{MTB Featured Wedding} Megan + Grant

Grant and I met in June 2010 in Bozeman, Montana on somewhat of a blind date orchestrated by Match.com. The two of us were quick to realize we had lots in common, but the similarity that bound us the most was the love we shared for our dogs. I brought a Great Dane and a Dalmatian Mix to the equation and Grant brought his Springer Spaniel. All of which got along famously upon meeting and coincidentally were all black and white (which is now a theme for all additionally acquired animals in our family!).

While planning our wedding we wanted to have a ceremony that was uniquely us and showcased our passion (obsession) with our dogs. Since Grant and I are both non-traditionalists, he chose to walk down the isle with his dog after our officiant, and I chose to be escorted down the isle by my two dogs. We chose to spotlight our family members by including them in the bridal precession before the bridesmaids. This was really special in that it gave members of our families a way of participating in our ceremony while giving me a real moment to be recognized as a bride with my identities as an individual, independent woman, and co-animal enthusiast with Grant. After my walk down the isle, I met Grant and his dog under a floral decorated arch to join as a family of two humans and three “fur-kids”.

We chose to be married by my boss, family friend, and artist Mr. John Buck. We thought that because we were not members of a church and didn’t want to be married by a stranger, that a family friend would be more appropriate and meaningful for us. He officiated the ceremony that we wrote ourselves, and wore a military styled medal that I made for him, mounted on a clergy stole. The arch that our marriage was officiated under was a gift from our friends, who were also married under it. It now resides in our garden. I made the isle posts that held flowers in addition to all the table numbers, and signs.

 My favorite thing that I made for our wedding was the cake toppers, which were painted wooden replicas of our dogs and us, perched perfectly atop our cake, which was filled with Montana Huckleberries. For all of the floral arrangements and bouquets I had propagated dozens of succulents during the two years prior to our wedding where Grant and I did long distance and I completed my Masters degree: me living in Oakland, CA and Grant back in Bozeman. These succulents and flowers were arranged in vintage vases given to us by many friends. To top all the table settings off, my grandmother faithfully and dutifully hand wrote all of the place cards in her beautiful old-world handwriting. My Aunt hand canned 160 jars of apricot jam to give out as gifts to our wedding attendants. My Maid of Honor designed the tags on the jams, as well as all paper products from the invitations to the save-the-dates. The photographer who came to shoot our wedding was close friend, very appropriately through animal ownership.
 

The most amazing part about our wedding was that so many aspects had deep personal authenticity and meaning. This event resonated with so much fun, support and effortlessness which were all made that way by the people who contributed the to the little details.

The Perfect Day

Photography: Jared Ball @ Tulsa Photography and Videography.

Location: Lazy B Farm

Dress: Justin Alexander, Avant Bridal

Hair/Makeup: Sage Salon

Suits: Persnickety FormalWear

Floral: Labellum

Cake: Anticipated Creations

Caterer: Food For Thought

Band: The Sugar Daddies

Rentals: Montana PartyRentals