Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

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6 REAL MONTANA WEDDINGS dreams to reality KEEPING IT GREEN P lus ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS 2011 Issue WWW.MONTANAWEDDINGGUIDE.COM MONTANA WEDDING GUIDE MONTANA’S PREMIER WEDDING PLANNER

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The eZine from Montana Wedding Guide: The Online Wedding Resource

Transcript of Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Page 1: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

6 Real Montana Weddingsdreams to realityKeeping itgReen Plus adviCe fRoM the expeRts

201 1 IssueWWW.MontanaWeddingguide.CoM

montana wedding guideM o n ta na’ s p R e M i e R W e d d i n g p l a n n e R

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NASHAN PHOTOGRAPHERS406.222.2881 & www.nashan.com

Featured regular ly in Br ides , Martha Stewart & Real Simple Weddings

beautiful photography within every budget

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A Letter from the Editorthree years ago the Montana Wedding guide started out as a website and evolved into a magazine. now in our second issue, Your Montana Wedding: From Dreams to Reality, real brides and vendors share their experiences to help bring your dreams to fruition. this, coupled with our website, will prove to be an invaluable resource.

i love everything about weddings and as a wedding photographer i have captured a wide variety of styles on film over the past twenty years. Every couple approaches the planning of their wedding in a way that represents their style, personality, budget and values. for instance, audrey and todd focused on their guests and incorporated the talents of their friends and family to personalize their wedding and make it more of a Montana celebration than a formal affair (read about it on page 14).

I am excited to announce that for the first time the Montana Wedding Guide is also available in an eZine format at www.montanaweddingguide.com/ezine. flip through our pages and share our stories and resources with distant friends and family. or download an electronic version of the 2010 & 2011 publications from our home page. And finally, join us on Facebook to follow our blog and to take advantage of sales that our vendors are featuring.

thank you to all of our advertisers, Chieko horn, Megan eubank, angela hiatt, Jennifer Claar, Jackie art, Kara Zurliene and lynn Weaver for making all of this possible. We have worked hard to create and distribute the most beautiful and informative wedding resource that Montana has to offer.

Melanie nashan, editor-in-Chief

Table of Contents

Publisher: Melanie nashanEditor-in-Chief: Melanie nashanManaging Editor: Chieko hornEditorial Content: angela hiatt

Copy Editor: Jackie artGraphic Design & Art Direction:Megan eubank of eubank Creative

Graphic Illustration: Chieko hornAdvertising & Sales:

Jennifer Claar & Melanie nashan

© Montana Wedding guide | 406.222.2881 | www.montanaweddingguide.comNo portion of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Montana Wedding Guide. All information contained here is

the express opinion of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Real Montana Weddingstara & Ryan ........................................................... 22Kristen & scott ....................................................... 26natalie & shawn .....................................................31Chelsea & phil .......................................................40suzanne & dylan...................................................48Megan & Bobby .................................................... 56

Feature StoriesCassie & Chris: Bringing their vision to life ............. 6audrey & todd: from planning to perfection ......... 14Words of Wisdom ................................................. 42

Detailseditor’s picks ......................................................... 12no More Rainy day Blues ..................................... 19Money saving tips ................................................20Bridal emergency Kit ............................................. 24going green on Your Wedding day ...................... 35Wedding party activities ........................................ 37Wedding etiquette ................................................. 47traditions, old and new ........................................ 53hair do’s & don’ts ................................................54Wedding planning timeline ...................................58Marriage license information ..................................61vendor index ......................................................... 62

Cover photo: Keegan nashan of nashan photographers

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Cassie made lists of questions before her meetings, and made photocopies of every

contract.

Bringing Their Vision to LifeCassie & Chris

It“s your wedding - the people who come will want to see your hands present in the creation. Be involved and be a team.

In the end, you“ll feel like you are on top of the world together.

Cassie and Chris are high-school sweethearts, goofballs, non-traditionalists and, most recently, newlyweds. after spending more than 10 years together, Cassie realized the timing was right: instead of sitting around and waiting for a grand gesture, she decided to make one herself.

When they returned to their hometown in Montana for a 10-year high school reunion, Cassie carefully orchestrated a proposal. she enlisted her younger siblings to act as chauffeurs, and the couple was escorted around town in the back of a pickup truck to re-live some of their most memorable moments together. the tour ended when – snuggled up in a sleeping bag, watching the stars – Cassie asked Chris to spend the rest of his life with her.

Considering Cassie’s artistically executed proposal, it’s no wonder that when she and Chris put their heads together, they were a couple of extraordinary wedding planners. When it came to deciding on a theme, the couple knew they wanted something that emulated their playful kind of love. “i did not want a formal or stuffy affair,” Cassie said. “i also knew that i wanted a kid-friendly environment that also encouraged adults to feel like kids again.”

they settled on a Country Carnival theme, fueled by memories of childhood days spent at fairs, field days, and late nights of playing games like tag and sardines. the wedding day included an audio-led conga line, a treasure hunt, beach balls, squirt gun fights, bubbles, an ice cream truck, popcorn, salted pretzels, cotton candy bouquets, and hula-hoops. here, Cassie shares a few of her tips and tricks that she used to successfully plan her dream wedding.

A Small Business VentureCassie had an infamous wedding binder.

“We all joked about my wedding binder, but it saved my butt time and time again,” she said. inside the wedding binder, the bride-to-be

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With a dream vision of a Country Carnival, Cassie realized her biggest job was getting everyone else to believe in her dream wedding, too. she and Chris believed in their vision every step of the way and, after seeing the end result, everyone was proud to have taken part in the planning and preparations. “i can’t even begin to tell you how much of my dream coming true i owe to the amazing, positive friends and family willing to pitch in, and to a team of pros who weren’t scared away by my crazy vision,” Cassie said.

When the big day came, Cassie’s friend reminded her that ultimately the recipe for a good wedding comes down to three things: 1. did the couple look happy? 2. did they, as guests, have fun? 3. Was the food good?

“When you find yourself getting buried in the details, let yourself off the hook by remembering that the focus is really just three simple things,” Cassie said. “in the end, those are the only things you need to get right, so be happy, have fun, and eat!”

Cassie & Chris’ wedding will be featured in Brides magazine in 2011. Check out our blog to see when it hits the stands.

kept notes on everything. she took detailed minutes of every phone call she had with a vendor, carefully outlining the tasks that were agreed upon and who was responsible for them. She profiled potential vendors, noting each one’s pros and cons. Cassie made lists of questions before her meetings, and made photocopies of every contract.

