Ariann Miller-Rhoads married Eric Schultz on July 5, 2014, at Dunrovin Ranch, Lolo, Montana. Family and friends gathered in Missoula to celebrate their commitment to each other.

Ariann is currently working at Community Medical Center Hospital in Missoula as a Labor and Delivery nurse while Eric is doing research as a biochemistry post-doctorate at the University of Montana, Missoula. Lyra, their dog (and baby) of many years, stays at home, ever vigilant for couch squirrels.

The celebrations started Thursday night, July 3^rd, with a cocktail party at the home of Eric’s uncle and aunt, Mike and Pam. The gathering was the first time Neil and I had met Eric’s family and we really enjoyed getting to know them. Eric’s parents, Maggie and Alan, are from Bakersfield, California, and his extended family came in from California, Wisconsin (I do believe the Green Bay Packers were mentioned a few times), North Carolina, New York, and Arizona. Ari’s mom Jamie and step-dad Michael came in from Arroyo Grande, California, along with family and friends from California, Utah, Washington, Arizona, and us from Hawaii.

On Friday July 4, the festivities moved down to the horse ranch for the Independence Day picnic and fireworks and the Saturday wedding. Friday we played outdoor games, chowed down with a BBQ dinner, did the wedding rehearsal, and watched fireworks once it got dark after 10. There were some accommodations available at the ranch plus a tent camping area. Mailea and I slept in the studio that during the day served as the catering kitchen, the groomsmen dressing area, and the common shared bathroom. Neil would have stayed in the studio also but because of the linen laundry fragrance (again, sigh) Neil set up our tent and slept out near the pasture.

Saturday morning began with the decorating, food prep and reheating, and setting up for the reception. In the afternoon, the bride and bridesmaids disappeared to the upstairs suite to dress and after a few finishing touches on the decorations everyone else went to put on their finery.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful and touching. There was so much joy and love shared. While the photos were being taken, I saw a line forming at one particular cooler. Why were Eric’s relatives standing in line over there?? Perhaps it had something to do with Green Bay Packers?? Turns out it held 4 kegs of Eric’s homemade brew specially made for the wedding reception: a double IPA, a saison, a peach cider, and a chocolate porter. Eric is a great brewer and they couldn’t wait to start sampling. I tried a little of each and, sorry Eric, I still don’t like the taste of beer but that one with a hint of chocolate was the tastiest to me. I’m glad you made the cider too 🙂 Dinner, wedding cake and dancing filled the evening of celebration. Did you know that Packers fans like beer?

Sunday morning, everyone pitched in to clean up and restore the ranch to a working horse ranch as we found it. The extended families and friends gathered for brunch in Missoula to say farewell and a final toast to the couple. In the afternoon, the living room at Ari and Eric’s home filled with family viewing the wedding photo slideshow and watching the gift opening. A full and fun filled celebratory weekend!

I must complement Ari and Eric (and “moms”) on the incredible organization and preparation. The whole weekend flowed perfectly. We were glad we could help with the wedding set up and later clean up and spend so much time with family and friends.

Photo gallery below:
Clicking on the first photo brings up a larger view with a description. Depending on your browser, you can use the arrow buttons or keys to move through the gallery photos. If you are receiving this in an email and don’t see a photo gallery below, please click into my webpage to view all the photos! Photo credits: Mailea Miller-Pierce and Neil Rhoads.