner and outdoorsman, allowed Nate to take the reins for this trip. As daylight waned and shadows lengthened on their hike, Nate reassured Tanner that their destination was just around the next bend. Eventually, they arrived at a clearing with three massive ponderosa pine trees in sight. While Tanner busied himself setting up the tent, Nate quietly stepped away to transform the forest floor between the pines into a dining haven. Under the flickering candlelight, Nate presented to Tanner an eight-course feast, meticulously prepared with no detail spared. The following morning, Nate surprised Tanner with a homemade apple crisp, fresh coffee and a delectable assortment from their favorite bakery, Wild Crumb. As if that weren’t enough clues, Nate crafted a drink can into a tiny pan, and started melting chocolate to dip strawberries in. “In the crisp early fall sun, he presented me with a ring woven from sprigs of thyme, literally. The most beautiful and poetic proposal I could imagine,” reminisces Tanner.
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Pick a maximum of three things that are non-negotiable. Decide as a couple what means the most to you about the wedding. Once you plan and coordinate those few things, let the rest fall into place and happen organically. The end result will be uniquely you and you will have poured your energy into the most important things - the things you and your guests will remember most.”
after party
We had the most incredible dance party with world-renowned DJ Missy O'Malley! The night ended perfectly with everyone running and jumping in the Chico Hot Springs pool for some post wedding relaxation and conversation with the newlyweds.
tell us about your outfits
I would say the hardest part of the planning process was outfits. We struggled to find suits that were bespoke, fit the aesthetic we were going for and weren't completely budget breaking. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE plaid, I am known to often wear more than one plaid at the same time in fact. So a plaid suit was one of the non-negotiables for me. I found the perfect Carlos Barbera green plaid suit for me and a light blue tweed suit for Nate that complemented each other and that crisp last day of spring perfectly. In addition we wore two custom made matching buffalo turquoise bolo ties from an artist in New Mexico and Stetson Chukka Boots from Head West in Bozeman.
Vendors That Went Above and Beyond
Our amazingly talented and incredible floral designer and wedding planner who also happens to be Nate’s Aunt! We truly, honestly, owe all the creative direction and success of everything to Diane Tran Weinberg owner of clover + stone. I sent her my Pinterest board of ideas and she pulled everything together, I mean everything, and all on her own. Her amazing talent made our wedding professional, chic and more than anything we could have dreamed. She handmade all the floral arrangements for the ceremony, grooms parties, parents, bouquets, alter, reception, table settings - literally everything! You cannot have a wedding without clover + stone.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding
The most important thing for me was to get the best photographer possible. As a photographer myself and perfectionist, I always knew that this would be a tall order. We were elated to have found Troy Meikle, whom I graduated with from Montana State University six years ago with. If there was anyone I trusted with this task it was Troy, she put in the time to get to know us and she captured something beyond just a photographic record, she saw us, she captured our love for each other and her photographs went deeper. Troy thrived on reading us, placing us, capturing us, the landscape and chasing the perfect lighting.
The couple found inspiration in Nate’s ranching heritage when envisioning their wedding day. Set at Chico Hot Springs Resort, their celebration echoed the beauty of Montana’s wilderness with an earthy and crisp aesthetic. Amidst the flurry of planning advice they received, one recurring sentiment stood out: to remember your wedding day and allow yourself to embrace all your senses; smell the air and notice the dance between pine and sage, feel the sun on your shoulders as you walk down the aisle and notice the grain of the leather bridle reins in your hands. As Tanner reminisces, “This moment for me was when we crested the hill on horseback and saw all of our family and friends sitting there waiting for us. The sun peaked out from the clouds and in that moment showered the whole field in the most beautiful light, Emigrant Peak perfectly framed behind the altar and Eddie Arnold’s Cattle Call echoing its beautiful swoon, just like it did that day Nate proposed to me.”
