Montana Wedding & Event Planner

Leslie Lukas in BRIDES Magazine

If you haven't picked up the February issue of BRIDES magazine....get to a news stand now!!!  As a matter of fact, pick up the February copy before they are gone, then go and get a March!!!  Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events is featured in BOTH!

I am currently featured in the BRIDES BUZZ section of Feb 2010 issue, having turned BRIDES onto www.dafont.com, a wonderful FREE site where you can download tons of fonts to use in your DIY printing projects!  I can't believe I turned them on to something!!! 

So, where did I get the name of the font website in the first place?  I had a wonderful bride last year that had probably uncovered every wedding thing imaginable on this planet, and she was the one that told me about it!  I now use it all of the time....for a great western font, check out "bleeding cowboy"

"Montana wedding planner, Leslie Lukas...."

BRIDES magazine is by far one of the best bridal magazines I have picked up in years!  Cover to cover, it is host to great information that reflects the latest trends in fashion, floral, and has so many great tips and timeless ideas that will get you on the right track as you plan your own wedding.
  I love this magazine because the ideas and suggestions are things that are attainable in the average budget, and if you have some time on your hands leading up to the big day, they always have "realistic" diy projects that you can definitely do yourself!

Montana Save The Dates!!!

It is that time of year where many destination couples are beginning to plan all of the printed items to go with the theme they have chosen for their wedding day.

I wanted to pass along a few DIY tips for you! 

1.  While your save-the-date is an introduction to your wedding, you don't have to match it to all the printed items that you will be doing later.  When you are pressured with deadlines associated with the Save-the-date, you may not have chosen an actual theme yet.  I recommend doing something fun, as featured below, then you can pull the finer details of your color scheme and theme into your actual wedding invitation. 

2.  Favorite DIY printhouse:  Prints Made Easy . com
----there are several print houses out there to choose from, even in your local communities.  Just be sure you ask for samples of finished products so that you know exactly what you will be paying for!  This site has a quick turn around time, lots of templates to choose from, or upload your own files!

PRINTING FOR LESS .com is a HUGE print house and positioned in the quaint montana town of Livingston.   Their minimum quantities are more (minimum of 500 postcards) but is a great company if you are looking to print a large quantity for less.

3.  Favorite DIY font site:  DAFONT.com
I was turned on to this site from a favorite bride of mine from last year, Jill Henkle (now Yacu).  I can't wait to blog her wedding!  During an interview with BRIDES magazine, I turned them onto this website and they just featured it in their "brides buzz" section, on store shelves now!!! 

The following save-the-date was designed by my good friend and designer Erin Leonard of  EEL Designs.
She supplied us with a couple different options for the front and back of a post card style save-the-date, and here is one of my favorites--



The final product turned out a bit different, as the couple wasn't fond of the clouds.  I love the clean look that they chose...

FRONT


BACK



Cassie and Chris are having a fun-filled Country Carnival themed wedding next August, and they know exactly what their color scheme will be.  Here is one version that Cassie designed on her own.  While this was not her final design, she had the finished product printed through a DIY print house. I will be blogging their engagement session soon, so watch for that!



Here is a file that my clients Nick and Kendra found at www.lilywillowpress.com
It is an arts and crafts style pinecone theme that the bride-to-be fell in love with.




I was able to pass this as inspiration to  EEL designs and Erin came up with the following finished product--

I love postcard style save-the-dates as they provide a medium to send information efficiently and cost effectively!  I hope these samples have given you some inspiration!!!!

Happy Designing!


Be sure to call us if you are interested in having us plan or do flowers for your upcoming wedding!  We book up quickly!

Cheers!
LL





 

Favorite Montana Weddings

Cali + Kurt
September, 2009


INGREDIENTS:
Rockin TJ Ranch, Bozeman, Montana
Morgan Lamare, photographer
Leslie Lukas, Flowers
10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof, Band




The following photos demonstrate the importance of hiring a professional photographer.  This wedding, photographed by Morgan Lamare of www.morganroof.net, shows how a professional can capture the true emotions of the day.  This wedding was moving, emotional, and beautiful!  Congratulations Cali and Kurt!!!!







