{Montana Bride Featured Wedding} | Ben + Patrick | Big Sky, MT

Not only do we love this whole Rainbow Ranch wedding sent to us by Jessie Moore Photography... but we fell hard for the whole vibe. As described by one of the grooms, it was Retro Adventure meets Rustic Elegance. Can we come?!?!? It's a gorgeous Montana winter fun fest. We couldn't be more thrilled for Ben and Patrick. Congratulations gentlemen.














From Patrick... Although I'd seen him around our small town, I could never seem to catch his eye.Eventually I mustered up some courage and nervously asked about him to a mutual friend.She invited me in one night while he was working and introductions were made.We set up a date for the next evening, neither of us remembering that was Valentine's Day. Awkwardly, we rescheduled for two days later, and hit it off immediately.Walking home from our date, he suddenly disappeared into an alcove, grabbed my shirt, and pulled me in for our first kiss, romantically concealing our brief good-bye from sight of the nearby foot traffic.For me there was no question and that night I phoned my sister to announce that "I'd met the man I will marry." Evidently, he felt the same way and he proposed one year later to the day.

About the wedding inspiration from Ben... Retro Adventure meets Rustic Elegance. We wanted to have an adventure aspect to our wedding and we wanted our wedding to take place in winter. First thoughts were sleigh rides, cross country skiing, snowmobiles, even mushing was thrown in for consideration. Eventually, we reigned it in to be true to who we are as a couple and activities we actually do more regularly. We decided upon snowshoeing with retro snowsuits to keep it approachable and fun. Those unable to hike went up on snowmobiles from a separate trail. Then for the reception we already knew that the Rainbow Ranch Lodge(where we got engaged and spent numerous getaways),set on the Gallatin River, was what we wanted and in turn provided the rustic element. We wanted the space to feel natural with simple flourishes. Ease of guest engagement was also on the forefront. We had friends and family coming in from all over sowe wanted mobility to be key at the reception so we opted for a heavy appetizer buffet with regional inspired cuisine along with personal favorites. Showcasing our two loves, having fun in the outdoors and enjoying great food in a warm/home-like atmosphere, was our intent and inspiration.

Vendors:

Photographer: Jessie Moore Photography / Band: The Tiny Band / Ceremony Refreshments: Granny's Gourmet Donuts / Reception Dresses: Silje McQ / Suits: Blazers from Topman (Ben) and Banana Republic (Patrick), Trousers from Gant (Ben) and Maple Propeller (Patrick), Shoes from Oliberte / Catering, Cakes, and Desserts: Rainbow Ranch Lodge / Celebrants & Officiants: Officiant, dear friend Britta Reyier. Reader, dear friend Linda Karell / Ceremony Soloist: Friend and Opera singer Claire McCahan / Florists: Labellum / Gifts & Favors: Tote bags and hoodies screen printed by Intrigue Ink, Koozies printed by Totally Promotional, Beanies and stickers from Quipet Works of Wit / Hair & Make-up: Indulgence / Invitations: Molly Stratton Design / Photo Booths: Flipside Photo Booth / Planners & Designers: Ben Bahnsen /Day of Coordinator: Ben Bahnsen / Reception Coordinator: Carrie Bishop of Rainbow Ranch Lodge / Rings/Jewelry: You Got Mojo Jewelry (Rings)/ Hattie Rex (Tie clips and cuff links) / Tents, Rentals & Decor: Ceremony -Tent, Camp stove and Snowmobiles from Big Boy Toys / Cocktail tables + Dance floor: Big Time Party Rentals / Other Important Vendors/Details: For the "guestbook" we opted for a contemporary Quaker Marriage Certificate from Ink with Intent. For groomsmaids gifts we went for clutches from various Etsy artists.