A Rustic, Vintage-Inspired Wedding at Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Gallatin Gateway, Montana

Katie Tennille’s (29 and works in real estate) vintage dress set the tone for her entire wedding to Tyler Wilkens (29 and a student). Katie chose a family-heirloom gown that is more than 50 years old and has been worn by three generations on her mother’s side of the family. “About 10 to 15 people have worn the dress, including my mother, sister and cousin, who were all part of my wedding party,” she says. Inspired by the vintage feel and look of the dress, Katie and Tyler made plans for a rustic mountain wedding. The couple used a Montana-influenced color palette with sage green, dusty rose and champagne gold complete with glamorous accents such as crystal, silver and, of course, gold (Katie’s grandmother Big Joyce says every party needs some sparkle!). Avant Floral helped bring the lush garden feel of the wedding to life with shabby-chic floral arrangements including succulents, garden roses and astilbes. Katie and Tyler loved the Soldiers Chapel in Big Sky, Montana, for the ceremony venue, with its log cabin aura and giant window framing Lone Peak at the altar. Cocktail hour took place on the riverbanks at Rainbow Ranch Lodge, surrounding the gazebo, before the white sailcloth-tented reception. Lauren Brown Photography beautifully captured all the details of the day. For an ultra-local feel, the couple served a Montana Mule for the signature drink (whiskey, ginger beer and lime in a copper mug) and grabbable desserts such as cupcakes, cookies and shooters (easy to eat on the way to the dance floor!). At the end of the night, the couple gave guests umbrellas and pashminas to guard against the unpredictable Montana weather. From Katie: “I think the remote location of the wedding reflects Tyler and I the most,” she says. “We met in the middle of nowhere, and we share a love for the mountains and outdoor activities.”