Brides and Grooms 2012

Montana Wedding Planning Guide 2012

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com

Coming to Missoula

October 2012 2 Day Event

Montana Bridal Expo Seminars • Fashion Show • Vendors

Details available at montanabridalexpo.com • 406.549.9060

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 3

michelle nowels photography Publisher: Jim McGowan Art Director: Mike Lake Lead Design: Diann Kelly Cover photo: mdk photography, llc

Advertising Sales Coordinator: Jacque Walawander Advertising Sales: Dan Doyle Project Coordinator: Holly Kuehlwein Page 6 photos: mdk photography, llc & Dax Photography

Brides and Grooms is a publication of the Missoulian, a division of Lee Enterprises. ŠCopyright 2012 by the Missoulian. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. For more information about advertising space in Brides and Grooms, contact Jacque Walawander at (406) 523-5271, 1(800) 366-7193 ext 271 or jacque.walawander@lee.net. To request copies of Brides & Grooms, please email Holly Kuehlwein at holly.kuehlwein@lee.net or call 1(800) 366-7193 ex: 319. missoulian.com

A Publication of the

4 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 5

28

table of contents

Contents: 8

table of contents

Planning Guide

28

Engagement Announcement

30

Shopping Local

34

Marriage License

36

Petal Power

38

Wedding Announcement

42

40

Facebook

42

Destination Missoula

46

Paper Love

48

Budget

50

Wedding Sweets

52

Setting the Scene

60

58

Beauty

60

Signature Drinks

64

Venues

98

Index of Advertisers

1905 W. Broadway www.montanadollar.com

6 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Explore Montana 800-892-4343 • 406-542-2311

planning guide

You’re engaged!

First things first ❍ Announce

your engagement in the Missoulian and online using the form on page 28.

❍ Having

an engagement party? Set a date, choose a location, create a guest list, start a gift registry and mail invitations.

❍ Decide

on a budget. See the handy worksheet on pages 48-49.

❍ Start

the guest list.

❍ Set

the date. Narrow down your wedding date to a few weekends you feel most of your desired guests will be able to attend. Announce your wedding in the Missoulian and online using the form on page 38.

❍A

consultation with an event planner is a good way to get started. You may only need a few hours of their time to get you started, you may decide to hire one to handle everything from start to finish or just for the day of the event.

❍ Contact

ceremony and reception venues. Some locations book up to a year in advance. Some may only be available for the ceremony and you will need a second location for the reception.

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12 months & counting ❍ Shop

for your gown.

❍ Choose

a color scheme.

❍ Your

friends and family will be clamoring to know who will be in your wedding party so let people know who you’ve chosen as soon as possible. Give your attendees ample time to arrange their schedules.

❍ Contact

photographers.

❍ Contact

videographer.

❍ Contact

florists.

❍ Book

a caterer. Most will do tastings and even create a cocktail just for you.

Begin working on a menu. You may want to consider special dietary needs if you have any guests with severe food allergies. Depending on budget and the number of guests with a nontraditional diet, you may need more than one choice for the main course.

❍ Decide

on whether you want a DJ or live music at your reception.

❍ Record

budget.

deposits and payments in your

planning guide

Dishes You Can Get Excited About www.dolcetableware.com

planning guide

beautiful weddings

12 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

planning guide

deschamps photography www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 13

planning guide

Bridal Collections

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planning guide

10 months & counting ❍ Book

your photographer, florist and videographer.

❍ Finalize ❍ Order

your guest list.

your wedding cake.

❍ Reserve

a block of rooms for your out-oftown guests.

❍ Send

out your save-the-date cards.

Be sure to include information on accommodations.

❍ Shop

for bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.

❍ Record

budget.

deposits and payments in your

8 months & counting ❍ Book

a wedding officiant and musician/ DJ. Discuss any special arrangements you want.

❍ Order

your wedding invitations, announcements, place cards, menus and thank you cards.

❍ Order

the bridesmaid and flower girl gowns.

❍ Purchase

wedding gown. Custom gowns can take a while to make. If you are buying off the rack you want to give enough time to allow for alterations and a couple of fittings.

❍ Register.

Sign up at several locations.

People will use your registry for your shower and wedding gifts.

Designers Such As Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, Pronovias and David Tutera

Visit

Bridal Collections

before you Say Yes to the Dress

Hundreds of gowns in sizes 0-28 3131 N. Division St. Spokane, WA www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 15

planning guide

Celestial Selections

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planning guide

6 months & counting ❍ Mail

your “Save the Date Cards.”

❍ The

honeymoon. If you haven’t already discussed what you want to do and where you want to go, now is the time. Decide your budget. Book rooms, flights, tours for all you want to do.

❍ Your

venues. Most locations will have everything you need. If you are going to need extra items you will generally get the best price from your venue. Find out now what is available to you and if you need to contact rental agencies to reserve extras like a dance floor, stage, lighting, sound systems and even outdoor toilets.

❍ Transportaion.

Reserve your limos and buses or vans if you are not planning on using personal transportation.

4 months & counting ❍ Finalize

honeymoon plans.

❍

Check your gift registery. Availability of certain items can change.

❍

Choose the groom’s attire.

❍

Purchase any accessories to go with your gown, such as shoes, veil and jewelry.

❍

Schedule your ceremony rehearsal.

Contact your attendants, officiant.

❍ Contact

vendors to do hair, make-up and all the pre-wedding pampering you will need. Some vendors will service on-site, others require you to visit their establishment.

Bridal & Formal Wear Budget to Couture Gowns Sizes 0-32, including Modest 306 S. Pines Rd, Spokane Valley, WA

509-927-4191

www.celestialselections.com www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 17

planning guide

Marcella’s bridal

18 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

planning guide hixson family photography www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 19

planning guide

mossuto’s bridal

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planning guide

2 months & counting ❍ Mail

your wedding invitations and set an RSVP date.

❍ Have

wedding portraits taken.

❍ Send

your photo and wedding announcement to newspapers for publication. (See page 38 for more information)

❍ Meet

with your musician to go over the selection and any special needs you have.

❍ Purchase ❍ Rehearsal

the gifts for your attendants.

dinner. Traditionally, this is for the wedding party and immediate family of the bride and groom. Who will host it?

Will you need to reserve a venue? Consult on a date that will work for most, if not all, of those you intend to invite.

1 month before the wedding ❍ Get

your marriage license. (See page 34 for more information)

❍ Have

a final fitting of your gown.

Now is the time to call and check in on all of the services you have booked.

Caterer: check on your menu selections, service plans and seating arrangements.

Photographer, florist, officiant, rental equipment, beautitian, transportation: check that they are clear on the location, arrival times and how long their services will be needed. ❍

❍ Make

name or address changes official on documents, including driver’s license, Social Security forms and financial accounts. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office.

❍ The

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party. The Best Man/Maid of Honor have the honor of arranging this fun filled event.

serving northwest brides since 1958

1405 N. Argonne Argonne Mission Center Spokane, WA 99212 509.535.6423 Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 21

planning guide

Beautiful weddings

22 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

planning guide

planning guide

Marcella’s bridal

24 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

planning guide

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 25

planning guide

rococo bridal & tux

26 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

planning guide

1 week before the wedding ❍ Thank

you notes. Even if you don’t plan to send them until after the honeymoon, write them now. It is best to do them before the gifts and cards get separated.

❍ Make

arrangements for gifts brought to the ceremony/reception to be picked up and delivered to a safe spot.

Your “Once in a Lifetime” Gown Should Last a Lifetime!

❍ Pick

up your wedding rings. Be sure to check the accuracy of any engravings.

❍ Pack

your honeymoon bags and set them aside.

❍ Check

your honeymoon reservations.

❍ Write

your final payments for vendors and services to be delivered on the agreedupon time.

❍ Create

a wedding day schedule of events for your attendants.

❍ Call

guests who have not yet RSVP’d to get a final count for the caterer and seating arrangements.

So put your trust in the professionals and your dress will last as long as the memories.

Expert Cleaning. Thorough Inspection.

Moisture/Oxygen Control.

Acid-Neutral, PH Control.

Heat Seal Packaging.

❍ Pick

up the men’s attire and make sure all the alterations are complete.

The day before the wedding ❍ Take

some time to relax. Get a manicure and maybe a massage. Go to bed early.

The day of the wedding ❍ You’ve

made all the arrangements, enjoy.

