Our wedding vision was rooted in simplicity, timelessness, and the stunning natural beauty of Montana.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Remy is an engineer from New York, and Brooke is a marketing associate from North Carolina, both with roots in smaller mountain towns and now living out west. We’re homebodies at heart, savoring quiet moments together, but the mountains always call us to explore. Snowboarding is our winter ritual, and Montana has become our sanctuary, offering the perfect backdrop for our weekend adventures. During the warmer months, we attempt to improve our green thumb through backyard gardening. Whether we’re hosting friends, planning our next trip, or simply enjoying the stillness of home, we’re most at peace when we’re together.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
We met in February of 2018 in Denver through a mutual friend who invited us to a group dinner. From the moment we first introduced ourselves the connection was palpable—our eyes kept meeting across the table all night, as if we were the only two people in the room. There was an instant spark, one that neither of us had felt before. It wasn’t just attraction; it was that unshakable feeling that we had found something—and someone—truly special. It’s rare to meet someone who feels like home from the very first conversation, but that’s exactly what we found in each other.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
See above; it was always been there since the start 🙂
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding.
Our wedding vision was rooted in simplicity, timelessness, and the stunning natural beauty of Montana. With a colour palette of sage green and dusty blue, we complemented the breathtaking mountain peaks that served as the backdrop for our ceremony and the focal point of our wedding weekend.
Our venue was a dream come true—not only for its dramatic scenery but also for its intimate, all-encompassing setting. Everything was onsite and within walking distance, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere for our 50 closest friends and family members. We wanted every detail to enhance the natural beauty around us without overshadowing it. Soft greenery, delicate blooms, and thoughtfully curated decor brought our vision to life. From the ceremony to the reception, every moment felt connected to the place we loved so much.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you?
We were incredibly fortunate with the natural beauty of our venue—Emigrant Peak served as the breathtaking backdrop for our ceremony and truly stole the show. To complement the scenery, we kept our styling simple and elegant, opting for a wooden arch adorned with large floral arrangements on either side. This framing added just the right touch of softness and charm without detracting from the dramatic mountain view.
One of the most magical moments of the day came during golden hour when we snuck away to the ceremony field for sunset photos. The light was absolutely stunning, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape—and to our surprise, a deer appeared in the background, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the moment.
For couples planning their big day, we can’t recommend enough taking a few moments to step away from the reception to capture photos in that dreamy, golden-hour lighting. It was one of the most special and serene moments of our entire wedding day.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
One of my favourite parts of the planning process was selecting the tiny details, like designing the match boxes as favours and working with the baker to add edible pearl details to our cake. Wedding planning often brings its fair share of family and friend dynamics, which can be challenging to navigate. My advice is to strike a balance between practising the “Let Them Theory” (check out Mel Robbins’ podcast episode on this—it’s a game-changer!) and standing firm on what matters most to you. I initially worried about being perceived as a Bridezilla, but I realized it’s all about give and take. For example, I was happy to give leeway when it came to what people wore, allowing them to feel comfortable and confident. However, I put my foot down when it came to inviting guests we didn’t know, as maintaining an intimate wedding atmosphere was incredibly important to us.
Finding this balance made the process much smoother, allowing us to stay true to our vision while letting go of unnecessary stress. At the end of the day, it’s your wedding, and it’s okay to prioritise what feels right for you.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?
My wedding dress was the first one I tried on. I fell in love with the cowl back detail – the perfect balance between sexy and sophisticated. To add more detail and interest to the satin dress, I accessorized it with pearl gloves that truly made the old Hollywood look come together. Remy wore a dark green suit that not only added a personal twist to the classic wedding style but also brought out the color of his eyes. My heart!
What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on?
Photography! Macy’s natural, earthy style provides the moody and ethereal feeling that I knew would make me proud to look back on our photos for decades to come. Also, the venue was important to have everyone in one place, and all our closest friends stayed in ranch houses. We wanted it to be a weekend where people ran into each other at breakfast and you could sit on the porch by a fire with your dear friends and meet some new faces.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
One unexpected guest certainly made an impression on our wedding day—a bat flew into the reception room! It quickly became a source of entertainment for everyone on the dance floor as it circled around, adding an unplanned touch of excitement to the evening. Thankfully, my aunt came to the rescue and guided the little intruder safely outside. What could have been a moment of panic turned into a lighthearted memory that had everyone laughing. I found it funny even at the moment, and I’ll do it. It felt almost symbolic, as though someone who couldn’t physically be there decided to make a surprise appearance.
BRIDE Brooke Palay, @brookepalay GROOM Remy Stern, @_remystern LOCATION Sage Lodge, @sagelodge PHOTOGRAPHER Macy Spencer Photography, @macyspencerphotography STYLIST Emily Young Artistry, @snatchedbyemily PLANNER Emily Summers, @emilysummerstudios FLORIST Rooted in Montana, @rooted.in.mt CELEBRANT Friend of the Groom ENTERTAINMENT Lost Canyons Band, @lost_canyons CATERING Sage Lodge, @sagelodge CAKE Cakes by Laura Newhouse, @cakesbylauranewhouse STATIONERY Menu and Name Cards – AnnoushkaPaperieShop, @annoushka.paperie SIGNAGE The Signage Studio Co, @thesignagestudioco ENGAGEMENT RING & BRIDE’S RING Brilliant Earth, @brilliantearth GROOM’S RING Miller’s Jewelry Bozeman, @montanayogos GROOM’S SHOE Loeffler Randall, @loefflerrandall GROOM’S FRAGRANCE The One – Dolce & Gabbana, @dolcegabbana BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE Blue – Ralph Lauren, @ralphlaurenfragrances GIFT REGISTRY Zola, @zola