This wedding was very near and dear to my heart. Zana and Ben are two of our friends whom we met last Summer. They have helped us out tremendously over the past two Summers as we make the transition to Montana on a full-time basis. (It will be official in June!) They opened up their home to us, let us love on their cats and shared many amazing nights of wine and beer out on the back porch and music on the record player. They're seriously the best and we are so thankful to call them our friends!
Zana and Ben eloped in Polebridge this past June and it was an honor to be a part of it. Joe got to drive the van up and I helped with decor and setup. It was honestly, the perfect day. Going into it with zero expectations meant that whatever happened, happened.
We arrived at Polebridge and the original plan was to storm the bridge and hold the ceremony there. Well, due to some construction on the bridge and heavier than normal traffic, we had to move to plan B. We set up the changing tent down by the river and prepared for a riverfront ceremony.
Ben got dressed and then awaited his bride. They did a first look before the ceremony to knock some of the nerves out and it was perfect. Ben had not seen Zana's dress and I'm so happy that it was a surprise to him because it was AMAZING!!! The details, the color and the style all fit Zana's personality perfectly. Her hand-made red veil pulled the look together and it was stunning! Just wait until you see it.
Ben's floral pocket square was also one of my favorite things. Flathead Farmworks did a killer job bringing Zana's idea to life. It was such a cool statement piece and Ben rocked it!
Their intimate ceremony was held on the river and officiated by their dear friend Molly. There was laughter, tears and lots of smiling. It was such a beautiful ceremony! Molly did a great job for sure. It was so great getting to witness these two make it official!
After the ceremony, the newlyweds snuck away for some photos while we all cleaned up and headed to the Northern Lights Saloon to set up for dinner. I managed to snag a picnic table beneath the tree which was perfect! Their tablescape consisted of some flowers, an adorable little cake and cupcakes from Fleur Bake Shop and candles. It was so cute!
When they got done with photos we all gathered around, ordered dinner and drinks and enjoyed the evening. It was so much fun! A few times it rained, but Zana was prepared with giant golf umbrellas for everyone. We just popped those babies up and created a makeshift tent while the showers passed.
There was a live musician there that night too and he played a song for them which was so sweet! So they got to get up and do their first dance, surrounded by a bunch of random people at the Saloon and it was so just perfect. A moment to remember forever!
Once dinner and drinks were over, we headed back to the house to continue the celebration. Charcuterie boards, wine and music went on for hours. There was dancing to Beyonce and many attempts to nail the jump from Dirty Dancing (but they were all epic fails). It was a night that will go down in history!
Congrats BZO!! Love you both!
Venue // Polebridge - North Fork Flathead River
Photographer // Dina Remi Studios
Officiant // Molly
Floral // Flathead Farmworks
Cake // Fleur Bake Shop
Reception // Northern Lights Saloon