Western Chic
A Boho Mountain Wedding in Telluride
Matty & Alexis | June 21st
From the bride… We wanted our day to mimic the elements in Colorado. There were lots of wildflowers, lavender, dreamcatchers, and subtle earthy tones throughout.
THE ATTIRE
I found a kimono by Rish Atelier that became the inspiration for the entire day. I went with a simple dress by Alexandra Grecco to the compliment the beautiful Israeli lace. The bridesmaids chose their own dresses. Their color and fabrics all flowed together perfectly, one champagne, one navy, one pale blue with a mix of silk and lace.
PRIVATE VOWS
Prior to the ceremony, we shared our private vows on the beautiful valley floor Telluride we took pictures with our bridal party at the ceremony site beforehand to help facilitate moving right into enjoying cocktail hour with our friends and family immediately following the ceremony.
The private vows witnessed by only the photographers and our dog Wall-E was a moment we will never forget. It was simply amazing.
THE CEREMONY
Matty’s brother officiated the ceremony and all three of us had a hand in writing a ceremony that was specifically unique to us as a couple. It was laid back, romantic, and fun.
AFTER THE CEREMONY
At the cocktail hour, we rode horses and the guests also took turns riding and taking photos with the horses. This was very special to see and experience in such a beautiful location.
THE SEATING CHART
Guests were guided to the tables by looking at their names written on tattered paper hanging on the handmade flowing dreamcatchers. Pendleton blankets were strewn about the deck for both looks and warmth at night.
THE GUEST BOOK
Our guestbook was a snowboard from Never Summer with artwork by the brother of the groom/officiant.
THE RECEPTION
Our band kept the entire party dancing well into the night. Everyone continues to compliment us on the beautiful and moving personally crafted ceremony, the horses, the food, and the music!
ADVICE
I highly recommend utilizing at least a day of planner.
While making decisions in the planning process it’s so important to remember there are no “rules” and whatever works for you and makes you and your partner feel excited and happy about the day is exactly how you should do it!
On the day of, take a moment to stop, breathe and take in all the love and beauty that’s surrounding you with your new partner, family, and friends.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Photographer: Ben Eng Photography | Event Planner: Telluride Unveiled | Floral Designer: Dahlia floral | Venue & Caterer: Gorrono Ranch | Hair Stylist: Megan Keever Hair | Dress Designer: Alexandra Grecco | Band: Jonny Mogambo Band | Cake Designer: Fig & Bloom Cakes
Old West Wedding Inspiration in Montana
From the photographer, Stella Kelsie Photography: There’s just somethin’ ’bout a cowboy. We wanted a western themed couple, but not the typical modern western bride and groom we see so often here in Montana. Instead, we drew inspiration from the past, with a groom that looked like he was straight out of an old west movie, a horse, and a ghost town that once was home to real life vigilantes. Our bride had enough of a modern touch to appeal to today’s brides, but not lacking in old west glam. Her bouquet was a reflection of the sunset, that one that every good cowboy rides into at the end of the day.
Our handsome cowboy stole his beautiful bride’s heart, and we all enjoyed the evening’s spectacular sunset over the sagebrush of the wild west.
The Style Team
Photographer: Stella Kelsie Photography | Event Planner: Events by Autumn | Floral Designer: Earth Within | Dress Store: Velvet Bride | Makeup Artist: Shear Art Salon | Groom’s Attire: Jones Leather and Livestock | Location: Bannack Ghost Town
A Rustic Luxe Montana Ranch Styled Elopement
From the photographer, KC Kreit Photogaphy: This western ranch styled shoot is a shoutout to Montana. We had everything from horseback riding, a carriage, a styled dinner, and of course antique turquoise jewelry. The bride, Miss Montana 2015, wore Willowby’s Penelope gown and she paired it with hand-painted cowboy boots, a vintage Native American hair pin, and new and antique turquoise jewelry. The groom wore a cowboy hat along with a ranch style twist on a tux. Other aspects included floral tablescapes, vintage turquoise artwork, Montana made decor, calligraphy invitations and menus, an outdoor bar with cocktails, a styled cake table, and a fire pit to complete the Montana ranch feel.
THE STYLE TEAM
Photographer: KC Kreit Photogaphy | Floral Designer: Habitat Floral Stuido and Events | Location: The Resort at Paws Up | Bride’s Gown: Belles & Lace Bridal | Groom’s Attire: Kaufmans Menswear | Invitations: Sweetgrass Paper Company
A Rustic Western Wedding in Montana
Refined rustic. Western chic. Simply elegant. Joanna and Josh’s gorgeous wedding at the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch was all that and so much more. With help from the incredibly brilliant team at Lukas Trudeau Event Company, the day was one filled with sophisticated charm from the bride’s custom gown to the pheasant feather accents. From the groom’s custom Prada suit to the delicious dessert spread by the talented gals at Elle’s Belles Bakery. The sublime Montana fall weather to the equine guest appearance. Call it whatever quality comes to mind – this wedding is picture perfect.