She said, “As a bride, this is a huge first-time purchase, and it’s important to be an educated consumer.” Cassie and Chris approached every vendor as a business partner, with the belief that good business partners are prepared, specific, efficient and honest about expectations. If you fulfill your end of the deal, your vendors will do the same.

http://www.CassieAskedChrisSaidYes.comWith a big family and a lot of guests, Cassie and Chris realized that they would need a way to keep everyone informed about the wedding plans – without repetitive and time-intensive conversations. they put together a wedding website and a blog, and encouraged their guests to consult it for details and information.

“our wedding, like us, was a bit out of the ordinary,” Cassie said. “in addition to being a resource and guide for our guests, our website was also a way of preparing guests for what ended up being a non-traditional wedding.” Cassie and Chris posted information about what to wear, where to stay, how to get to Montana, and what to do once guests arrived. they also had a few surprises planned for the ceremony, and asked guests to bring some specific items, like practical footwear, clothes for dancing and light activity, and an mp3 player with a file downloaded off of the website, which aided in the audio-led conga line at the end of the ceremony.

the website eventually helped Cassie and Chris save a little extra time. When people started asking questions, they had the perfect answer for them. “We were able to simply say, ‘go check out the website!’” she said.

Get Your Guests PumpedYou want your guests to show up to your wedding just as excited as you are. Cassie and Chris knew that while their vendors were on contract, their friends and family were not. they found ways to motivate their loved ones to help them out: they hosted crafting parties (complete with food and drink), sent out little thank-you gifts and notes along the way, and encouraged friends and family to share their ideas and suggestions.

photography: Melanie nashan of nashan photographers

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weddings. events. flowers.Customized Wedding Planning & Refreshing Floral Design

www.freshdesignsmt.com | 406.581.0691

Photos courtesy of Loneman Photography and Lauren Brown Photography

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Editor's Picks Creative Alternatives for Your Wedding Day

www.320ranch.com 800.243.0320 or 406.995.4283

Let Montana’s premier year-round ranchdestination be your dream wedding location.

photograph by nashan photographers

Pie in a Jar for Dessert: Bake and serve homemade individual-sized pies from half-pint mason jars.

Forget the Guestbook: set up a themed photo booth for guest portraits and create an album commemorating the attendees.

Can the Coffee: try serving hot cocoa, spiced cider, and a variety of herbal teas instead.

Signature Sipping: Create unique cocktails for the bride and groom, and keep them in ample supply throughout the night. have non-alcoholic versions available, too. (served on trays after ceremony)

Say it with Sweets: treat guests to personalized chocolate bars from Chocomize and Chocrí, full of your favorite ingredients.

Twist and Shout: Nix the traditional first slow dance, and put your moves on display. enroll in dance classes and wow your wedding guests with a tango or salsa.

Breakaway Bouquet: design a bundle of bouquets that will break apart at the toss so each girl in the huddle walks away with something special.

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We utilized what

was there. We went

and took inventory

of the surroundings.Your wedding is an extension of who you are . If you think

about things that are meaningful and authentic to you as a couple, it will work together. That was our approach .

ask audrey what was the best piece of advice she didn’t listen to when planning her wedding, and she will probably joke that it was her mother’s suggestion to elope. “We considered it,” audrey said. “But then we thought, there will not be another time in our lives when we can bring all of these people together.” in the end, that is exactly what the marriage ceremony and reception of Audrey and Todd reflected – the coming together of two people and their families.

from Planning to Perfection

Audrey & Todd

Breaking it Down“i was never a girl who sat and dreamed about a wedding,” audrey said. “to me, the whole idea of marriage and commitment and partnership is more than just a wedding.” But Audrey and todd decided that a wedding was a wonderful excuse to be surrounded by friends and family. this desire to have their loved ones share in the celebration was reflected by the way in which the couple planned their wedding.

“i really focused on the logistics when it came to planning,” she said, with an emphasis on the basics. “i thought, okay, people need a place to eat, and i want them to eat with a knife and fork and china.” they thought about what type of seating to have, and what kind of music they wanted to listen to in a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere with their guests. focusing on these very basic things helped audrey remain calm through what could have otherwise been a stressful experience.

the couple knew they wanted to be married in paradise valley, where they live and feel most at home. audrey and todd were graciously offered the use of two friends’ ranches on their day: one for the ceremony and reception, and the other for wedding photos. “We utilized what was there. We went and took inventory of the surroundings,” she said.

A Celebration of Collaborationaudrey and todd wanted their friends and family to not only be present at their wedding, but also to participate in it. “everyone contributed,” she said. Just about every detail in the couple’s wedding had major sentimental value behind it because it

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cards, photo albums, and a scrapbook full of receipts and notes she held onto during the planning process are in the box as well.

looking back, their only regret was not being able to capture all of the guests on camera. audrey suggests having a photo booth set up right next to the guest book, and assigning someone to usher the guests into the booth for a quick snapshot before continuing on their way. “What was really important to us was having pictures of our friends and family in attendance,” she said.

“We realized afterward that we didn’t have pictures of some of our guests.”

after all, audrey and todd’s wedding wasn’t really about them, anyway. “if it wasn’t for our friends and family, we wouldn’t have had a wedding in the first place,” she said.

represented a part of the friend or family member who helped to make it possible. one friend made the cake, another chose the music, and another reconstructed the dress to fit Audrey to a T, while her mother painstakingly sewed on vintage crystal beads. neighbors and friends helped collect heart-shaped rocks for months before the wedding, because they knew audrey and todd were using them as gifts for their guests. “our wedding was literally an ‘it takes a village’ sort of thing,” audrey remembered.

the chokecherries and grasses used in the centerpieces, the ring pillow, the map that guided guests to the ranch, the handmade signs along the road that further directed them, and even the triumph motorcycle that todd rode to the ceremony – all of these details and more were made possible by the couple’s loving friends and family. “our friends were so generous,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Visually Strikingas a photographer, audrey knows how challenging it can be to shoot a wedding. “i really wanted to make it easier on our wedding photographer,” she said. “i really tried to set things up for success.”

in order to do that, audrey had to think visually. the bluff where the couple were married had a wonderful view, but audrey realized it did not provide the best setting for family photographs, so she found another location nearby. this ranch was an original paradise valley homestead in a creek bottom, and it provided the opportunity for a lot of variety and texture in the photographs. “it also gave us a chance to get away from some of the chaos,” she added.

audrey advises other couples to plan ahead as well. if the venue chosen does not have a lot of visually appealing variety, “try to carve out some time before or after the wedding to go somewhere amazing, at least for the bride and groom portraits.”

