Lene + Ben
September 23, 2023 in Missoula, MT
Welcome back to the Ivory Bride Blog, where we share the beautiful and unique stories of real brides and their unforgettable weddings! Today, we're delighted to feature a wedding that took place in the serene woods of Montana, a celebration that perfectly encapsulated simplicity and authenticity. Unlike traditional weddings, this couple's journey began with a blank canvas, evolving naturally as they planned their special day. From choosing vendors with personal significance to incorporating elements that truly reflected their everyday lives, their wedding was a heartfelt tribute to their love story. Join us as we delve into the details of their perfect day and share some invaluable tips for future brides.
By our real bride, Lene:
What was the vision for your wedding?
We just wanted to be outside. Above everything else, we wanted something simple, and in the woods! It ended up even better than I could have pictured it, but the details are something I had no idea about. I wasn’t someone who sat and dreamed about my wedding. I didn’t even think we’d get married. So when he asked, we were both starting from square one, a blank canvas. We didn’t know what we wanted, but eventually found our groove and it evolved throughout the planning process. When picking vendors, we picked people we had memories and history with. The cookie shop we ordered from almost weekly throughout Covid to be our dessert. The pizza place we would go to after dates as our caterer. We picked more so what we would choose any other day, not just on our wedding, because we wanted it to feel authentic to us.
How did it go the day-of?
Our wedding was perfect. I think everyone says that, but it was. My biggest priority was to find moments to be with my partner away from the craziness that is your wedding day. We went on a mountain bike ride with our dog the morning of. Edited our vows. Opened our gifts for one another. We spent the whole morning together, and that was so special to me and something we made sure to prioritize. We got to do private vows and a first look later on before the ceremony, which was my favorite part of my wedding day. It was all about that, so taking time to make sure we made it about the two of us was so special. The second thing I wanted was a moment with my dad. We got to do a first look and have a second just us to take in the day. I could list every single thing about my wedding day I loved. The short ceremony featured a poem my friend wrote, standing under an arch my dad made of cottonwood trees, our first dance, the reception where we had a bonfire and music, waking up the next morning and having breakfast with everyone. Everything about it was exactly what I wanted, but better.
What is your #1 tip to future brides?
My #1 tip for brides would be to budget for a day of coordinator if you can. We had a fairly low-budget wedding but decided to add a coordinator because I wanted all my family to enjoy the wedding, and my mom to get ready with me, instead of getting the venue ready. Wow, was it worth it! She kept the timeline moving, had everyone where they needed to be, touched base with vendors, literally everything so all I had to do the day of was worry about me, and my partner. It goes by so fast. You hear it all the time. The more helping hands you lean on, the better. It’s hard to let go of the control. It’s your day, you want it all to be perfect! But when it’s over, you don’t remember if a vase was in the right spot, you remember how much time you spent with your people. So I’d recommend leaning on all your support, trusting that it will all work out, and worrying about one thing, and that’s spending time with the person you’re promising forever to.