Wedding gown cleaning and storage box preservation.

View your gown & veil at any time.

Special event linen rentals: tablecloths, napkins, table skirts

Home of the 2fer!

After the wedding ❍ Ensure

full.

that all your vendors are paid in

❍ Arrange

for your gown to be cleaned and preserved.

❍ Send

out your thank-you notes.

Two convenient locations to serve you:

Missoula TextileServices 111 East Spruce • Downtown 543-5171

Missoula Textile South

1201 Burlington • Southside 543-7798 www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 27

engagement announcement

hixson family photography

Congratulations!

T

he Missoulian publishes engagement announcements in its Sunday edition.

The announcements are considered news stories and may be edited or held for questions. Announcements without a photo will appear free of charge; announcements with a photo cost $40 and payment must be made when submitting announcement. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday for publication two Sundays out.

• Please type or print plainly.

• First and last names are required for all persons mentioned in the announcement.

•M ake sure all names are spelled correctly.

•P hotos may be black and white or color. The size does not matter as long as they are sharp, clear glossy prints with the couple’s heads close together. Photos may also be emailed in JPG format. No photocopies will be accepted. Photos can either be picked up after the announcement has appeared in the Missoulian or mailed if a selfaddressed, stamped envelope is enclosed.

• Your announcement will run on the Brides and Grooms Facebook page.

Like us! Facebook.com/BridesGrooms

missoulian.com

28 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Every minute. Every day.

engagement announcement

Bride: Name_ ___________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State _______________________ Mother of Bride: Name____________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State _______________________ Father of Bride: Name____________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State _______________________ Groom: Name___________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State _______________________ Mother of Groom: Name_ _________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State _______________________ Father of Groom: Name_ __________________________________________________________ City______________________________________ State _______________________ Date of Wedding_________________________________________________________________ Who is announcing this wedding?

 Couple

 Bride’s Parents

 Groom’s Parents

Person Submitting this Form _______________________________________________________ Contact Phone Number Mail to:

Day____________________

Engagement Announcement P.O. Box 8029, Missoula, MT 59807

Evening_ ______________________

Email: mgerber@missoulian.com Toll free: 1-800-366-7186 or 406-523-5240 Fax: 406-523-5294

Be Your Own Wedding Singer or DJ! Sound System Rentals at affordable prices!

819 South Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT 59801

(406) 728-1117 • www.espmusic.com www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 29

Shopping Local shopping local

for peace of mind story by Rebecca Wagner

W

hen it comes to planning a wedding, no two brides have the same vision of what constitutes the perfect event. The one thing all brides can agree on: weddings can be expensive.

There are hundreds of articles and blogs giving advice on how to save money on your big day. In today’s cyber world, the internet is often the first resource brides turn to when planning and shopping for their special day. There are bargains to be had, but unfortunately the internet is full of scammers and counterfeiters. It may seem like you are saving by shopping online, but the truth is that your local vendors are often cheaper in the long run and can save you stress and hassle.

For most girls, the most exciting part of shopping for their wedding is selecting their bridal gown. Your gown sets the theme for your wedding and should make you feel beautiful. For most women, a bridal gown is the most expensive and emotional clothing purchase they will ever make. There is no question that it will take a large chunk out of their wedding budget and many girls are tempted to look to the internet in hope of saving a few dollars. There are literally hundreds of sites promising to sell visitors a beautiful gown for a rock bottom price, but remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Lisa’s story is just one example of what can go wrong when common sense is thrown out the window by the allure of a low price tag. Lisa visited a local bridal salon and fell in love with a dress by a well-known bridal manufacturer. The dress was priced at $700 and was well within her 30 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

budget. She received top-notch personalized service from her bridal consultant and left walking on air, but wanted to shop around before committing. When Lisa got home, she Googled the manufacturer so she could send a picture of her dream dress to her best friend. Surprisingly, tons of sites popped up offering the same dress for as low as $99. How could the dress be $700 at the bridal shop and less than $100 online?

Lisa browsed several of the sites and they seemed legit – after all they had the exact same picture that was on the manufacturer’s site. The site she settled on had several rave reviews from satisfied customers so she went ahead and placed her order for the size 8, as that was the size she fit at the bridal shop.

Several weeks went by but she never heard from the online vendor. She emailed them repeatedly and was finally assured her dress was in production. With less than a month before her wedding and still no dress, Lisa began to get anxious. Again she was assured the dress was on its way and was in fact given a delivery date of the following week. Fast forward to ten days before her wedding, and Lisa gets home from work to find a package sitting on her front step in the rain. It’s a large plastic envelope with weird Chinese stamps all over it. This can’t be her wedding dress. A sweater wouldn’t even fit in the package, let alone a bridal gown with a long train.

Lisa hurried inside to see what on earth she had received. She carefully opened the package to find that it is indeed her wedding gown, or at least someone’s version of her gown. The dress is made of the

shopping local

original maggie

copy of a maggie

original bonny

copy of a bonny

If you see a site offering a dress for considerably less than what it is in a store, you are probably dealing with a counterfeiter. Look on the manufacturer’s website and see if they are a registered dealer. If not, it’s a fake.

cheapest satin she had ever seen outside of a Halloween costume. There was no lining, boning, or built-in crinoline. Instead of the beautiful beads and crystals she fell in love with, the dress has silver sequins glued to it.

In spite of the fact that it’s nothing at all like the dress she thought she was getting, she decided to go ahead and try it on, after all, maybe it will look better on. Lisa can’t quite get the zipper up all the way so she calls her fiancé in to help, but the dress won’t zip – it’s at least two inches too small.

Now in tears and hysterical that she doesn’t have a dress and her wedding is less than two weeks away, she calls her mom. Lisa’s mom rushes over, takes one look at the dress

and drags Lisa back to the original bridal shop. Lisa is in luck! The shop still has the dress she fell in love with. As she tries it on and sobs in the dressing room, her mom whips out a credit card and pays for it.

Disaster averted, but an expensive lesson for Lisa and her mom.

Lisa’s story is far from unique. Deborah Stebbins, the owner of a local bridal shop has helped at least six brides just this year who have ordered online and either not received their gown or ended up with a poor quality counterfeit. “People think of a street vendor with a load of knock-off purses as a counterfeiter. They don’t realize that overseas manufacturers will make just about www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 31

shopping local

shopping local

anything they can make a buck off of, including wedding and prom gowns,” says Stebbins. These sites look legit and will steal images from the designer’s websites.

Unless you read the fine print, or in some cases read between the lines, you have no way of knowing you are buying a knock-off.

Stebbins gives some advice on detecting these fake sites: “Manufacturers set prices that their gowns are to be sold for. As a dealer, we are not allowed to sell them below the MSRP. If you see a site offering a dress for considerably less than what it is in a store, you are probably dealing with a counterfeiter. Look on the manufacturer’s website and see if they are a registered dealer. If not, it’s a fake.”

Leah Johnson, a bridal consultant at a local bridal salon, reminds women not to undervalue the service they receive at their local store. “When you buy from a shop there are a lot of perks that you don’t pay

extra for. I will steam your dress for free before the wedding, make sure you get alterations done by a professional, and even include a zippered storage bag at no extra charge.”

While many wedding websites are legitimate and indeed do have good prices, there are a hundred more selling substandard and counterfeit goods. If you have a problem or complaint, there is no one you can speak to in person and often just get the run around in an endless stream of emails. Dealing with a local business means that you can see someone face to face, someone who has an interest in making sure your wedding is perfect. Before you automatically assume the Internet has the best deals, shop around and talk to your local businesses. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out that the best deals are often in your own town.

Missoula’s Tuxedo experTs

Bridal & Tux 1900 Brooks Street, Holiday Village Center Missoula, MT | (406) 327-0291 www.rococobridal.com

32 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

TLR-BridesGrooms-QualityFurniture.indd 1

11/7/11 11:55 AM

Marriage license

hixson family photography

cocoa blue

michelle nowels photography

T

the Marriage License

he bride and groom-to-be must go to the office of the Missoula County Clerk of District Court - 200 W. Broadway; M-F 8-5, except holidays (must arrive no later than 4:30 p.m.3) and fill out a Montana Marriage Application Form. The license can be used immediately and is good for up to 180 days. Bring proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license, etc.). If the future bride is under fifty years old, she must provide Rubella Test results (unless she has proof from a doctor that she is not able to have children). The bride and groom must know their mothers’ maiden names and the state their parents were born in. The bride and groom must also know the city, state, and county they were born in. If they have been married before, they have to state whether the former marriage ended by death or divorce, the county and state in which the divorce took place and the date of dissolution. They must be 18 years of age or older. The fee is $53.00, payable in cash or with VISA or MasterCard only (no personal checks).

