WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE
northern wyoming wedding tips & inspiration
Industry? new to the
e m a i l : h e l l o @ ro c ky m o u n t a i n b r i d e .c o m
BR I DE VENUE GUIDE
Lily Ann Photography
rockymountainbride.com/travel
plan your escape!
featured image: umaya resort and adventures, honeymoon collective resort northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
3
BR I DE
Northern Wyoming 2020 destination wedding guide editor Tasha Tagliani
u.s. editorial
& sales staff
COLORADO & NEW MEXICO Brit Tucker-Kline IDAHO, MONTANA & WYOMING Mackenzie Stevens UTAH Val Rasmussen UTAH SALES MANAGER Abbey Eddy & Hannah Wollenzien
canadian editorial
& sales staff
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Celynn Bowman ASSISTANT Carly Cooper & Camille Johns
COPYWRITER Lily Harris
SALES MANAGER Sarah Wood
graphic designer Jessica Goldy
digital team
L uxu ry ta b l e to p r e n tal s fo r yo u r w eddi ng, d i n n e r o r sp ec i a l e v e n t . ph o to credi t * Ca s s i e M a dde n
• Ja cks on H ole b ase d •
DIGITAL EDITOR - Laura Osborn CONTENT CURATOR & COPYWRITER - Savannah Reynolds SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER - Katie Mathe VENDOR COLLECTIVE MANAGER - Heidi Zeh VENUE GUIDE ACCOUNT MANAGER - Bailey Jameson
operations ACCOUNTING Lynn Kieffer PUBLISHED BY
PUBLISHER
RMB Media, LLC
Erika Oltmann
DISTRIBUTION
s e rving t h e Rocky Mou ntains a n d beyon d.
Disticor Magazine Distribution Services Storefronts in the U.S. & Canada or online at shop.rockymountainbride.com
Xowyo. com i n fo @ x owyo. com @ x owyoa n dco
INQUIRIES - hello@rockymountainbride.com ADVERTISING - rockymountainbride.com/advertise
contact
Bro u g ht to you b y t h e t e a m b e h i n d x o w yo pa p e r + p r e s s
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.
starting to plan?
photographers
floral designers planners + designers venues
beverages
decor + rentals
BLUSH SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
find the best wedding vendors + venues in the u.s. & canadian rockies ro c k y m o u n ta inbrid e. com/ vend ors
congrats to our cover couple!
grace gatto
EDITOR’S LETTER
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
visit page
16 to see amina & mathew’s wedding!
photographer: cassie madden photography @cassie_madden | cassiemadden.com
Tasha @tasha_rockymtnbride
FOLLOW ALONG WITH RMB
\rockymountainbride
@rockymtnbride
rockymtnbride
rocky mountain bride
In order from top left to right: hannah mann | karli elliott photography | jake anderson | rmb original | keeley mckay photography robin sassi | amanda crean photographers | kate osborne photography | lisa teuscher photos northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
7
12.
17.
Table of Contents LOVE STORIES beginnings
32.
felicia + jon - Cody weddings
&
elopements
16.
amina + mathew - Eatons’ Ranch
24.
audrey + jake - The Brinton Museum
24.
I N S P I R AT I O N 36.
rustic waterfall elopement- Porcupine Falls
I N F O R M AT I O N 12.
northern wyoming 101 - Seasonal weather and activities
14.
make it official - Where to get your license
30.
rehearsal dinner spots
42.
venue guide - Top spots to tie the knot
clockwise from the top: cassie rosch photography, cassie madden photography, cassie rosch photography, kayleigh rust photography, cassie madden photography
32.
