REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Sue Kessler, Christian Oth Studio

    LIZ MANLEY & SAM EPSTEIN

    August 30, 2014 in Philipsburg, Montana

    Liz Manley and Sam Epstein crossed paths in New York City at a neighborhood bar in the West Village while they were out with friends. We immediately felt right together. That feeling came instantaneously” remarks Liz who loves Sam’s compassion and strength while he loves her grace and humor.

    After five years of dating, Sam came home early from a London business trip to surprise Liz with a ring. The proposal took place in their apartment. Liz remembers how private and special Sam made the proposal.

    “WE IMMEDIATELY FELT RIGHT TOGETHER. THAT FEELING CAME IMMEDIATELY” LIZ MANLEY

    When it came time to plan the wedding the couple chose The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, a spot they have been vacationing for years. For them, it was a magical place. They wanted an outdoor ceremony and ideally a long weekend so that guests (most coming from the east coast) would be able to make the most out of the trip. They decided Labor Day weekend would be the ideal time.

    “The wedding day was completely magical and surreal” says Liz. “We thought that it was going to rain all day, until the clouds parted just an hour before the ceremony! We couldn’t have been happier, to look around and see our most loved family and friends in our favorite place in the world who came to mark the beginning of our marriage together.”

    The feel of the reception was rustic yet elegant, with linens and gold accents that made the tent feel warm. Adding birch wood and branches around the tent poles enhanced the feel of the rustic outdoors.


    One of the signature drinks was a Moscow Mule served in copper mugs with the couple’s initials and wedding date. The copper mugs served as wedding favors for their guests.

    One of Liz’s favorite moments from the wedding is of her dancing with her dad. Father and daughter danced to “Happy” by Pharell with her dad exuding a notable amount of energy during their dance to the delight of all the guests.

    Liz attributes the flawless execution of all aspects of the wedding to the incredible team of the vendors they worked with. Planning a wedding in Montana while living in New York could have been much more challenging without the complete synergy of the team that made it happen.

    Liz and Sam opted for a relaxing, romantic honeymoon in Italy and traveled to Ravello, Tuscany and Rome


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location: The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana; Floral and Event Design, Planner: Habitat Events, Missoula, MT ; Rentals and Lighting: The Party Store, Columbia Falls, MT; Stationery: Calabash Card Co., Birmingham, AL; Wedding Dress and Veil: Monique LhuillierTuxedo: John Varvatos; Tie: Hermes

    Honeymoon: Italy

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