While you are thinking of official procedures, both the groom and bride need to change their wills and put the other’s name on properties that will be mutually owned. And, if the bride is going to assume her husband’s name, she should make changes on the following items: • Social Security Card • Driver’s License • Car Registration • Voter Registration • Passport 34 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

• Wills • Stocks and Bonds • Insurance Policies • Pension Plans • Charge Accounts • Subscriptions

• Club Memberships • Property Titles and Leases • Post Office • Employer or School Records

DETAILS

hixson family photography

cocoa blue

dax photography

mike williams photography

BITTERROOT FLOWER SHOP

From this

date forward...

commit to getting an annual exam around your wedding date.

It’s easy to remember & a great gift to give each other.

Serving Your Community Since 1922 Main Clinic • Broadway Bldg 500 West Broadway • Missoula

Community Med Ctr • Phys Ctr 3 2835 Ft Missoula Rd • Missoula

Lolo Family Practice 11350 Hwy 93 South • Lolo

Now Care Broadway Building Now Care Southgate Mall 406.273.0045 (Lolo clinic) 406.721.5600 • 800.525.5688 • www.westernmontanaclinic.com www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 35

petal power

Whether you choose riots of color or the brilliant presence of a single color, the flora you choose says something about you. michelle nowels photography

mdk photography, llc

hixson family photography 36 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

DESCHAMPS PHOTOGRAPHY

Petal Power

mike williams photography

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 37

wedding announcement

mdk photography, llc

Your wedding day!

T

he Missoulian publishes wedding announcements in its Sunday edition. These announcements are considered news stories and may be edited or held for questions. Announcements without photos will run free of charge; those with a photo cost $40 and payment must be made when submitting the announcement. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday two weeks before publication. The Missoulian also will publish photos of four- or five-generation gatherings for a $40 fee.

• Please type or print plainly.

• First and last names are required of all persons mentioned in the announcement.

• Please make sure all names are spelled correctly.

• Photos may be black and white or color. The size does not matter as long as they are sharp, clear glossy prints with the couple’s heads close together. Photos may also be emailed in JPG format. No photocopies will be accepted. Photos can either be picked up after the announcement has appeared in the Missoulian or mailed if a selfaddressed, stamped envelope is enclosed.

• Your announcement will run on the Brides & Grooms Facebook page. Like us!

Facebook.com/BridesGrooms missoulian.com

38 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Every minute. Every day.

wedding announcement

Person completing the form ______________ Contact phone number____________________ Person officiating_______________________ Date of ceremony_ _______________________ Ceremony location______________________ Reception location________________________ Bride’s name__________________________ Groom’s name___________________________ Her address___________________________ His address_ ____________________________ Her mother’s name_____________________ His mother’s name_______________________ Her mother’s address_ __________________ His mother’s address______________________ Her father’s name _ ____________________ His father’s name________________________ Her father’s address_ ___________________ His father’s address_______________________ Maid/Matron of Honor__________________ Best Man_______________________________ Bridesmaids___________________________ Groomsmen_____________________________ ____________________________________ _ _____________________________________ Flower girl____________________________ Ring bearer_____________________________ Bride’s education, employment____________ Groom’s education, employment_ ___________ E-mail address_________________________ Honeymoon destination___________________ Mail to:

Wedding Announcement P.O. Box 8029, Missoula, MT 59807

Catch a ride with us. worry-free group transportation

Email: mgerber@missoulian.com Toll free: 1-800-366-7186 or 406-523-5240 Fax: 406-523-5294

Comfort Sleeper™ - a really good night’s rest

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The only sofa sleeper mattress with a full 80” of length and no springs, no bars and no sagging.

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Brides & Grooms LIKE US!

Facebook Page

BITTERROOT fLOWER SHOP

Like us! Facebook.com/BridesGrooms

V

isit the Missoulian’s Brides & Grooms Facebook page to find out about upcoming bridal sales and events and to see who’s getting married in western Montana.

Announcements

The Brides & Grooms Facebook page posts all Missoulian wedding and engagement announcements. Have your relatives and friends show you their love and support by commenting on your announcement.

40 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

LIKE US!

Congratulations

to our 2011 Brides and Groom Facebook contest winners!

They each won $100. Like our Facebook page for a chance to win $100 in our monthly contests and find out what other brides are planning.

Kathy King Burton

Most Creative Way to Trash a Wedding Dress “I intend to have the artist paint it. She is going to do a wedding theme on the dress.”

Kile Patrick

Most Original Themed Wedding “I’m the bride and grew up on a wheat farm in north central Montana.

My fiancé grew up in the wine country of central Washington so we are theming our wedding as a way to symbolize two lives becoming one. Our theme is wine & wheat. Our centerpieces will be empty wine bottles with wheat and flowers in them and we will use grape vines and wheat to decorate throughout. We will have all sorts of wine at the reception to allow for wine tasting as well. Our wedding is in Missoula, MT, which is halfway between our families.“

Nicole Lynn

Most Pet-Friendly Wedding “My husband’s dog Sam was there for our proposal and promptly licked my ring the moment it was on my hand. It seemed fitting that Sam was our ring bearer. He walked down the aisle all on his own!!!!”

Katherine Bauman

Best Swag “We plan on giving our guests an Arbor Day Foundation tree sapling to plant in honor of our love. They will be handed out per family, and our guests will be asked to plant them to commemorate our love for the outdoors. They can plant them at home, or in the woods. It goes along perfectly with our rustic-style wedding and a way to bypass the handouts people tend to throw away after the day is done.” www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 41

Married

destination missoula

in Missoula story by Tia Troy photos by Dax Photography

E

very weekend, more than 88,000 brides and grooms exchange the words “I love you” at over 44,000 weddings, with 15 percent of those words taking place at a destination wedding, according to the 2011 BRIDES Magazine American Wedding Study.

In addition, 23 percent of weddings are held in either the bride or groom’s hometown.

On a beautiful weekend in August of this year, Katherine (Katie) Larkin and Jonathan (Jono) Wong returned to Katie’s hometown of Missoula, Montana to be married.

“When I was younger, I always thought I would get married in Missoula or somewhere in Montana,” said Katie.

While Missoula is where they exchanged vows, this is not where their love story began.

Katie and Jono—a native of New Zealand— met on Labor Day weekend of 2006 in Long Island, New York. After being friends for nearly a year, they started dating in June of 2007. Over the past four years, they’ve dated long distance, moved cities, earned advanced university degrees and now make their home in San Francisco. And while their life has led them from the east coast to west coast and a few places in between, it was Missoula where they became engaged and chose to be married.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Missoula,” said Jono. “I had visited several times prior to the wedding…and for me it’s like a second home, the one I go to when I need to unplug and get some rest and relaxation.”

Missoula also reminded Jono of his hometown of Dunedin, New Zealand.

“Both the natural surroundings and the people seem similar, so there was definitely a 42 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Destination Missoula

Hire a wedding coordinator. “You need to be able to enjoy the day and not worry about set up or take down or whether the flowers have been placed correctly. My coordinator ensured that I could just relax and enjoy the day.�

Katie Larkin-Wong www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 43

destination missoula

feeling of familiarity,” he added.

With the bride from Missoula and the groom from New Zealand, it was important to both Katie and Jono that their wedding exemplify them as a couple, while incorporating Missoula touches into nearly every facet of their destination wedding. From the ceremony to the rehearsal dinner, the wedding had a strong Missoula feel.

“We wanted to make sure guests got a taste of Missoula,” said Katie.

With the majority of the wedding guests coming from out-of-town, it was a true destination wedding that gave the bride and her groom an opportunity to showcase where she was from.

“I wanted to show off my hometown,” said Katie.

Since they were living in San Francisco, Katie and Jono worked with Thea Rae D Events to help plan the wedding, an element of support that Katie considered to be very important.

