Montana Wedding & Event Planner

Leslie Lukas in BRIDES Magazine

2010-02-02T14:06:00Z

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!!!

2010-01-17T00:03:00Z

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--

CLICK TO VIEW Save the Date Front

CLICK TO VIEW Save the Date Back

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

2010-01-12T01:00:00Z

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!

2010-01-06T19:04:00Z

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

www.morganroof.net

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!!!

2009-09-28T18:12:00Z

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!!!

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

2009-09-26T18:24:00Z

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

2009-08-30T17:30:00Z

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

2009-08-11T00:20:00Z

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

2009-08-11T00:16:00Z

.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

2009-04-05T17:41:00Z

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!!!

Montana Save the Date!!!

2009-03-12T19:02:00Z

Save the dates....one of my favorite details of a wedding! This is the first introduction to your wedding weekend, and my brides have been super creative this year.

Hope that these will inspire you...here are some of my favorites!

Most of my couples this year opted to use a postcard as their save-the-date! Not only do you save money on postage, they are very cost effective through on-line print houses or local speedy print service providers.

TONY AND JILL-
found an artist on www.etsy.com to create this lovable save-the-date card and I assisted with the print order through an on-line print house. They also have the original art from the artist! How sweet it is!!!

Lindsay and Sean-
used my graphic designer to create this modern design. This save-the-date was used as their holiday card as well! We turned it around in a week! Lauren Brown is the photographer behind the great family image that you see. She includes an engagement session in her packages so that the couple can get comfortable with her taking pictures and how they interact before the big day! Great work Lauren! I can't wait to share the wedding with all of you!!!

SPECIAL PROMOTION-MONTANA WEDDING FLORIST AND MONTANA WEDDING PLANNER

2009-01-19T18:10:00Z

If you joined the fabulous Bridal Affaire at MSU this weekend, then you know what great vendors and ideas were showcased at the show! How do you sort through everything to make sure you are getting the best for your wedding day?

Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events has been offering wedding planning and floral services for the past decade. A sure way to get what you want, is by hiring a professional that has the experience and vendor relationships to create the wedding day of your dreams, along with a proven track record.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Through January 31st, Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events is offering 7% off your entire wedding flower order. This could save you considerably depending on your flower budget! For instance, if your wedding flower budget is $1500, then you would save $105.

Book by January 31st to receive this discount!!! ***a contract and deposit is necessary to hold your wedding date. Visa/MC is accepted!!!

HEN PARTY PROMOTION

If you are logging on to see what this Hen Party is all about, all you need to do to qualify for our drawing is subscribe to our blog, and additionally, send an email to leslie@leslielukas.com and in the subject line write HEN PARTY. In the body of your email, please include the following information:

Name
Wedding Date
Wedding Location
Mailing Address
Email
Telephone number

***HEN PARTY Contest Rules
To define a hen party, it is what you make of it! Traditionally, it is a gathering of your best girlfriends or friends to enjoy good food, atmosphere, and time together before your big day! Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events will make this an unforgettable party for you and 6 guests. Up to $500 value. She will provide planning assistance, invitations, decor, food and non-alcoholic beverage at a place that the winner and Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events agrees upon. Travel Fees may apply if location is outside 20 mile radius of Bozeman. Date of the Hen Party is based on availabilty of Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events.

Home for the Holidays, BOZEMAN NEW YEARS EVE

2008-12-20T19:47:00Z

"Home for the Holidays" HMDSS New Year's Eve Ball
The Holiday Inn, Bozeman, MT

The 2nd Annual "Home for the Holidays" is an HMDSS sponsored event featuring the Glen Johnston 12-piece All-Star Swing Band featuring vocalist, Jeni Fleming. Tickets are $40/each and include a champagne toast at midnight. Call Cactus Records (406-587-0245) or go to Cactus Records located in Down Town Bozeman. All proceeds from this event go to HMDSS for the benefit of its charitable mission. The HOLIDAY INN is featuring a special room rate. Reserve a room today by calling 406-587-4561. www.handmedownsomesilver.org

This event is co-sponsored by the following:

After a 2-year recording hiatus Jeni Fleming releases "DECEMBER," a collection of holiday and winter-inspired tunes, perfect for ushering in the Holiday Season.
"An evening of this and you're both whipped and exhilarated. You've wiped your eyes, yet your cheeks hurt from all the grinning." - THE BIG SKY JOURNAL

To purchase this album go to www.jenifleming.com

A Holiday Party

2008-12-18T03:15:00Z

I have to say that I just love the people and creativity of those in my life. I just received the best invite ever for a holiday party! Check this out....the creative minds at Peach Street Studios are doing it up right! Happy Holiday Celebrations!!! LL

Montana Christmas!

2008-11-17T20:42:00Z

Greetings!!!! I thought I would blog a bit about this coming Holiday Season and a few things that I enjoy...