Know Your Prioritiestwo years after her wedding, audrey sits at her kitchen table facing a large open wooden box in which she’s stored many of her wedding mementos.

“What i cared about were the actual memories,” she said. “Who knows when we’ll see any of these people again.” there is a bound book of printouts of the Rsvps she and todd received after sending out invitations. stacks of

FEATuRED VEnDoRS

PHoToGRAPHYKeegan nashan & Chieko Horn

of nashan Photographers

REnTALSMontana Party Rentals

CATERInGSusan Pauli

CAKEDebra Chase

MuSICJeni Fleming,

The Saddletramps

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Planning for Montana Weather

No More Rainy Day Blues

if there is one thing about the weather in Montana you can rely on, it is that you can’t rely on it at all. simply put, you must have a backup plan if you are having an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception.

“the weather in Montana is unpredictable during any season,” said Jill Redmon, owner of Montana party Rentals. “We can’t stress enough to plan ahead so you and your guests are comfortable during your celebration.” if you are prepared with tents, heaters, and umbrellas, your guests won’t even bat an eye over a few raindrops.

Audrey Hall and Todd Harris experienced this first-hand when the storm of the season blew out the power during their reception in paradise valley. they lit candles and hooked the band up to a generator to keep the party going. planning for the worst and hoping for the best is the only way to get through wedding weather woes. “expect to get rained on, and expect to get muddy,” audrey advised.

A Few Tips to Keep in MindRent a tent with enough space to accommodate everyone.

Consider a canopy to provide shade on hot summer days.

Reserve walls for the canopy/tent in case of wind or rain.

gather small space heaters and a source of electricity.

for winter weddings, plan on having a coat room to store guests’ bulky belongings.

have a few umbrellas on hand for protection to-and-from the tents.

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Check out budget wedding websites and blogs, which are constantly posting new money saving ideas along with coupons, giveaways and links to gently-used goods. *budgetdreamweddings.com

*oncewed.com

Etsy, Etsy, Etsy! Dresses, hairpieces, jewelry, ties, gifts, favors and so much more. support small businesses while scoring on unique affordable items.

Rent a fake cake or simply get a smaller cake for the ceremonial cutting and then cut a sheet cake to serve to guests. this cuts costs incredibly and even gives you the option of having multiple flavors for variety.

forget about the cake altogether and do a dessert table with an assortment of sweets.

Become a regular at garage sales or estate sales. find vessels in which to display your flowers. Throw away your cares for matching – make each table unique.

Consider renting jewelry and accessories. Find designer jewelry and bags at a fraction of the cost and rent them for your wedding day. *BagBorroworsteal.com

*adornBrides.com

Make playlists in itunes and plug your laptop into a sound system. tech-savvy couples can even have guests request songs or make changes to their playlist using the apple Remote app for iphone.

utilize your most valuable resources: talented family and friends who offer their services are one of the best ways to save money and a nice way to involve important people in your special day.

Money Saving Tipsfor the Budget-Conscious Bride

Livingston, Montana • 406.579.5318 www.eubankcreative.coM

a fresh perspective.

Wedding Photography& Custom Invitation Design

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Take a moment during the ceremony

to soak it all in.

Tara & RyanSeptember 19 • Missoula, MT

Tara, on Helpful Tips“the best advice we received was from our pastor. he reminded us to take a moment during the ceremony to soak it all in.”

Keeping it Simpletara and Ryan were married on the grass in a local park, at the foot of a towering tree.

the couple chose a reception venue that offered catering as well, wrapping two vendors into one.

tara and Ryan hired a local transportation company that provided rickshaws for something different and fun.

they put their craftsmanship on display by building the arbor together.

to reflect the season and incorporate nature, tara and Ryan picked rocks from their favorite spot along the river to use as their centerpieces.

the invitations were designed by a vendor they found online at etsy.com.

As a self-described outdoorsy couple, it seems only fitting that Ryan got down on one knee during a hike while he and Tara were on vacation in the San Juan Islands.

although the Missoula couple realized they had differing ideas regarding size and scope when they started talking about their wedding-day dreams, tara and Ryan eventually found a middle ground. “Ryan and i worked together the entire time, throwing back ideas and compromises until we found something that we both loved,” tara said. they tried to hire local vendors to simplify the planning process, and worked hard to reflect their outdoors-loving, fun personalities throughout the day.

photography: Melanie nashan of nashan photographers

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pain reliever

Band-aids

Water

White chalk (for smudges on your dress)

Clear nail polish

nail polish in the bride’s shade

Nail file

Makeup for touch-ups

perfume

Mirror

Dental floss/toothpicks

toothbrush and paste, or Wisps

Breath mints

eye drops

extra earring backs

extra panty hose

hair pins/ponytail elastics

Comb or brush

hairspray

hand towelettes

hem tape

lighter

Mini sewing kit (with safety pins, thread & scissors)

scotch tape

smelling salts

spot remover

static-cling spray

straws

tissues

tweezers

feminine products

Cell phone

Cash

there’s nothing worse than realizing you’re without a toothbrush/hairspray/ comb/chapstick/you-name-it right before you walk down the aisle. avoid this panic-inducing moment by assembling the perfect bridal emergency kit (or assign this task to one of your lovely bridesmaids!). ask your Maid of honor to carry some of these items in her clutch for on-the-go emergencies, too.

BridalEmergency Kit

In the Heart of Paradise Valley406.223.3554 • www.deepcreekrange.com

Pho

to: N

asha

n Ph

oto

grap

hers

Relax on your wedding day. we’ll take care of the rest.

accommodations • receptions • catering

Holiday Inn Sales & Catering Office, 406.587.4561Photography: Nashan Photographers

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We loved how beautiful it was

and we loved that everything was all right there.Wildflower Gardens in Red Lodge, MT

Kristen & ScottSeptember 26

After spending Halloween day shipping calves together, Scott lured Kristen into the tack room at his parents“ ranch

and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him.

his approach was deliberate: scott wanted to ask for Kristen’s hand in marriage on a day they would remember, surrounded by the things they love. the couple continued that vision while they planned their wedding day, choosing locations, vendors, and décor that were meaningful to them.

although Kristen and scott originally wanted to get married in a pasture by their cabin in Red lodge, they ran into a few hurdles as they started planning. Figuring out how to run electricity to the field, accommodate all of the parking, and have running water for bathrooms was enough of a headache that they started looking for other venues to host their wedding. A friend recommended Wildflower gardens, which turned out to be ideal.

