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A Western Wedding in Williston: Celebrating Reghan and Josh’s Unforgettable Day

October 1, 2024

I'm the woman who transformed adversity into triumph: I left my economic development job, navigated through divorce, and built a business that realized my dreams. Blending support with strategy, I turn dreams into reality. My mission? To empower women to boldly chase their entrepreneurial ambitions every day!

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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.

The Perfect September Weather

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.

A Western-Themed Ceremony at Lewis and Clark State Park

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.

Reception at the Williston Fairgrounds: Family, Fun, and Feasting

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.

A Sweet (and Cinnamon-y) Twist on Tradition

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.

Stunning Sunset Photos: Capturing the Magic

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.

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Vendors Who Made It Happen

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.

Final Thoughts: Planning a Western Wedding of Your Own

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.

Vendors

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 NelsonThe Music Machine

Videographer
None

Cake
The Flakey Baker – Alicia Frye

Catering
Brian and Melanie Haight, along with the bride and groom

Bridesmaids Dresses
Lavetirwww.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

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