Set against the rugged beauty of Montana’s landscapes, Kelsey and Justin’s wedding at PADDLE RIDGE was the perfect expression of their shared love for nature, design, and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Captured exquisitely by NELLI NOEL, their day was heartfelt, personal, and overflowing with intentional detail — from the locally grown florals to the custom t-shirt favors screen-printed by the groom and his brother. Working with EMPRESS EVENTS it was refined rustic elegance at it’s very best. Now I’ll warn you… this post is seriously image heavy as there were simply so many beautiful ones it was impossible to cut them down!
From a Kitchen Meeting to Forever
Kelsey and Justin’s love story began in the most unassuming place — a kitchen. Kelsey had been visiting her best friend, who was dating Justin’s roommate, when he walked in from work one Friday evening. The two hit it off almost instantly during a group night out, and though Kelsey lived several hours away, Justin didn’t hesitate to ask her on a date. Long-distance love blossomed, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I took my time, enjoyed coffee and mimosas and had so much fun with my girls. I felt so calm and present.
A Proposal with a Sentimental Twist
When Justin proposed, he recreated their very first trip as a couple to Dillon Beach, outside Bodega Bay. After spending the day retracing their steps (and visiting three beaches along the way!), he brought Kelsey back to the secluded spot they had once discovered together. There, alone with the sun and sea, he asked her to be his wife. “I was shaking and so happy I blacked out,” Kelsey shared — a perfect mix of nerves and joy.
The Stationery: A Designer’s Dream
As a graphic designer, KELSEY always knew she would create her own wedding stationery. Inspired by a romantic typeface she’d come across in her work, she kept the design simple yet impactful, using paper from CARDS & POCKETS to bring the suite to life.
The couple chose to do a first look before the ceremony, not only to ease their nerves but to maximize time with their guests later in the day.
A Peaceful Morning, Montana-Style
Kelsey’s wedding morning was everything she’d dreamed it would be: calm, cozy, and relaxed. Staying at the venue with her bridesmaids, she enjoyed coffee, mimosas, and a slow start as mountain air breezed through the windows. “I felt so calm and present,” she said, thanks in part to her decision to be ready early to avoid the usual wedding day time crunch.
First Look: A Joyful Kickoff
The couple chose to do a first look before the ceremony, not only to ease their nerves but to maximize time with their guests later in the day. Kelsey described the moment as emotional, joyful, and filled with laughter — including her fist-pumping out the window of the shuttle on the way to meet Justin!
She was determined to get married in front of the mountain view, and just as the processional began, the skies cleared, revealing blue above.
Earthy, Organic, and Timeless Style
The day’s aesthetic was a blend of earthy, organic textures with timeless, romantic silhouettes. Kelsey wore a stunning ALENA LEENA gown that matched the landscape with its flow and softness, while her rehearsal dinner dress by ACLER added a modern flair. Guests also enjoyed the touch of western elegance that was woven through the event.
Florals That Celebrated the Land
April of FLATHEAD FARMWORKS was one of the first vendors Kelsey booked. The couple chose to use 100% locally grown blooms and foliage, allowing the florals to reflect the season and Montana’s natural beauty. Each arrangement felt intentional and in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
A Ceremony Framed by Mountains
Just twenty minutes before the ceremony, the skies opened up and poured — but Kelsey stayed calm. She was determined to get married in front of the mountain view, and just as the processional began, the skies cleared, revealing blue above. It made the heartfelt ceremony, complete with emotional vows from Justin, all the more magical.
After the wedding, we headed up to Banff, Canada, and had the most incredible time exploring, hiking, unwinding, and enjoying some of the finest food the country has to offer.
Custom Shirts and Farm-to-Table Flavor
The reception was a blend of personal flair and high-end experiences. Justin and his brother run a screen-printing business, so naturally, they created t-shirts for their grand entrance — a fun, unexpected wedding favor that guests loved. Kelsey and Justin also shared a private dinner before rejoining their guests, a quiet moment that allowed them to savor the evening together.
Their catering team made a lasting impression by sharing thoughtful introductions to each dish, highlighting ingredients and inspiration — a reflection of the care and creativity behind the entire day.
A Honeymoon in the Great North
Following the wedding, the couple honeymooned in Banff, Canada, where they hiked, relaxed, and enjoyed a luxurious spa day and high tea at the iconic Fairmont. It was the perfect post-wedding escape: scenic, rejuvenating, and full of fresh air and unforgettable food.