The bridal bouquet was carefully chosen by the bride.  Cali, a wedding photographer herself, has seen numerous weddings and new exactly what she wanted.  The color pallet was a chartreuse green, chocolate brown, white and a splash of robin egg blue.  To keep the bouquets sophisticated and tailored, I used clusters of white calla lilies, white poms, green button poms, snow berries, and chocolate cosmos.  There were small accents of variated pittsiporum and fiddle head fern to finish the look.  I layered the ribbons with a base of chocolate, and crisscrossed thin pieces of robin blue and green.  The result was GORGEOUS!!!



awwww...the special yet comical moments that children bring to a wedding!!!!



The following photos.....I am in love!  



















Thank you Cali and Kurt for trusting me with your flowers!  You both look stunning and happy in love!!!





















Montana Weddings into the New Year!

Photo of me (left) with my assistant Casey Konen (middle) and the fabulous Morgan Lamare (right)

As I reflect back on 2009, it is done so with pride, astonishment, and an overwhelming sense of place.  There are so many things that happened in 2009 that will forever be embedded into my memory bank.  I look forward to 2010 being a year of wonderment, surprise and growth.  I continue to be excited for my clients, friends and family and know only greatness is in store!!!

It has been exactly 100 days since my last post.  Where does the time go?  One resolution for me this year is to keep in contact with all of you!  Our main website is finally complete, www.leslielukas.com, but there are no galleries posted as of yet....these have been owed to all of you for a long time, so hopefully in the next few weeks they will be complete!

If you find yourself here for the first time, looking for a wedding florist or wedding planner, please feel free to follow me on facebook at Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events    I am happy to lend an ear, custom create a bid, and create a stunning wedding for you.

Having been a bride myself, although almost 12 years ago, I always remember pouring over every word in each bridal magazine, every photograph, looking at all the fine details that I could get my hands on to help me plan my own wedding.  There is so much information and inspiration out there, I look forward to putting it all together for you. 

A TIMELINE-going backwards

December- Celebrated the holidays with wonderful friends and family.  Here is a picture of my inspiring, comedian children Henry and Jackie


November-was invited to be a Hatch Advisor among such great names as Cindy Andros, Dan Zadra from Compendium, Crayton, longtime HATCHmentor, and Chris Aronson, FOX Executive
www.hatchfest.org  Such a great organization!!!! 

We also had a beautiful baby shower for my dear friend and photographer Lauren Brown.  This photo of all of us sums up the true friendship we all share.  We are all in the wedding and event industry and have become very close!  Congratulations to Lauren who had baby girl Cecelia in early December.



October-worked on www.hatchfest.org and completed florals for the Bonson + Hollis wedding.  Such an amazing couple!!!
October, 09
The Bronson + Hollis wedding was discovered by Bride Magazine through the wonderful photo submittals of Nashan Photographers.  Overwhelmingly, an editor sought me out for advice for an upcoming issue of Brides Magazine after seeing the lovely florals in the photographs.  They are featuring an article about Mountain West Weddings and wanted to feature my advice.  Having been published many times through various photographers capturing my work in floral and event planning, this is the first time I have actually done an interview as an authority in my field.  It feels wonderful.  Our interview went so well, they are also featuring my advice in the Brides Buzz section of their February 2010 issue.  Should be on shelves soon!

September-Cali + Kurt  Wedding at the Rockin TJ Ranch



www.morganroof.net
August several weddings, but my favorite story by far is that of the weekend of August 15, 2009. Oprah Winfrey's assistant called us to create a birthday bouquet from Oprah to the CEO of Comcast who has a home in our Valley.  Additionally, it snowed on August 15th, and President Obama was at the same hotel as my wedding clients in Big Sky.  Super crazy point in Leslie Lukas Weddings & Event's history! 