Montana is so amazing in the winter...as is spending the holiday season here with family and friends! From the Christmas Strolls in our little communities like Bozeman, Livingston, and Ennis, to the best and biggest skiing in America, to wonderful food, music, and parties...

Enjoy the links to some of my favorite Holiday things....

Hey Day: WONDERFUL and whimsical gifts including Joe's Parkway gourmet foods...
Moonlight Basin: Awesome accommodations, food, and SKIING
Sweetpea Bakery: Order early to satisfy your sweet tooth...have them do the baking for you!!!
Laura B. Palmer Art: Beautiful artwork that should adorn your walls...if not now, someday!
Gifts.com: The on-line source to every gift possible!--a generic way to shop if you don't have the time to stroll!
Jeni Fleming Trio: CD Release, "Home for the Holidays" gets my SEAL of APPROVAL!!! Congrats on such an amazing album!
320 Ranch: Authentic Sleigh Ride dinners...can that be any more Norman Rockwell????
Dew Drop In: get the holiday shopping done without your kids!
Downtown Bozeman: Boutique Shopping at its best!
Bequet Confections: Homemade caramel confections made in Bozeman, MT to send all over the country...spread the caramel joy!

other favorite things--cooking dinner for family and friends, christmas decorating, Hot Buttered Rum, Santa Claus, my Children (seeing the holidays through thier eyes brings me great joy!), and fudge, no nuts!

Season's Greetings and hold your loved ones close!!!

Best, LL

MONTANA MULE: 2 shots whisky, juice of half a lime, shaken with ice, strained over two cocktail glasses with ice, and topped with ginger beer...mmmmmmm!

Lauren Brown Photography and LL Team UP

2008-11-17T20:06:00Z

Details, Details, Details!!! Oh, it's so fun to plot and create new ideas and combinations to use as design inspiration for weddings and events! I had the privilege of working with one of Montana's top photographers, Lauren Brown, on a recent shoot that we put together to freshen our portfolios and have a lot of fun in the process! Thanks to Elsa Campbell of the Woodlands for the use of one of the most gorgeous venues for our location and to Montana Party Rentals for allowing us to use a few rentals....A special thanks to Lauren for making it look so effortless and for putting together these inspiration boards!

Holiday....i love the hand stamped table cards that were created to greet our guests and the punch of color from the jewel pink rose. This typically would have been on the boring side without them! Rules need not apply for Holiday!!!

Winter Scene...winter wheat from my families farm and white winter berries help achieve a diverse use of natural materials with interesting textures that don't compete with the wild table cloth...for a simpler look, one could have just used all white flowers in a clear vase for immediate distinction and definition between cloth and decor. This looked completely amazing in the stunning setting of the woodlands...and it left your eyes pleasantly seeking out each pleasant detail.

Fall Flair...I love the fall colors in this story. The red increases the vibrancy of the other materials, making each element POP!

Montana Spring Weddings...

2008-11-07T22:30:00Z

Just a quick note if you are looking ahead and planning a spring time wedding in the Rockies...you must be able to embrace the weather! Anything can happen in Montana spring, from snow, rain, wind and glorious sunshine or all four in the same day! Please take a look at this beautiful and intimate spring wedding. Photography by none other than Lauren Brown Photography of Southwest Montana...

Ruth and Robert's wedding happened to be on the only day in April where it didn't snow! What are the chances! The couple chose Leslie Lukas Weddings and Events while on a mission to find great vendors for their wedding at the Museum of the Rockies Wine Classic, in Bozeman, summer of 2007. At the Classic they saw the gorgeous flowers and design that we did, and they also found their caterer, Ryan Lafoley....you never know where your plans will formulate!

Letter of Praise...

2008-11-07T21:45:00Z

"I want to share an incredible letter of praise that I just received from Laura and Mike, a wedding that I coordinated and designed flowers for in late August of this year...the photo story is incredible, as is the photographer that took them, Lauren Brown...! Enjoy!" LL

Dear Leslie,
Let me just say that having you help us with our wedding was
incredible. You are kind, creative, fun, and you pay extra special
attention to the details. You are also professional, prompt, and easy to work
with. We think you are simply adorable and we loved having you with us. In
fact, we both felt incredibly lucky to have you there to help direct our guests and bridal party,
given that our wedding was pretty large.

Leslie, you think of things that we never would have thought about! Here
are a few tiny examples that I would have forgotten.

You made made these beautifully decorated little kits for the wash rooms during the wedding reception filled with combs, hairspray, mouthwash, and mints. People really seemed to appreciated that.
Also, you organized a small ladies party while I got ready for the actual wedding, we had
plenty of drinks, sandwiches, cookies, and fun before the ceremony. It felt so special to have all of my favorite people come and be with me during this time.
You even made beautiful ribbon wands for our flower girls to have on their place settings at dinner! They loved that!

My husband was a little shy at first about having a planner help, and
for us, you were the perfect fit. My mother, who happens to be quite
high strung, was concerned about many of the details with planning and
the flowers in particular. Leslie, you brought a level of comfort and
relaxation to her and we felt that it was imperative. You did a
fabulous job and my mother was elated.

