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Dare I say Airbnb wedding venues are one of my new favorite trends? Whether you’re getting married in a sweet little lakeside cabin retreat or a 139 year old mansion like Joelle + Devon, you can’t go wrong with getting your people into an intimate little spot and marrying your lover. 

This Airbnb wedding venue in Hamilton, MT is about to give you all of the inspo if you dig a classic, timeless, vogue-esque vibe. The Copper King Bitterroot Mansion is a 139 year old Marcus Daly build that has been newly renovated and let me tell you… it’s freakin’ gorgeous! The house is bright and full of light (a wedding photographer’s dream) with plenty of trees and green lawns surrounding the property. Not to mention plenty of activities for your guests. 10/10 would recommend this Airbnb wedding venue if you’re planning a micro-wedding in Montana! 

And while I adore this venue, I love this couple even more. I first photographed Joelle maybe 12 years ago for her senior portraits. So when I saw her name pop up in my inbox it was a full circle moment for sure! Then the universe did its thing and put us at the same wedding weeks later. (Lo + Coop’s wedding was a blast! Check out their Flathead Lake wedding here!) After hanging with them at Lo + Cooper’s wedding and seeing me do my work, Joelle + Devon knew we were a match! 

Their plan originally started with potential a destination elopement in the south of France (I photograph couples all around the world from Iceland to Belize), but after deciding they wanted more of their friends + fam to come, they opted for an intimate wedding in Montana! And mannn was it a dreamy spot! 

They decided they wanted to focus on being present rather than taking too many traditional or posed photos and I am all for that kind of wedding day coverage! They prioritized candids, couples photos with their friends, and few fun portraits around the mansion after their ceremony. The day started with details and getting ready photos, then a first look in the backyard. The ceremony was in front of a large tree, covered in the tiny white blooms of babys breathe. And as the sun slipped in and out between the branches, they read the most beautiful personal vows to each other. 

One long table filled the backyard. There was a makeshift bar on the back patio. The night ended with them dancing the night away under twinkling string lights, being goofy on the tree swing, and relishing in every second of how special the day truly was. 

I won’t lie, I am SAD this day is over. I loved everything about it – the airbnb wedding venue, the vogue vibe, the emphasis on candids, alllllll of it. Thank you, more please! If that’s your vision, let’s get to planning!

For all of those holiday loving couples, you can’t count out the magic of a Christmas wedding! Snowflakes flying, candlelit dinner, the smell of pine filling the air, rich tones accenting the decor – it’s a merry time all around! Sarah + Preston didn’t shy away from embracing their love of the Christmas and threw the storybook winter wedding straight from a dream Pinterest board! 

These two live in California, but traded the sunshine on the coast for snow in the mountains for their wedding day. It’s no secret how much they love Montana + visiting as often as possible. Their mountain engagement photos we took while adventuring around Glacier National Park in the sweet summertime are extra proof! To get the best of both worlds in their photos, they opted for a December wedding back in Montana, but this time in the whimsical paradise of Big Sky. 

The stunning Big Sky Chapel gives the perfect backdrop for a winter wedding, with big, light-filled windows and incredible views of the mountain range this region is famous for. Christmas trees filled every room and joy was most definitely in the air as they got ready for their ceremony on the property. After the ceremony, we ran out in the snow for their portraits as their family and friends gathered for the reception at Lone Mountain Ranch. Sarah + Preston were absolute troopers as the chilly air only got colder and snow piled high as we took their photos on the mountain ridge. 

At the ranch, a dinner was prepared by Horn and Cantle, the on-site restaurant, and cocktails were sipped in The Saloon. The wedding details and decor were rooted in pine and natural woods and candlelight gave the room a romantic glow. While their guests enjoyed the space, Sarah + Preston took 30-40 minutes at their cabin alone, just to soak in all of the excitement of the day. This is my top recommendation for couples on their wedding day! Sit aside time to just be together. The day goes by soooo fast and you’ll be thankful you took time to really enjoy a moment just the two of you. 

To end a truly enchanting Christmas wedding day, Sarah + Preston listened to sweet speeches from their fam + friends, smashed cake into each other’s faces, and danced the night away to live music and a DJ set on the covered porch with heaters everywhere. 
A winter wonderland wedding is better in Montana, it’s just the truth, I don’t make the rules! If you found yourself gushing over this Christmas wedding in Big Sky, it’s time to claim a little bit of that magic for yourself! Let’s get to planning bb!