“When I interviewed Thea for the first time over the phone, I felt like she really got me,” said Katie. “Plus, it was easier for me to plan a wedding in Missoula because there were so many things that were just 44 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

natural choices and so many more things that had special meaning to me.”

And while Jono and his family are from New Zealand, he was happy to be married in the Garden City. One of the key factors in choosing the location: his future wife’s happiness.

“Missoula is Katie’s hometown,” he said. “I wanted her to be happy and for her family to be happy.”

The rehearsal dinner was held at the Missoula Children’s Theater and was themed, “Best of Missoula.” Adding to the fun of the rehearsal dinner was dinner served from Biga Pizza, his/her/you posters (sharing reasons Katie and Jono loved each other, as well as their family and friends) and a visit from the Big Dipper Ice Cream Truck.

“It was beautiful, but also fun and informal, which was exactly what we wanted for the rehearsal dinner,” said Katie. “To me, what makes Missoula special is our community and the little touches were just part of sharing it with our guests.”

And in a nod to her future husband, the rehearsal dinner also featured wines from New Zealand.

The icing on the cake was the couple being married at The Keep, the location where Jono proposed to Katie over Christmas break and one of the first places he went on his inaugural visit to Missoula.

“The restaurant really did a great job in helping me set up the proposal,” said Jono.

“It was a real treat to get married in the same location and show it off to our family and friends.”

In addition to location, many weddings are remembered for small, personal details that help denote the feelings, love and personalities of the bride and groom. At Katie and Jono’s wedding for 60, they used table names—instead of numbers—to share with their attendees things they loved, with names that included “cupcakes” to “hiking/ snowboarding” and “San Francisco.”

“It was really important to share ‘us’ with our guests,” said Katie. “That included showing people a part of our heritage, as well as who we had become and all the places along the way.”

And with a wedding so centered on Missoula, it was important to Katie to use local businesses, from Bernice’s Bakery to Beautiful Weddings and Boomswagger to Eastgate Rentals and Bitterroot Floral.

“I was pretty obsessive about supporting local Missoula businesses,” said Katie. “To me, that’s just part of being a Missoulian.

We support our community.”

The couple also worked with local photographer, Dax Kuehn, from Dax Photography to capture memories from their wedding.

“Having been born and raised in Missoula, I noticed all the cute details they incorporated that were all Missoulathemed,” said Kuehn.

The wedding photos played a large role in their Missoula-themed wedding, with photos being taken at various locations that included Dairy Queen on Higgins and the local Farmers Market. For Jono, the photo sessions were one of the highlights, as Kuehn captured moments with the groom and his boys, as well as beautiful photos of the newly married couple and their families.

And for this bride, coming home and sharing Missoula with the people she loved most was more than sweet.

“In the end, Missoula was absolutely my dream location,” said Katie. “I should have known it all along.”

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 45

paper love

posh paper weddings

Noteworthy paper & press

posh paper weddings

Noteworthy paper & press

Announcing the couple

Personalized stationery is so much more than “Save the Date� cards.

It sets the tone for your event, before and during. Booklets, buttons, menus, seating arrangements, labels, magnets and other keepsakes add that special touch. There are a wide array of ways to display your style for every budget. Here are just a few examples of custom works from Noteworthy Paper & Press and Posh Paper Weddings.

46 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

paper love

Noteworthy paper & press

posh paper weddings

Noteworthy paper & press

MissoulaÕs largestÊselectionÊof saveÊtheÊdates invitations programsÊ&Êmenus thankÊyouÊcards engravedÊgifts guestÊbooks andÊmore!

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 47

budget

Keeping track

Set a budget and stick to it! It may seem like obvious advice, but experts say it also is one of the pieces that might have the most impact on your stress level. There are good, solid options for everything from invitations to venues in every budget. description

budget

hixson family photography paid

balance due

Engagement Party ___________________________________________________________________________ Wedding Consultant _ ________________________________________________________________________ Ceremony Location _ _________________________________________________________________________ Reception Location _ _________________________________________________________________________ Photographer _______________________________________________________________________________ Videographer _ ______________________________________________________________________________ Music for Ceremony __________________________________________________________________________ Music for Reception __________________________________________________________________________ Florist _____________________________________________________________________________________ Caterer ____________________________________________________________________________________ Rental Supplier _____________________________________________________________________________ Bridal Gown ________________________________________________________________________________ Veil/Headpiece/Accessories _____________________________________________________________________ Invitations/Stationery _________________________________________________________________________ Favors _____________________________________________________________________________________ Honeymoon ________________________________________________________________________________ 1905 W. Broadway www.montanadollar.com

48 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Explore Montana 800-892-4343 • 406-542-2311

budget

cocoa blue description

budget

deschamps photography paid

balance due

Wedding Cake/Cake Top _ _____________________________________________________________________ Shower ____________________________________________________________________________________ Rehearsal Dinner ____________________________________________________________________________ Jewelers ____________________________________________________________________________________ Formal Wear ________________________________________________________________________________ Limousine/Transportation _____________________________________________________________________ Decorations _ _______________________________________________________________________________ Beauty (hair, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________________ Attendants’ Gifts ____________________________________________________________________________ Marriage License _ ___________________________________________________________________________ Gown Preservation ___________________________________________________________________________ Miscellaneous _______________________________________________________________________________

Your guests will need Wheels...

10% OFF for your Wedding Guests!

We would like to extend this special offer to your visiting Family & Friends!

1905 W. Broadway 800-892-4343 Call Dollar Rent a Car for promotion 406-542-2311 www.montanadollar.com details. Offer expires Dec 31, 2012. www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 49

have your

Wedding sweets

Cake

For as long as there have been weddings there have been wedding cakes. These sweets have long been a symbol of the couple’s fertility and a good luck charm for a happy marriage. Wedding cakes used to be made by the guests and brought to the reception where they were stacked. Cakes come in all shapes, colors and flavors and are still nearly as popular as the bride and groom.

black cat bakery michelle nowels photography

Escape to Paradise!

Honeymoon packages to romantic destinations.

We'll help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams!

Escape Tours 406.240.8687 • MISSOULA

50 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

wedding sweets

dax photography COCOA BLUE

michelle nowels photography

deschamps photography

mdk photography

If you can dream it, we can create it!

Call to schedule your Free Cake Tasting and Consultation today!

406.542.9043 • 2000 West Broadway, Missoula, MT • blackcatbakeshop.com www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 51

setting the scene

the Reception The reception is the first official party you will throw as a married couple. How do you want to set the scene? With a little extra planning, you and your guests can celebrate in winter wonderland, a garden of spring flowers or even a western hoedown. Carefully selected linens, cutlery, stemware and centerpieces are the start of creating the atmosphere. Here are some examples of tablescapes produced locally.

W

Royal Blue

illiam and Kate’s royal wedding provided inspiration for this regal tablescape. The tablecloth is crinkled blue taffeta, as are the bows which decorate the Chiavari-style chairs. The bow centers and napkin rings are hobby store-crafted copies of Kate’s stunning ring. Fancy (but low-cost) picture frames hold table numbers. Roses, tulips, hydrangeas and floating candles rule the center of the table. Silver- and royal blue-covered bonbons sweeten the place settings. Invitations by Noteworthy Paper & Press.

Marry on the Mountain Only 10 minutes from Missoula, but a world apart.

• Private: No car or city noise • Pristine: Beautiful alpine setting • Flexible: Do it your way. Your choice of catering, music, beverage service

• Any Size Group: 2 to 2,000

406.258.6000

Photos by Youa Photography

52 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

www.marshallmountain.com

setting the scene

photo courtesy of hilton garden inn

Your Wedding is Special…

Let’s make it truly spectacular!

Book your wedding today with Missoula’s only Professional Bridal Consultant, Autumn Kozimer, at 406-532-5309, or Autumn.Kozimer@Hilton.com, exclusively through the Hilton Garden Inn® and Blue Canyon.

Off-Site Catering Available.

©2011 Hilton Hospitality, Inc.

3720 North Reserve St., Missoula MT 59808 406-532-5300 | www.missoula.hgi.com. www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 53

setting the scene

photo courtesy of hilton garden inn

Stunning in Black and White

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hite poppies and hydrangeas match this black and white themed tablescape.

Square black chargers boldly present round white plates bearing napkins folded to display place cards. The boxes holding the party favors were originally brown; spray paint from a hobby store quickly turned them into the desired white. A wooden number 3, intended to be a child’s block toy, was spray-painted and repurposed into a table number. Invitations by Noteworthy Paper & Press.