The highlight for me was that we had also hired you to do our
flowers. I had no idea what was in store for us but when I saw what
you had done, my eyes almost popped out of my head! Your flowers were
the most amazing arrangements I have ever seen in my life and I
would not say that if I did not mean it. They were UNBELIEVABLE. Leslie, you
made our wedding look and feel so warm and amazing. Mike and I are
still talking about it and so are our guests. It was the most
beautiful time of our lives. Given the size of our event, you made
it all go more smoothly than any other wedding I have been to. There
was virtually no stress whatsoever!

Leslie, you are awesome and our wedding was personal, perfect, and
unforgettable. I really want other brides to know how extraordinary you are.
Cloud 9 is the best place to be on your wedding day.

Big Hugs,

Laura B. Sawaya
2410 Westridge Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715
www.laurabluepalmerart.com

"Laura is a local artist, and the flower selections that I made were a reflection of some of the dominating color pallets found in her work as I new she would love it! Mike is a bear biologist and I brought in rustic elements that he felt comfortable with, like moss and rocks!"

The guests were greeted with beautiful arrangements in rich, bold, colors. We placed a water table near the entrance with a great looking enamelware water dispenser and glassware, that looked elegant with a small arrangement and river rocks to weight the table cloth...

We almost made the call to move the ceremony, as it started spitting rain, but as the ceremony time grew near, the storm bypassed us, opening up the sky to a gorgeous gray-blue....

Laura and Mike had a non-traditional ceremony which encompassed several religions and spiritual elements...to bring together the difference of religions between thier families and friends....

Guests tossed petals at the newlyweds to help them celebrate....

The couples favorite drink...the mojito...was in plenitude during the cocktail hour, while the bride and groom snuck away for some portraits! Good thinking!!!

More photos by Lauren Brown Photography to be featured in an upcoming blog on this wedding...

BRIDES MAGAZINE, Published again

2008-10-12T15:48:00Z

I am lucky enough to work closely with Nashan Photographers who has wonderful relationships with many national bridal magazines such as Brides, Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, the KNOT and Martha Stewart Weddings Magazines. Melanie submits many weddings that she shoots, and since we work together so much, it allows my work and the work of my company to be published as well. Since 2002, Paradise Custom Weddings has been published over 14 times because of Melanie...and I want to thank her! It adds such creditbility to the level of design and planning that we do for our brides each year. Enjoy this wedding that was published in Brides Magazine just this spring. To see the spread that was recently published follow this link to Brides.com: Devan and Jeff
and to see other weddings that were published a few years ago, follow these links: Mark and Mandy and Jessica and Sean

The detail on the cake mimicks that on Devan's dress....

The bride spared nothing when it came to the details of this carefully planned and executed wedding...

I LOVE the bridesmaids dresses and how they related to the style of the wedding...

and the guests enjoyed every minute...

Ingredients for this perfect wedding:

Leslie Lukas Weddings & Events (formerly Paradise Custom Weddings): wedding design, planning and flowers
Montana Party Rentals: Rentals
Nashan Photographers: Photograhy by Melanie Nashan with second shooter Keegan Nashan
Second Street Catering: Catering
Cakes from Cabin Ridge: Rebecca Nicklin, award winning cake designer
Vision: Devan Pederson, Bride

SILVER CELEBRATION HUGE SUCCESS

2008-10-12T14:55:00Z

I am so excited to blog about the local non-profit group Hand Me Down Some Silver, INC. I have jumped on board this train to assist with HMDSS events throughout the year. We just completed the 3rd Annual Silver Celebration and Fund raiser that was a huge success. It took place at the historical Gallatin Gateway Inn. The warmth and vitality of the wonderful people behind this organization is truly inspirational. It would not be possible without the fabulous Jake and Jeni Fleming and the Jeni Fleming Trio, nor the board who serves this cause with such passion...Thank you for making me a part of something truly special!

Hand me down some silver, Inc. was created to provide young musicians the education, tools and opportunities to more fully experience the life-enriching benefit of music, as well as explore the many aspects of music through the following ways: Scholarships to help kids purchase instruments Financial, educational, logistical and technical support for young musicians´ensembles, Educational seminars/workshops/performances specific cally for the benefit of young music students with a goal of instilling a richer culture within the community, Grants to young musicians for the purposes of performing and recording their own CD projects such that the young musician learns many practical aspects of the music industry, Working in conjunction with, but separate from, other local music and charitable organizations

The evening was spectacular and included musical performances by local Jazz musician Jeni Fleming, Jazz by the children's group Blue Shoes, Eden Atwood, Stephanie Davis and much more....A special thank you to Keegan Nashan, age 15, who took the spectacular photographs of this event. Keegan is an associate photographer that shoots with Nashan Photographers (her mother Melanie is a dear friend and colleague). Keegan, thank you for your clever shooting abilities, you are a true talent.