“We thought it was perfect,” Kristen said. “We loved how beautiful it was (even in november) and we loved that everything was all right there: mountains, waterfall, pond, tent, restrooms, and parking lot.”

fortunately, venue owner lyndsey Bachmeier is also a wedding consultant. Kristen and scott discovered that having the venue owner plan your wedding has its perks. Knowing the ins and outs of the location makes for a much smoother day.

“there are no surprises because i know the venue so well,” lyndsey said. “We want the couple to feel like guests at their own wedding.”

With the help of a knowledgeable wedding planner, the Wildflower Gardens venue, and cooperative Montana weather, Kristen and scott hosted a beautiful fall wedding outdoors with all the amenities.

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Kristen, on Her Guest List“if i could do it all over again, i would’ve invited more people, and been able to at least say hi and give everyone a hug. We were worried about numbers and costs, but in the end, the only thing that mattered was spending the day with family and friends.”

Roping in Cowboy CultureKristen and scott gathered centerpieces and venue decorations from antique stores and his family’s ranch.

instead of lighting a unity candle, the couple combined grain from the bride’s family ranch.

they honored the memory of Kristen’s deceased parents with two empty chairs decorated in sunflowers.

the money raised from the dollar dance was donated to the donate life and Make a Wish foundations.

to keep the event casual, Kristen and scott had a family-style BBQ catered at the reception.

Caramel apples were served, adding an element of childlike fun.

They put aspen tree branches on the tent poles to reflect their love of the outdoors.

Kristen and scott did not fuss over having a set “theme”. instead, they focused on incorporating the fall colors and items that were important to them.

FEATuRED VEnDoRS

VEnuEWildflower Gardens

PHoToGRAPHYMelanie nashan

of nashan Photographers

FLoRISTThe Bride,s Aunt, Kelly Jorgenson

CATERInGTop notch Catering

CAKEDancing oven Bakery

MuSICCeremony: Tammy and Kevin LuomaReception: Loose Caboose

DRESSErin Cole

GRooM,S &GRooMSMEn,S SHIRTS

Lou Taubert

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July 23 • Big Sky, MT

Natalie & Shawn

During natalie and Shawn“s annual skiing vacation in Big Sky, Shawn popped the question on

their last ski run of the trip. natalie was surprised and ecstatic that Shawn chose to ask for her hand in marriage at their favorite vacation destination, and they knew they would return and exchange vows with the breathtaking

views of Lone Peak in the background.

one of the couple’s priorities was to stick to a budget, and their wedding planner worked closely with them to steer them in the right direction. By taking a few different approaches, natalie and shawn were able to throw an elegant, beautiful, and romantic wedding without breaking the bank.

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Chef Knecht’s King Crab Shooters 12 Shot Glasses 2 Pounds Cooked King Crab Legs 1 Cup Butter 2 Pressed Garlic Cloves 1 Tablespoon Pesto Juice from 1 Lemon to taste

Cut and pick king crab and reserve in fridge. simmer butter, garlic, pesto on low heat 5 minutes. add cooked king crab and simmer 5 more minutes. squeeze fresh lemon and salt to taste. portion crab into shot glasses and drizzle a little butter on top. finely chop chives for garnish and sliver of lemon wedged.

When your guest asks, “how am i supposed to do this?” Your response of “shoot it, like a shot!” will certainly bring a smile to their face.

cut along perforation

natalie, on Being Thrifty“ask questions and get ideas from your wedding coordinator and other vendors. there are lots of different ways to do things that you might not think of that could be very elegant and within your budget. i kept an open mind when deciding things, and it all worked out beautifully!”

Variations on a Themethe couple used lone peak as a natural backdrop.

since the guest list was small, the reception was held in a suite at another resort, adding a degree of intimacy and sophistication.

instead of hiring a restaurant to cater, the couple hired a personal chef, sarah Knecht. it was a chance to have a fully-individualized meal – complete with a huckleberry cheesecake for a wedding cake.

they used Keegan nashan, an associate at nashan photographers, instead of the main photographer.

natalie and shawn asked a friend to become ordained to marry them.

Keep an open mind when deciding things, and it

will all work out beautifully!

Have it Your Way: Spotlight on Chef Knecht the iconic Burger King “have it Your Way” slogan may have been coined in 1974, but that declaration still rings clear on your wedding day. as you start thinking about your food options, consider searching for a personal chef like sarah Knecht, who sees each wedding as an opportunity to create an entirely new menu customized to reflect the personality of the bride and groom. “I try to create something that people will identify with the couple,” sarah said.

When a bride and groom contact sarah, she schedules an interview and grills them: where are they from, what are their favorite foods, and why are they getting married in Montana.“i get inspired by their answers, and come up with ideas from that,” she said. “it’s a whole different approach.”

to add even more of a personal touch to the occasion, sarah invents a signature appetizer of the evening for the bride and groom, and ensures that the bride and groom are the first to have a bite. “I’m not a chef who comes in to change, create, and make a statement,” she said. “i want to make their statement.”

photography: Melanie nashan of nashan photographers

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Going Greenon Your Wedding Day

www.TheEmerson.org • Phone (406) 587-9797 • 111 S. Grand Ave. • Bozeman, MT

Immerse your wedding day in culture, history and thearts. The Emerson provides all of this and more within its diverse and unique rental spaces. We have the perfect venue for all of your wedding events; from the bridal shower and bridesmaid luncheon, to the rehearsal dinner and the reception.

emersonweddingevents

Come see for yourself what the Emerson has to offer!

You are an environmentally conscious bride- and groom-to-be. You have switched to energy-efficient light bulbs, become regular recyclers, formed a neighborhood carpool, and started attending local farmers markets. What is your next step? Making a statement by reducing the impact that your wedding has on the environment. You will not only cut back on post-wedding waste – you will also save money.

Shrink the Numbers: the biggest factor in determining the ecological and financial impact is size. Small equals intimate.

Electronic Invites: if you can not imagine forgoing the stationery altogether, send out save-the-dates but opt for online invitations.

Source Locally: Choose a caterer who uses locally-raised produce and meat, and buy kegs from the local brewery. hire local musicians, photographers, and wedding planners. You will save money, conserve resources, and support your community.

Native Flowers: Pick flowers that naturally inhabit the area instead of importing expensive floral arrangements.