Jane Shigley

Harpist • An elegant touch for your formal or casual wedding.

• Traditional wedding music, popular, classic, Celtic, even country... it’s up to you!

406.363.3674 • harpjane@juno.com 54 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Let us add SPIRIT to your special day m-f 9-6:30 Sat 9-6 406-549-7723

110 West Spruce www.grizzlyliquor.com

setting the scene

setting the scene

photo courtesy of hilton garden inn

photo courtesy of hilton garden inn 56 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

setting the scene

Western Flair

T

his western-themed tablescape was spruced up with actual spruce! Slices of a tree trunk (varnished to add shine and kill critters) serve as chargers and also as table numbers (the numbers were burned into the wood). Chunks from a tree limb hold place cards. Muslin tablecloths and chair covers are accented with burlap placemats and chair ties. Bandannas have replaced napkins. The centerpiece consists of a birch bark vase holding a variety of succulents. Baby pine tree party favors nestle next to each place setting. Invitations by Noteworthy Paper & Press.

Eternal Spring

A

salmon theme lends a spring/summer feel to this effervescent tablescape. A white tablerunner hides the seam between two tables draped in salmon. The centerpiece includes petit roses, hydrangeas and wheatgrass, with a candle as the focal point. A candle holder acts as table number; the number was cut out of color paper and adhered to the holder. Place cards hang from ribbons on chairbacks in order to cut down on table clutter.

Bath salt party favors add sparkle. Invitations by Noteworthy Paper & Press.

Rent what you need.

Delivery & Set Up for all your Rental Needs

Large Canopies • Chairs & Tables • Specialty Linens • China, Glassware & Flatware • Dance Floors • Wedding Decor • Balloons • Wedding Arches • Champagne Fountains & much more!

500 E. Spruce Ste. C

(Corner E Spruce & Madison)

406-549-5114

mtevents.com

1345 Clark Fork Lane (Across from Walmart)

406-542-0701

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 57

beauty

dax photography

Looking Great When you show up for the ceremony every detail, from the socks the groom is wearing to the placement of every hair on the bride’s head, will be arranged.

Here are a few tips from the experts at The Spa at the Peak for wedding day glamour that will last through the entire event.

58 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

beauty

beauty tips When scheduling your hair and makeup appointment, give yourself ample time to get from the salon to your destination.

Always schedule a trial with your stylist, bring any pictures and your head piece.

Wear a button up shirt when getting your hair and makeup done.

Your makeup will only look as good as the skin you put it on. Getting a facial at least 7-10 days before your wedding day will ensure that your makeup will look picture perfect.

Plan to have your nails done the day before the festivities.

Schedule your makeup after your hair so that your skin remains flawless.

Try not to wash your hair the day of your wedding. It will help hold your style.

You’re not walking around with a mirror, so have one bridesmaid responsible for bobby pins and hairspray and another bridesmaid responsible for make-up touch-ups.

It you are having your makeup done by a professional the day of your wedding, it is a good idea to purchase the makeup being used. You will need to touch up throughout the day, especially after all the hugs and kisses.

Don’t forget the rest of your body.

Scheduling a body scrub will ensure your shoulders, arm and back will be silky smooth. This is also a very good way to unwind before the big day. www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 59

signature Drinks

cocoa blue

Signature Drinks story by Tia Troy

Every bride wants her wedding to be special. From the wedding dress to the flowers and the cocktail hour to the photos, each bride puts her own spin on creating a special day that will be remembered not only by the couple, but also by their guests.

A

ccording to the 2011 BRIDES Magazine American Wedding Study, the average cost of a wedding is $26,501, a cost that has decreased slightly from $28,082 in 2009. Many elements add to the cost of the wedding, including dresses, tuxes, flowers, venue rental, invitations and catering costs. In addition, 92 percent of weddings have some type of bar or toast as part of the celebration.

But thanks to a new trend that’s staking its claim in the wedding industry, it’s easier to help control certain aspects of reception costs: signature drinks.

“A signature drink can help bring down the cost if the couple is willing to make a 60 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

few sacrifices,” said Scott MacIntyre, one of the owners of Missoula’s Badlander.

Signature drinks have been taking the wedding market by storm over the last few years, with a major growth in popularity over the last year, according to Ginny Horning at All Events Catering.

MacIntyre tends to agree.

“Signature drinks are becoming more popular because the ingredients used to make them are becoming more popular,” he said. “Twenty years ago no one ever used pomegranate juice or cucumbers to make a martini and now those ingredients are used everywhere.”

According to MacIntyre, who has 20

signature drinks

years of experience creating drinks, there are two easy steps that can help keep costs down: have a signature drink that doesn’t require expensive ingredients; and have a drink that can be mass produced by the bar, like champagne and orange juice or large quantities of margaritas.

Signature drinks should reflect the bride’s and groom’s desires, needs and budgets and should be unique to them as a couple, said Horning.

“It is the most important day in their lives, so it should be just what they want, not what the caterer wants to provide for them,” said Horning. “There are many creative ways to accommodate these desires and needs and still work within their budget guidelines.”

Katherine (Katie) Larkin-Wong and her husband Jonathan (Jono) Wong, who were recently married at The Keep in Missoula, incorporated some of their favorite things into the signature cocktails they served at their wedding reception.

“Jono loves James Bond,” said Larkin-

Wong. “Therefore we had a 007 Martini.”

The Larkin-Wong wedding also worked with their wedding location to create a signature drink for the bride.

“I love margaritas so Neil at The Keep helped me create a new drink called ‘The Blushing Bride,’ which was a pink margarita,” she added.

One of the keys to making signature drinks your own is to consider the colors, theme, food and flavor desires of the couple, as well as the time of year the wedding is taking place.

For a fall or winter wedding, consider ingredients that may be in flavor like apples or cranberries. And if you’re exchanging vows in the summer, try incorporating fresh flavors like mint and in-season fruits like strawberries and raspberries. To capture a distinct Montana flavor, try showcasing huckleberry in a martini or blended cocktail.

“Most often a signature drink will be a highlight by giving guests something new to taste, discuss and remember,” said Horning.

Badlander All Beverage Catering For Reservations Call

Beer

406.493.4834 Spirits

Wine

www.badlandercatering.com

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 61

signature Drinks

dax photography

Combining a specialty cocktail with some of the local brews will really give your guests a feel for your tastes and Montana.

Sidecar 62 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Ceremony Sunrise

Mini-Mary

signature drinks

It’s also important to tie the drink in with the theme of the wedding.

“The garnish can tie together the drink and the wedding,” added Horning. “A cowboy boot pick can be used for a westernthemed wedding or a snowflake pick with cranberries for a Christmas wedding.”

Another element to consider is providing an adult beverage, as well as a non-alcoholic beverage option to help suit the diverse ages and preferences of your guests.

“Don’t forget the kids,” said Horning.

“Even if the signature drink has alcohol, a virgin drink will be very popular among the kids.”

Signature drinks can help control costs, while in other instances a couple may choose to add more elaborate touches to their drinks.

“Cost actually is a major factor in determining a signature drink,” said MacIntyre.

“There are weddings that want the cheapest drink out there and there are weddings with martinis that have olives imported from Italy.”

With these types of drinks created just for a bride and groom’s special day, the signature cocktail could take the place of the full bar and be combined with beer and wine, while in other cases it could accompany a full host bar and be the only blended or special drink available, said Horning.

“It is important to take these items from “usual” to “wow,” making their event special and unique and not something anyone could make at home,” she added. “The options are endless and with a little brainstorming, can add the extra pizzazz that every wedding deserves.

And MacIntyre, who has created hundreds of drinks over the last two decades, agrees.

“Signature drinks add uniqueness and flair to a wedding,” he said. “Having a signature drink helps add to making the night memorable.”

And for a bride and groom, that sounds like the perfect cocktail to help set their wedding apart.

406.728.3400

www.all-events-catering.com www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 63

venues

michelle nowels photography

64 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

venues

FOR REHEARSAL DINNERS When it comes to rehearsal dinners, no one has more practice at bringing the food, fun and festivities together like Jakers Bar and Grill.

FOR OFF-PREMISE RECEPTION CATERING The most popular food and beverages from the most popular restaurant around can turn receptions into perfections.

