In the News: Article on a Montana wedding venue.

Alternative online newspaper The Bozeman Magpie and local favorite  Katie Lineberger Thomas introduces those that are not yet in-the-know to a pristine and delightful wedding and event venue.  Any guesses as to where such a treasure might be?  ;)

The article is brought to life by the beautiful images taken by Lauren Brown Photography who shoots at The Woodlands at every opportunity we can have her!  She always brings  warmth with her fresh perspective as she captures the beauty and personality of each event.

Now that you know the talent lowdown, take a peak at what other people are saying about The Woodlands. 

Rustic Elegance at The Woodlands 

by Katie Lineberger Thomas

New Beginings

I have been terrifically absent in my blogging communications so I am peaking in to say hello to those who find themselves cruzin' The Woodlands page.  We are in fact. . .still here and lovin' life as much as always!

New Beginnings seem to be everywhere and just as our brides are starting out on their wedding journey, which inevitably leads to that even more important marriage journey, fresh starts are happening here too.

We enjoyed the off season break by powering through the final stages of building our home and then did the 'dreaded move' which has been followed by the much anticipated 'settle in'.  Ah, it is truly and indescribably good to be home!  My sweet husband started work on our home 5 years ago (yes, five. . .you read that right!) by moving mountains and felling trees.  What a man! Then we practiced our zen like patience while the trees harvested from this very property dried and then he milled, and milled and milled the logs for all the siding, flooring, beams and more.  Now you are getting a picture of how 5 years can pass by!  We always paused during wedding season to give our full focus an attention to our amazing clients, so with starts and stops, lots of planning, a million and a half decisions and with love in our hearts, our home came to fruition.

It's not unlike planning a wedding!  So many choices and considerations and factors and costs and weighing of what is important and what is unnecessary.  Then balance two people's opinions and educate yourself about things you have never thought of before, put your time management skills to the test and eventually it all adds up to one really big, wonderful event creation that speaks of two people, their lives, their histories, their future and their people.  The accumulation of which is what living life is really all about!

So wherever you are at in your journey, we know, we understand and we have been there (in several different ways!)  We hope to help you with your process of creation.  Whether it's through our suggested floor plans, assistance with linens, finishing touches or services that help you live in the moments of your day instead of working your way through it, we have your back!

So the wonder of all the new beginnings in 2011 settles in.  Wedding season and fresh starts for sweet couples are happening every week around here.  Planning is in full swing for 2012 clients with some dates still available for those just starting out and we even have one more big new beginning to share with you! 

Just in time for our coming off season, we will have a new little life {translation: a precious baby. . .girl!}that will be joining our family here!  So if you see me and I look bigger than last time we met. . .don't worry yourself with questions on whether I have just discovered chocolate for breakfast, I am indeed pregnant.  ;)  All this wonderfulness in one place is enough to give me a huge burst of joy and energy.   I hope to share that with you!

After. . .Ever After

Our 7th Annual Bridal Event, Ever After had a great turn out even though the weather wasn't very inviting. Brides, grooms and other attendees all enjoyed themselves immensely. One couple raved about how much they got accomplished in one setting.  Even better, a groom said "This wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be.  It was really pretty cool" ;)

After playing with colors, fabrics and textures in the planning stages, we opted for a rich eggplant, a smoky violet and accents of pewter and deep mossy green.  It was a rich warm feel to come into after braving that chilly day.  I would like to thank each of our colossally cool vendors for their energy and enthusiasm.  Let me take a moment to introduce you to them in case you didn't get the joy of meeting them in person.  Each vendor's mention will take you to their website so you can check them out.


The Zebra Cocktail Lounge offered great expertise on one of the most important parts of any great event, {The Bar}!  And they offered some wonderful selections of delightful yet affordable wine and champagne tastings to help keep your large group happy and your pocket book not hurting.  They even featured a purple color coordinated specialty cocktail of Black Cherry Mojitos. 

Custom Dining Experiences  greeted guests with one of my favorite appetizers, Shaved Rare Beef and Red Wine Onions with Maytag Blue Cheese and Cracked Black Pepper. Yum!  Lauren Brown Photography and Larry Stanley Photography showed off their flair for amazing photography and their warmth with each of the clients that they work with.  Both these photographers are now offering weekday discounts to Woodlands clients! 

Larry took one brave and beautiful model, Charity, outside to play in the deep snow (in heels, no less) and captured these photos.  The hot little red number and the necklace is by the lovey After 5 and Weddings, who always wows people with the stunning gowns they bring each year.  The make up and bracelet was by the charming ladies at Indulgence, who always specialize in bringing out each woman's natural beauty and glow. 

Red dress & Necklace by After 5 and Weddings

Tess, from Happily Ever After gave brides a big sigh of relief when they realized how much easier she makes the ceremony process.  She officiates, leads rehearsals and has wonderful tools to help you put together a ceremony that fits you without re-inventing the wheel.  Leslie from Leslie Lukas Wedding & Events displayed floral options from wholesale flowers for the DIY'er to full floral displays and was chatting with brides about her coordination and planning options.  More to come on her DIY floral arranging classes coming this spring! Brides options are extensive with this warm and creative lady as your talented resource.

Leslie Lukas, floral designer extraordinaire

Boy was Elle's Belles a hit.  How can you not get excited about all the delectable samples? Elle brought the ever popular cupcakes, showcased her full wedding cakes and of course her famous cookies make the best favors!

Suelto Boutique turned up the heat with their sexy lingerie options.  Perfect for a fun boudoir shoot or well, just any time you want to feel fabulous!  Pop into her store to check out the red lacy set of lovelies I couldn't stop ogling and they will start you a wish list. 

Venus Catering offers down to earth, delicious and wonderful options for catering, from rehearsal to wedding receptions alike.  Joe Trudgeon was booking DJ gigs right and left, so I know we will see a lot of him as always and if you don't have a DJ, talk to him.  Kene with Eye in The Sky Photography introduced people to his fresh perspective and style as well as featuring his associate photographer, Tori, for those who are looking to trim the budget a bit without sacrificing quality.  Country Flower showed off their beautiful floral options and had some sample bouquets for the models.  Alara had everyone realizing it was high time to explore jewelry that is fresh, unique, classic and as cool as you are.  They can custom design rings or help you find an attendant gift everyone would love.  One of our brides is working with them to design an arm band to wear on her wedding day.  Love it!

Montana Party Rentals made everything look beautiful as always and this year they introduced their new rental concept, Vintage Rentals, which I have been waiting for someone to do for the longest time. Hurray!  Now you can bring a truely unique element into your event. 

Vintage Rentals by Montana Party Rentals

Priscilla at Ro Sham Bo brought in all her amazing textures and prints for albums, invitations and so much more.  Our local kitchen store, Baker Street gave people a wonderful and personal source for wedding registry.  I hope you get a chance to deck out your kitchen with some of their 'must haves' {I couldn't live without my Microplane grater and my garlic peeler}.

So there you have it.  The longest blog post ever.  Yet what better way to introduce you to the resources you are looking for, to help make your day flow smoothly.  To each bride, attendee, vendor and friend that came by, a warm thank you for your smile last Sunday. We appreciate each individual's contribution and presence. It helps bring meaning to what we do.