Alternative Centerpieces: ask friends and family members to help gather unique rocks, downed branches, seashells, etc. from the surroundings to use as table décor.

Candlelit Reception: an outdoor reception can save on electricity if you choose to light the space using candles and lanterns.

Smart Favors: Gift tree seedlings or wildflower seeds to guests.

Arrange Transportation: encourage carpooling to the wedding destination if it is out of town.

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there is a new trend in the wedding world today, and it is all about focusing on the people who are really important to you and your fiancé. instead of obsessing over sending invites to your great uncle’s second wife’s children, spend your energy on organizing some fun pre- and post-wedding activities for your closest friends and family. outdoor activities are a great way to break the ice and encourage bonding between members of the wedding party, and there is certainly no shortage of opportunity in Montana. Take this as a chance to show your guests from the city just why you love the Big sky state.

If the Sun is Shining...

If the Snow is Falling...

never underestimate the power of plain old sightseeing, either. nestled in Montana are two magnificent national parks – encourage your guests to come early or stay late so they can experience Yellowstone or glacier. if the outdoor adventures seem like too much to plan before the big day, de-stress with yoga classes, spa sessions or cooking classes.

But don’t completely throw all caution to the wind: all of the above activities should be experienced under the watchful eye of an expert. if you and your honey are not experts, invest in guides to keep your guests safe. for more information on these services, please visit our blog at: http://www.montanaweddingguide.com/wp/?p=1578

Whitewater raftingFly fishingGolfing

hikingRock climbingBiking

Campinghorseback riding

downhill skiingCross-country skiingsnowboarding

snowshoeingsnowmobilingsnowcoaches

dog sleddingsleigh rides

Wedding Party Activities

Entertaining your Gu

ests,

Montana-style

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For Your Big DayqU n d e r T h e B i g S k y.

n

Great Locations for Your Wedding. Comfortable Accommodations for Your Guests.

www.vacationrentalsmontana.com

Cabins n Cottages n Houses n LodgesLivingston, Paradise Valley, Shields Valley and Sweetgrass County

406-222-3793 n PO Box 1282, Livingston, Montana 59047

Creekside Guesthouse Vermillion Ranch Point of View House

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We could all retire in the great room

with a cocktail at the end of the night and wake up and have breakfast together.

When Phil surprised Chelsea with a ring on her pillow at Christmas time, the couple spent the morning calling their families to fill them in on the news. Although the couple lives

in Texas, both Chelsea and Phil are Montanans at heart.

incorporating their Montana heritage and their close family and friends became the main focus as they planned their wedding from afar. Chelsea and phil relied largely on word-of-mouth recommendations when it came to choosing vendors. “When we were able to get to Bozeman and meet with these people, they were prepared with ideas and samples that made our decisions much easier,” Chelsea said. their smart selections, from the minute details to the overall grand scheme, helped to keep Chelsea and phil’s wedding what they had envisioned: a small, family-oriented and personal day.

Chelsea & PhilMay 29 • Gallatin River Lodge

Chelsea, on renting the Gallatin River Lodge for her wedding

“it made the experience very intimate. We could all retire in the great room with a cocktail at the end of the night and wake up and have breakfast together.”

A Family Affairalthough it was hard to pare down the guest list, the couple had to remind themselves that people they could not invite would ultimately understand.

Wanting the wedding to be close to the groom’s family farm, the couple chose the gallatin River lodge as an all-in-one venue, providing lodging for the bride and groom and the bride’s immediate family.

phil and Chelsea asked her older brother to be the officiant, and had their parents stand up instead of having traditional attendants.

the couple wrote the entire ceremony, tailoring their vows to say exactly what they wanted to promise each other.

Chelsea wore her grandmother’s veil and vintage flower, which she had worn on her wedding day 65 years prior. even though her grandmother was unable to attend the wedding, Chelsea still had an important piece with her on that day.

photography: Chieko horn of nashan photographers

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Page 23: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

from the Industry ProfessionalsWords of Wisdom

“light is one of the most important things to consider when taking photographs. if your wedding is held outside, consult with your photographer about the lighting where the ceremony is going to take place. typically a small adjustment in the orientation of the wedding party will make a world of difference in the photographs.” – Melanie Nashan, Nashan Photographers

“With just a little bit of planning you can have a really great guest book that your guests will enjoy and that you will treasure for years to come. schedule an engagement session and use those photos as the basis for a digital guestbook or scan in photos of both of you from days gone by and have them printed on the pages of the guestbook for friends to enjoy or to prompt memories.” – Priscilla Foster, Priscilla Foster Handmade Books

“a very common mistake we see is the ‘day after disasters.’ the celebration has taken place and everyone had a wonderful time, but the clean up has just started. We often see this when coordinators and/or professional caterers have not been hired. an unscheduled breakdown and cleaning fees cost more than a scheduled breakdown and proper staff. plan accordingly.” – Jill Redmon, Montana Party Rentals

“as brides and grooms, a few things you want to remember: include yourselves and the vendors in the final head count; send out meal selection cards with the invitation; assign a friend to pick up and deliver bouquets and boutonnieres before the ceremony; discuss details of the ceremony before the wedding day. the best way to prevent forgetting some details is to have a checklist.” – Ching Ling Coleman, Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

“Make sure you not only get a cake that is beautiful, but one that tastes fantastic as well! Don’t be afraid to let the flavors of cake, filling, and frosting fit your personalities as well as fit your colors, theme, or season.”

– Sydney Resel, Deliciously Beautiful Cakes and Desserts

“don’t avoid the engagement session your photographer is offering before the wedding. You’ll experience how it feels to be in front of the camera and what it’s like to work with this critical member of your wedding team. on your big day you’ll be more relaxed and comfortable, which will help you look your best.” – Rab Cummings, Rab Photography

“unless the bride and groom bring in a wedding planner, the photographer is the one person who is there throughout most, if not all, of the event. don’t hesitate to call on us to help you with the timeline of the day and most specifically, the reception. An experienced photographer can help you plan perfectly to ensure these important parts of the reception are happening during the coverage you’ve paid for.” – Morgan LaMare, Morgan LaMare Photography

“Most brides have a pretty good idea of how they want their bouquet to look, but they often neglect the wrap, which can be a great place to make it special and unique. Think beyond just ribbon – consider some lace from your mother’s wedding gown or a family heirloom. there are many ways to personalize your bouquet with ribbons, fabrics, beads & organic materials, so why settle for just a plain white ribbon?” – Angela Trudeau-Klotz, Fresh Designs

