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When Reghan and Josh tied the knot on a beautiful September afternoon in Williston, North Dakota, their day was filled with personal touches, western charm, and unforgettable memories. The picturesque landscape of Lewis and Clark State Park provided the backdrop for their ceremony, while the reception at the Williston Fairgrounds was filled with warmth, family, and fun. From the burnt orange, green, and brown color palette to custom leatherwork and unique twists on tradition, Reghan and Josh’s wedding was as unique as their love story.
As anyone familiar with North Dakota knows, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the fall. Luckily for Reghan and Josh, their wedding day was nothing short of perfect. A light breeze, warm sunshine, and clear blue skies created the ideal setting for an outdoor ceremony. Just days later, high wind warnings swept through the area, making it clear they had truly lucked out with one of the best days of the season.
Reghan and Josh chose Lewis and Clark State Park for their ceremony, a setting that perfectly captured the western aesthetic they envisioned. Their color palette of burnt orange, greens, and browns seamlessly blended with the natural surroundings, creating a warm and rustic atmosphere.
Josh, being a talented craftsman, ensured the western touches extended beyond just décor. He handcrafted leather tool belts for each of his groomsmen and made a special leather belt for Reghan, adding a unique personal touch to their day.
Reghan also contributed to the day’s design by creating her own floral arrangements. She purchased flowers from Costco and put together stunning bouquets accented with pheasant feathers, perfectly blending rustic and elegant elements. To enhance the western vibe further, Josh even crafted a leather tool wrap for Reghan’s bouquet.
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the Williston Fairgrounds for a reception filled with delicious food, heartfelt moments, and fun surprises. As soon as guests entered the building, they were greeted with the mouthwatering aroma of smoked pork, lovingly prepared by Reghan’s dad. He spent hours smoking over 15 pork butts, ensuring everyone enjoyed a savory, home-cooked meal.
The reception atmosphere radiated warmth and community. Friends and family gathered to celebrate, sharing stories and laughter over dinner. The meal represented the couple’s deep appreciation for family and created a sense of togetherness that made the evening even more special.
One of the most memorable aspects of the reception was Reghan and Josh’s unique twist on the traditional cake cutting. Instead of the usual wedding cake, the couple opted for a giant cinnamon roll as their centerpiece. This playful nod to comfort food brought a fun, unexpected moment to the reception as they shared their first sweet bite as husband and wife.
Guests were also treated to cinnamon rolls for dessert, adding a cozy, nostalgic element to the meal. This delightful departure from tradition perfectly reflected the couple’s down-to-earth personalities.
No wedding is complete without beautiful photos, and Reghan and Josh’s sunset pictures were nothing short of breathtaking. With the sun sinking low in the sky, they posed for photos in front of the arena near the fairgrounds, surrounded by simple backdrops that highlighted their western theme.
The golden light of the setting sun bathed the couple in a warm glow, allowing their love and the beauty of the moment to shine through. To make the occasion even more special, Reghan’s fellow firefighters from her station were there in full force to celebrate. A fire truck, of course, became a fun prop for some memorable photos of the couple in front of the engine.
A successful wedding is the result of many moving parts, and Reghan and Josh’s day was no exception. From the skilled hair and makeup artists who ensured everyone looked their best, to the family members who pitched in with meal prep, the day was truly a collaborative effort.
The hair and makeup team was especially impressive, working ahead of schedule to keep the day running smoothly. Their relaxed, professional approach ensured that everyone’s makeup stayed flawless throughout the day, contributing to the overall positive energy that carried through the entire celebration.
Reghan and Josh’s wedding is a beautiful example of how a day can be uniquely tailored to reflect a couple’s love story. By incorporating handmade elements, personal touches, and a deep sense of family, they created a day that was authentically theirs.
If you’re planning a western-themed wedding or looking for ways to make your big day stand out, consider adding DIY elements like Reghan’s flowers or Josh’s leatherwork. Think about what makes your relationship special, and find ways to weave those details into your celebration.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to break from tradition. Whether it’s serving cinnamon rolls instead of cake or capturing sunset photos in front of an arena, your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple—and no tradition can define that.
Dress: Designer and Place of Purchase
Your Day By Nicole – Bismarck
Florist
Costco – DIY floral arrangements by the bride
Ceremony Venue
Lewis and Clark State Park – Williston, ND
Reception Venue
Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds – Williston, ND
DJ/Entertainment Services
Jeff Nelson – The Music Machine
Videographer
None
Cake
The Flakey Baker – Alicia Frye
Catering
Brian and Melanie Haight, along with the bride and groom
Bridesmaids Dresses
Lavetir – www.lavetir.com
Groomsmen and Groom Attire
JC Penney – Shirts
Wrangler – Jeans
Goodwill – Groom’s sports coat (thrifted!)
Groom’s cowboy hat – Bailey Hat from Medora Boot and Western Wear
Groom’s boots – Tony Lama
Hair and Makeup
Shear Elegance by Shelby
Split Dye Stylist
Makeup by Maya
Follow along on instagram at @chelsyweisz.
© chelsy weisz photography 2024 | design by tonic
Photographer &
Educator
North Dakota
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