42.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BRIDE
.COM
t h e u lt i m a t e
planning guide
for your
r o c k y m o u n ta i n w e d d i n g
TO P V EN DO R S + V ENUES - LOCAL WEDDING GUIDES B EST HO N EYMOON DEST INAT IONS D O WN LOA DA B LE PD Fs - T IP S, ADVICE + INSP IRAT ION A UTHENT IC LOVE ST ORIES 118
rockymountainbride.com / rocky mountain bride idaho 2020
10
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
park
hot springs big horn washakie sheridan johnson campbell rook westin
cassie madden photography
northern wyoming
Counties:
N O RT H E R N W YO M I N G 1 0 1 RMB’s advice for a perfect destination Northern Wyoming wedding. From Cody to Hulette and Kaycee to Ranchester, Northern Wyoming is filled with diverse landscapes, stunning views, and incredible communities enriched with western hospitality. Plan ahead and make a memorable wedding adventure for you and your guests to enjoy.
cassie rosch photography
S E A S O N A L W E AT H E R When planning a wedding near the Bighorn Mountains, it’s important to take into account the weather during each season. Summers in Wyoming are hot and mostly clear, which makes June to August the best months to plan a wedding if you’re looking for warmer weather with less chance of precipitation. Winters in Wyoming are freezing and not for those who are largely affected by the cold. If you’re looking to plan a winter wedding, take into account the average temperature for the winter months is 8°F. However, braving the cold temperatures can result in one of the most magical times to host a Wyoming wedding.
12
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
cassie madden photography
W H AT T O P A C K Guiding guests on what to pack for your wedding can take a lot of the guesswork out of their decision. Feel free to add your wedding attire, whether it be cocktail casual or black-tie optional, to your wedding website. Here is also a great place to add little tidbits too, such as packing a shawl for the cooler months, sunglasses if you are having an outdoor summer ceremony, and reminding guests to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
ACTIVITIES Northern Wyoming is home to many beautiful outdoor spots for you to hike, bike, drive or even boat through. Head to the 1.1 million acre Bighorn National Forest and hop on one of the three scenic byways to the Cloudpeak Skyway. Looking to experience life on a true Wyoming ranch? There are plenty of dude ranches throughout the Big Horn area for you to explore. Make sure to hit up Sackett’s Market for specialty food and yummy sandwiches! This is one of the great places to grab a snack before you head out on the trails.
northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
13
Make it Official Your wedding license, while one of the most important pieces, should be the least of your worries on your wedding day. You can purchase a marriage license at any Wyoming County Clerk’s office and must use the license within a year of purchase. Wyoming does not require you to be a resident or have a blood test. You and your spouse-to-be must be in attendance when purchasing the $30 license.
Big Horn County Clerk 420 West C Street, Basin For further information call or visit: 307-568-2357 www.bighorncountywy.gov
cassie rosch photography
Local Wedding Inspiration
cassie madden photography
Amina + Mathew e at o n s ’ r a n c h
Mathew and Amina lived in the same freshman dorm but didn’t actually start dating until their senior year of college. After a number of casual lunch dates in the school cafeteria, Amina was completely drawn in by his sense of humor and easygoing presence. A few weeks later, she and her roommates hosted a Halloween party. She remembers watching the clock all night long, hoping that the cute guy from the cafeteria would accept her invitation and make an appearance. Luckily he did! They’ve been together ever since and planned their laid-back ranch wedding for August 31st.
real wedding
CHERISHED MOMENTS
“A favorite for both of us was definitely seeing each other for the first time as we walked down the aisle. Those first few moments encapsulated everything we’d both been looking forward to after a year and a half of planning - being in a place we love, surrounded by the people we love most.”
18
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
real wedding
real wedding
R O C K Y M O U N TA I N C H A R M
“Eatons’ Ranch in Wolf, Wyoming felt like the perfect amount of Rocky Mountain charm for both of us. The combination of history, nature and quality time - everyone stayed in cabins on the property and ate group meals in the dining hall in between daily horseback riding - it was exactly what we were looking for.”