“as event planners we want every moment of your event to go as smoothly as possible and we have learned that a little kit can go a long way. When your big day finally arrives and the venue, caterer, and florist are all in place you never know what little things can happen. Our ‘Just In Case Kit’ is filled with a sewing kit, safety pins, stain remover, nail file, extra nylons, and so much more.” – Amanda Hill, Moments Event Planning

“The difference between a ring fitting and not is fractions of millimeters. With all the hub-bub, jitters and imbibing surrounding a wedding, finger swelling is inevitable. to avoid making a scene during the ring exchange, don’t forget to stay hydrated. If fingers are swollen, simply put your partner’s ring on only as far as it will go. When you are both done reciting your vows, casually drop your hands to the front of your body and pop your ring on.” – Babs Noelle, Alara Jewelry

“i pleasantly surprise my clients when i begin to discuss post-wedding clean-up and what responsibilities individual venues and vendors require as soon as the wedding is over, which is often overlooked. i always have a detailed plan with strike instructions, and a team ready to do the work so that my clients do not have to worry about wedding aftermath. Be sure to put someone in charge of this important task if you are planning your own wedding.” – Leslie Lukas, Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events

“ensure the comfort and needs of your family, friends and special guests are met when choosing your wedding location. shade for grandma and grandpa to sit in and enjoy watching the celebration, covered outdoor porches to retire to should a shower come through, and lots of room for children. provide frisbees and balls out on the lawn, glow sticks for later when evening dusk arrives. You’ll be rewarded with a relaxed atmosphere and guests that are in no hurry to depart this spectacular gathering.” – Marla Wagman, Deep Creek Range

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Page 24: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

montana wedding guidem o n ta na’ s p r e m i e r w e d d i n g p l a n n e r

Visit our website to view our Ezine.

Call now to advertise on our website.

www.montanaweddingguide.Com • 406.222.2881

“Wedding couples often forget to plan their first dance until just weeks before the big day. arranging for lessons or choreographing your routine will help you perform a memorable dance. the problem is, the closer you get to your wedding, the less time you have to practice what you learn. start preparing for your special dance early! that way you can build muscle memory before the inevitable pre-wedding super-busy period hits.” – Kerie Hagler, Dance Kinexion

“for guests who are invited to your grooms/Rehearsal dinner, design an extra insert and include it with their formal invitation. saves you time and money!” – Ashlie Kalkofen, The Papier Palette

“favors are often a forgotten part of a wedding. Brides and grooms can feel overwhelmed with the idea of providing a token for each guest. Renting a photo booth creates those favors while providing lasting memories for both you and your guests.” – Marie McSpadden, Flip Side Photo Booth

“over-indulgence in alcoholic beverages at your wedding can detract from that wonderful moment in your life. Although it is difficult to regulate...you can encourage a little moderation on everyone’s part by not hosting an open bar all night. The first hour should be adequate to host an open bar. once guests have to pay for their own drinks, it tends to slow them down.” –

David Schilling, Rock Creek Resort

“get to planning as soon as possible. Montana is such a wedding destination. The whole idea of waiting and waiting just decreases the chances of getting what you want. Those ideal weekends fill up quickly. Book and start getting your vendors lined up as soon as possible.” – Zac Kellerman, Zac’s Montana Kitchen

“don’t spend too much of your time and energy trying to match up guests with appropriate accommodations. put trust in lodging professionals to do the hard work – if we don’t have the right thing, we’ll work with other lodging providers to find it.” – Patricia Blume, Patricia Blume Properties Vacation Rentals

“people often overlook cake cutting utensils and a basket or card holder for gifts. i have an emergency bridal kit, along with extra items such as vases, candles, Champagne glasses, baskets, sewing kits, etc. i use my kit at least once at every wedding.” – Lyndsey Bachmeier, Wildflower Weddings

“don’t lose sight of how you want to feel on your wedding day! if you imagine yourself sipping coffee in the sunshine all morning, then plan accordingly: choose an accommodating venue and hire an attentive coordinator so you can enjoy it all.” –Kelsey Motes-Connors, Glacier Park Wedding Resort

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Page 25: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Wedding Etiquette

Tipping Your Vendors

While many of the wedding traditions of our parents’ generation seem passé, one tradition you shouldn’t throw out the window is showing your vendors some love in the old-fashioned form of tipping. Before you start doling out the dough, ask your vendors or check the contracts to see if gratuity has already been included in the fee. there are people you should tip, and there are situations in which tipping is optional: here’s a run-down.

You should tip the: hair and makeup artists: 15-20%

Delivery people (flowers, bakery, party rental): $5-$10 each

Parking, coat check, and restroom attendants: $1 per guest/car

Wait staff: $20 each, and a bit more for the manager, OR 15% of the total catering bill

Bartenders: $20 each OR 10% of the total liquor bill

dJ employees (optional if the dJ is the company owner): 15%

limousine drivers: 10-15%

Civil ceremony officials (Judge, Justice of the Peace, City Clerk): $50-$75

It is optional to tip the: Musicians: $5-10/hour per person

Banquet or catering manager: $50-100

Business owners: any token of appreciation

photographer and videographer: unnecessary if they are the owner, but if they are an employee of the company, $50 is customary

Wedding coordinator: $50 if they are an employee

Wedding planner: 10% of their total bill, OR consider a gift certificate to a spa/restaurant or a nice bottle of wine

note that it is considered bad etiquette to tip your Clergyman, Rabbi or priest. if you wish to make a charitable donation to the church, you can do that separately. all tips should be given in cash, right before the vendor leaves, after you've assessed the quality of work. generally your wedding coordinator will distribute tips, otherwise assign it to the best man or one of the fathers. and last but not least, don’t forget to send thank-you notes, too!

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Page 26: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Take a honeymoon!

Even if it is for 48 hours!

When Dylan whisked Suzanne away for a surprise weekend in nantucket, he had planned a romantic sunset picnic on the

beach and a long speech to precede his proposal.

his nerves got the best of him, and he popped down on one knee with a ring displayed, catching suzanne completely off guard. gathering her wits, suzanne responded yes, and the los angeles couple set to work planning a wedding in her hometown in Montana. “the thing we worked on the most was getting everyone to Montana,” suzanne said. “Being in my hometown was really important to us both, and we wanted all our family and friends there.”