VENDORS
Venue, Accommodations, Catering, Beverage & Cake
Chico Hot Springs Resort | chicohotsprings.com
Wedding Planner & Florist clover + stone | cloverandstone.com
Photographer Troy Meikle Photo | troymeiklephoto.com
Invitations minted. | minted.com
Music & Entertainment DJ Missy O'Malley | @missyo
Officiant
Dr. Reverend Matthew Powell-Palm | @mattpowellpalm
Groom’s Attire
Studio Suits | studiosuits.com
Groom’s Accessories
Bolo Ties by Steve Francisco
Groom’s Shoes
Stetson Chukkas Boots | headwestbozeman.com
Groomsmen’s Attire
Shirts: Charles Tyrwhitt | charlestyrwhitt.com
Pants: Levi | levi.com
rachael & mike
Set up by Mike’s sister-in-law, it didn’t take long for Rachael and Mike to fall in love. A year and a half into their relationship, Mike schemed up a plan with two of his college buddies and Rachael’s two best friends to propose on a walking bridge the couple frequented often with their dog, Briggs. Rachael and Mike both went their separate ways for the night out. However, as the Uber driver, in on the scheme, headed downtown with the ladies in tow and pretended to drop them off at the wrong spot for a quick potty break, Rachael thought nothing of it, as it was a common occurrence on their girls’ nights out. While waiting, her friend grabbed her exclaiming it was about to be the best night of her life! They approached the bridge where Mike happened to be waiting with Briggs. Mike got down on one knee and asked Rachael to spend forever with him, after an obvious, “Yes!,” the group of friends returned to Mike’s place where their parents, siblings and more friends were waiting to celebrate.
Rachael’s two must-haves when it came to planning included a backyard wedding and mountain views. The couple wasn’t going to find that in Minnesota where they lived, so after discovering the perfect house in Hamilton that would allow a tent, they booked it immediately. Rachael and Mike planned a family focused, mountain-chic wedding with 80 of their friends and family in attendance to witness their union. To ensure her dream wedding came to life, Rachael worked with her mom to execute her vision which made the day, captured by Danielle Mullens Photography, feel even more special.
Shade of Lipstick
Enchanting Kiss by Charlotte Tilbury
One Thing the Groom Had to have The most perfect suit
Signature Cocktails
Mike's Old Fashioned & Rae's Huckleberry Margarita
First Dance Song "Forever" by Lee Fields
Wedding Cake Flavors
Huckleberry & A Giant
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Second-look
I threw on some cowboy boots!
What Song Made
Everyone Dance Big Bootie Mixes
Late Night Snack Sliders
Vendor That Went Above and Beyond
A Moveable Feast - they were SO kind and always accomodating and the food was insane
"Elope (JK). Do YOU throughout the entire process; your vibe, your vision, etc. and pick your vendors wisely - they can make or break the process. They can't break your day but they can make the process more stressful than it needs to be."
VENDORS
Venue
Private Residence
Photographer Danielle Mullens Photography daniellemullensphotography.com
Florist
Mum’s Flowers | mumsflowers.net
Table Numbers & Name Cards Kacey Creations | kaceycreations.com
Rentals
Montana Party Time | missoulaeventrental.com
Linens
BBJ La Tavola | bbjlatavola.com
Catering
A Moveable Feast | amoveablefeastmissoula.com
Cake
Red Rooster | redroosterhamilton.com
Music & Entertainment
Bradshaw Media | ryanbradshawmedia.com
Transportation MT Party Bus | mtpartybus.com
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Veil & Gown Designer: Annika Bridal annikabridal.com
Shoes: Zara | zara.com
Ring: Hamilton Diamonds | hamilton-diamond.com
Hair & Makeup
Rachel Rockwood | rockwoodbeauty.com
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire
Atmosfere Weddings | atmosfereweddings.com
Rehearsal Dinner
Daly Mansion | dalymansion.org
Honeymoon
Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, California shuttersonthebeach.com
darby & colton
Darby and Colton both moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, in search of new beginnings. Darby from Texas and Colton from Michigan. Just prior to moving down, Colton changed his location to his new hometown. That's all it took for the algorithms to align and for the two to meet virtually. Upon Colton’s arrival in town, they wasted no time going on their first date. It wasn’t long before the pair became inseparable. A year and a half into dating the couple went on a family trip to Glacier National Park with Darby’s parents. On a serene sunrise hike at Bowman Lake, Colton, a wildlife and landscape photographer, set up his camera to take photos capturing his well planned surprise proposal. When it came time to plan the wedding, it was only fitting that they planned a timeless Montana-inspired wedding for 75 guests at Foster Creek Farm.
favorite thing purchased for the wedding day
My boots! I felt at home and myself in them, not to mention how useful they were for an outdoor wedding!
highlight of the ceremony
Colton walking with his dad down the aisle, who was battling terminal cancer. It was special to have his dad there, much less his dad having enough strength to get out of his wheelchair and walk his son down the aisle. I was crying watching this and having to collect myself mere seconds before walking down the aisle myself. Watching these boys stand with pride and strength was just so beautiful.
signature cocktails
Old Fashioned & Spicy Margarita. Luke was an insanely good bartender!