Brides, let’s do lunch! Join Jakers’ planner for a complimentary lunch to discuss your rehearsal and reception plans.

Call 406.721.1312.

REAL GOOD. FEEL GOOD FOOD.

3515 Brooks St. • Missoula • 406.721.1312 www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 65

venues

mdk photography, llc

Venues

From the engagement announcement party to the reception cocktails and everything in between.

Alberton Gorge Ranch/ Montana River Guides

25 minutes west of Missoula (406) 777-4837 or (800) 381-7238 www.montanariverguides.com

Beautiful 40-acre ranch on the Clark Fork River. Two custom log cabins, large cedar barn & hay barn available. Up to 100 person capacity. Ranch style BBQ & custom catering available.

ELLIE NUﾃ前 PRESENTS

TwoCats&A Fiddle ave a magical, H musical memory of your weddinrg!

Live music fo pre-ceremony, ceremony, reception, dinner-dance.

for more info

www.ellienuno.com emnuno@hotmail.com 406.721.3908

66 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

American Legion, Post #27 825 Ronan St. Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 543-7391

One room available, seating up to 300.

Provide own catering, full kitchen and full bar facilities available, tables and chairs provided, must bring own alcohol.

venues

Arrowpeak Lodge in the Highwood Mountains

c/o Montana Farmers Union 300 River Drive North Great Falls, MT 59401 (406) 234-4071 www.montanafarmersunion.com arrowpeakinfo@yahoo.com

With 144 acres of tranquil beauty and numerous recreational opportunities, Arrowpeak Lodge is the largest facility of its kind in Central Montana. Located just 37 miles east of Great Falls, Arrowpeak Lodge is set against some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable and can provide you with a “True Montana Mountain Wedding.” Take the Tour at www.montanafarmersunion.com. “A World of Wonder, just minutes away!”

Owned and operated by Montana Farmers Union, a non-profit 501c5 corporation.

The Barn at Finley Point

33213 Finley Point Rd. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 887-2444 (at Flathead Lake) www.barnatfinleypoint.com

A rustic gathering place for your wedding or reception with wonderful photo opportunities ∙ 50 landscaped acres ∙ Water features/bridge/2 waterfalls ∙ Pond ∙ Meadows ∙ Gazebo ∙ Fire pit ∙ Views of the Mission Mountains/Flathead Lake ∙ 5,000 sq. ft. timber frame barn seats 250 (add a tent and dance in the barn).

Belton Chalet

12575 Hwy 2 East PO Box 206, West Glacier, MT 59936 (406) 888-5000 • 1-888-235-8665 www.beltonchalet.com events@beltonchalet.com

The Belton Chalet offers full service catering, professional event planning, and views of Apgar Mountain from our fully restored historic property. 25 room hotel and 2 cottages accommodate 62 guests.

Events for up to 130.

Bitterroot Banquet & Ballroom 4828 Eastside Hwy Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 239-6661 www.partydecor.net

Located between Florence & Stevensville, just 25 minutes from Missoula. An elegant facility that exudes intimacy and romance. Accommodates around 150 people. Keep within your budget by choosing your own source for food and drink. Enjoy a pianist or let the Disklavier grand piano play itself. On-site decorator to give your event professional pizzazz.

Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center 139 Bitterroot Plaza Dr. Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-2525 www.bitterrootriverinn.com

Grand ballroom seats 200 for dinner, stand-up reception 300. Beautiful outdoor pond & patio area for ceremony. Must provide own catering.

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 67

venues

dax photography

68 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

venues

dax photography

dax photography

Dax

dax photography

dax photography

Photography

www.DaxPhotography.com (406) 531-9336

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 69

venues

deschamps photography

Come enjoy full

service catering.

Choose our beautiful courtyard or indoor intimacy for your wedding ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner or brunch.

C onferenCe C enter

1609 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 406.532.3300 • 800.286.2316 www.broadwayinncc.com 70 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

venues

mdk photography, llc

Broadway Inn Conference Center 1609 W. Broadway Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 532-3300 www.broadwayinncc.com

Full service catering facility with bar service. Indoor banquet facility seats 165 people, beautiful outdoor courtyard setting seats 175. 79 well-appointed guest rooms.

BruMar Estate

29048 Broken Leg Rd. Bigfork, MT 59911 (406) 837-2231 www.brumarestate.com

BruMar Estate can accommodate weddings twelve months of the year. We offer in-house catering and full event coordination. We are confident that you will find BruMar to be the enchanting setting that you envision.

Caffé Dolce

500 Brooks St. Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 830-3055 www.caffedolcemissoula.com

We offer a fabulous room, a seasonal patio, and food and wine for people who love food and wine. Professional pastry in house. Up to 100 people. Seasonal minimums apply—call for details.

Caffé Firenze

281 Rodeo Dr. Florence, MT 59833 (406) 273-2923

Inside seating for up to 50 guests.

Outdoor patio with pergola seats up to 30 guests. Ideal for rehearsal dinners or small events. Intimate, old world Italian charm.

Full-bar services.

Caras Park Pavilion

Missoula Downtown Association (406) 543-4238 www.missouladowntown.com

Set on the banks of the Clark Fork River.

Covered facility, open April through October, seats up to 500, adaptable sides, stand-up reception much larger, bring your own caterer & liquor.

Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort 115 S. 2nd St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 (800) 365-8338 www.cdaresort.com

The Coeur d’Alene Resort’s full service Wedding Department provides you with professional coordinators that have the expertise and creativity to help you plan a day of unforgettable memories.

Let us take care of your every detail from scheduling your spa appointment; arranging your floral delivery, to making sure your wedding cake arrives. www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 71

venues

cocoa blue

cocoa blue photo by Greendoor Photography

Beautiful Caras Park Pavilion

A perfect outdoor setting for a wedding or reception, the Caras Park Pavilion lies in the heart of Downtown Missoula and next to the Clark Fork River.

Parks Recreation

City of Missoula • 600 Cregg Lane • 721-PARK

72 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Call the Missoula Downtown Association at 543-4238 for reservations missouladowntown.com

venues

cocoa blue

cocoa blue

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 73

venues

mike williams photography

Romantic W

Reception, Honeymoon and Banquet Facilities

eddings!

*153 Guest Rooms and Suites *Receptions up to 400 people *Four Hot Springs Pools *Five Story Enclosed Waterslide *Golf Course and Tennis Courts *Casual and Fine Dining *Massage and Spa Services

Visit us at www.Fairmontmontana.com â—? 800.332.3272 I-90 Exit 211, 15 miles west of Butte, Montana.

74 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

venues

The Daly Mansion 251 Eastside Highway Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-6004 www.dalymansion.org

Located 45 minutes south of Missoula, the Daly Mansion invites couples to start their wedded memories together on the lush green lawns of the Mansion’s Arboretum.

The 1910 mansion provides the perfect backdrop.

The Davenport Hotel and Tower

10 South Port St., Spokane, WA 99201 (800) 899-1482; (509)455-8888 www.thedavenporthotel.com mkasper@thedavenporthotel.com

Since 1914, the Davenport Hotel and Tower has offered brides ornate ballrooms, exceptional service and unique flowers from its flower shop. Let our staff exceed your expectations to create the fairy tale wedding of your dreams.

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 75

venues

michelle nowels photography

michelle nowels photography

76 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

venues

michelle nowels photography

El-Mar Gathering Place 3450 Tina Ave. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 549-0881

One room available, seating up to 70. Provide own catering & alcohol, full kitchen facilities available. Deposit required.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 1500 Fairmont Road Anaconda, MT 59711 (406)797-3004 www.fairmontmontana.com

The beautiful Fairmont Hot Springs Resort can accommodate up to 400 people. How about an outdoor scenic wedding under the beautiful Montana “big sky�? We have many different locations to choose from, including a traditional indoor wedding or reception in the convention center. We can help your memorable day be complete.

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venues

hixson family photography

Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast 823 39th St., Missoula, MT 59803 (406) 251-1345 www.gibsonmansion.com info@gibsonmansion.com

Grandeur and grace make a storybook wedding experience. Gardens with gazebo make a wonderful outdoor wedding; grand staircase and woodwork are an impeccable backdrop for indoors. Intimate ceremony or reception of 200. You provide caterer and alcohol.

Glacier Park Lodge (Glacier Park, Inc.)