Heather + Andy  August wedding among others! 



www.morganroof.net

July  Very busy month of weddings.  Thank you to all my clients who made July a very memorable month!  Here is Kelly + Marcus-I featured their wedding in an earlier post! 




www.laurenbrownphoto.com

June  Kelda + Jason  Simple, rustic, and elegant



May, April, March


Main Street Floral was born in Ennis, MT


Feb and January

Start of a great New Year!!!!   Congratulations to all of the Newly Weds and Newly Engaged Couples!!!!  Cheers!









Bask Celebration!!!

Sean and Lindsay
July 18, 2009
Holy Rosary Catholic Church
Rockin TJ Ranch, Bozeman, Montana

Working with Lindsay and Sean for the last year was a great pleasure!!!  Lindsay chose our full coordination package that allowed us to assist with every aspect of the wedding day along with the rehearsal dinner and a golf tournament!  Thanks to Lauren Brown for the wonderful images...  www.laurenbrownphoto.com  I am blogging a bit out of order...but at least I am blogging!!! 

Lindsay and Sean's wedding was a unique combination of Bask Traditions and Montana atmosphere.  Her wedding band was designed by Sean with the diamonds making a bask symbol.  I love all the details that were pulled into this wedding, from the gown to the bridesmaids dresses, and the fun color combination of orange and purples with slate grey...such a fun, active couple.  And who could forget about Lindsay's son, Payne????  the couple designed a ring just for Payne to make sure that he knew the commitment Lindsay and Sean were making together with him!  The Clumsy Lovers completed the night with amazing singing and performing for a family that LOVES to dance!!!


0001rockintjranch.jpg

0002rockintjranch.jpg

0003rockintjranch.jpg

0004rockintjranch.jpg

0005rockintjranch.jpg

0006rockintjranch.jpg

0007rockintjranch.jpg

0008rockintjranch.jpg

0009rockintjranch.jpg

0010rockintjranch.jpg

0030rockintjranch.jpg

0012rockintjranch.jpg

0013rockintjranch.jpg

0029rockintjranch.jpg

0015rockintjranch.jpg

0016rockintjranch.jpg

0017rockintjranch.jpg

0018rockintjranch.jpg

0019rockintjranch.jpg

0020rockintjranch.jpg

0021rockintjranch.jpg

0022rockintjranch.jpg

0023rockintjranch.jpg

0024rockintjranch.jpg

0025rockintjranch.jpg

0026rockintjranch.jpg

0027rockintjranch.jpg


Ingredients for this perfect day!

Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events-Full coordination and Flowers
Rockin TJ Ranch-Venue
Clumsy Lovers-Band
Elles Belles-Cake and Cupcakes
Gourmet Gas Station-Catering
Lauren Brown Photography-photos

For information regarding any of these vendors-please email leslie@leslielukas.com

Gallatin Gateway Inn. Beautiful Montana Venue

                                                                            Heather & Andy
                                                                                    8.1.09


We've had the pleasure of working with Heather and Andy since last fall, when they enlisted our services for full coordination and flowers for their upcoming wedding. The couple's ceremony was held at the beautiful Big Sky Chapel of Big Sky, MT, followed by a gorgeous reception at the historic Gallatin Gateway Inn near Bozeman.


The bride to be getting ready...


The end result...beautiful.


A touching ceremony...


The way that Andy looks at Heather is breathtaking.


A stunning bride...





 a handsome set of groomsmen...


and a lovely set of ladies...


Beautiful Bouquet! Fresh, highly fragrant white roses and phelonopsis orchids gave this bouquet so much elegance.  We snuck in white iris to save cost and they emulate the look of an orchid when fully open. 



Incredible centerpieces were made from a filler that is always looked over...baby's breath was used en-mass in low moundy centerpieces.  Theywere accented by phelonopsis orchids and ribbons of bear grass.  Simple, elegance in its true form.



Thanks to Morgan Roof for the wonderful images that captured the romantic nature of this event.  www.morganroof.net  More images to come on our website soon! 

WWW.LESLIELUKAS.COM is almost here!  Can't wait to share it with you!

