Samantha & Dylan  |  September 2nd  |  Wise River, Montana

From the bride, Samantha:
We were married at a  fly fishing lodge that held a special place in Dylan’s heart. We wanted to gaze out onto the most beautiful piece of land on the property, so we found a location with both the mountains and the river in the background.  You could literally hear the trickle of rapids in the background.

Photography by Jacilyn M Photography

Our ceremony was very personalized. We had three singers whom performed songs that had a special meaning to our relationship’s journey.  Rather than a unity candle, Dylan and I poured water into a special vase – it was very fitting for us as we love the water and the wedding took place at a fishing lodge.

Dylan’s dad built the aspen arch we stood under during the ceremony.

I think my favorite part of the entire ceremony was that we decided to just have our siblings in the wedding party. Though many of our friends traveled out to Montana with us, we wanted the wedding party to be as intimate as possible – as was the theme of our ceremony. The only people standing up with us were those who will stand by us forever, no matter what.  

We wanted to be engulfed by the natural beauty for the entire day, so we had a big white tent set-up. All of the tables were positioned to face the river with the beautiful mountain view.

Decorations mirrored the rustic feel of the wedding, and as the night grew darker the tent lit up like a Christmas tree. Tea lights and candles hung from the roof of the tent and a blue-grass band strummed into the night.

Between the songs, toasts, and speeches there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. As though the night could not be more perfect.

My advice: If you can swing it, have a shorter engagement. You will enjoy every step of the way and can fully consume yourself in the planning.  I think one year or more would not only be extremely drawn out process, but it would give you more time to worry about the small things that don’t matter at all. We planned our wedding in 5 months. It can be done, even from thousands of miles away!

RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer:  Jacilyn M Photography   //  Venue: The Complete Fly Fisher //  Caterer: Casagranda’s  //  Wedding Gown Designer: Maria Clara by Lila Couture  from Posh Bridal Couture  //  Shoes: Jellypop  //  Bridesmaid Dresses: The Wedding Shop //  Hair & Makeup: Jade Hair Salon