The Wedding Vendors: Photographer: Lauren Brown Photography // Event Planner & Floral Designer: Lukas Trudeau Event Co // Cake: Elle’s Belles Bakery // Dress Designer: Joan Shum Brides // Venue: Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
From the Magazine: Romance on the Ranch
Ashley & Phil | September 13th | Devil’s Thumb Ranch
From the bride: We absolutely loved our mountain wedding. All of our guests appreciated the opportunity to have mini mountain adventures as part of the weekend: almost everyone took advantage of the hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horseback riding the area offers. And for us, getting married in such a breathtakingly beautiful place truly swept both of us off our feet, leaving us feeling so much love and gratitude for the opportunity to spend our lives together. At the same time, getting married in the mountains also helped the two of us, along with our guests, feel comfortable, casual and at home. That allowed us to really be ourselves throughout the entire weekend and, as a result, there were so many moments filled with laughter and fun!
Photography by David Lynn Photography
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A Romantic Barn Wedding in Utah
From the bride, Kate: We love the mountains in Park City. Since a majority of our friends and family were going to have to travel to share the day with us, we thought it was a great opportunity to share Park City with everyone.
Our bouquets were autumn and mountain inspired with wheat and berries. They were just a little unkempt too, almost like the most beautiful bunch of wildflowers.
We had a 3-tiered vanilla cake with salted caramel dressing. It was decorated with some of our florals and we had a wood grain cake stand and twigs that had our initials connected with a heart for a cake topper.
I wanted the decor to reflect the beautiful venue at Red Cliff. I wanted it to be reverent of the picturesque surroundings and just add a touch of softness and beauty. We used a lot of burlap and natural colors with floral and lace to soften the look.
Guests left the ranch with little burlap bags with Utah honey and a caramel flavoured bee candy. Damon’s sister made little tags with a stamp with our names and wedding date and the line “meant to bee”. We also did welcome boxes for our guests that they received when they arrived in town. They had necessities for the weekend from energy bars to custom koozies.
My favorite moment was our sparkler exit and ride back to Park City in the classic car Damon picked. I was so excited to be married and so happy everyone had a wonderful time celebrating. As much fun as it was, I was happiest in that moment when I had a moment alone with my husband.
Looking back, I’m glad that we spent the week prior to the wedding in Utah and got to spend some time with friends and family, I’m glad we got to introduce our loved ones to our favorite mountain town, and I’m glad we were able to spend some time together and take a honeymoon after the wedding.
CREDITS: Photographer: Pepper Nix Photography // Flowers & Event Design: Scenemakers // Cake: Layers Cake Company // Caterer: Culinary Crafts // Ceremony Location: St. Mary of the Assumption // Reception Venue: Red Cliff Ranch // Transportation: Something Vintage Something Blue // Makeup Artist: Versa Artistry
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
A Paradise Valley Montana Wedding
From the bride, Sarah: Pickers’ paradise was the theme for our wedding. Danny is an all American picker, famous for coming home with special treasures for me that he picked up for next to nothing everywhere from garage sales to auctions to even the dump! We have been collecting antique treasures for long enough that we didn’t have to rent a single decoration for our big day – everything was either a pickin’ treasure, a family heirloom, or something I made myself.
Danny proposed to me by engraving “will you marry me” on the silver plate on the back of the western saddle he gave me for my birthday. I got on my horse, noticed the new back plate, turned round in the saddle to read it, and then nearly fell off!!! It was so perfect!
I sent a pair of cowboy boots wrapped in tissue and lace, with a card I had made saying “Will you be my bridesmaid, because these boots were made for walking down the aisle.” I included a little insert in the card and a sewing tape measure and asked them to send it back with their measurements if the answer was yes. Then we made all the dresses out of regular quilting cotton. It was really fun to pick my own fabric and my own pattern. I wanted them to look similar, but I liked the thought of them fitting together like a patchwork quilt – so I picked blue fabrics as though I were quilting. Then I added different antique lace accents (I actually had the lace left over from when I studied abroad in England – I bought a bunch of antique lace in Portabello Road and had been saving it for something special). It was nice, when I was sewing them, to feel like I was making a gift for each of my bridesmaids to thank them for being with me on the special day. They were a lot of friends and female relatives collected together from different pieces of my life (most of them had never even met before), so it was sort of symbolic to have them, in their dresses, come together and wrap around me like a beautiful patchwork quilt on that wonderful day.
