I think we all were a little nervous in the days leading up to Margaret and Grant’s Rich Ranch Wedding in Seeley Lake Montana because we weren’t sure if their wedding day would be smoke-filled or not. (Notice a theme of this summer’s weddings? Suffice it to say, Montana’s experienced an especially bad fire season this year, and Seeley Lake has been hit particularly hard!) But somehow we completely lucked out, the smoke thinned and Margaret and Grant were treated to a wedding day where really the only reminder of the fires was a little haze, and the helicopters that would fly by every few minutes or so to pick up more retardant down the road. (Thankfully, they only started this AFTER their ceremony!)

Their day started off with Margaret and Grant getting ready at the Heritage Lodge at the ranch – the girls on the top floors, and the guys down below. There was all sorts of excited energy as everyone spiffed themselves up, a few happy tears as bride and groom gifts were opened, and soon it was time for the couple’s first look.

We zipped on down the road a bit in Margaret’s uncle’s truck (and I had fun riding in the truck bed!) to have their first look at Margaret’s family’s cabin. (Part of the reason they decided to get married at Rich Ranch, is because Margaret and her family have been spending time at the ranch since Margaret was just a wee thing, so the ranch is full of memories for them!) Grant waited patiently near the cabin as Margaret walked up behind him, gave him a hug, and told him he could turn to see her. And what a reaction he had! Such a fantastic moment!

We hopped in the truck again to head back to the ranch where we had a great time continuing pictures and portraits before it was time to get their ceremony started. Soon it was time for everyone to walk down the aisle – though their little ringbearer had other plans and burst into tears. He received encouragement from everyone, made it down the aisle in one piece, and even got a lollipop for his troubles. After he successfully made it down the aisle, Margaret and her dad stepped out from the lodge – and she was simply radiant on her dad’s arm as they smiled and sang along to the music.

Margaret and Grant had eyes only for each other as they shared their vows, punctuated by a few tears and lots of laughs. And before they knew it, they were pronounced for the first time as husband and wife, and got to seal it all with a smile, a kiss and a big hug. Friends and family grinned and clapped as the newlyweds walked down the aisle together, beaming with happiness.

Guests were treated to tasty appetizers, a delicious meal, and had a great time laughing and tearing up during touching and memorable toasts. Margaret and Grant cut their huckleberry-adorned cake (they had huckleberry cheesecake too!), and not long after enjoyed their first dances. Margaret even surprised her parents with a first dance of their own, since at their own wedding day, the band (very unfortunately!) played a breakup song! It was Margaret’s goal to remedy this for them, and everyone was moved by this gesture and her parents’ reaction, too. As the band switched to more up-tempo music, friends and family joined the dance floor as well and kicked up their heels to the tunes as the evening wound down.

Margaret and Grant! What a beautiful day you two had! You are both beyond sweet, as are all your friends and family, and I had such a delightful time making these images for you on such a special day in your lives! I am so excited for our next photo shoot (yay!), and am truly happy for you both. Here’s to many Montana years together, filled with love, and of course, huckleberries! Congrats again!

Vendor Information for Margaret and Grant’s Rich Ranch Wedding in Seeley Lake Montana:

Venue: Rich Ranch, Seeley Lake, Montana
Coordinator: Shannon ZurMuehlen with Rich Ranch, Seeley Lake, Montana
Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Kelly Carey
Band: Nashville 406, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Moxie Makeup, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Hair by Brandy, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Jack Rich with Rich Ranch, Seeley Lake Montana
Wedding Dress: A Da Vinci design from House of Brides
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse

On the Docket:

Weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine