A Winter Wonderland Wedding in Whitefish

What could be more magical than a wedding? A winter wonderland wedding! Imagine a glowing bride in a white gown against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains. Her cheeks are flushed with joy and her bouquet is soft and romantic. Picture the happy couple tying the knot in front of natural pine trees and fairy lights overhead. Feel the warmth from the stone fireplace as the newlyweds enjoy hot chocolate and s’mores with their loved ones.

If you’re getting all the cozy feelings right now, a winter wonderland wedding might be right for you! It certainly was for Kennedy and Tanner, who exchanged vows on the first weekend of the new year at Star Meadows Ranch. It had everything you could ask for from a winter wonderland wedding, from a light blue and grey color palette to faux fur shawls for the ladies.

You’re going to want to grab a coffee or hot chocolate while you read this one! All the cozy feels are guaranteed.

Planning a Winter Wonderland Wedding:

Kennedy and Tanner’s winter wonderland wedding story starts during the height of the pandemic. Planning a wedding in general is tough enough, let alone during a global shutdown! Like many couples, plans were re-evaluated and re-worked. Stress made the planning process way less fun that it’s supposed to be. But that’s why we’re here!

We were with Kennedy and Tanner every step of the way, helping them make decisions, advising them, and cheering them on. This sweet couple ultimately settled on having a winter wonderland wedding with a sky blue and grey color palette.

These colors fit the elegance and overall theme that Kennedy especially was hoping for. Plus, to help them finalize their color scheme, we showed them color samples and many examples of how these colors would go together. We know that it can be tough to visualize a color palette and how it’ll actually come together at the wedding. Thus, we’re here to help put together a color scheme, pull examples to help you fall in love with the colors and design, and tweak as necessary.

After we established the winter wonderland wedding theme and colors, the rest naturally came together! We decided to have the wedding at Star Meadows Ranch in Whitefish, Montana because of the cozy and rustic vibe it exudes. The property is filled with pine trees and Montana’s mountains in the distance. It even has a giant stone fireplace, perfect for a winter wonderland wedding!

Winter Wonderland Wedding Ceremony Décor:

Then, it was time to plan the décor! The ranch’s pavilion features wooden walls and ceiling with windows providing ample natural light on three walls. Against the fourth wall is the venue’s signature stone fireplace that honestly is beautiful enough to be a ceremony backdrop! Kennedy and Tanner though wanted the gorgeous windows to be their backdrop and we added a line of pine trees to really tie in the winter wonderland wedding theme.

We also set two wine barrels to flank the altar. On one barrel, we placed their wine box unity ceremony items. On the other, we set their unity cross braid. We set two more wine barrels at the top of the aisle. We set a floral arrangement and candle on top of each one. Then, we lined the aisle with fluffy green garlands, faux snow, and hurricane candles in varying heights.

Last but not least, we draped the ceiling with ethereal white fabric and twinkle lights. With the view of the snowy landscape outside and the warmth emanating from the fireplace, this ceremony site was the absolute coziest!

Winter Wonderland Wedding Reception Décor:

For Kennedy and Tanner’s winter wonderland wedding reception, we planned to utilize the same pavilion as the ceremony. Alongside the vendor team, we would flip the space while the guests were at cocktail hour. We planned to set a combination of round and rectangle tables. We would dress the tables in white lamour linens and light blue lamour napkins tied in a knot.

There would be silver chargers at each place setting and lush pine garlands with glowing candles as centerpieces. We would repurpose the candles from the ceremony to the reception, not just on the tables, but all around the room. This would give the reception space the same cozy and warm feel as the ceremony.

Kennedy and Tanner’s wedding cake would be a two-tier strawberry champagne cake with a solid white exterior. We would add white roses with deep emerald greenery to it and set it atop a white cake stand. A bounty of mini desserts would surround the cake for everyone to munch on and enjoy. We ordered mini pumpkin and pecan pies, mini fruit tarts, and many other yummy goodies.

What would a winter wonderland wedding be without hot chocolate & s’mores? We would set up a hot chocolate and s’mores station at the reception not only to give guests another sweet treat, but to also further contribute to the cozy atmosphere of the wedding.

Kennedy & Tanner’s Big Day:

On the morning of Kennedy and Tanner’s winter wonderland wedding, our team arrived to Star Meadows Ranch for setup. We liaised with all the vendors, managed setup, and set out all the couple’s personal décor items.

It was magical to see our winter wonderland wedding vision come to life! And when that fireplace blazed with a roaring fire, we knew the entire day was going to be just perfect!