January 2 • Bozeman, MTSuzanne & Dylan

they struck up deals with hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and condominiums. the couple organized carpools to make the more than 1,000-mile trip from la to Bozeman. having set a date in January, they sent out information about skiing, snowmobiling, and other winter activities. dylan made maps with important locations marked to help the guests navigate.

this southern California couple strayed from the popular summertime celebration in favor of a cool-weather soirée. they tossed out a lot of ideas surrounding matching favors and themes, and decided on a mash-up of what each person really wanted, creating a warm and welcoming Montana winter wedding.

Suzanne, on What To Do After You are Hitched“take a honeymoon! even if it is for 48 hours – the time right after the wedding that you spend together is very important.”

>> continued on next page

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Page 27: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

A Winter WonderlandSuzanne and Dylan celebrated the arrival of their guests with a bonfire and fireworks on New Year’s Eve to get everyone acquainted.

since it was a winter wedding, suzanne wanted colors that would pop against the natural white backdrop. She picked deep jewel tones of navy and red, and wore bright blue shoes.

suzanne stayed warm with a fur stole.

the couple kept the reception cozy with a large heated tent, complete with windows and a hardwood floor covered with oriental rugs.

the bride had portraits taken alone in the snow before the wedding, outside her childhood home.

the old-fashioned german chocolate cake boasted a peppermint cascade flowing over vanilla buttercream frosting.

Coming from musically talented families, it seemed only right to host a talent show at their reception, which suzanne said was an “amazing and unique element” of their wedding.

The thing we worked on most was getting

everyone to Montana.We wanted all our family and friends there.

FEATuRED VEnDoRS

RECEPTIon VEnuEStory Mansion

PHoToGRAPHYMelanie nashanof nashan Photographers

CATERInGGallatin Valley Catering

CAKEThe Daily Coffee Bar

MuSICnancy Padilla

Page 28: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Traditions, Old and

New

When guests think back on your wedding, what they will remember are the unique ways in which you personalized events to create new traditions.

Kate and Matt took the opportunity during their wedding ceremony and reception to recognize their parents’ marriages, which had each lasted more than 35 years. the bride and groom hung photos from their parents’ weddings at the reception, and made mini wedding cake replicas based on their moms’ and dads’ original cakes. Kate and Matt also framed their parents’ cake-cutting photos and placed them next to their own wedding cake, which even had their parents’ cake toppers. “it was so much fun, and a great way to honor their ‘stick to it’ marriages,” Kate said.

take some time to sit down as a couple and brainstorm original and meaningful ideas that could eventually turn into your own family traditions in the years to come.

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www.countryflower.com • 406.587.7679 • Corner of 8th & Main in Bozeman

Photography courtesy of Nashan Photographers

Page 29: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

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We all know that a “bad hair day” can put you in a downright awful mood, so as you are planning for your wedding day, it is important to start planning for your hair well in advance. When it comes right down to it, there is no right or wrong way to do your hair for the big day – ultimately, you want to choose a style that makes you feel like a million bucks. But there are a few tried and true practices to which you should adhere.

do schedule a test run with a few different stylists so you have an idea of

what to expect. Consider the overall style of your wedding when deciding

between an up-do and flowing tresses. (Leaving your hair down will feel

more laid-back than a tightly pinned style.)

don’t cover up intricate detail on the back of your dress.

do spend time picking out a hairpiece and playing it up

as a major accessory. Peruse antique stores, ask your

grandmother for vintage pieces, or re-purpose a couple of

cheap accessories into your own glam hairpiece.

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Page 30: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

When you think of a laid-back and relaxed couple, two people much like Megan and Bobby might come to mind. Their wedding vision was simple: a relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by their closest friends and family members,

at the foot of Montana mountains.

Bobby was no stranger to Montana, having spent many summers there in the past. the texas couple took a trip to Chico hot springs Resort & day spa to scope out the surroundings, and decided it was the perfect location for their destination wedding.

Megan & Bobby

August 5 • Chico Hot Springs in Pray, MT

Megan & Bobby gave their vendors room to be creative.

as they started planning, Megan and Bobby realized they picked the right venue for their wedding. Being a hands-off and easy-going couple, they trusted Chico’s wedding planner to make a lot of decisions for them, and used the vendors they recommended.

taking a back seat to the details of planning takes a lot of stress off the bride- and groom-to-be, especially when planning a wedding from afar. instead of worrying about who, what, when, and where, Megan and Bobby were able to enjoy the majestic scenery of Chico hot springs along with the rest of the guests at their wedding.

Megan, on Planning Their Wedding With Chico“Chico hot springs exceeded all expectations we had. they were phenomenal in the planning and organization of our rehearsal, wedding day, and our guests’ accommodations. We laughed that they handled all the small details – even down to the type of folds we wanted for our napkins at the reception!”

operation Destination WeddingMegan and Bobby assembled “Mini Yellowstone survival Kits” for their guests, many of whom had never visited Montana before.

the couple asked Chico a lot of questions about their experience with other vendors and destination weddings to cover their bases.

after receiving vendor recommendations from their venue, Megan and Bobby did the bulk of their research into each vendor online.

they asked for advice from their vendors, and listened.

Megan and Bobby gave their vendors room to be creative, and couldn’t have been happier with their results.

photography: Chieko horn of nashan photographers

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Page 31: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Wedding Planning Timelineto Help You Stay On Track

9-12 Months Before. . . arrange for families to meet and talk about wedding plans and budget select a wedding date and alternate dates take engagement photos and send announcement to newspapers start interviewing potential wedding consultants and hire soon, if applicable Compile your guest list and choose bridesmaids and groomsmen Book your ceremony site, reception site, caterer, photographer and musicians Book your officiate, or ask a friend to begin the process of becoming ordained Begin gathering images for your wedding inspiration board find and order your dress and veil

6-9 Months Before. . . order bridesmaid dresses and accessories order invitations and other stationery, including thank-you cards for early gifts send save-the-date cards Block out sections of rooms at a local hotel for out-of-town guests Make arrangements for your wedding night and research honeymoon destinations update or purchase passports, visas, immunizations and other travel documents Register for wedding gifts Reserve a location for a day-after-the-wedding brunch Book videographer, florist, day-of wedding coordinator and calligrapher Meet with your caterer and plan the menu Reserve rental equipment, especially for any specialty rentals

4-6 Months Before. . . finalize your honeymoon reservations schedule the ceremony rehearsal and plan the rehearsal dinner purchase or order and make wedding favors and bridal party gifts purchase a tuxedo or suit for the groom, or reserve rentals for the groom and groomsmen purchase bridal shoes and accessories schedule interviews with cake makers, taste and order a cake If a jeweler is custom-designing your wedding bands, begin that process now address wedding invitations

