Behind the Design

I love transforming a space, taking it from one place to another, then breaking it all down.  Its really like a private piece of art, something that is temporary, enjoyed in the moment and then only lives in the memory of those who experienced it.  For our 2014 launch party, we were lucky enough to be able to transform A Twisted Root Salon for the evening.  It’s a great space, big and open and industrial feeling and I wanted to embrace that but I also wanted it to have an intimate feel at the same time.  We started by emptying the entire space….product, styling stations, beverage area…everything.   We photography every step of the tear-down so we can put everything back where it belongs.  Here's a little tip…Lighting is essential to design! I used hundreds of candles to create an intimate feel and to “bring the space down” while washing the walls with radiant orchid lights to keep the open industrial feel  that makes the space so special.  We used stacks of vintage cafeteria trays to create a colorful and layered display area for our catering.  I love repurposing items and even better if its vintage or quirky.   I kept our entrance simple but cool, literally!  I framed the entrance with two 400 pound ice blocks lit from behind.  As the ice melted, the fracture lines inside spread and changed creating a dynamic piece of natural art.  When I host an event, I always want it to be welcoming and bountiful.  Our event partners outdid themselves this year with amazing spreads.  Our catered hors devours to the dessert spreads,  were beautiful to look at and the flavor notes were spot on!  Guests were raving throughout the night.    And the next day, we were in early to tear it all down and rebuild the salon…leaving just the memory of a wonderful evening filled with friends, food, fun and laughter.

Thanks to everyone who came out. Without you its just an empty room, no matter how beautiful.  We are looking forward to the next time!

Event Design, Styling, Lighting: Katalin Green Events
Photography: Paul Bellinger Photography
Catering:  Food for Thought
Macarons: Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes
Desserts: Sweet Pea Bakery
Dessert Table: Whipped
Music ~ DJ: Joe's DJ Service
Live Music: Mark Blumling & Tanner Kemp
Rentals: Montana Party Rentals
Space: A Twisted Root Salon

Special Thanks to my Team
Right and Left Hand: Brett and Lily
Bartender: Brendan
Red Carpet Photos: Hunter Green
Abbi at Twisted Root for the space (and more!)

{Montana Bride Featured Wedding~ Blog} Hannah + Jacob

Jacob and I met on a scorching hot day in the summer of 2006. My military family had just moved to Great Falls, Montana, and I went with a new friend to her church’s youth group. That’s when I first laid eyes on him – blonde hair, blue eyes, tall and handsome. I was entranced from that moment on. For the two years I lived in Great Falls, we were best friends, yet both had secret crushes on each other.

But, as all military families know, my dad was reassigned, and I lost touch with that boy. Three years later, I graduated high school, and my dad received word from the Air Force that our family would be returning to Great Falls. The first thing I imagined was looking into those blue eyes once again. We got back in touch, and talked on the phone every single day. The very night we pulled into the city of Great Falls, we went on our first date. I will never forget the butterflies in my stomach when I saw him walk up to me and kissme for the first time.

Two years later, on April 20, 2013, the man of my dreams got down on one knee and proposed next to the breath-taking pond at Boulder Ridge. We tied the knot on August 10, 2013 at the same location. 

 Advice for the brides:

Even if every little detail doesn’t work out exactly as planned, just remember… You are still getting married to the man of your dreams! The whole purpose of the wedding is to celebrate your union with him. Remember the big picture! Also, keep in mind that no one will notice that it wasn’t there! Everyone will be in complete awe with what was at your wedding – you, the groom, the dress, flowers, cake, décor, etc. Those are the things to focus on! 

Photography: Caroline Madsen Photography
Location: Great Falls Montana
Venue: Boulder Ridge
Bouquets: Imago
Flowers: My Viola

{MTB Featured Wedding} Megan + Grant

Grant and I met in June 2010 in Bozeman, Montana on somewhat of a blind date orchestrated by Match.com. The two of us were quick to realize we had lots in common, but the similarity that bound us the most was the love we shared for our dogs. I brought a Great Dane and a Dalmatian Mix to the equation and Grant brought his Springer Spaniel. All of which got along famously upon meeting and coincidentally were all black and white (which is now a theme for all additionally acquired animals in our family!).

While planning our wedding we wanted to have a ceremony that was uniquely us and showcased our passion (obsession) with our dogs. Since Grant and I are both non-traditionalists, he chose to walk down the isle with his dog after our officiant, and I chose to be escorted down the isle by my two dogs. We chose to spotlight our family members by including them in the bridal precession before the bridesmaids. This was really special in that it gave members of our families a way of participating in our ceremony while giving me a real moment to be recognized as a bride with my identities as an individual, independent woman, and co-animal enthusiast with Grant. After my walk down the isle, I met Grant and his dog under a floral decorated arch to join as a family of two humans and three “fur-kids”.

We chose to be married by my boss, family friend, and artist Mr. John Buck. We thought that because we were not members of a church and didn’t want to be married by a stranger, that a family friend would be more appropriate and meaningful for us. He officiated the ceremony that we wrote ourselves, and wore a military styled medal that I made for him, mounted on a clergy stole. The arch that our marriage was officiated under was a gift from our friends, who were also married under it. It now resides in our garden. I made the isle posts that held flowers in addition to all the table numbers, and signs.

 My favorite thing that I made for our wedding was the cake toppers, which were painted wooden replicas of our dogs and us, perched perfectly atop our cake, which was filled with Montana Huckleberries. For all of the floral arrangements and bouquets I had propagated dozens of succulents during the two years prior to our wedding where Grant and I did long distance and I completed my Masters degree: me living in Oakland, CA and Grant back in Bozeman. These succulents and flowers were arranged in vintage vases given to us by many friends. To top all the table settings off, my grandmother faithfully and dutifully hand wrote all of the place cards in her beautiful old-world handwriting. My Aunt hand canned 160 jars of apricot jam to give out as gifts to our wedding attendants. My Maid of Honor designed the tags on the jams, as well as all paper products from the invitations to the save-the-dates. The photographer who came to shoot our wedding was close friend, very appropriately through animal ownership.
 

The most amazing part about our wedding was that so many aspects had deep personal authenticity and meaning. This event resonated with so much fun, support and effortlessness which were all made that way by the people who contributed the to the little details.

The Perfect Day

Photography: Jared Ball @ Tulsa Photography and Videography.

Location: Lazy B Farm

Dress: Justin Alexander, Avant Bridal

Hair/Makeup: Sage Salon

Suits: Persnickety FormalWear

Floral: Labellum

Cake: Anticipated Creations

Caterer: Food For Thought

Band: The Sugar Daddies

Rentals: Montana PartyRentals