Then, it was time for Kennedy and Tanner to get married! We lined up the bridesmaids in their stunning sky blue gowns and faux fur shawls, and the groomsmen in their dark grey suits. Not to mention the cutest ring bearer in his suspenders and bow tie, and the most precious flower girl in her fluffy white tutu!

Tanner himself rocked a navy blue suit with a light blue bow tie and classic white boutonniere. But when Kennedy glided down the aisle in her long-sleeved, white wedding gown with satin bodice and tulle skirt, all eyes were on her! Her veil trailed behind her all the way down to the floor and her bridal bouquet featured white roses, eucalyptus, soft greenery, and pinecones.

When Tanner saw his bride for the first time walking down the aisle towards him, a huge smile stretched across his face. He even teared up a little! After the wedding, the newlyweds would tell us that this was both of their favorite moments of the entire day!

During the ceremony, they performed both their wine box unity ceremony and unity cross braid ceremony. This meant that they sealed a wine bottle inside a wooden box to be opened at a later significant date, like a special anniversary. They then braided three strands of a rope together in the shape of a cross. This signifies their marriage being bonded by their faith.

Then, Kennedy and Tanner were married!

A Cozy Night to Remember:

While the guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers in the ranch’s Wolves Den Game Room & Patio Tent, we flipped the ceremony space to transform it into the winter wonderland wedding reception space. The pine trees that served as the ceremony backdrop would become the backdrop to the head table. We reset the candles that lined the aisle to be on all the guest tables and scattered any remaining around the room. We brought in all the tables and reset the Chiavari chairs around each one.

When everything was just right, we brought the newlyweds into the pavilion to show them the reception space before everyone else. We loved seeing their radiant smiles, as they laid eyes on their winter wonderland wedding reception for the first time!

Then, we bustled Kennedy’s dress and got everyone ready for reception introductions. When Kennedy and Tanner were introduced, they raised their arms above their heads and just looked like the happiest two people on Earth. We were happy seeing them so happy!

They then went into their first dance to the tune of “Cross My Heart” by George Strait. They wrapped one another in their arms and danced in front of the roaring fireplace. Not a bad place to be!

Following a welcome speech by Kennedy’s dad and toasts from the wedding party, everyone sat down to enjoy dinner together.

Going Out with a Bang:

Once everyone’s stomachs were full, we invited them outside to the meadow overlook for a surprise. To celebrate Kennedy and Tanner’s new marriage, fireworks sparkled and crackled in the sky, giving guests an awe-inspiring nighttime show! The night sky completely lit up with orange, pink, blue, and green fireworks. It couldn’t get any better with Kennedy wrapped in her white faux fur shawl and her husband’s arm draped around her, watching the fireworks together!

When the show came to an end, everyone went back inside to warm up and dance the night away! Kennedy and Tanner cut their cake, danced with their parents, and then opened up the dance floor to all their guests. To liven up the party even more, Kennedy threw the bouquet and Tanner threw the garter, which always makes for a good chuckle!

The rest of the night was marked by late night munchies, photobooth snaps, and so much dancing! It was clear that everyone more than enjoyed themselves!

To finish out the night, we lined everyone up outside with sparklers for the newlyweds’ grand exit. Kennedy and Tanner walked through the line of their loved ones, their feet crunching in the snow. It was the perfect way to end their winter wonderland wedding day!

Final Word from Katie:

Congrats Kennedy and Tanner on a gorgeous winter wonderland wedding! You were a joy and honor to work with. I’ll never forget the happiness on your faces on your wedding day and I hope that stays with you in all the years to come. Cheers!

-Katie

Vendor Team:

Planner: Big Day Celebrations

Venue: Star Meadows Ranch

Photographer: Haley J Photography

Musicians: The Receptionists

DJ & Photo Booth: RMF Entertainment

Florist: Conrad Floral

Baker: Montana Wildflour

Hair & Makeup: Soucie Soucie Salon

Rentals: The Party Store

Vintage Rentals: With Love Vintage Rentals

Transportation: Harlows Bus Services

Caterer: Oso Catering

Wedding Gown: White Lace Bridal Boutique

Bridesmaid Dresses/Suit Rentals: J Scott Couture

Invitations: Minted

Linen: BBJ Linen

Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Piggyback BBQ & Catering

Brunch Caterer: Swift Creek Cafe

Let’s Plan Your Winter Wonderland Wedding!

Big Day Celebrations offers full-service wedding planning, coordination & design services, and micro-wedding packages, so no matter how you envision your wedding, we will make it happen and have a whole lot of fun along the way!

Ready to get started? Drop me a note below and let’s do this!