THE ELEMENT WEDDING VENUE IN BOZEMAN MONTANA| ALEXIS & MAXWELL

Both Alexis and Max are originally Portland natives, so the right venue was a must for these two. They felt their special day needed to include a beautiful blend of an urban and mountain Montana aesthetic. Their wedding planner, Katalin Green, was able to think outside of the box and led them to the heart of downtown Bozeman, Montana to the Element Hotel by Westin. She was able to make the Element the perfect venue for these two by adding more color to the already mountain-themed outdoor courtyard. Its neutral and linear vibe was brought to life with the most vibrant, circular arch, which only accentuated how wonderful the couple looked together on their wedding day.

The Element provided the shelter for all the craziness that started the day as Alexis and her bridesmaids got ready for the wedding. What was intended to be a casual preparation for the ceremony, perhaps all the bridesmaids in their robes with a glass of champagne each, suddenly turned into the pillow fight to end all pillow fights. It started as a pillow with a newly discovered small tear, and that small tear “accidentally” developed into a larger tear, and then without any warning sign, the tear turned into a lot of fun. Before anyone knew what happened there was a cloud of pillow feathers in the air and covering everything in sight. Needless to say, the hotel staff was generously tipped and the hair and makeup team cursed my name. However, it was all worth it. The bridesmaids and Alexis were captured just how they are in life; causing uncontrollable laughter and carrying a contagious smile.

The messiness continued from getting ready to the first look. Everyone has their superstitious beliefs on what’s a good omen for a lasting wedding. Well, Alexis and Max are bound for some long term happiness. After spending all those hours Alexis had to make herself the most gorgeous she could, a bird decided he didn’t want to respect her work, and let down a bomb right in her hair. A bird pooping on anyone is suppose to be good luck, so if it’s on a wedding day, I believe things are going to turn out just fine. After we cleaned out the mess, we continued to capture the urban Montana look in couple’s portraits. Max’s old chevy truck was with the couple when they started dating 7 years ago, so of course it made the cut. After the ceremony, guests walked from the Element hotel to the reception location at a restaurant called Jam on Main Street. This allowed guests the opportunity to dance inside and out and ended the wonderful celebration of Max and Alexis’ wedding.

Luckily, Alexis has some advice to future brides. Her wisdom is: 1) Stay true to yourself. Many people will have many different opinions but at the end of the day, it is your day; 2) it’s all the small things that make it special and unique to your day, so take the time to focus on the little things that you will remember now and forever; 3) it is ok stray off theme. Take time to brainstorm and collect ideas; and finally, 4) A wedding planner will make your life 100% easier. It will give you time to focus on the details in the small things while they take care of the rest and make the day go as smoothly as possible.

Sending the biggest congratulations to these two and wishing you the best for the many years to come! Thank you for the opportunity to shoot such a beautiful day!

Vendor List: Wedding Design + Floral: Katalin Green / Ceremony: The Element, Bozeman / Reception: Jam on Main / DJ: Missy O’Malley / Photo Booth: Montana Photo Lounge / Dress: Hayley Paige from Poppy Bride / Groom’s suspenders: Blacksheep Custom Leather / Rentals: Montana Party Rentals / Hair & Makeup: Saara @Capelli’s

Bride and bridesmaids having a pillow fight while getting ready for a wedding in Bozeman, Montana/
Couples pictures of a bride and groom in Bozeman, Montana at their wedding.
Wedding ceremony decorations in Bozeman, Montana.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle before their wedding in Bozeman, Montana.
Wedding ceremony in Bozeman, Montana.
The first kiss of a bride and groom in Bozeman, Montana during their wedding.
Bride and groom exiting the wedding ceremony in Bozeman, Montana.
Groomsmen all together after the wedding ceremony in Bozeman, Montana.
Wedding cake being cut by bride and groom during their wedding ceremony.
Groom portrait picture during his wedding in Bozeman, Montana.
Bride displaying her wedding bouquet in Bozeman, Montana.
Bride and groom in an urban Bozeman, Montana location after their wedding.
Bride and groom showing off their Photo Booth pictures during their wedding reception in Bozeman, Montana

If you want to see more of Matt Ehnes’ wedding photos, click here.