The pickers theme and the antique pieces it produced blended seamlessly with the old-west ranchy basics like hay bale couches and bridesmaids in boots (and the beautiful mountain sunset in the background – they call it Paradise Valley for a reason). Six shooters on the groomsman and The Saddle Tramps Band made it a western wedding but the hand-picked pieces in every corner made it unique.
The boutonnieres were housed in shotgun shells (Danny is a gun dealer).
Every piece and every moment had special significance to us – from the horse I rode in on (my very first horse and best friend, bought for me by my dad when I was 11, and now 30 years old and retired on the ranch) to the sword used to cut the cakes (a civil war relic used by Danny’s grandfather to cut rhubarb on his farm in Washington). There was so much significance packed in the place that to catalogue it all, and share it with guests, I included a special “tidbits” section in the wedding program, which gave the history of it all (and the history, after all, is what a picker truly treasures).
We held the ceremony on the front lawn just feet off the Yellowstone River facing Emigrant Peak. We set up about 100 hay bales for seating and Kacie (my photographer) and I studied the sunset times VERY carefully. We timed it just right too! Just as the sun set and turned the mountains all purple, I rode my horse Sam down from the barn! I rode toward my dad and then he lifted me off Sam at the top of the aisle and we walked down together.
We asked people to throw grass seed instead of rice to help us “sow the seeds of happiness”.
We made a “tell us your key to success” board. Danny and I took the “keys to success” with us on our honeymoon and read them as we went along. It was such a wonderful way to carry on the special loved and supported feeling that our guests gave us at the wedding.
The décor was the most fun for me, and definitely a huge part of our whole wedding plan. It was all little “vignettes” of antique items that Danny and I had “picked” throughout the years of our relationship.
We had old oil/vegetable/coffee cans, old blue mason jars, antique perfume bottles, and all kinds of old glassware, all filled with blue hydrangeas and greens. Those were mixed with little antique objects or things with significance for us, like my old copies of Jane Austin books, my western spurs, an antique coin toy Danny got me at our first garage sale… stuff like that. It was all stacked or strewn around on big wooden logs Danny and I saved from the bottom of trees we cut for firewood or on wooden ammo crates. And everything was arranged around couches made out of hay bales and covered with different pieces of fabric.
My advice: Talk early and earnestly about what is important to YOU as a couple – each of you individually and together. Maybe even do this before you talk to your family or friends. No matter how much faith you have in your family, weddings tend to amplify ALL of the underlying family or in-law tensions and you will inevitably end up torn between your own wishes and those of your family. Starting a marriage is about starting a life together and making a commitment to each other. It is not about family or guests, although its nice to have them there too. If you make each other and your relationship a priority throughout the process, even the worst family meltdowns (and mine lived up to every horror story) will be something you can manage – together.
I loved our getaway. Danny had rebuilt and repainted his 1969 GTO special for the wedding. We totally burned rubber (or grass, more likely) as we pealed out in the hotrod. It was awesome.
Sarah’s
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Kacie Q Photography. I cannot say enough about this WONDERFUL young woman. A ridiculous budding talent. You should book her now while she’s still being discovered because she should already be out of my price range given her amazing work! She is just so fabulous I cannot say enough in her praise.
Tent Rental: Montana Party Rentals. Really easy to deal with and very accommodating. They set up our tent a few days early so we could have extra time, and didn’t charge us for it! So nice!
Caterer: Faith Peterson, at Crazy Mountain Catering. My “foodie” family and friends were totally impressed and my “cowboy contingent” friends (and my husband, who has the palate of a 6 year-old) were equally satisfied – and that is a very hard thing to accomplish! Also super accommodating and easy to work with, despite the many last-minute changes I heaped on her!
Florist: Leslie Lukas Weddings and Events, got us beautiful flowers. And her bouquets and boutonnieres were wonderful.
Guest Lodging: Paradise Gateway B&B and Rivers Bend Lodge (owned by the same family) are just amazing. The Reeds are WONDERFUL people to deal with and absolutely as accommodating as they could possibly be. Rivers Bend Lodge is especially breathtaking. We renamed it “Groomstown” and lodged Danny’s entire family (and even some guests) there too.
Gown Designer: Casablanca Bridal. They essentially designed and built a custom dress for me. It fit so perfectly I didn’t have to have a single alteration.
Venue: River Rose
Honeymoon: We drove the coastal highway all the way from Seattle down to San Francisco and stopped at every junk store and garage sale along the way! We took our big pickup so we could fill it with our finds and we did! I even got a wonderful glass-fronted cabinet to display some of our treasures in. And the best part is that I can say I got that piece of furniture on our honeymoon!