S+C_Wedding_3208.jpg — Stephanie + Chris

Rock Creek Resort

Stephanie and Chris traveled from Weatherford, Texas, to get married on New Year's Eve in Red Lodge, Montana. Red Lodge is home to the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, where Stephanie and Chris were married. A lot of thought went into the planning and details of their special day. If you need a little wedding day inspiration, this formal affair covers all the time-honored wedding-day traditions. So get ready to be inspired by this stunning wedding.

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Photography: Kayleigh Rust

Venue: Rock Creek Resort

Makeup: India Richey / Dandilu Freelance HMU

Cake: Katie Cakes

I met Chris in the groom's room and immediately noticed the attention to detail. On each wrist were customized cufflinks made from wood with the shape of Texas and Montana engraved on each one. More details unfolded in the bridal suite, where I found Stephanie and her bridesmaids wearing custom leisure suits that Stephanie provided for everyone to wear during hair and makeup. Each dress was hanging on customized hangers, including an extra-special one for Mrs. Lyon. I could tell this was a tight-knit group of gals, and the day was off to a great start.

Stephanie's wedding dress had gorgeous lace details from top to bottom and a romantic illusion neckline. She braved the cold Montana weather in a sleeveless, backless dress but topped off the look with a luxurious faux fur wrap. Stephanie's elegant attire beautifully highlighted her striking features. I snapped these lovely photos as she applied the final touches to her look.

If you are getting married soon, I recommend planning to do a first look. First looks allow brides and grooms to have a private moment together before the ceremony begins. It also gives photographers the chance to capture the intimacy and emotion that loving couples share. It usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes to do a first look, but the keepsake photos you get will make it worth the time.

Another thing to consider when planning your wedding timeline is scheduling family formals after the first look, as Stephanie and Chris chose to do. I can usually get family formals done in 30 minutes or less. Reserve an hour for the first look photos and family formals before your guests arrive, and the wedding party can go straight to cocktail hour with everyone else after the ceremony. I'm a big fan of getting family formals out of the way early on, but I'm always happy to accommodate any wedding timeline.

Stephanie's sister is the manager at the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary doesn't usually allow weddings, but Stephanie's sister made all the necessary arrangements for Stephanie and Chris to get married there. Located near the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the sanctuary is the only refuge open to the public in Montana. It was a fun and unique place to have and photograph a wedding.

Though the temperature was chilly, it was a sunny winter day in Montana. Stephanie and Chris had a charming wedding ceremony. Afterward, the happy bride and groom took a few moments to view the animals as they walked hand in hand on the snow-covered terrain. The sanctuary is home to birds and reptiles, mountain lions, gray wolves, bobcats, red foxes, black bears, raccoons, and bison. We left the sanctuary and headed to the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course for the wedding / new year's celebration.

Stephanie and Chris chose to do their couple's photos before joining the others in the clubhouse. For this, Stephanie slipped off her faux fur wrap and put on a fun, bright-red fringed jacket. Chris joined the fun and wore a cowboy hat. Together, we shared a lot of laughs as I took these smiley photos of them. There was a jubilant energy in the air. Stephanie and Chris were both comfortable posing for the camera.

By looking at these photos, it's easy to get a sense of the love that Stephanie and Chris share. They were so playful and down to earth, making my job as a wedding photographer easy and enjoyable. The best pictures happen when you let your genuine personality shine to the surface. We had such a good time I barely noticed the drop in temperature as the day turned to early evening. After many happy smiles, hugs, and kisses, it was time for Stephanie and Chris to join the others at the clubhouse and warm up by the fireplace.

It was nightfall by the time we approached the clubhouse, and the room looked warm and inviting from the outside. Upon entry, we found the guests buzzing with excitement. The décor was a mix of a winter wonderland wedding and a New Year’s Eve bash. Stephanie and Chris made their way around the room to mingle with their beloved family and friends. It wasn't long before I found Chris and his buddies outside having drinks and cigars.

After making their way among the crowd, Stephanie and Chris took their seats at the bride and groom's table. Warm sentiments were shared, speeches went around, and the blissful newlyweds smiled from ear to ear. The large clubhouse at the Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course is ideal for big weddings and receptions. It has plenty of space, two levels, and high ceilings on each floor.

Stephanie took off her cowgirl boots and slipped into shoes more appropriate for dancing. Then, she and Chris made their way to the dance floor. Though this was their first dance as husband and wife, I could tell it was not their first time dancing together. Afterward, it was time for Stephanie's dad to dance with his beautiful daughter and Chris's mom to dance with her precious son. The dance floor had plenty of room to accommodate everyone in attendance. In the distance was a Montana-inspired scene set up for fun photo ops. It had a life-size bear, a buffalo, and a mountain view backdrop.

Stephanie let her bridesmaids pick the fit and style of their dresses instead of forcing them to wear the same thing. When bridesmaids have to wear the same dress style, it can suffocate their individuality and cramp their personal style. This freedom ultimately gave Stephanie's bridal party more comfort and confidence as the day and night unfolded. The color scheme of their dresses had an ombre effect, which added visual interest to their group photos.

The festivities continued, and the clock approached midnight. Stephanie and Chris rang in the new year as the newly wedded Mr. and Mrs. Lyon. A wonderfully joyous time was had by all, including me. I am so happy for this fun-loving couple and grateful I got to photograph another spectacular Montana wedding! If you are looking for a wedding photographer to capture your special day, click the button below to get in touch. I travel throughout Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest.

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