Elegant & Blissful Ranch Micro Wedding in Bozeman Montana

A+T_Wedding_2189_0124.jpg — Anna + Tanner

Heritage Ranch
Bozeman, Montana

Anna and Tanner first met as teenagers attending the same middle school. These young classmates could not have guessed what the universe had in store for them. Years later, as adults in their mid-20s, their paths crossed again. Friendship blossomed into romance, and before they knew it, Anna and Tanner both realized they had found the one. They planned a destination wedding in Bozeman, Montana, and chose The Lodge at Heritage Ranch for their wedding venue. Here is what happened next.

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VENDORS

Photography: Kayleigh Rust

Venue: The Heritage Ranch

Planner: Wild West Collective

Rentals, Styling & Décor: Wild West Collective

Flowers: Poppy Bride

Hair & Make-Up: Bride

Catering: Sara Duncan - Private Chef

Cake & Dessert: Elle’s Belles

Videographer: Samuel Roland Films

Bride's Dress: Mikaella by Paloma Blanca

Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Savvi Formalwear

Rings: Shane Co.

Tanner's wedding attire matched the rustic and elegant vibes at Heritage Ranch. His suit, the perfect hue of beige, combined the warmth of brown and the crisp coolness of white. Dressed and looking effortlessly sophisticated, Tanner paused before leaving his dressing quarters to read a letter Anna wrote for him.

Tanner joined his groomsmen for a celebratory toast. Then, his mom entered the room and adorned his suit with a white rose boutonnière. They shared a tender moment before the ceremony began.

Team Bride was in the bridal suite, and the room was overflowing with smiles, laughter, and love.

Anna chose to wear a classic wedding dress with clean lines that beautifully complemented her silhouette. The minimalistic aesthetic of her gown allowed her stunning good looks to be the center of attention. Anna's mother was by her side, helping get every detail just right for this special day. With the final touches applied, I took full advantage of the luxurious bathtub in the bridal suite and captured these glamourous shots of Anna.

Anna found a letter written for her by Tanner. From the look on her face, I can only imagine the loving prose written on those pages. At that moment, it seemed as if Anna realized she was not dreaming and that this fairytale was real.

Waiting downstairs was Anna’s father. He was the first person Anna saw upon leaving her dressing quarters. Straight into his arms, she went.

Anna and Tanner had a micro-wedding. They traveled from Atlanta, Georgia, with a handful of family and close friends in tow. Their ceremony took place in the garden adjacent to the lodge. The weather was as lovely as the scenery.

It is no surprise that Anna and Tanner chose Montana for their destination wedding. Montana boasts breathtaking scenery and rustic charm no matter where you look. The Heritage Ranch is an ideal wedding venue that offers 44 acres of secluded property with Bridger, Spanish Peaks, and the Tobacco Root Mountains in the backdrop.

Their ceremony was flawless and picture-perfect. Honestly, I can not imagine how it could have been better.

It’s official! I believe everything Anna and Tanner have done in their lives helped lead them to this moment. Moments like these are why I love being a wedding photographer. Preserving the fleeting moments of life for future generations to enjoy is fulfilling work.

This group was a joy to photograph. Everyone was composed and easygoing. The vibe was relaxed and happy, and each passing moment flowed effortlessly.

The wedding reception began with a specialty cocktail made in honor of Dexter, Anna and Tanner's dog, who sadly passed away two months before their wedding. It was no coincidence that their wedding day was also Dexter’s birthday. Cheers to Anna, Tanner, and Dexter!

I love how laid back the bride and groom were at this moment. Their relaxed demeanor allowed these beautifully composed shots to come to life. My favorite shot is the one that depicts the contrast between the masculine and feminine details of Anna and Tanner.

Warm and inviting, the lodge was ideal for an intimate wedding reception. Anna and Tanner's decision to have a micro-wedding allowed them the freedom to select the destination of their choice and be with the people they love best. The mood was joyous, and everyone seemed relaxed as the wedding reception unfolded.

Without a large crowd to accommodate, Anna and Tanner took a moment to step outside and pose for pictures together. We decided to walk out into the field, where Anna and Tanner also spread a portion of Dexter's ashes.

Stepping away from their guests momentarily enabled me to capture these beautiful shots that convey the graceful love that Anna and Tanner share. They both embodied the gentle and confident qualities of a prince and princess.

Time seemed to stand still watching these two, and the vast sky and openness of the land seemed surreal. After a few more shots, Anna and Tanner took a moment to look at the horizon before heading back to join their guests. I hope their future is full of happy moments like this one.

This micro-wedding had all the time-honored traditions that make a wedding special. After many well-wishes and blessings, toasts, and congratulations, it was time for everyone to gather around the table and enjoy a delicious dinner.

The wedding cake had clean lines that resembled the elegant simplicity of Anna's wedding dress. Cutting the cake together was the first thing they did as husband and wife.

Anna and Tanner had their first dance shortly after cutting the cake. They pulled off a daring dip and nailed it.

Next, Anna danced with her father while Tanner danced with his mother. In all my years as a wedding photographer, this still makes me cry.

As the evening progressed, merriment, laughter, and dancing unfolded for all. It was a pleasure to witness the wedding of Anna and Tanner and be their wedding photographer. I was also pleased to provide the table settings and décor for their wedding reception. I wish all the best for Anna and Tanner and thank them for allowing me to partake in their destination wedding.