First Dance Song
“Next to You" by John Vincent III what song made everyone dance
Our dance floor was a hit for most of the night thanks to our amazing DJ, DJ PortaRock. We can’t pick just one song because he did such a great job! Colton and I love music and stressed to find a great dj that would stray away from cheesy wedding vibes and make the after party “us”. He completely understood the music we wanted, as well as what we did not want played, and killed it. We absolutely loved him and would highly recommend him!
late night snack
Mini Hot Chicken Sandwiches
vendor that went above and beyond
We truly could not have pulled off our wedding without Bash. The ladies of Bash are the sweetest, most organized, detail oriented and calm people out there.Outside of them, we loved Kaitlyn at Sweet and Tarte. Not only is she so beyond talented and easy to work with, every one of her desserts are beyond delicious.
As outdoor enthusiasts, the
with
to
couple worked
The Wild Blume
create a ceremony aisle that represented their most important journey to date, marriage, as well as showcased the beautiful wildflowers of the area. To complement the timeless and organic aesthetic of the day, Darby chose a Watters gown made from delicate netting and dreamy puff sleeves. Meanwhile, Colton looked dapper in a custom brown suit by Crown Tailor paired with Tecovas cowboy boots and a Stetson hat for an added western touch.
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Be present! It is true that it does go by fast. So take time for just you two and soak every second up. We would also say to take the time to make your wedding authentically y’all. It makes it so much easier to relax and celebrate day-of!”
VENDORS
Venue Foster Creek Farm | fostercreekfarm.com
Wedding Planner Bash Bozeman | bashbozeman.com
Photographer Rachel Fosbenner | rachelfosbenner.com
Florist
The Wild Blume | thewildblume.com
Invitations
Lichen and Pines Letterpress | lichenandpinesletterpress.com
Rentals
Montana Party Rentals | montanapartyrentals.com
Catering
Wedding: Seasonal Montana | seasonalmontana.com
Rehearsal Dinner: Blue Smoke BBQ | bluesmokebbq.com
Bridal Luncheon: Bodhi Farms Catering | bodhi-farms.com
Beverages
Wedding & Rehearsal Dinner: Greenwood Mixology | greenwoodmixology.com
Bridal Luncheon: Bodhi Farms Catering | bodhi-farms.com
Desserts Sweet and Tarte | sweetandtarte.com
Music & Entertainment
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour: Stillwater Strings | stillwaterstrings.com
Reception: DJ PortaRock | portarock.com
Transportation Big Sky Shuttle | bigskyshuttle.net
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Gown Designer: Watters | watters.com
Veil: Erica Koesler | ericakoesler.com
Jewelry: Anthropologie | anthropologie.com
Boots: Tecovas | tecovas.com
Reception Dress: W Too | watters.com
Hair & Makeup
Ceremony | ceremonybzn.com
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire
Crown Tailor | crowntailor.com
Groom’s Accessories
Watch: Shinola | shinola.com
Hat: Stetson | stetson.com
Boots: Tecovas | tecovas.com
Mary & Chandler
It was 2016 when Mary and Chandler first met. Mary’s friend began taking CrossFit from Chandler and to ensure she was eating enough calories, the athletes would go out to eat occasionally after workouts. Knowing Mary was always hungry, her friend would often invite her to tag along. Chandler loved that Mary had an appetite, recalling one instance when they were eat ing at First Watch and Mary not only finished her plate but proceeded to eat the rest of her friend’s. You could say it was love at first bite! Six years later, Chandler arranged a faux work trip in Nashville, Tennessee for Mary and one of her coworkers. However, when Mary arrived, she walked into the studio with the words “Marry Me” lit up behind Chandler with a photographer present to capture the moment. He then whisked her away in a vintage red Mustang to celebrate with family waiting at a nearby restaurant.