Ingredients for a perfect day!

Leslie Lukas-wedding planning and flowers
Gallatin Gateway Inn- Venue
Cakes From Cabin Ridge-Cake
Montana Party Rentals-Event Rentals
Joe' DJ Service
Flowers-mounds of baby's breath with phelonopsis orchids and bear grass, white iris, greens.
Favors-donation to the local animal shelter
After 5 and Weddings-Wedding Gown, Bridesmaids Dresses, and Tuxedos

ROYS BARN a beautiful Montana Venue

KELLY AND MARCUS
A MONTANA WEDDING
JULY 18, 2009
ROY'S BARN-springhill road
BOZEMAN, MONTANA

I have the pleasure of working in god's country.  The place where Lewis and Clark journeyed west, pioneers homesteaded, people laid claims on the land and resources.  Truly a special gift.

The luckiest part of my job, is the people that I have the privilege of coming in contact with, from the clients to the vendors, and sometimes even the wildlife, it is such a gift that I get to re-live each and every new event!

Thank you to
www.laurenbrownphoto.com for the story-telling through these beautiful images.  Congratulations Kelly and Marcus!!!







I love the next series of photos...and the sign above that was attached with duct tape!!!! 

I adore the detail on the boutonnier that the groom chose to wear.  Fresh lavender, myrtle, and rasperries with a twine accent.  The couple wanted to bring their blend of cultures, love of Montana, and custom touches into the wedding celebration.  They were complimented time and time again on what a lovely, festive day it was!!!



Here are some of my favorite moments...

















































INGREDIENTS:

Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events-- event management, flowers, and design
Montana Party Rentals-- rentals
Lauren Brown-- photography
Bountiful Table-- catering
Elle's Belle's-- dessert
Roys Barn--  venue
10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof-- Band

Please email leslie@leslielukas.com for resource information and more about her work.

Montana Weekday Wedding

Lisa and Mark, Tuesday July 28th, 2009
A Montana wedding in the rain plays out beautifully. Just wait 5 minutes.
Location-Springhill Pavilion
I have been working with Lisa, the bride, since last fall, and finally all the details and planning came together beautifully.
DETAILS:
Linens-cornflower blue linens with champagne sheer embroidered overlays
Flowers-hydrangea, sweet pea, white lavender, light pink stock, fragrant garden roses, fever few, bear grass, specialty spray roses, and the bride's favorite, delphinium
Photography-Doug Loneman-thanks for your many talents Doug...
Guest Book-Priscilla Foster hand-made album www.pricillafoster.com
Cake-Sweet Pea Bakery
Cookies-Elle's Bell's
Catering-Custom Dining Experiences
Rentals-Montana Party Rentals
Transportation-First Student, school buses

Special thanks to Doug Loneman for these very special photos. Visit more of his work at www.lonemanphotography.com and check back for more photos from this lovely wedding! For more information about any of these vendors, please do not hesitate to call or email!

June Wedding in Montana

.Jason and Kelda.
June.20th.2009. Although it was a rainy weekend in the Big Sky area, a beautiful wedding ceremony took place at the Big Sky Chapel on June 20th. Jason and Kelda, a fun-loving couple from Washington, decided on a destination wedding weekend at the beautiful 320 ranch in Big Sky, Montana.

The weekend was packed full with family, friends and activities such as Frisbee golf, a guided tour to Yellowstone National Park , Spa Day with Sage Spa & Salon and the enjoyment of the beautiful panoramic view of the Gallatin Mountain Range in and around the Big Sky area. The couple met at Montana Tech in Butte, Montana "The Richest Hill on Earth." Sharing a love for Montana, and having a substantial amount of relatives in Montana and the surrounding Dakota's made Big Sky a very fitting place for the lively couple to tie the knot. The day of the wedding was overcast with a light drizzle of rain, and a beautiful glowing bride in preparation. Despite the weather, the audacious and cool wedding party set the mood for the rest of the day.