20
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
-VENDORSVenue, Catering, Sweets, & Lodging Eatons’ Ranch | www.eatonsranch.com Photographer Cassie Madden Photography | www.cassiemadden.com Florist Whirly Girl Flowers Boutique Floral Design | www.whirlygirlflowers.com Invitations Made by the bride! Bridal Boutique Alice in Ivory Bridal Boutique | www.aliceinivory.com Gown Designer Alexandra Grecco | www.alexandragrecco.com Bride’s Ring Erstwhile | www.erstwhilejewelry.com Groom’s Attire Beretta London | www.beretta.com/en/london-collection Groom’s Shoes Freedom of Movement | www.freedomofmovement.co.za Music & Entertainment Austin Ellis | www.austinellismusic.com Officiant Groom’s father! Rehearsal Dinner Eatons’ Ranch | www.eatonsranch.com
northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
21
22
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
WHY THE ROCKIES
“We really liked the idea of hosting our wedding in a location we knew we would come back to time and time again. We already can’t wait to go back!”
24
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
Audrey + Jake the brinton museum
Jake played guitar in jazz band; Audrey played piano. What used to be quick glances to signal song endings turned into flirtatious winks. Though always committed to keeping the beat, they also grew to enjoy each other’s company so much that they decided to commit to a relationship. They spent the better part of a decade navigating college educations, living apart, moving together, and making career decisions before deciding it was time to celebrate their togetherness with others. They planned their late summer moody wedding for August 17th.
real wedding
D I Y D E TA I L S
Family and friends came together to create the details of the day. The arch, invitation suite, cornhole boards, a borrowed watch and brooch, and ceremony music served as thoughtful reminders of the love and support they received over the years.
26
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
real wedding
FAV O R I T E M O M E N T Jake and Audrey’s favorite moment of the day was immediately after the ceremony; they walked down the aisle and shared a hug, sigh of relief and elation. After this special moment, they turned around to a sea of hugs, high fives, and teary grins from family and friends. It was maybe 10 minutes of the day, a brief intermission between planned events, but it felt like all of the planning had made moments like that possible, during which they could pause and appreciate how rare it is to have everyone together.
northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
27
They hoped for a darker, casually classy theme. Black attire and tablecloths, dark green florals and amber glass candlelight helped them craft the perfect moody wedding. Surprisingly, the wedding theme reflected the uncharacteristically cool weather that greeted them mid-August. Expecting hot, wildfire weather, they were instead greeted with rainstorms and heat lamps. The mountains were partially hidden in a thick layer of fog. But the fresh open air and crisp night skies reminded them of their presence, and they certainly didn’t lack in fun what they may have lacked in weather predictability. After living away from their shared hometown, they had a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Wyoming. They chose to celebrate their shared past and stomping grounds by throwing a party in the shadow of the Bighorns. Family and friends gathered. Small-town social networks sparked up reunions, bottles of Fireball exchanged hands, strangers struck up new friendships, Aunts did the chicken dance, and they basked in the joy that is having all of your loved ones together in one special place and time in memory.
ADVICE FROM THE BRIDE
“Fun, food, drinks, music, tears, and laughter. Incorporate until well blended.”
-VENDORSVenue & Catering The Brinton Museum | www.thebrintonmuseum.org Photographer Cassie Rosch Photography | www.cassierosch.com Cake Jackalope Ranch Mercantile and Cafe www. facebook.com/RedVelvetBakeryAndTapas Florist Whirly Girl Boutique Floral Design | www.whirlygirlflowers.com Invitations 3 Willow Design | www.3willowdesign.com Artwork made by the mother of the groom! Bridal Boutique a&bé Bridal Shop | www.aandbebridalshop.com Gown Designer Rebecca Schoneveld | www.rebeccaschoneveld.com Bride & Groom’s Ring On the Rocks Jewelry | www.otrjewelry.com Bride’s Jewelry Catbrid | www.catbirdnyc.com Groom’s Attire The Black Tux | www.theblacktux.com Hair Ginger Salon | www.gingersalonwyo.com Music & Entertainment Ceremony Music: Brandon Kinsey | @freshkinsey DJ: Party Pros Entertainment - DJ Zimbo | www.partyprosent.com Getting Ready Accommadations The Nelson Inn | www.thenelsoninn.com Beer Kegs Black Tooth Brewing Company | www.blacktoothbrewingcompany.com Officiant Tyler Johnson - Cousin of the bride! northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
