In the heart of Pray, Montana, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Sage Lodge, a love story unfolded—one that I had the honor of bringing to life as their dedicated wedding planner. From the serene beauty of the on and off snowy landscape throughout the day, to the warmth of the couple's love, every moment of Amy and Justin's wedding day was a testament to the power of love and connection.
The couple, hailing from Portland, Oregon, brought their unique vision to Sage Lodge for a celebration that would be as unforgettable as their love story. As their wedding planner, I had the pleasure of working closely with them for months, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned and executed to perfection.
Amy and Justin were an absolute joy to work with. They'd crafted their wedding design vision early on which made editing and curating it that much smoother. The texture and color palette in their wedding day florals, from the ceremony pieces to the bridal bouquet and boutonnieres. They chose an intimate and intentional celebration with a low guest count. That meant they could enjoy their wedding guests at one, long reception table, which created a stunning setting. They married in a section of the venue with tall windows which created a romantic and dreamy backdrop. The ceremony was filled with personal touches about the couple which always makes a wedding ceremony that much more memorable. The couple was all smiles and their laughter was infectious!
This couple's love story was beautifully woven into every aspect of their wedding day. Their golden retriever, River, couldn't be there in person, so her sweet face appeared on cocktail napkins—a heartfelt tribute to their beloved furry friend.
Meanwhile, the groom found solace and inspiration at a nearby lake, where he fished and finalized his wedding vows that morning, infusing them with heartfelt emotion and authenticity.
As the bride got ready with her closest friends, the morning was filled with laughter, joy, and the delectable creations of a James Beard nominee chef, who is the bride's brother. The snowfall outside only added to the cozy atmosphere, creating a magical backdrop for Amy and Justin's love-filled celebration.
On the wedding day itself, the chill of the morning gave way to a relaxed vibe, thanks in part to the serene calmness of the bride and groom. Their love radiated throughout the venue, enveloping everyone in its warm embrace.
How did this couple find me as their wedding planner? It was through a personal connection—the bride's brother, Chef Nick Steen of Walkers and Bin 119 Bistro in Billings, Montana, introduced us. He also served as a groomsman. Amy and Justin chose to work with me because of our instant connection and shared vision for their special day.
As their wedding planner, I provided my "Just the Day" level of service, which unlike some Day-Of Coordination services, begins the moment you book. I'm with you nearly every step of the way and included vendor management, communication, and ensuring a seamless wedding day experience. But my favorite moment of the wedding day? It was undoubtedly the groom escorting his grandmother, who served as their flower girl, down the aisle—a touching moment that perfectly encapsulated the love and family bond that filled the day.
The wedding ceremony was so incredibly personal and filled with stories about the couple and their love story. Officiated by a dear friend helped create the atmosphere of love and intimacy. We adore how Amy and Justin chose to keep their wedding party small which allowed for intentional moments throughout the wedding day.
Sometimes it's difficult for me to pick just one moment. What I also really loved are the many personal and sentimental touches Amy and Justin incorporated into their celebration: the wood sign Justin made after he proposed, the fishing lure in his boutonierre, the photos of Amy and Justin and their loved ones I peppered throughout the reception space. So fun!
No wedding, no matter the size, happens without the talent of the vendor team. Hiring wedding industry professionals helps ensure that your day is as seamless and as perfect as possible. I'm behind the scenes throughout your celebration working intimately and closely with your vendor team communicating the next steps and any changes to the Day-Of Timeline. Amy flew in her makeup artist from Portland at Powder Inc Beauty who brought out Amy's inner beauty. So glamorous! From my perspective, flying in a vendor to your wedding location doesn't always mean it breaks your budget. If that vendor is a priority to you and your budget allows, it's worth exploring. Sage Lodge of course went above and beyond for Amy and Justin and myself, anticipating our every need. A dream to work with. Heather at Sweetgrass Studio captured the incredible images from start to finish. She's so talented and we worked really well together throughout the day. The team at Rooted in Montana created beautiful floral pieces with color, texture and visual interest. So unique!
In the end, this wedding was not just about creating a beautiful event—it was about crafting an experience that honored the love, connection, and cherished moments shared between two people embarking on a lifelong journey together. And as their wedding planner, it was a privilege to play a part in bringing their dream wedding to life.
Congratulations to Amy and Justin and we wish you all the best as you begin this new adventure together!
With love and gratitude,
~Katie
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