PO Box 2025 Columbia Falls, MT 59912 Reservations: 406.892.2525 glacierparkinc.com info@glacierparkinc.com

hixson family photography 78 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind, outof-the-way event location, then Glacier Park Lodge is the place for your wedding and reception. The Lodge, open late May through September in East Glacier, is perfect for your special day.

venues

hixson family photography

www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 79

Grouse Mountain Lodge

venues

2 Fairway Dr. Whitefish, MT 59937 Reservations: (406) 892-2525/(877) 862-1505 Lodge Direct: (406) 862-3000/(800)321-8822 grousemountainlodge.com info@grousemountainlodge.com

Embrace the romance of northwestern Montana at Grouse Mountain Lodge.

For memories that last a lifetime, distinguish your perfect day and set the stage for the wedding of your dreams.

Honeymoon with us as well.

Hamilton Grange, Banquet & Ballroom 1436 S. First St. Hamilton MT 59840 (406) 363-3083

The Hamilton Grange, Banquet and Ballroom is newly remodeled. Seating for 150 and handicap accessible. Our in-house catering service ‘The Catered Table’ at 777-1428 will assist in coordinating your joyous event.

Hellgate Lodge at the Elks Pattee & Front St., Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 549-0542 or (406) 543-7512

Two banquet rooms. #1 seats up to 180. #2 seats up to 311 comfortably.

Hidden Legend Winery

1345 Hwy 93 N. Ste # 5 Victor MT 59875 (406) 363-6323 www.hiddenlegendwinery.com

Hidden Legend Winery is the perfect place for small wedding receptions.

Space seats 50-75 guests. Packages range from space only to fully catered and decorated and everything inbetween. Wine discounts available with wedding packages.

80 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell 1840 US Hwy 93 S. Kalispell, MT 59901 (406) 756-4500 www.kalispell.hgi.com heather.burnham@hilton.com

Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell-an exquisite backdrop for your Ultimate Dream Wedding Ceremony, Reception and Rehearsal Dinner. Impeccable service with attention to detail. Accommodating 10-700 attendees. Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern and Silver Canyon Casino!

venues

dax photography

Hilton Garden Inn Missoula 3720 N. Reserve St. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 532-5300 www.missoula.hgi.com autumn.kozimer@hilton.com

Elegant & sophisticated setting for ceremonies, receptions, dinner, dance.

Custom menu planning (we provide all food & beverage). Special discounted guest room rates available (minimums apply).

Hidden Legend Winery is the perfect place for small wedding receptions.

Space seats 50-75 guests. Packages range from space only to fully catered and decorated and everything in-between.

Wine discounts available with wedding packages.

Corner of Sheafman Creek Rd. & Hwy 93 N, Victor 363-MEAD (6323) • HiddenLegendWinery.com

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deschamps photography

Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park

200 S. Pattee St. Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 532-2046 or (406) 721-8550 www.himissoula.com mholmes@himissoula.com

Holiday Inn Missoula-a picturesque setting awaits you on parkland alongside the Clark Fork River. Perfect for your Montana Dream Wedding, Ceremony, Reception and Rehearsal Dinner. Outstanding service with impeccable attention to detail.

Accommodating 10-700 attendees outdoors on the Park, in our Big Sky Atrium or Garden City Ballroom!

Il Villaggio Park

281 Rodeo Dr. Florence, MT 59833 (406) 273-2923

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Can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Tents, tables, chairs, catering and full-bar services available.

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Missoula, Northgate Plaza 2230 N. Reserve • 327-0502 www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 83

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Izaak Walton Inn

Linda Vista Golf Course Reception Center

290 Izaak Walton Inn Road, Essex, MT 59916 (406) 888-5700 www.izaakwaltoninn.com stay@izaakwaltoninn.com

This historic railway lodge is located near Glacier National Park. Featuring rooms, cabins & caboose lodging, catering and bar. The outdoor pavilion nestled beneath towering pines makes for an ideal location for a special Montana wedding.

Kandahar Lodge

3824 Big Mountain Rd. P.O. Box 278, Whitefish, MT 59937 (800) 862-6094; (406) 862-6098 www.kandaharlodge.com jennifer@kandaharlodge.com

Located at Whitefish Mountain Resort, this intimate European-style lodge offers an elegant lobby and gourmet restaurant suited to wedding parties of less than 100 people. Café Kandahar provides catering and fully-licensed Snug Bar.

4915 Lower Miller Creek Rd., Missoula, MT 59803 (406) 251-3655 or (406) 251-4184 gia407@yahoo.com

One banquet room, seats up to 150, bring your own caterer.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake 1380 Wisconsin Ave. Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 863-4000 or (877) 887-4026 www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com sales@lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Montana’s only Four Diamond resort provides the perfect location for your special day! The Lodge at Whitefish Lake offers beautiful accommodations, indoor and outdoor event spaces, award-winning dining, spa, marina, concierge services and nature preserve.

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TEN SPOON Made in Missoula

Certified Organic No Sulfites Added

Weddings, Receptions Rehearsal Dinners

AWARD-WINNING WINES TO POUR ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY Tasting Room Thurs, Fri, Sat 5-9 4175 Rattlesnake Dr. • Missoula w w w. t e n s p o o n . c o m 86 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

ission ountain Resort 883-1883 www.polsonmtresort.com

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Lolo Community Center

Mission Mountain Resort

Charming 3,600 sq. ft. ballroom includes kitchen, tables & chairs, gazebo, wedding arch, P.A. system, steam tables, coffee makers, fridge, freezer, piano, dressing room and outside picnic grounds. Bring your own caterer. $400 includes Friday pm setup (if not rented). No hidden charges. Best deal you’ll find.

Receptions and rehearsal dinners. Large deck, catering available. Provide own alcohol.

12345 Hwy 93 South P.O. Box 462, Lolo, MT 59847 (406) 273-2271 or (406) 550-2295

Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1883 www.polsonmtresort.com

Marshall Mountain

5250 Marshall Rd. Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 258-6000 www.marshallmountain.com marshallmountain@live.com

Only 10 minutes from Missoula, but a world apart. Private - no car or city noise.

Pristine - beautiful alpine setting. Flexible - Do it your way. Your choice of catering, music, beverage service. Any size group 2 to 2000.

michelle nowels photography

Izaak Walton Inn

Mike williams Photography

406.888.5700 izaakwaltoninn.com www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 87

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Montana Island Lodge

Mountain Lake Lodge

Our exclusive location is perfect for everything you want your wedding to be: memorable, exclusive, fun for all your guests, and easy to plan. Overnight accommodations, on-site catering and event planning are only a few of our amenities.

Mountain Lake Lodge offers picturesque views of Flathead Lake for intimate weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners up to 50 people. 30 spacious fireplace suites and several event spaces available to make your event a memorable one.

2433 Highway 83 Seeley Lake, MT 59868 (888) 773-2643; (406)677-3620 www.montanaislandlodge.com

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14735 Sylvan Dr. Bigfork, MT 59911 (406) 837-3800 www.mountainlakelodge.com

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Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge Weddings • Receptions • Suites

www.mountainlakelodge.com events@mountainlakelodge.com 406.837.3800 14735 Sylvan Drive Bigfork, Montana 59911

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Your Montana Wedding Adventure Outdoor Wedding Parties and raft trips at Montana River Guides’ beautiful 40 acre Alberton Gorge Ranch on the Clark Fork River • Perfect for parties, rehearsal dinners or BBQs • Montana’s best whitewater & scenic raft trips

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Nine Mile Community CenterHistoric Church & School House 25620 Nine Mile Road Huson MT 59846 (406) 626-4687(Bob)

A real Montana wedding in the beautiful Nine Mile Valley. Charming historic church seats 72. The Schoolhouse accommodates up to 150. Kitchen available. Large outdoor spaces for tents or barbeques.

Northern Rockies Heritage Center Heritage Hall and Parade Grounds Located at Fort Missoula Missoula, MT 59804 www.nrhc.org (406) 396-4750

The historical neo-classical post headquarters offers a 2,100 sq.ft. hardwood floor ballroom with 17’ ceiling.

The doors open onto the deck, brick patio and 6 acres of parade grounds.

