This colorado bride and groom choose the mountains ofMontana for their intimate lakeside wedding. The bride donned a gorgeously elegant Jenny Packham wedding gown and the groom sported cufflinks in the shape of Montana and stamped with the words “I do.” This savvy couple flew in their photographer, Virginia Stiles, to capture every perfect moment and detail. See the bride’s planning advice below all of the pretty pictures…
Nicole + Devon
Flathead Lake, MT
7-19-2014
Why did you choose the Mountains for your wedding?
My husband grew up on Flathead Lake so it’s a very special place for him. We visited the summer of 2013 and I fell in love with Montana – the people, the mountains, the water, EVERYTHING – and knew at first sight that I wanted to have an intimate wedding there. My husband’s father passed away about 6 years ago and his ashes were scattered in the mountains over looking the lake, so the location we choose allowed for him to be there in spirit as well.
Wedding Day Weather
Hazy from the fires, but breeze blew it off and it turned out to be sunny & lovely
Number of guests that attended
25
What was your theme for your wedding?
We didn’t necessarily have a theme, but there were definitely vintage/rustic elements at play.
Your budget
20,000 – 25,000
Biggest Splurge
Gown – Jenny Packham’s Eden in ivory
Biggest Savings
Decor – we did all of it ourselves
How did you choose to personalize your wedding?
Because our wedding was so small, we wanted to make sure that those we love that weren’t able to attend were there in spirit, so we had photographs of dear family & friends hanging from the trees around the ceremony site. My SIL officiated and a close family friend of my husbands, as well s my Step Father gave personalized readings. We’re a family that loves games so having lawn games set up during the cocktail hour was great and allowed for some casual mingling amongst guests.
What was your favorite part of the reception?
The food! East Shore Smoke house has the best BBQ on the lake, and it’s a beautiful venue, to boot!
What are three things you’re super glad you did?
- First look – it was important for us to see each other first and spend some alone time together before the festivities kicked off. It also allowed for us to personally greet all of our guests as they arrived, since we didn’t have to worry about trying to “hide” from each other before the ceremony.
- We allowed our wedding party (my sister as Maid of Honor and my husbands son as Best Man) to choose their own attire. It allowed for them to feel comfortable and add their own touch to the special day.
- I’m glad we flew in our photographer, with whom we already had a really good rapport, rather than trying to find someone local. As a hobby photographer, pictures are very important to me so it was essential we had someone we trusted to capture the day.
What was the biggest challenge in planning your mountain wedding and how did you overcome it?
Trying to plan a Montana wedding from Colorado, with only 6 months planning time, was a challenge. Luckily, my mother is retired and was able to help with the planning. We took a long weekend trip to the Lake about 4 months before the wedding to finalize all vendors and see everything in person, and that really helped to ease some the anxiety caused by long-distant planning.
How did you find and choose your vendors?
Internet searches, word of mouth, wedding blogs & forums
Montana Wedding Vendors
Wedding Photography: Virginia Stiles Photography, Denver | Wedding Gown: Little White Dress Bridal Shop, Denver | Hair & Makeup: Jessica Sweeney, Amore Salon & Spa, Kalispell | Wedding Cake: Sweet Notions Cakes | Arbor: Vintage Whites Weddings, Kalispell | Wedding Bouquet: Terrace Flowers & Gifts, Polson | Ceremony flowers: Husband’s aunt | Wedding Venue: Private Estate on Flathead Lake’s Rocky Point | Reception Venue: East Shore Smoke House, Polson