After looking at all of the beautiful ranch weddings I’ve seen on the blogs, I finally got to attend one myself in National Glacier Park in Montana!
Here’s the lovely couple: my nephew Chris and his darling new bride Erica as the new Mr. and Mrs. Cantoni. There aren’t too many people who can pull off the “Frida Kahlo” style head piece, but with her gorgeous face, it looked stunning. 
The adorable DIY invitation, set the tone for this casual, fun, outdoor, ranch wedding. The 4 page booklet included details about the beautiful surrounding area.
These photos were taken on a the “Going to the Sun” road. Breathtaking is the only way to describe it. We even saw big horned sheep up close and personal!
The wedding venue “The Rising Wolf Ranch” was as authentic a place as you can find. Think “A river runs through it”. Some guests came for the week and took advantage of the time to hike, fish and take in all the area has to offer. Some of us had only 3 days. Not enough time.
With a beautiful garden of delphiniums, majestic mountains and big blue sky in the background, how can you go wrong? In fact all of the wedding flowers, including the brides bouquet were picked from the ranch grounds.
A group of talented friends and family sang the couple’s favorite song. The ceremony was one of the most intimate I’d ever attended. Poems were read by the siblings of both bride and groom, and a ceremonial bowl was rung to lift prayers and thoughts skyward for family members who had gone before us.
Before being exchanged, the rings were passed ( tied to a simple stick) among those gathered so each guest could give them their blessing.
In that time period, we were asked to stand and give thoughts and advice to the happy couple. I barely got through mine without going into the ugly cry. Their vows were as non-traditional and genuine as the couple and you sensed the true nature of the words and what they meant to them.
Did I mention lots of happy tears? My brother Jim and wife Gretchen and Erica’s parents, Mike and Connie, could not be happier with this lovely union.
The DIY program featured a creative illustration of Chris and Erica done by a friend. It captured them perfectly!
The outside reception area was decorated simply with wild flowers picked on the ranch and pom poms of various materials strung above.
Chris tries to put into words how much it means to have everyone travel all the way to Montana to be with them.
We love you too, man!
A delicious assortment of one section of appetizers. The simple presentation, butcher paper with names of the cheeses written nearby was all that was needed. The blueberry encased goat cheese was my favorite!
My sister, Diane, helps herself to some refreshing cucumber water served in small mason jars. Wine was also nearby:)
Candy station for the kids, big and little:) Ranch chefs, Nora and hubby, did an excellent job preparing grilled salmon and steaks with peas and mashed potatoes for a scrumptious dinner. And the wedding cake and cupcakes were chocolate with sea salt caramel topping. So sorry I don’t have pics, I was too busy eating it! 
Tote bags for guests with the park’s logo and couple’s wedding date included a book, soap, hand-made by the bride, handmade sea salt caramels, a souvenir coffee mug, granola bars and a note card asking for marriage advice.
The string of flags from the invite was seen on the itinerary, advice cards and room signs for those staying at the ranch. Others, like me, stayed at the lovely Izaak Walton Inn not far away, which would also make a lovely wedding venue.
Best of all, I was there with all 6 of my siblings and my two sons! You can’t beat that for good company. 
There was so much to see in so little time. We all agreed National Glacier Park will be added to our bucket list to explore fully.
Cheers to the happy couple, Chris and Erica! We wish you all the love you can create in what will seem too short of a lifetime.
Some of these photos ( the better ones:) were taken by my talented nephew-in-law Chris Hebebrand of 8246 Photography. He’s busy still sorting through the 1500 from the week!
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- And as always my calligraphy font, Belluccia, one of myfonts Most Popular Fonts for 2011, is available at : myfonts.com and fontbros.com.
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