favorite thing purchased for the wedding day
I absolutely loved my veil! It was definitely a statement piece!
favorite moment of the day
After the ceremony, the two of us took a quick boat ride around Whitefish Lake. It was so nice to be able to have that moment to ourselves to talk about how are day had been, pop some champagne and have some appetizers together. We also got some really beautiful pictures taken during the ride.
highlight of the ceremony
Being able to finally lay eyes on each other and feel all the love surrounding us.
shade of lipstick
Custom Shade by Lip Lab in Nashville, Tennessee
fragrance worn Alien Goddess by Mugler
one thing the groom had to have Custom-made boots!
signature cocktails
His: Old Fashioned Hers: Huckleberry Margarita
first dance song "What Have I Done" by Dermot Kennedy
Vendors That Went Above and Beyond
My MUA Marcela went above and beyond! She was so helpful with the mothers and my girls. If they needed anything, she had it! Plus, she made me look fabulous.
Mary and Chandler planned an intimate destination wedding for 50 guests at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Letting the surroundings of the venue shape the aesthetics, their wedding day came together with a classic, yet bohemian flair. Mary complemented the theme in her timeless Rue de Seine wedding gown paired with the Mountain Song veil to add a touch of Montana to her final look. Meanwhile, Chandler wore a custom suit by Hive & Colony with a matching black cowboy hat and one-of-a-kind leather boots. To celebrate becoming newlyweds, the couple took an intimate boat ride around the lake to fully take in the moment of becoming husband and wife. Coming full circle in their love story, Mary and Chandler enjoyed a bottle of champagne and some appetizers privately before dancing the night away with their family and friends.
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Always have fun with it! Whether it’s planning a wedding, a dinner or trip, we always try to make an adventure out of something. Have goals! Not just together, but individually. We inspire and challenge each other and it has made our relationship so much stronger.”
VENDORS
Venue, Wedding Planner & Accommodations
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake | lodgeatwhitefishlake.com
Photographer Elsa Eileen Photography | elsaeileenphotography.com
Florist
Agile Goat Flower Farm | agilegoatflowerfarm.com
Invitations Canva | canva.com
Rentals
Empress Tents and Events | empresstentsevents.com
Music & Entertainment
The V-Team DJ’s | the-v-team.net
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Bridal Boutique: The Dress Theory | thedresstheory.com
Gown Designer & Veil: Rue de Seine | ruedeseine.com
Boots: Tecovas | tecovas.com
Ring: Heidi Gibson Designs | heidigibson.com
Makeup
Marcela Cloud Makeup | @marcelacloudmakeup_
Groom’s Attire
Hive & Colony | hiveandcolony.com
Groom’s Cowboy Hat
Rustler Hat Co. | rustlerhatco.com
Groom’s Boots
Bowen Bootwear | bowenbootwear.com
Rehearsal Dinner
Blackstar | blackstarmt.com
Honeymoon
Le Blanc Spa Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico leblancsparesorts.com
Jackie & Sepp
New Yorkers, Jackie and Sepp, met when they were both meeting up with a mutual friend at a New York City music festival. “We clicked right away and ended up hanging out the entire night. When people came back to my apartment after, my dog immediately loved him which really gave him a leg up,” recalls Jackie. Five years into dating, the couple went road tripping across France and Spain. After spending a day galavanting through Paris, and a few bottles of wine later, Sepp proposed unexpectedly in a sculpture garden. After two years together, the couple would invite 145 of their friends and family to Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky for a refined Western wedding weekend.
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Don’t get upset or stressed out because you're never going to remember the small things that didn't go the way you planned. No matter what, it will be the best day of your life!”