The lower level has a catering kitchen, lounge and dressing rooms. The $1475 rental fee includes 3 days: Fri 3pm – Sun 3pm (rehearsal dinner, wedding, Sunday brunch). Tables and chairs to accommodate 225 in-house guests and a 30x40 seasonal lawn tent (May-Oct).

Affordable venue in a beautiful setting for year round events For tours & bookings call Northern Rockies Heritage Center • 406/396-4750 • www.nrhc.org www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 91

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Orchard Homes Country Life Club 2537 S. 3rd St. W Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 327-8524 www.orchardhomescountrylife.com

Historic country charm for weddings, receptions and rehersal dinners.

Hardwood floor in the main room. Large kitchen and bar area for your caterer.

Seating for 175, standing capacity of 250. Stage, piano, changing room, outdoor stone fireplace and tent area.

Air-conditioned building. Stage, piano and changing room available for your special day.

St. Anthony Parish Life Center 217 Tremont Missoula, MT 59801 (406) 543-3129 www.stacp.org

Air-conditioned, ADA accessible, seating capacity 300. Full commercial kitchen, restroom, showers, ground floor access.

Tables, chairs, setup and computergenerated seating chart provided. Use your own caterer and beverages.

Stevens Ranch

Florence, MT 59833 (406) 273-2923

Can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Tents, tables, chairs, catering and full-bar services available. A beautiful view of the Bitterroot Valley along with shade trees and a small pond offers the perfect venue for any type of event.

Trapper Creek Lodge

158 Trapper Creek Rd., Darby, MT 59829 (406) 821-4970 www.trappercreekweddings.com

We accommodate ceremonies and receptions up to 200 persons. Cabins, RV’s and tents available with full package.

Our grounds provide a casual but elegant place for brides and grooms that truly want an outdoor wedding experience.

Natural beauty with creeks and ponds brings tranquility to you and your guests.

Large commercial tents provide protection from the elements.

Snowbowl Ski & Summer Resort 1700 Snowbowl Rd. Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 549-9777 www.montanasnowbowl.com

For a wedding & reception high above the ordinary, Snowbowl offers indoor or outdoor seating for 100-300 guests.

Last Run Inn has a full service bar with a variety of catering options.

Staybridge Suites Missoula 120 Expressway Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 830-3900 www.staymissoula.com sales@staymissoula.com

1000 sq. ft. ballroom, seats 60, catering available. All-suites hotel with kitchens.

Billiards room, movie theatre, basketball court, pool, spa, fitness, high speed internet, free breakfast, and reception Tue-Thur. www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 93

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UM Stadium Club

Washington Grizzly Stadium University of Montana Missoula, MT 59812 (406) 243-2202

Weddings • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners. Field Weddings available. Inside seating up to 100. Outside seating available. Full food and beverage service available by UM Catering.

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University Center

The University of Montana 32 Campus Dr, Missoula Mt 59812 (406) 243-4113 www.umt.edu/uc/events

The University Center Ballroom boasts beautiful hardwood floors with floorto-ceiling windows and views of the iconic Mount Sentinel. Centrally located with ample parking, the University Center is a full service facility that includes equipment, specialty sound and lighting options, on –site catering and complete bar service. Flexible space to accommodate groups from 50 to 450+.

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406-243-2202

WWW.UMT.EDU/UC/EVENTS Phone: 406.243.4113

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Western Montana Fairgrounds 1101 South Ave., Missoula, MT 59801 Contact Joy Meader, (406) 258-3238 www.westernmontanafair.com

Two year-round buildings, one seats 200, the other 299. One additional building available seasonally, which seats 500+. Serving area only, bring your own food and beverage catering.

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Whitefish Mountain Resort

3840 Big Mountain Rd, Whitefish, MT 59937 (406) 862-1978 www.skiwhitefish.com weddings@skiwhitefish.com Mountain-top ceremonies with views of Glacier National Park, rustic lodge-style reception facilities, full-service catering and affordable lodging for all your guests makes Whitefish Mountain Resort the one-stop shop for your perfect Montana wedding.

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Mike williams Photography

Mike williams Photography

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index of advertisers

dax photography

index of

Advertisers

Attire Beautiful Weddings Bridal & Evening Wear.................................................. 7 Bridal Collections................................. 15 Celestial Selections............................... 17 Marcella’s Bridal................................... 10 Missoula Textile Services...................... 27 Mossuto’s Bridal................................... 21 Rococo Bridal & Tux............................ 32

Beauty Montana Center For Facial Plastic Surgery............................................ 23 The Spa at the Peak............................. 59

Beverages Badlander............................................ 61 Grizzly Liquor...................................... 54 Ten Spoon........................................... 86 98 | Brides & Grooms | 2012

Cakes Black Cat Bakery.................................. 51 Cakes By Debi...................................... 50

Catering All Events Catering............................... 63 Caffe Firenze........................................ 73 Famous Dave’s..................................... 77 Good Food Store............................... 100 Jakers................................................... 65

Finance Missoula Federal Credit Union............. 85

Flowers Bitterroot Flower Shop......................... 37 St-Char-Ro Floral.................................. 37

index of advertisers

Health Western Montana Clinic....................... 35

Honeymoon Escape Tours........................................ 50

Invitations Noteworthy Paper & Press................... 47 Posh Paper Weddings.......................... 46

Music Electronic Sound & Percussion............. 29 Jane Shigley, Harpist............................ 54 Riverhaus Productions.......................... 93 Two Cats & A Fiddle............................ 66

Party Rentals & Supplies Eastgate Rental & Party Center............ 57 Party America...................................... 83 Missoula Textile Services...................... 27

Photography Cocoa Blue.......................................... 73 Dax Photography................................ 69 Deschamps Photography..................... 83 Hixson Family Photography................. 79 MDK Photography............................... 89 Michelle Nowels Photography............. 76 Mike Williams Photography................. 97

Planners

Posh Paper Weddings.......................... 46

Registry

Caffe Dolce...................................... 9, 71 DreamSleep......................................... 25 Hunting & Gathering........................... 39 The Living Room.................................. 33

Transportation

Beach Transportation........................... 39 Dollar Rent-A-Car................................. 49

Venues (Ceremony & Reception)

Alberton Gorge Ranch................... 66, 90 American Legion.................................. 66 Arrowpeak Lodge.......................... 55, 67 The Barn At Finley Point....................... 67

Belton Chalet....................................... 67 Bigfork Mountain Lake Lodge........ 88, 89 Bitterroot Banquet & Ballroom............. 67 Bitterroot River Inn......................... 67, 68 Broadway Inn................................ 70, 71 BruMar Estate................................ 69, 71 Caffe Dolce...................................... 9, 71 Caffe Firenze.................................. 71, 73 Caras Park Pavilion......................... 71, 72 Coeur D’Alene Golf & Spa Resort.…71, 75 Daly Mansion...................................... 75 The Davenport Hotel........................... 75 El-Mar Gathering Place........................ 77 Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.......... 74, 77 Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast......... 78 Glacier Park Lodge .......................... 3, 78 Grouse Mountain Lodge.................. 5, 80 Hamilton Grange, Banquet & Ballroom................................ 66, 80 Hellgate Elks Lodge.............................. 80 Hidden Legend Winery.................. 80, 81 Hilton Garden Inn Kalispell.................. 80 Hilton Garden Inn Missoula........... 53, 81 Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park...... 82 Il Villagio Park...................................... 82 Izaak Walton Inn............................ 85, 87 Kandahar Lodge.................................. 85 Linda Vista Golf Course........................ 85 Lodge At Whitefish Lake...................... 85 Lolo Community Center...................... 87 Marshall Mountain......................... 52, 87 Mission Mountain Resort............... 86, 87 Missoula Convention & Visitor’s Bureau................ centerfold Montana Island Lodge....... 88, centerfold Nine Mile Community Center.............. 91 Northern Rockies Heritage Center........ 91 Orchard Homes Country Life Club....... 93 St. Anthony Parish Life Center.............. 93 Snowbowl Ski & Summer Resort.......... 93 Staybridge Suites Missoula................... 93 Stevens Ranch..................................... 93 Trapper Creek Lodge........................... 93 UM Stadium Club................................ 95 University Center Ballroom.................. 95 Western Montana Fairgrounds............. 96 Whitefish Mountain Resort................... 96 www.bridesandgroomsmt.com | 99

www.goodfoodstore.com 1600 S. 3rd St. West | Missoula | 406-541-3663