Classic Summer Wedding in Corvallis | Rylee + Matthew

With its stunning mountain scenery and warm summer sun, Corvallis, Montana, provided a beautiful backdrop for the timeless wedding of Rylee and Matthew. Photography by Jess Slater Photography

"We were married on the Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis, Montana, on August 17, 2024. Matthew unknowingly proposed to me on the same property we would be tying the knot on which was quite the coincidence. Both Matthew and I were blown away by all the people who came and gave us their time and energy to help make our day so special. We had a groomsman and bridesmaid house on the property so the bridal party all met at the groomsman' s house to play games, have drinks and just enjoy everyone being under the same roof. The next morning I woke up with my bridesmaids and we chatted in the screened-in porch drinking our coffee. I had enough time in the morning to check out the fully decorated ceremony and reception area. I was by myself and sat on the stone step, looking out at the benches and alter with the silhouette of the Bitterroot mountains in the background. I was completely overcome with gratitude, from all the friends and family that came to make my vision come true and just that I was finally living what I had dreamt about since I was 6 years old. I took the time to pray over each chair, every bench and the alter I would soon be standing in front of with my husband. I wanted to be sure to take in every moment of that weekend and hoped every person attending could be present and feel the same joy I did.

I began getting my hair done by my wonderful stylist Jessica Deese, while I had a stream of family members come in to say hello and give me their best wishes. I had a sweet moment with my younger cousin Kaydree, who gave me a drawing I had entirely forgot about but once I saw, it immediately all came back to me. I drew it when I was about 10 or 11. The drawing was just a silly heart with love quotes. My cousin, who was 6 years younger than me, asked if she can have it. Apparently I told her 'you can have it only if you promise to give it back on my wedding day.' My little cousin somehow kept it all these years and brought it to Montana to fulfill her promise. There was lots of tears after that.

I chose to do my own make up, so my sister and I sat on the laundry room floor (the room with the best lighting) and just like we used to growing up did our make up side by side while she played a playlist she curated just for this moment. My mother helped me step into my dress and immediately I felt like a true bride. I couldn't look at my mom because every time I did we both would start crying and I really was trying hard to not mess up my make up so early on in the day. We started with a first look with my dad. I felt so beautiful when he looked at me with tears welling up in his eyes. I felt like a little girl again, twirling in new dresses to get his reaction. My dad led us in a group prayer, and once the prayer was finished it was time for our first look. Everyone went back into the house to give us a moment alone. I stepped out as he was turned away from me, and tapped his shoulder. Matthew turned and audibly gasped which made me start sobbing right away. He cried and just mouthed the word 'wow' while giving me a slow spin. Through his tears he said 'you are so beautiful.' From lots of hugs and tears we began reading our personal vows to each other. Of course we didn't tell each other what we wrote but my vows began with, 'I have dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl...' and his vows began with, 'I know you have dreamed of this since you were a little girl.' Everything was so perfect and heartfelt. I will remember those words for the rest of my life." –Rylee, the bride