Most of all, Jackie and Sepp wanted the weekend to feel authentic. They leaned into this concept with the help of wedding planner, Penny Layne, creating what Jackie described as an, “adult summer camp.” The weekend kicked off with a Western rehearsal dinner featuring foraged blooms and custom fringe leather tassels, a heavy dose of true Montana BBQ and a live bluegrass band. The following day, guests were escorted to the top of the ridge by horse and carriage for Jackie and Sepp’s vows, where they were greeted with spicy margaritas. Foregoing a traditional plated dinner, the evening was filled with incredible cocktails, a local tomahawk steak carving station, elk bolognese and other seasonal and local fare. Newlyweds, Jackie and Sepp partied the night away in the saloon with their family and friends to the legendary Diamond Empire Band.
elements that were important for you to incorporate
Our dog, Andre, needed to be part of the ceremony! He was a perfect ring bearer. I also wanted to design all the invites and signage which was really fun.
fragrance worn
Te Matcha by Le Labo
one thing the groom had to have
A custom bolo tie
aisle song
Hers: "Head Over Feet" by Alanis Morisette
His: "Lady May" by Tyler Childers
signature cocktails
Juan Daly: Casamigos Reposado, Pimms, lemon, prosecco & Bull's Blood: huckleberry habanero tequila, Cointreau, lime, blood orange, agave nectar
first dance song
"Universal Sound" by Tyler Childers
late night snacks
Smash burgers, friend chicken sandwiches & french fries
vendor that went above and beyond
Storylines Floral Co, I can't sing her praises enough. I didn't really care about florals going into the wedding planning but she really changed that. Her arrangements are super sculptural and are such a reflection of the land you're on. It felt more like art installations than the bouquets I originally expected.
VENDORS
Venue & Accommodations
Lone Mountain Ranch | lonemountainranch.com
Wedding Planner
Penny Layne | pennylaynecreative.com
Photographer
Orange Photographie | orangephotographie.com
Florist
Storylines Floral Co | storylinesfloralco.com
Rentals
Gallatin Event Rentals | gallatineventrental.com
Montana Party Rentals | montanapartyrentals.com
Catering, Beverage & Desserts
Horn & Cantle | lonemountainranch.com/horn-cantle
Music & Entertainment
Diamond Empire Band | diamondempireband.com
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Bridal Boutique: Pronovias New York | pronovias.com
Gown Designer: Vera Wang Bride | verawangbride.com
Veil: Yuri Chang Bride | Etsy: YuriChangBride
Boots: Tecovas | tecovas.com
Ring: Shipwreck Montauk | shipwreckmontauk.com
Reception Dress: Simon Miller | simonmiller.com
Hair Ceremony | ceremonybzn.com
Makeup
Fumi Makeup | fumimakeup.com
Groom’s Attire
Indochino | indochino.com
Groom’s Accessories
Grainger Glass Studio | graingerglass.com
Groom’s Boots
Tecovas | tecovas.com
Honeymoon
Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa, Ischia, Italy
mezzatorre.com
PRAY // SEPTEMBER 23
peyton & dave
After being friends for nearly ten years, it only took a year and half of dating for Peyton and Dave to decide they were destined to be together forever. With a trip planned to Acadia National Park during fall break of 2022, Dave took the opportunity to turn it into an unforgettable vacation. Luke, Peyton’s son, loves the water which meant booking a waterfront property. With Dave’s parents in tow for the getaway, he knew he’d have the help he needed to pull off the surprise of a lifetime. One early morning, he snuck away for a walk on the beach with his soon to be fiancée. As they returned to the house, his parents headed down the steps with Luke holding something. As soon as Luke reached Peyton, he exclaimed, “Mommy, I have a surprise for you!” Revealing the ring he had in stowe, Peyton looked to her right to see Dave down on one knee. Shocked and speechless, Peyton nodded “Yes!” and embraced Dave with a big hug. To make the moment even sweeter, Peyton reminisced, “Right after we got engaged, Luke, my son, turned to me and said, ‘Mommy does this mean I can call Dave, Daddy now?’ My heart melted.”
As Florida residents, Peyton always knew she wanted to get married in the mountains. To make her dream come true, the couple planned a destination wedding at Sage Lodge for 110 guests. While the weekend was filled with unlimited outdoor adventures including hiking, fly fishing and floating in the river, the wedding day itself took on a rustic-romantic feel featuring an abundance of local wildflowers. With jaw-dropping views of Emigrant Peak in the background, Amanda Jewel Floral + Design created stunning ground installations to encompass the couple as they read their vows to one another. Under the rolling peaks, Peyton and Dave became one with Luke as their main witness.
highlight of the ceremony
Our son, Luke, clapping when we kissed after we said, "I do. "
signature cocktails Bird with No Feathers & Huckleberry Mule first dance song
“The Dreamer” by The Tallest Man on Earth
highlight of the reception
My husband’s firefighter friends cutting it up on the dance floor!
vendors that went above and beyond MY PHOTOGRAPHER- DANIELLE LOPEZ. She’s gods gift to earth. I almost attest everything to her for how smoothly the day went. The way she treated me as a friend and not just a client, you could tell she truly loves her job and will go above and beyond for her clients and she sure did. She’s an incredible artist and amazing woman. SO grateful for her!
ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES
“Change into a comfy dress and shoes so you can dance all night!”
VENDORS
Venue, Catering & Accommodations
Sage Lodge | sagelodge.com
Wedding Planner
Wander North Events | wandernorthevents.com
Photographer Danielle Lopez Photo | daniellelopezphoto.com
Florist
Amanda Jewel Floral + Design | amandajewel.com
Invitations
The Write Touch | thewritetouch.com
Cake & Desserts
Cakes by Laura Newhouse | @cakesbylauranewhouse
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Bridal Boutique: One Bridal | onebridalboutique.com
Gown Designer: Pronovias | pronovias.com
Reception Dress: Revolve | revolve.com
Shoes: Tony Bianco | tonybianco.com
Hair & Makeup
Beauty by M | beauty-by-m.com
Groom’s Hat
Revolvr | revolvrmens.com
toppy & Colin
Toppy and Colin met like many 21st Century couples do, on a dating app. However, their journey began as the pandemic was unfolding making dates a little less traditional. Toppy reminisced on their beginnings sharing, “After several socially distant dates we broke the rules by sharing the same spoon in a tub of Ben & Jerry's on a bench in San Francisco, California, we've been inseparable since!” After three and a half years of dating, Colin planned a spontaneous off-roading trip to the Sierras with their dog, Monty, where he would ask Toppy to spend the rest of her life with him.
About 30 years ago, Toppy’s parents said “I do” on skis in Crested Butte, Colorado. The adventurous couple knew recreating this magical moment was exactly what they wanted so they planned an intimate ski ceremony at Big Sky Resort with just 12 guests. To make the celebration even more special, Toppy wore her mom’s hot pink ski suit from her 90’s slopeside ceremony. Colin’s dad acted as their officiant and even made Colin vow to always walk Monty in the rain for Toppy. After sharing a kiss with his bride, the newlyweds skied down the mountain, cheered on by skiers, to reunite with their family and enjoy celebratory wine at the après-ski.
VENDORS
Ceremony Location Big Sky Resort | bigskyresort.com
Photographer Kelsey Kradel Photography | kelseykradel.com
Florist
Hungry Moose Market and Deli: Floral Department hungrymoose.com
Bride’s Attire & Accessories
Ski Suit: Vintage Veil: Dareth Colburn | darethcolburn.com
Ring Designer: Sethi Couture | sethicouture.com
Reception Dress: Gabrielle Bourret-Sicotte | @gaby_bs
INSPIRATION
kayla jacobson photography
old world romance
Just outside the West entrance of Glacier National Park lies Green Valley Ranch, a historic Montana vacation homestead. With 480 acres, the setting is serene, private and most of all, breathtaking. Surrounded by lush forests and vast mountains, Events by Autumn curated a romantic, old world editorial with a modern twist allowing the natural beauty of the landscape to serve as her canvas.
The vibrant hues of the fall season guided the selection of the color palette for the weekend. Forage & Floral expertly chose a stunning array of seasonal blooms consisting of roses, dahlias, tulips and foraged greenery to complement the natural foliage of the area and rustic charm of the venue. Not to take away from the spectacular views of Desert Mountain at the ceremony location, a ground arch set the stage for the bride and groom’s vows. Playing into the old-world aesthetic, the groom wore a luxurious pinstripe tuxedo while the bride stunned in an off-the-shoulder gown from Velvet Bride paired with a gold headpiece, cathedral veil and satin gloves.
As the celebration transitioned into the evening hours, Spotted Bear Spirits with the warm fall color palette in mind, served up their infamous Salt & Pepper Martini and Cinnamon Old Fashioned for guests to enjoy. Meanwhile, the inside of the ranch was transformed into a charming reception featuring vintage French chairs, whimsical floral centerpieces with candles scattered about and modern table settings with a rustic flair. And, not unnoticed, was a darling white cake by The Cake Girl with a simple floral decoration for a chic, yet natural touch.