The Big Sky Chapel was decorated with organic, highly fragrant wild flower arrangements, meticulously designed with fresh herbs, purple Lisanthus, sweet peas, stock, delphinium and larkspur by the talented designers at Leslie Lukas Weddings and Events. The scenery behind the stained glass window at the chapel made a alluring backdrop set off by candle light. The charming bridal party and an eager groom waited for the stunning bride to make her way down the isle. The modest and composed bride gracefully made her way down the isle in her A-Line Point D’Espirit net with appliquéd Alencon lace gown, accented with a satin sage green sash that balanced her brides maids WTOO Duchess satin, sage green, strapless knee-length dress with khaki wrap ties, and the groomsmen's khaki suits and sage green ties. The ceremony was short and intimate, with subtle smiles throughout from the eager bride and groom. " I now pronounce you man and wife", couldn't come soon enough for this antsy couple. A sweet kiss and everyone filed out of the church and back to the 320 ranch for the fun and festivities of the evening. The newlyweds left in style in a antique car donated by a friend.

When walking in to the 320 Ranch's reception hall, the full bar is located conveniently to your left, full of all the entities you would ever need, and a very animated staff. Twenty plus round tables were set with eight place settings each. Tables were set with floor length tables clothes, sage green table runners, elegant place settings, organic wild flowers, ample amount of candle light and a special gift of homemade raspberry jam provided by the brides family. The fireplace and mantle were adorned with lush, thick piles of loose wildflowers, the grooms homemade wood boxes, a variety of candle light and rustic lanterns. An impressive menu was provided by the 320's very own restaurant, and the amiable wedding cake was beautifully crafted by Rebecca Nicklin of Cakes from Cabin Ridge. A grooms cake decked out with a cake topper of a man in a kilt sporting the couples college logo "Go Diggers!" was also provided by Cakes from Cabin Ridge. The couple was thinking ahead when they decided to designate a small area of the reception hall for the kids, equipt with buckets full of fun for the youngins. Sage green sashes were hung from the enormous wood banisters in the reception hall to bring down the ceiling and make for a closed in, comfy atmosphere. A rustic, Montana look was our over all vision for this wedding, and it was definitely accomplished. Toasts were made on behalf of the bride and groom, and everyone lifted their glasses to the new couple. An impressive slide show of the couple provided by Kelda's bridesmaids and younger sisters was shown, followed by a touching first dance. A dollar dance with the kind hearted couple set the mood for the rest of the evening. The music provided my Joe's DJ had the couple and all their friends and family dancing the night away. Everyone left happy and exhausted. A farewell brunch was held the next morning where the couple opened gifts and thanked everyone for being there for their special day.

Kelda and Jason thank you so much for being such a wonderful couple, and such a joy to work with. We wish you only the best!

Cheers!

Photos provided by www.morganroof.com ....she is fabulous! Thank you Morgan!

Leslie's Flower Shop

   


It is finally time that I unveil my new flower shop adventure
...ok, so this isn't my first rodeo.  After owning a flower shop in Bozeman, then not having a flower shop, to working on flowers for events out of my husband's shop...it was time again to have my OWN space!!!  Thankfully, to all the support of the community and my clients...my wish has come true!!!

The shop has been deemed "A little piece of sunshine in Ennis, Montana".  Seriously, we answer the phone "It's a sunny day at Main Street Floral, how can I help?"  You can instantly hear the smile in the person's voice on the other line.

Beyond my event and wedding planning business, now I am the proud owner of a flourishing little flower shop, where all the floral magic happens for my events.  Since I travel all over Southwest Montana for events, this shop grounds me, and is an incredible home base!!! 

The very talented Morgan Roof, and dear friend, took a little trip to see where all the magic happens!  Thanks, Morgan, for such a fun day, sharing your talent, and having a cold beer with me. 

Here it goes...I am no longer in "blog bankruptcy" as Lauren Brown, another fabulous photographer would put it...by the way, she is currently a blogging machine!!!