29
Rehearsal Dinner Spots
B L A C K T O O T H B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y Host your rehearsal dinner at Sheridan, Wyoming’s most highly awarded brewery. Black Tooth Brewing Company is located in the heart of the wild west, and at the base of the majestic Bighorn Mountains. Those at Black Tooth Brewery are creating fun, unique, and quality craft beer that is perfect for your rehearsal dinner. 312 Broadway, Sheridan | 307 675 2337 | www.blacktoothbrewingcompany.com
BIGHORNMERC The historic mercantile has been the heart of the Big Horn community since 1882. The Mercantile Brick Oven Pizza is perfect for those looking for a casual rehearsal dinner space. Savor each bite of their fresh ingredients, perfectly seared under the heat of their wood fire, brick oven. 210 Johnson Street, Big Horn | 307 672 5534 | www.bighornmerc.com
LUMINOUS BREWHOUSE Luminous Brewhouse, with a welcoming rustic exterior and vibrant mural, is rehearsal dinner space with plenty of activities. Plan your dinner for those looking to have bellies of delicious food and craft beer. Play a couple rounds of pool with your guests and relax before your big day. 504 Broadway Street, Sheridan | 307 655 5658 | www.luminousbrewhouse.com
WYOMING’S RIB + CHOP HOUSE Located in Wyoming’s hidden jewel, Sheridan, Wyoming’s Rib + Chop House is home of premium steaks, fresh seafood and award-winning baby back ribs, all served in a casual atmosphere. The Rib + Chop House will ensure your guests are served with only the best Rocky Mountain hospitality.
847 North Main Street, Sheridan | 307 673 4700 | www.ribandchophouse.com MIDTOWN CAFE This brunch spot, located on main street, will make your rehearsal dinner feel as though it’s hosted at home. Midtown Cafe uses all fresh ingredients for quality homemade meals. This rehearsal dinner spot is for those looking to stray from the traditional and host a rehearsal or morning after brunch.
137 North Main Street, Sheridan | 307 674 0800
BRINTON BISTRO Located on the third floor of the Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Building, the Brinton Bistro features indoor and outdoor patio seating and spectacular views of the Bighorn Mountains. Executive Chef, Jesse Woelber, creates delicious eats for you and your guests to enjoy a relaxing dinner before your big day.
239 Brinton Road, Big Horn | 307 763 5925
northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
31
Felicia + John CODY
engagement
Felicia and John first crossed paths as fourth graders when John moved to Felicia’s elementary school. They began dating their sophomore year of high school, and six years later, were engaged. On a dinner date at 14 North in Bozeman, Montana, John planned a romantic evening of a delicious dinner and stargazing, but little did Felicia know, John had planned to propose. Felicia wanted to cut their romantic evening short when John mentioned his stomach had been turning all night. John insisted they stay and enjoy dessert at the restaurant. The hostess dropped off a dessert platter that Felicia thought it was meant for another table until she saw “Marry Me?” written in raspberry sauce and John down on one knee.
engagement
kayleigh rust | www.kayleighrust.com jensen jewelers | www.jensen-jewelers.com
photographer ring
34
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
R u s t i c Wa t e r f a l l E l o p e m e n t Braidyn Looper Photography and a dream team of local vendors crafted an elopement styled shoot inspired by the natural beauty and rushing waters of Porcupine Falls. The intricate detail on the bride’s dress from Once Upon a Story Boutique and beautifully crafted updo by Lezly Delgado of Bonita Beauty Studio stand out against the crystal clear backdrop of the waterfall.
northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
37
inspiration
l o c a l ly c r a f t e d d e ta i l s
The chunky necklace and bracelet locally crafted with Wyoming-inspired elements from Archetype Jewelry contrast the sweet lace of the bride’s dress. Myca with Whirly Girl Flowers created this boquet last minute with all greenery and flowers found within a block of her house. We love the pop of colors amoungst the tropical greenery in this boquet.