CREATIVE TEAM
Venue: Green Valley Ranch | greenvalleyranchmontana.com
Planner: Events by Autumn | eventsbyautumn.com
Photographer: Kayla Jacobson Photography | kaylajacobsonphotography.com
Florist: Forage & Floral | forageandfloral.com
Invitations: Winter Paper Co. | winterpaperco.com
Rentals: Empress Tents & Events | empresstentsevents.com
44 Rental & Design | 44rentalanddesign.com
Made Rentals | made.rentals
Linens: BBJ La Tavola | bbjlatavola.com
Beverages: Spotted Bear Spirits | spottedbearspirits.com
Cake: The Cake Girl | thecakegirlwhitefish.com
Bridal Boutique: Velvet Bride | velvetbride.com
Gown Designer: THEIA | theiacouture.com
Bride’s Jewelry: McGough and Co | mcgoughandco.com
Bride’s Headpiece: Curried Myrrh | curriedmyrrh.com
Hair: Sara Benedict | @_shear_sarah_ Makeup: Cloud Makeup | @marcellacloudmakeup_
Groom’s Attire: ASOS | asos.com
Models: Hannah & Jonny
Beauty in the Big Sky
Within the rugged Spanish Peaks Mountain Range, lies a luxurious resort, Montage Big Sky. It’s from this combination that wedding planner, Bijou Weddings by Design, drew inspiration for this styled shoot. Julia said, “Our aim was to craft an experience that harmoniously blends sophistication and the raw, unspoiled charm of Montana’s outdoors, offering couples a vision of romance that is both luxurious and authentically connected to the natural world.”
In keeping with the refined-elegance aesthetic of the day, a color palette of cream and white with subtle black and green accents was born. This seamless blend allowed each element to complement the backdrop while effortlessly standing out in all the right moments. The bride, draped in a custom House of Deane satin wedding gown featuring a scalloped neckline, graced the aisle towards her forever. Surrounding her, an exquisite assortment of creamy white blooms, including ranunculus, anemone, sweet peas, campanula, scabiosa, larkspur, delphinium and fragrant apple blossoms, artfully arranged into a captivating bridal bouquet and ceremony installation.
After a picturesque ceremony, guests are invited into an elegant ballroom featuring floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the view to continue to shine. Rentals and linens curated from Montana Party Rentals, Roam Rental Co. and BBJ La Tavola were used to design a space that once again intertwined the rustic elegance of the surroundings with the glamorous event space. Ceramic Lark plates with stone wash flatware and a textured cream linen were meticulously orchestrated to elevate the ambiance and leave a lasting impression.
The fairytale of a night came to end with a delicate creation by Sweet and Tarte. The traditional white wedding cake was adorned meticulously with handmade sugar flowers. Inside was a sweet surprise of honey orange cake and blackberry filling. After indulging in a slice, the bride, in her floral embellished mini that mimicked the cake, danced the night away with her now husband.
CREATIVE TEAM
Venue, Beverage & Catering: Montage Big Sky | montage.com/bigsky
Planning & Design: Bijou Weddings by Design | bijouweddingsbydesign.com
Photographer: Honey Seed Photo & Film | honeyseedphotoandfilm.com
Florist: Florence Floral Design | florencefloraldesign.com
Invitations: Lettered Press | letteredpressdesign.com
Rentals: Montana Party Rentals | montanapartyrentals.com
Roam Rental Co. | roamrentalco.com
Linens: BBJ La Tavola | bbjlatavola.com
Cake: Sweet and Tarte | sweetandtarte.com
Bridal Boutique: Jasmine Lilly Bridal | jasminelillybridal.com
Gown Designer: House of Deane | houseofdeane.com
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo | jimmychoo.com
Bride’s Jewelry: James Allen | jamesallen.com
Bride’s Ring: Tiffany & Co. | tiffany.com
Hair & Makeup: Ethereal Hair and Makeup | etherealhairmakeup.com
Groom’s Attire: After 5 and Weddings | after5andweddings.com
Painted Champagne Bottle: Kay Potter Fine Art | kpotterfineart.com
