From the bride.... After many dates, I love yous, trips, concerts, sporting events, family gatherings, and milestones later, Casey pulled off an elaborate proposal in April of 2014. After a day of fun and surprises, which included Casey’s first attempt at yoga (one of my favorite activities), Casey reserved the very same booth at Stella’s Fish Café that we sat in on our first date. I think I held my breathe in anticipation during the entire supper. After supper, Casey made me begrudgingly wear a blindfold as he led me out of the restaurant. The blindfold made me suspicious that something big was going to happen, but I never could have predicted that he’d have a musician playing a love song for us on the very spot where we shared our first kiss. When the song ended, Casey got down on one knee. I couldn’t help but smile at him as he recited the proposal that he had so sweetly prepared. The moment is forever stamped on my heart.
We searched high and low for the perfect location. When our search turned to my home state of Montana, our answer was simple - Big Sky. We couldn’t imagine confessing our love and vows anywhere else except at the base of the Rockies at Big Sky Resort, and we were thrilled at the prospect of being able to share Montana’s beauty with all of our friends and family. Our wedding coordinator and the staff there were amazing, accommodating, and fun. We truly did say our I do’s in God’s country.
For our first look, our photographer had Casey walk up to me on the side of the mountain as my back was turned to him. When I finally turned so that he could see me in my dress, a huge smile swept across his face. We held onto each other as we reflected on the significance of our big day and as we soaked in the unbelievable natural beauty around us. Although there were countless amazing moments from the day, I can remember that moment exactly, and it’s my favorite from the day. We had very gifted photographers in Kene Sperry and Zak Jokela, and they were incredible to work with. There was never any stress or frustration in the picture-taking process. It was so easy and SO fun! Kene and Zak helped set the laidback, relaxed tone for our whole day.
For us, we didn’t rely on tradition, instead we researched the meaning behind all of the components of a wedding day and chose what reflected our emotions and personalities. We wanted to be married by someone we loved and admired, so we asked one of Casey’s closest family members, Uncle B as we call him, to officiate the ceremony. We worked with him for months to write our ceremony, and he officiated the ceremony despite not having any previous experience. I surprised Casey by adding a wedding veil, the same my mother wore 27 years earlier, right before walking down the aisle. My tears flowed during our wedding ceremony, in part due to the beautiful melodies from our musicians.
For our unity ceremony, we chose a wine ceremony and used wine from a small winery that holds memories of a favorite vacation. And we ended the ceremony with written vows. I loved how, without planning it, we replicated some of our messages to one another. There was not a dry eye in sight. Throughout the day, we incorporated reminders of our grandparents to honor our roots and heritage. We set cherry candy on the tables, lilacs and wheat on the ceremony chairs, stained glass and wind chimes in the reception tent, and wood from Casey’s grandparents’ farm that we built into flower boxes, name card holders, and a shelf that held pictures of our parents and grandparents on their wedding days. Casey has a knack for surprising me with gorgeous floral arrangements. I love the romance and beauty of flora, and our florist was able to capture those feelings by creating beautiful arrangements that were placed throughout our entire day. Another unique touch was that all of our paper elements were designed by one of my bridesmaids.
I wasn’t one of those girls that dreamed of my wedding and knew exactly how it would be, so it was so fun and enjoyable making the decisions together with Casey for our big day. Advice: Be present and soak in this once-in-a-lifetime day. Enjoy the fruits of all of your extensive planning, and let go of all of the uncontrollable little stuff. Give yourself time to unwind. Everything will work out how it is supposed to. Focus on the reason for this special occasion, and remember that it is about your love and commitment to one another. The day is a celebration of your love, and it should be treated as such. Oh, and go escape somewhere right away for your honeymoon!
Vendors:
Photography: Eye in the Sky Photography / Venue, Catering, & Cake: Big Sky Resort / Planner: Margo Magnant, Big Sky Resort / Flowers: Katalin Green / Donuts: Granny's Gourmet Donuts / Bar Service: Big Sky Resort – local beer / DJ: Bozeman DJ / Musicians: Krista Barnett & Yogesh Simpson / Rentals: Montana Party Rentals / Hair & Makeup: Solace Spa at Big Sky Resort / Wedding Dress Designer: Allure Bridals / Veil: Mother of Bride’s Veil / Gown Shop: The Wedding Shoppe, St. Paul, MN / Tuxedo: Suits purchased at Men’s Wearhouse, Pronto Uomo Designer / Rings: J.B. Hudson, Minneapolis, MN / Invitations & Stationary: Bridesmaid, Tucky Dangamuwa / Lodging: Big Sky Resort / Officiant: Bryan Johnson, Uncle of Groom
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