A Simple Ranch Wedding in Montana
From the bride. Mackenzie: Our day was totally “us”. We actually stayed together the evening before the wedding, waking up and starting our most important day together was very important, it made the rest of the day feel comfortable and just right.
Our color palette was blush, natural tones, and sage green. I really tried to incorporate the natural beauty around us.
The bridal party got together and went skeet shooting. That was John’s idea and such a highlight of the day! Shooting a shotgun in my wedding dress is a memory that will last forever.
Crossing the bridge and coming through the trees, to see John, and my closet family and friends, waiting to take us into this beautiful phase of our lives, made me feel completely at ease and my fullest self. My heart was full, sun shining down, and time stood still. On that day, our world was absolutely perfect and just as we had imagined.
We wrote our entire ceremony and vows, making it so personal. Our bridal party and grandparents shared readings. We had a small group of friends and family (60), which created a warm, supportive feeling during our ceremony.
The reception was under a tent. The décor was very natural, classic, and feminine. While we were outdoors there were still elegant details. The colors and flowers played up the natural beauty of our setting.
I spent a year purchasing vintage plates for the reception. I was also given plates from family and at my bridal shower. It was a neat detail to look around the reception and remember the stories from each plate.
One highlight was the surprise blackjack table I planned for John. In the early stages of our wedding planning, we discussed some “dream ideas”. Giving the logistics of a destination wedding, John thought we should let go of the blackjack idea. Together with Shane (the manager at the ranch), we found a dealer, gathered the supplies, and funded the bank to host a blackjack game throughout the reception. After John and I finished our first dance, the DJ came over the mic and said, “John there is just one more thing you need to do with your wife…” At that time, the dealer unveiled the table and the two of us played the first hand of blackjack. Lucky for us, we both got 21 – big winners! The table was open for the rest of the night and such a hit! Our guests looooved it and it served as a great compliment to the dancing.
My advice: Do it together. Talk about your dream ideas, discuss your expectations, share your feelings along the way. Make the process just as fun as your big day. Hire a videographer.
Mackenzie’s RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Lauren Brown Photography. Over the top amazing! Hands down one of the best people I have ever worked with. She was so professional, so fun, and went above and beyond!
Floral Designer: White Antler Flowers. Margo was so so wonderful! Fresh cut flowers, so creative, so professional. When she arrived with her van of flowers, I started to cry. They were so beautiful and so beyond what I had imagined. I would have paid double for what she provided.
Venue & Caterer: Grey Wolf Ranch. Amazing venue! // Bakery: Black Cat Cake Shop. Excellent cake! // Tent & Linen Rental: Eastgate Rentals // Dress Designer: Jenny Packham // Hair & Makeup: Boom Swagger Salon // DJ: RMF Entertainment