Nancy contacted me months ago about her intimate Paradise Valley Montana wedding, and ever since then I’ve been anticipating this amazing day. Nancy and Chris live out of state, but instead of skipping the engagement session, we did it the day before their wedding. After the shoot I got to meet everyone when I was invited to Pizza that evening, and by everyone I mean everyone. Including myself, there were 16 people total involved in this wedding. We visited about hunting and such and I loved getting to know everyone a little before the next day.
The next morning I loaded up on coffee before heading up to the room where Nancy was getting ready in. She had the most incredible dress and her hairpiece was perfect for the hairstyle she wanted. Brittnee worked her magic (not that Nancy needed much anyway) and holy cow what a stunning bride she made! From the loose updo down to the cowboy boots, every detail was perfect. I headed out to the ceremony spot in at Chico’s Grandmas Garden and found Chris visiting with family and everyone looking their best. Everyone sat down, Nancy walked up with her parents, and Chris was all smiles. With plenty of loving looks and laughter, sweet moments and a Jimmy Buffet quote, they said I Do. Instead of a receiving line or leaving immediately for photos, they shared their first moments as husband and wife with their closest people with bubbly.
After appetizers on the wine cellar deck and portraits around the property, we all headed into the wine cellar for dinner. They laughed, toasted, and it was seriously the best. At one point they went around the table and one at a time named a song that they felt they could sing best. Nancy: anything Michael Jackson. I kept hearing someone say/sing the word “somebody”…as in smash mouth all star “somebody” I laughed every time, interesting choice for your personal best performance song. 😂 Then roll call was done for who would be up in the AM to head to Yellowstone before they all left to go back to their different states. A few brave souls wanted to wake up early enough to go, and I sure hope they made it!
Yes I do love big weddings, but I’m kinda in love with these intimate weddings. Less than 50 people. You can focus on everyone who is attending and it’s just so incredible and amazing! I feel like it’s a great balance between eloping and a normal wedding. As Chris called it, a Falopement. Family elopement. So if you feel like a big wedding isn’t your thing, but a legit elopement isn’t either, consider something like this! Small, intimate, and amazing in every way.
Nancy + Chris, thank you for letting me eat pizza with you and your family, for letting me document your day, and for having your wedding at Chico so I could get in the pool.
VENDORS | Macy Spencer Photography | Chico Hot Springs | Budget Bouquet | Ethereal Hair and Makeup | Joseph Abboud | Morilee by Madeline Gardner
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awwwwww! Congratulations Fancy Nancy! I hope you had the best day ever! You looked BEAUTFUL! Many years of happiness to you both.
Love an miss ya!
Gail Bibeau