INTRODUCTION TO MAIN STREET FLORAL
So, you can come to expect the same masterfully created Floral Designs that used to get cranked out of Floral Gallery of Bozeman, in this little quaint shop in Ennis, MT.  People who miss my shop in Bozeman can still call me for stuff!
This is me, sporting the wonderful hand-made, sometimes re-purposed jewelry, by the one and only Hillary Fetter of Sassafrass.  These creations are made in Bozeman, MT and I carry a beautiful selection at my store.  She also takes special orders and makes hand-crafted, one of a kind pieces for bridal party gifts!  I AM IN LOVE!!!



My little piece of heaven...here it is in all its glory... thanks for putting together this collage, Morgan.   I love this piece, as it showcases the vintage garden feel that is Main Street Floral. 


Front Window...fun to create displays...currently, the Easter Bunny Stops here!  You can find all kinds of wonderful treats, basket stuffers, custom made gift baskets, La Chatelaine Chocolate, Bruttles and more...

  

View from the front counter.



Snap shot of inside my cooler...so many fun textures, colors, and interesting, organic materials!



I love being surrounding by all things green and luscious!!!   I can't keep the bulb gardens in stock!




As I ride off into the sunset, I leave you with this story.  This is me and Morgan goofing around with a photo idea.  Morgan saw this blue bike sitting against the wall and thought it would be fun to take some shots of me on it, which it totally was fun, until....  I got busted for being on it.  And so I leave you with this.  Do have fun in life, respect other people's property, and make a heartfelt apology if you mess up.  I currently have this picture hanging in the flower shop as a gentle reminder.  xxxooo LL  ps. you may recognize the logo a bit...I used the gerbera daisy from Floral Gallery...the shop I owned in Bozeman.  Thanks to Classic Ink in Bozeman for all their help with logo design and branding! 




PRODUCTS:  Fresh Flowers, Baby Gifts, Jewelry, Green and Blooming Plants, bulb gardens, Compendium journals, books, and cards, La Chatelaine Chocolate, Bruttles Peanut Butter Products, vases, containers, and antiques.  Come check us out!!

Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events and Main Street Floral can be found all over southwest Montana...but our home base is:
110 East Main Street
Ennis, MT
406.682.3555

I am in heaven...I love this place and I am sure my clients will too!!!







Subscribe


Leslie Lukas

  1. Wedding Dress Preservation on Snow and Montana Weddings
    12/12/2009
  2. Vivienne Westwood Shoes on June Wedding in Montana
    11/1/2009
  3. Online Dater on Montana Spring Weddings...
    9/11/2009
  4. Maura on SPECIAL PROMOTION-MONTANA WEDDING FLORIST AND MONTANA WEDDING PLANNER
    8/5/2009
  5. SEO on BRIDES MAGAZINE, Published again
    8/3/2009
  6. Free Wedding Flower Guides on Leslie's Flower Shop
    5/22/2009
  7. Nancy Lamperti on Lauren Brown Photography and LL Team UP
    5/9/2009
  8. weddingflowers on Leslie's Flower Shop
    5/4/2009
  9. Leslie Lukas on Letter of Praise...
    4/13/2009
  10. Morgan Roof on Leslie's Flower Shop
    4/12/2009

Recent Entries

  1. Leslie Lukas in BRIDES Magazine
    Tuesday, February 02, 2010
  2. Montana Save The Dates!!!
    Saturday, January 16, 2010
  3. Favorite Montana Weddings
    Monday, January 11, 2010
  4. Montana Weddings into the New Year!
    Wednesday, January 06, 2010
  5. Bask Celebration!!!
    Monday, September 28, 2009
  6. Gallatin Gateway Inn. Beautiful Montana Venue
    Saturday, September 26, 2009
  7. ROYS BARN a beautiful Montana Venue
    Sunday, August 30, 2009
  8. Montana Weekday Wedding
    Monday, August 10, 2009
  9. June Wedding in Montana
    Monday, August 10, 2009
  10. Leslie's Flower Shop
    Sunday, April 05, 2009