2-4 Months Before. . . send hotel, transportation and area attractions information to out-of-town guests investigate requirements for a marriage license and start writing your own vows select readings and music for the ceremony, and songs for reception highlights arrange for transportation for the bride, groom, attendants and family on the big day Meet with your officiate to discuss the service purchase wedding rings Purchase appropriate undergarments and bring to the first dress fitting

select a gift for your groom, and thank-you gifts for parents and shower hosts Book trial runs and day-of appointments with your make-up artist and hairstylist Shop for outfits for the rehearsal dinner and showers Check gift registries to make sure enough gifts remain at different price levels,

and continue to do this every week until the wedding

4-6 Weeks Before. . . obtain your marriage license Create and order ceremony programs, and send announcements to newspapers give a list of songs you want and do not want played to the band or dJ put together welcome baskets for your out-of-town guests Go to your final dress fitting and pick up wedding rings start arranging a seating plan Begin gathering the following: guestbook, pen, handkerchief, garter, something

old, something new, something borrowed and something blue obtain instructions on how to change your last name if you plan to do so arrange for people to hand out seating cards, accept gifts and organize the

signing of the guestbook at the ceremony and reception

2 Weeks Before. . . Create and give a shot list to the photographer and videographer Make a detailed schedule for all applicable service providers Finalize a seating plan and give final head count to the caterer Compose toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception

1 Week Before. . . pick up wedding dress and tuxedo/suit if renting Confirm reservations for wedding night and honeymoon Organize final payments and tips for all service providers pack for your honeymoon gather things to bring to the wedding, like extra shoes and a bridal emergency kit Confirm final details with all service providers Have mail and gift deliveries held at the post office while on your honeymoon host a bridesmaids’ luncheon assign tasks and duties to wedding party members for the next week

1 Day Before. . . drop off the welcome baskets, and get a manicure and pedicure attend the rehearsal dinner, hand out gifts and exchange a gift with your groom

The Big Day. . . Get final steaming for your wedding gown have the best man or maid of honor check the status of your honeymoon flights Relax and enjoy yourself – the day goes by quickly!

The Day After. . . thank the wedding party, parents and vendors deposit monetary gifts and freeze the top layer of your cake

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Page 32: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

You ve set thenow let’s everyone.

date.tell

CUSTOM WEDDING INVITATIONSINVITES • PROGRAMS • WEDDING FAVORS • MENUS • THANKYOUS

www.thepapierpalette.com • [email protected] • 406.777.3756

’Marriage License InfoThe Nuts and Bolts

Flathead CountyClerk of District Court

800 south MainKalispell, Mt 59901

406.758.5660

Gallatin CountyClerk of District Court

311 West Main, Room 204Bozeman, Mt 59715

406.582.2165

Lewis & Clark CountyClerk of District Court

228 Broadway st.helena, Mt 59624

406.447.8216

Missoula CountyClerk of District Court

200 West BroadwayMissoula, Mt 59802

406.258.4780

Park CountyClerk of District Court414 east Callender st.livingston, Mt 59047

406.222.4125

Silver Bow CountyClerk of District Court155 West granite st.

Butte, Mt 59701406.497.6350

Sweet Grass County Clerk of District Court

200 West 1st Big timber, Mt 59011

406.932.5154

Yellowstone CountyClerk of District Court

217 north 27th st.Billings, Mt 59107

406.256.2869

license applications can be obtained from the Clerk of the district Court in any Montana county. Complete applications must be filed in person with both parties present in front of the Clerk. here is what you will need to know and bring with you when you apply for your license:

the process of obtaining a marriage license takes around 20 minutes. Both parties must have a general knowledge of their parents’ names

and birthplaces. Both parties must be 18 years of age or 16 years with judicial approval. You need a driver’s license or certified copy of your birth certificate. You do not have to be a resident of Montana. the license is valid for 180 days. The license costs $53. (Many counties take cash only. Call ahead to be sure.)

legal documents of any previous marriages or divorces must be shown. females under the age of 50 are no longer required to have proof that

a standard blood test (for rubella) has been performed.

please note: state and county marriage license requirements can change occasionally and the fees change frequently. the above information is for guidance only. please make sure that you verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making your wedding plans.

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Page 33: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Vendor IndexA Guide to our Advertis

ers

WEDDINGS

BRIDAL SHOWERS

REHEARSAL DINNERS

ENGAGEMENT PARTIES

IN-TOWN & RANCH SETTINGS

WHERE BOZEMANCELEBRATES

105 West Main Street • 406-582-1000 • www.thebaxterhotel.com

For more info about our vendors or if your business would like to advertise with us, please visit www . montanaweddingguide . com or call 406 . 222 . 2881 .

BakeriesCakes from Cabin Ridge ....................... 21deliciously Beautiful Cakes & desserts ....... 38

Bar Service/LiquorZebra Cocktail lounge .........................45

Cateringholiday inn ..........................................24sarah Knecht ........................................34Zac’s Montana Kitchen ...... inside back cover

Event Consulting & Wedding Planners fresh designs .......................................10icing on the Cake .................................10leslie lukas ..........................................10Wildflower Weddings ...........................30

FloristsBloom ....................................................5Country flowers ................................... 52fresh designs .......................................10

Invitationseubank Creative ................................... 21the papier palette .................................60Ro sham Bo..............inside front cover, 21

Jewelryalara ........................................back coverthe gem gallery ..................................46Montana Watch Company ....................55

Photographyeubank Creative ................................... 21flip side photobooth ............................54Morgan laMare photography ...............55nashan photographers ........................... 1Rab photography ..................................54

Recreationdance Kinexion .................................... 12

RentalsMontana party Rentals ....................18, 21party tyme ...........................................19

Venues & Lodging320 guest Ranch .................................. 13the Baxter ............................................63Chico hot springs Resort & day spa .........4deep Creek Range ...............................25the emerson .........................................34fairmont hot springs Resort .................55glacier park Wedding Resort ................34hilton garden inn ................................53holiday inn ..........................................24Mountain sky guest Ranch ..................36patricia Blume properties .....................39Rock Creek Resort ................................ 11Wildflower Gardens .............................30the Woodlands ....................................62

otherMontana Wedding guide .....................45

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Page 34: Montana Wedding Guide: 2011

Tasks and Tips to Remember

Notes to Self

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