String Quartet, Champagne Toasts, and a Riverside Montana Wedding

Alyssa (she/her) and RaeLynn (she/her) celebrated their wedding at Gallatin River Hideaway in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by family, friends, and a strong sense of support. From their first look on the bridge to vows officiated by a close friend, the day was filled with intentional details that reflected who they are. With queer-affirming vendors, heartfelt nods to family, and a celebration that carried late into the night, their wedding was both deeply personal and inclusive.

How did your love story begin?

We met for our first date at a dog park, each bringing our own pups. What started casually quickly grew into spending more and more time together. A few months in, Alyssa got sick and told RaeLynn to stay away, but RaeLynn showed up with care packages and helped walk Alyssa’s dog. Not long after, we officially started dating and have been inseparable ever since. We’re best friends and the love of each other’s lives.

What was the planning process like?

We kept a budget and to-do list through a wedding website. RaeLynn handled much of the research and vendor communication, but every decision was made together.

How did you choose your vendors?

It was important to work with true allies who celebrated two women getting married. We started with Gallatin River Hideaway, whose inclusive language and welcoming property manager won us over. From there we booked our photographer, Lo Hunter, who also connected us with queer-friendly vendors. Next came Big Sky Strings, then Gather 406, who handled catering, bartending, coordination, and cake, before moving on to the rest.

What inspired your wedding vibe?

We both took a wedding style vision test at the start of planning, which helped us create a vision board. Since our styles aligned so closely, we ended up with almost the exact same results, making this part of planning the easiest.

How did you approach your ceremony?

We wanted it to be brief and intentional. One of our best friends officiated, and we each wrote our own vows. They were perfect for us.

Walk us through your wedding day.

The venue was stunning, with a river running through it and cabins where we stayed and got ready. We shared our first look on the bridge, seeing each other’s dresses for the first time. Alyssa’s dad and RaeLynn’s mom each walked us down the aisle for a short and sweet ceremony with our vows.

Cocktail hour featured Big Sky Strings, hors d’oeuvres, and bar service. We toasted with the champagne we drank the night we got engaged, with a bottle placed at each table. Speeches came from close friends and our parents, followed by first dances with RaeLynn’s mom, Alyssa’s mom, Alyssa’s dads, and then with each other. The night ended with dancing, drinks, and celebration with music from Above and Beyond.

What were your favorite moments from the day?

The entire day felt perfect and true to what we wanted. Our first look was especially fun, since our dresses were similar yet different and a complete surprise. Our vows reflected us and our relationship, and RaeLynn’s grandma and Alyssa’s grandpa signing the marriage certificate was deeply meaningful. The quartet, which RaeLynn had hoped for, was incredible. The reception was lively, memorable, and made even more special by being surrounded by friends and family.

Did any vendors go above and beyond?

Lo Hunter, our photographer, supported us even before the wedding by connecting us with queer-friendly vendors. On the day, she made us feel comfortable and captured everything perfectly. Paige from Gather 406 managed all the logistics, setup, and takedown, along with catering duties. Our guests even said it was the best food they’d ever had at a wedding.

Did you include any family or cultural traditions?

We chose to have a secular wedding. Alyssa’s mom added a piece of her own wedding dress to Alyssa’s bouquet, and we honored loved ones we had lost with memorial chairs and signs.

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Photography by Lo Hunter

Caterer Gather 406
Ceremony Venue Gallatin River Hideaway
DJ Above and Beyond
Dress Boutique Fantasy Bridal
Engagement Rings Shane Co.
Hair & Makeup Tanya Crocker
Live Music Big Sky Strings
Signage Love, Jess