Missoula, MT • September 5th, 2021
There’s something about a backyard wedding that simply speaks to us. The uncomplicated nature of these intimate ceremonies truly allows the connection between two lovers to be fully showcased and empowers the couple’s friends, family, and loved ones to celebrate the newlywed’s one-of-a-kind bond authentically. We are absolutely honored to share Casey and Brielle’s idyllic backyard wedding in Missoula, Montana!
Captured by Cheers MT vendor, Jenna Ballard Photography, Casey and Brielle’s big day truly seems as if it were straight out of a fairytale. Based in Missoula, Montana, Jenna takes pride in helping clients feel confident and natural in front of the camera while delivering bright, colorful, and joyful images to tell their stories! With a passion for capturing authentic moments, Jenna is able to ensure that her couples will be able to relive their wedding day for a lifetime.
Their Love Story Begins
Casey and Brielle first met while both working at the YMCA. Casey had been working as the youth sports coordinator at the time, while Brielle had just started working part-time at the front desk, specifically on the weekends. While it was not typical for Casey to be at the YMCA on the weekends, he did occasionally spend Saturdays coordinating the youth basketball games. One weekend, Brielle was at the front desk by herself and was surprised when Casey introduced himself. While it seemed casual at the time, Brielle now knows just how significant it is that he initiated the conversation. Ever since that day, Casey and Brielle have been best friends!
The Proposal
One weekend, Casey and Brielle decided to take an adventure to Newport on the Oregon coast. Casey had planned the entire weekend, and the couple’s first destination was the Yaquina Head Lighthouse! First built in 1778, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, formerly known as the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse, is the tallest tower on the Oregon Coast, standing at 93 ft tall!
While exploring this one-of-a-kind landmark, Casey suggested that he and Brielle stop at a lookout to watch for whales. Being from landlocked Montana, Brielle, not knowing if spotting a whale from shore was a possibility, contently stared out to sea. When she turned around to say something to Casey, she found him on one knee with a stunning ring in a velvet pink box in hand.
The Bride
Brielle, dressed in a stunning gown from Blue Sky Bridal in Portland, OR, absolutely wowed her hubby and all of her guests on her wedding day. Styled by Cori from Burton’s Salon, Brielle showed off a beautiful braided updo, perfectly accenting her unique and free-spirited vibe!
The Groom
There is no denying that for his wedding, Casey dressed to the nines. Wearing a classy tux from Men’s Wearhouse, he sure looked dapper on his big day!
The Wedding Day
The Bridal Party
When it comes to celebrating the love between two individuals, it is so reassuring to be surrounded by those that you know, love, and trust. Luckily, Casey and Brielle each have a strong support system, all of which were present to help the newlyweds ring in their marriage!
We are particularly enamored with the bridesmaid’s beautiful satin dresses, in the most beautiful terra cotta color. Did we mention that they all had matching loungewear to get ready in? So cute!
The Details
From Brielle’s stunning salt and pepper diamond engagement ring designed by Aurora Jewelry to the beautifully simplistic florals that perfectly accented their big day, the details of this wedding were truly distinct!
The Sentimental First Look
There is nothing that makes us quite as emotional as a first look. The very moment that Casey saw his bride for the first time on their wedding day, is truly a memory that we guarantee they will never forget. As he turned around, a smile lept on his face, and he couldn’t help but spin her around. So sweet!
The Ceremony
There is something about a backyard wedding that is so wonderful. From the laid-back nature of these events to the ease of planning, and even the creativity that they offer in terms of design, Backyard Weddings are truly unique! Casey and Brielle’s wedding ceremony was hosted in the backyard of the home where Brielle grew up.
Based in Missoula, MT, Casey and Brielle had the most wonderful backyard wedding ceremony under Montana’s big sky. Often referred to as the “hub of five valleys”, due to the city being at the convergence of five mountain ranges, we truly believe this Missoula is such a beautiful location for anyone big day. Aside from the stunning landscapes surrounding this town, Missoula is known for its culture. From its diverse mix of college students to hippies, sports fans, and retirees, Missoula is such a wonderful place to call home!
In addition to being hosted in her childhood home, Brielle’s father officiated the wedding. We can’t even begin to explain how emotional it must’ve been for him as he officially announced his beloved daughter and new son-in-law as married for the very first time!
The Reception
To follow the ceremony, Casey and Brielle hosted a wonderful reception surrounded by their friends, family, and loved ones. While the entirety of the reception was filled with laughs, and tears (the happy kind, of course), the bridesmaid and groomsmen’s speeches were especially sentimental. Brielle’s siblings gushed about how she’s only cried a total of two times in her life. Once when she was born, and then again on her wedding day! Casey’s brother also gave an emotional speech about how when Brielle had been accepted into dental school, Casey told his brother that he has to follow her because there is no way he could let her slip away!
Vendors:
- Photography: Jenna Ballard Photography, Cheers MT Vendor
- Hair: Cori at Burton’s Salon
- Gown: Blue Sky Bridal, Portland OR
- Tux: Men’s Warehouse
- Rings: Aurora Jewelers
- Catering: Notorious P.I.G.
- Dessert: Mary’s Mountain Cookies
- DJ: Kadin at RMF Entertainment