38
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
inspiration
northern wyoming wedding guide 2020 / rockymountainbride.com
39
40
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
c r e at i v e t e a m braidyn looper photography | www.braidynlooperwedding.com whirly girl boutique floral design | www.whirlygirlflowers.com bridal boutique once upon a story boutique | www.onceuponastroy.boutique jewelry archetype collective | www.archetypeco.com hair kaylee stidham | www.cosmokayy.com makeup lezly delgado | www.bonitabeautymakeup.com models cheyenne and titus
photographer florist
NORTHERN WYOMING
CODY
BI G H OR N
Wyoming High Country Lodge
BARN
RESTAURANT
CHURCH
COUNTRY CLUB
THEATRE
PARK
ESTATE
MUSEUM
GLAMPING
URBAN
LODGE
HOTEL
RESORT
RANCH
SKI AREA
Eatons' Ranch
SHERIDAN Born in a Barn The Powder Horn Barn in Big Horn
1 ute Ro
The Brinton Museum
S. U.
Big Horn Equestrian Center
4
The Ranch at UCross
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch
. In
ta t ters e9
0
BUFFALO Interstate 25
South Fork Mountain Lodge
Meadowlark Ski Lodge TA Guest Ranch U.S. Route 16
Red Reflet Ranch
northern wyoming V E N U E S
44
7d ranch 774 county highway 7gq cody, wyoming 307 587 9885 www.7dranch.com
double diamond x ranch 3453 southfork road cody, wyoming 307 587 5252 www.ddxranchwyoming.com
absaroka mountain lodge 1231 north fork highway cody, wyoming 307 587 3963 www.absarokamtlodge.com
eatons’ ranch 270 eatons ranch road wolf, wyoming 307 655 9285 www.eatonsranch.com
barn in big horn 228 johnson street big horn, wyoming 307 674 6000 www.barninbighorn.com
k3 guest ranch 30 nielsen trail cody, wyoming 307 587 2080 www.k3guestranch.com
bill cody ranch 2604 north fork highway cody, wyoming 307 587 2097 www.billcodyranch.com
meadowlark ski lodge 426 us highway 16 ten sleep, wyoming 307 267 2609 www.lodgesofthebighorns.com
blackwater creek ranch 1516 north fork highway cody, wyoming 307 587 5201 www.blackwatercreekranch.com
mooncrest ranch 69 rattlesnake creek road cody, wyoming 307 587 3620 www.mooncrest.com
buffalo bill center of the west 720 sheridan avenue cody, wyoming 307 578 4000 www.centerofthewest.org
pahaska tepee resort 183 north fork highway cody, wyoming 307 527 7701 www.pahaska.com
rockymountainbride.com / northern wyoming wedding guide 2020
rimrock dude ranch 2728 north fork highway cody, wyoming 307 587 3970 www.rimrockranch.com
the hideout lodge & guest ranch 3170 county road 40 1/2 shell, wyoming 307 765 2080 www.thehideout.com
saddlestring ranch 16 saddle string road cody, wyoming 888 650 3053 www.saddlestringranch.com
the molesworth house 921 14th street cody, wyoming 307 587 5994 www.molesworthhouse.com
south fork mountain lodge us highway 16 west buffalo, wyoming 307 267 2609 www.lodgesofthebighorns.com
the powder horn 23 country club lane sheridan, wyoming 307 673 4800 www.thepowderhorn.com
ta guest ranch 28623 old highway 87 buffalo, wyoming 307 684 5833 www.taranch.com
the ranch at ucross 2673 us highway 14 clearmont, wyoming 307 737 2281 www.theranchatucross.com
the brinton museum 239 brinton road big horn, wyoming 307 672 3173 www.thebrintonmuseum.org
wyoming high country lodge 2forest road 13 lovell, wyoming 307 529 0914 www.wyhighcountry.com
BRIDE canada
Authentic
LOVE STORIES
& wedding inspiration
spring & summer 2020
$7.99 Canada display until 9.30.20
create the wedding of your dreams with all of rocky mountain bride’s magazines! shop.rockymountainbride.com
