We're in love with this beautiful fall palette – from his burgundy jacket to the tones of rust and gold found throughout the florals and stunning details. Planning and design by SG Weddings & Events and photography by Haley J Photo.
"John and I met in college. I was in grad school And he was finishing his undergrad degree. I was his strength coach during his senior football season (he loves to joke about that). We had a strictly student athlete and coach professional relationship until after he graduated. He started hanging out in the weight room a lot more (we both love to workout), and we became good friends and really never left one another's side from there. We also had no choice because Covid hit, so I basically moved in with him for two months, and everything sped up from there.
We ended up having to do long-distance for a year because I still had another year of grad school when he graduated. On my graduation day, both of our families had come up for the weekend. He had also gotten a photographer for family pictures that day after graduation (which I was a little suspicious about). I guess my friends told him I knew what was coming. So the morning of, my friend gets up to make us breakfast and mimosas, I'm in a big baggy t shirt, flip flops, hair hasn't been brushed and makeup on my face from the night before. He brought me to the back porch and proposed there. I was genuinely surprised, and that's what he wanted. It was just us, a couple of our best friends and my golden retriever. It wasn't a 'perfect' proposal but it was so us, and that has been one of the most special moments of my life."
THE WEDDING
"We wanted to pick a destination location that was similar to Alaska with all the mountains, but was a little easier to travel to for our friends and family, and that is how we landed on Montana.
We ended up getting married on my parent's 28th wedding anniversary. It was not planned, but happened to be the only Saturday left in August or September. I also tried on my mom's wedding dress and it fit like a glove! I ended up getting it altered on the bottom, and it was a perfect party dress and full circle moment.
The whole day from start to finish was the best day of our life. I had the best vendors and definitely the best event planner and coordinator. Sarah made my day such a breeze, and I never once felt stressed because she literally took care of everything. Since I am from Alaska, and John is from Illinois, we have a lot of family all over the country. Also most of our wedding party lives in different states. It was so fun to get everyone together for the weekend and literally have the best time of our lives. All we wanted was to have fun, and everyone else to have fun as well.
We ended up deciding that we wanted an intimate moment together but didn't want to see each other. We exchanged notes and did a first touch. When we exchanged vows at the alter, we both ended our vows with some version of Zach Bryan's song "Sun to Me" lyrics. I was already crying but I completely lost it. Everything about the day and weekend was filled with so much love and gratitude for everyone who made the day so special. We couldn't be more grateful." –Morgan, the bride
VENDORS
Photography | Haley J Photo (#MBV)
Planning + Design | SG Weddings & Events (#MBV)
Venue | Snowline Acres (#MBV)
Accommodations | Best Western Flathead Inn and Suites
Bar & Beverage | Spinnaker Bar & Grill
Beauty | Honey Beauty (all hair and makeup except bride's hair),
Carli Schlauch at Covet Beauty for a spray tan
Cake & Dessert | Montana Wildflour Baking Co. (#MBV)
Catering | Vista Linda Catering
DJ | RMF Entertainment
Dresses & Menswear | Men's Wearhouse (men's jackets), bridesmaid dresses (various shops), RISH Bridal (designer) at Bateau Bridal Boutique in Alaska (bride's dress)
Floral Design | SG Weddings & Events (#MBV)
Jewelry | Olive and Piper (bride and bridesmaid earrings)
Rentals + Decor | Empress Tents & Events (#MBV)
Travel & Transportation | Montana Trolley Company