home on the range
The logistics of hosting a wedding for hundreds of people on two ranches separated by 30 miles of mostly dirt roads located one-and-a-half hours from the nearest “city,” definitely presented its challenges. But for two ranch kids, there was no better place to say “I do” than amid late-June wildflowers and Aspen trees under a vast blue Montana sky.
Lindsey Rhynard and Tory Richtmyer wanted their guests to have a genuine Montana ranch experience and share their big day in a place that defines their relationship, families and lifestyle.
The settings for the wedding and reception speak for themselves. At the end of June, the grass and hay is a tall, lush green for miles on end. The wildflowers are in full bloom with brilliant blues, purples, reds and yellows, which pop against the striking mountain ranges as a backdrop. For this reason, the couple chose to keep many of the details simple with only the slightest personal touch. A friend helped the bride design the Western save-thedate cards to set the tone and expectation of the event. Invitations were plain white with black ink with Tory’s brand - walking horse tracks - in the center. Centerpieces included floating candles in bowls and small bushels of wheat. An accident involving the florist’s truck resulted in some quick thinking by a friend: the resulting arrangements included bouquets of rust-orange mini calla lilies, green buttons and a perfectly purple flower that resembled lavender. Pheasant feathers were added to the boutonnieres for a more masculine feel.
The one-of-a-kind event included groomsmen sporting different 1880’s-era tuxes with pocket watches and cowboy hats. Lindsey arrived at the ceremony in true ranching “fashion” hanging onto the side of her family’s 1949 dodge Power Wagon accompanied by their friends’ beautiful guitar and violin rendition of Jay unger’s “Ashokan Farewell”. The lodge, outdoor tents, bonfire and dance floor under the stars gave off a magical glow and kept guests celebrating until nearly 5:00 a.m.
Recalls the bride: “We were so lucky to have the support and creativity of both our families. They made it possible for us to share our homes, lifestyle and wedding day with
our friends and family. And it all happened under a magnificent Montana blue moon.”
Ceremony Location:
Rhynard Ranch, Castle Mountains, MT
Reception Location:
Battle Creek Ranch, Big Belt Mountains, MT
Photographer:
Eyes 2 See Photography |
