1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Rustic Wedding at Paws Up Ranch in Greenough, Montana

Sarah Conrad (28 and a medical receptionist) and George Isham (27 and a law student) met in high school and dated long-distance before settling in Mon

Sarah Conrad (28 and a medical receptionist) and George Isham (27 and a law student) met in high school and dated long-distance before settling in Montana. “We fell in love here, and this state will always be special to us. Neither of us could picture getting married anywhere else,” Sarah says. “An intimate, cozy day under the Montana sky with our immediate family members and our dog felt like the most fitting way to spend our first day as husband and wife.” Sarah and George said their vows before nine guests (and their black Lab) on the Paws Up Ranch in Greenough, near Missoula. “Our families stayed at the ranch with us all weekend, and during downtime they fished, hiked and hung out in their cabins.” After the ceremony, which took place on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Blackfoot River, the newlyweds and their guests went back to the ranch reception in true Montana fashion—in a horse-drawn wagon. “We wanted it to be cozy, fun, and laid-back,” Sarah says. Fitting for Sarah and George's October nuptials, tables were topped with brass candlesticks and large, fall-colored centerpieces. “We ate in front of a fire in the western-style restaurant at the ranch with a live acoustic guitarist playing music.” Sarah advises other couples keep a healthy perspective on their wedding day. “Don’t spend a fortune on your wedding,” Sarah says. “Make it memorable, but don’t let it become something bigger than your life or your relationship.” —Carolyn Meers

Noteworthy designed rustic, vintage-inspired invites for Sarah and George. "The invitations had a vintage-looking map of northwest Montana with a print of a brown trout on the band," Sarah says. "A photo of Rock Creek, a river outside Missoula, was printed inside the envelope."
"My bouquet had a whimsical look with blush and ivory roses and lisianthus, accented with burgundy foliage, local Montana wildflowers, and sage greens," says Sarah, who relied on Habitat Floral Studio for all her blooms.
Sarah advises other couples keep a healthy perspective on their wedding day. “Don’t spend a fortune on your wedding,” Sarah says. “Make it memorable, but don’t let it become something bigger than your life or your relationship.”
"The arbor that Habitat Floral Studio created was a dream come true," Sarah says. "It was covered with eucalyptus and roses and spray roses in soft fall colors. I have a framed photo of just the arbor alone in my house that I will never get sick of looking at."
"Our family stood around us during the ceremony while our dog ran around and chased squirrels," Sarah says. "We had to have him around all day—he is our love child!"
Sarah and George said their vows in front of nine guests under an arbor specially made by Habitat Floral Studio. "It was covered with eucalyptus and roses and spray roses in soft fall colors," Sarah says. "I have a framed photo of just the arbor alone in my house that I will never get sick of looking at."
After the ceremony, Sarah and George's family enjoyed s'mores and cocktails by an open fire nearby.
After the ceremony, Sarah and George's family enjoyed s'mores and cocktails by an open fire nearby.
"After the ceremony we gathered in a field and had drinks and ate smore’s around an open fire," Sarah says.
"My dress was a fitted, off-the-shoulder, 1970s-style gown by Daughter's of Simone," Sarah says. "The train and top ruffle had matching floral crochet lace trim. I never even tried it on. I just ordered it, and it fit almost perfectly."
After the ceremony, which took place on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Blackfoot River, the newlyweds and their guests went back to the ranch reception in true Montana fashion—in a horse-drawn wagon.
After the ceremony, which took place on a cliff with breathtaking views of the Blackfoot River, the newlyweds and their guests went back to the ranch reception in true Montana fashion—in a horse-drawn wagon.
"Paws Up Ranch makes incredible food all day," Sarah says. "It’s all from local vendors. The dining area looks out to mountains and a field with horses. It's so relaxing!" Favorite plates included Montana elk steaks and potato leek soup.
At the intimate indoor reception at Paws Up Ranch in Greenough, Montana, tables were topped with brass candlesticks and lush, fall-colored centerpieces. "We ate in front of a fire in the western-style restaurant at the ranch with a live acoustic guitarist playing music," Sarah says.