Nothing says laid-back summer lovin’ like a summer camp wedding! If you’re looking for a Montana wedding venue to gather all of your favorite people and spend a weekend playing like kids, soaking in epic views, and getting hitched without a care in the world, Mary + Rob’s wedding retreat is the inspo you’ve been looking for! 

Mary and Rob dreamed up a wedding celebration that was about more than place settings and perfectly crafted bouquets. They wanted days spent in the sun with the people they loved most, time spent admiring nature’s beauty, a retreat spent away from the hustle of everyday life. Their summer camp inspired wedding weekend was exactly that. 

The Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp sits nestled on the shores of Flathead Lake, a tranquil spot in Montana’s wild landscape, with views of the Mission Mountains and just an hour drive to the infamous Glacier National Park. Its boat house is filled to the brim with kayaks and paddle boards, its basketball court beckons for a game or two, and its cabins offer a quiet place to reset after a day spent splashing in the lake. Mary and Rob invited friends and family to come celebrate the weekend their way and turned a rustic little summer camp into their dream wedding venue. 

Sweet simplicity was the vibe of their weekend. Mary ordered and arranged, with the help of her soon to be mother-in-law,  her own floral bouquets of orange hued pastel wildflowers from Two Kays Flower Farm, a local gem. Rob and the groomsmen got ready in an old schoolhouse while Mary and her girls got ready in a cabin across the camp. A first look on the dock gave them a moment to soak each other in as the sun shimmered on the lake and their guests filled the wooden benches for their ceremony with mountain views on the shoreline. 

Post-ceremony photos of the wedding party were taken in the schoolhouse, framed by exposed wooden beams and flooded with late afternoon light, while guests sipped huckleberry mules and Flathead old fashions during cocktail hour on the lawn. At the reception, in an outdoor tent lit by string light, guests found their tables labeled with places the bride and groom had traveled together, complete with photos from each trip. Their wedding night ended in the Chapel, where they practically floated around the dance floor as they danced, filled with so much happiness from a weekend celebrating just the way they always imagined they would. 

The next morning a Coffee, Bagels, and Berry Bowls brunch sent off their guests as the wedding weekend came to a close. A bunch of happy campers indeed.

If a summer camp wedding seems like the something you + your partner are looking for, I’m IN! I can’t wait to capture all of the memories you’ll make splashing in the lake and toasting to forever. When it comes time to book a Montana wedding photographer, I’m your girl! Tell me all about your vision over on my contact form and let’s get to planning the best day EVER!

There’s a reason White Raven is a favorite Montana wedding venue and Olivia + Josh’s summer wedding was absolute proof of why. Their dreamy destination wedding weekend just outside of Missoula, MT started with exploring the area with some outdoor fun like whitewater rafting, celebrated the couple in a stunning ceremony, and ended with a late night dip in the river. 

Based on their plans for a wedding weekend extravaganza, I knew Olivia + Josh’s entire guest list was going to be a good time. Not a single person was local to the area, so everyone treated it like their own little getaway, which is such a fun idea for your wedding. 

Leah + Aaron did something similar at another top-tier Montana wedding venue, Lone Mountain Ranch! Get more destination wedding inspo from their blog, too! 

Olivia + Josh’s day started off with Olivia getting ready with her mom, hair + makeup by Micha V Beauty  and doing a first look with her bridesmaids! Rather than doing a first look with Josh, they opted to do a “first touch” – this is a great option if you want the emotion of seeing each other while you walk down the aisle, but still want a moment together alone before the chaos of the wedding day ensues. 

This first touch was incredibly sweet. They spent time talking about everything that got them here and that’s when Josh told the best story. They went on a trip together a few years earlier and when they got home, he immediately started writing his vows because he knew he’d want to marry her one day. It was always gonna be her for him. COME ON, how amazing is that? Olivia couldn’t help but turn around and give him a little squeeze. I won’t lie, I’m not a huuuuuuuge first look fan personally, but this one easily goes down as one of my favorites. 

When it came to their ceremony, they centered it entirely around them. Even the wedding party was seated, so just Olivia + Josh were up under the altar. The entire weekend was planned by Emily Summer Studios and was perfect.  They chose a ceremony site with a sweeping mountain valley in view – one of the multiple incredible spots to exchange vows at this particular Montana wedding venue. The altar was covered in greenery and stunning wildflower flower arrangements by Earth Within Flowers were laced through the bouquet + decor. I’m a sucker for wedding florals and Melissa killed it with these drool-worthy blooms! 

When it came to the reception, I knew it was a small group, but wasn’t sure what to expect. Would they party hard? Just chill + hang together? (Both equally fun, by the way!) They did all of the traditional wedding reception things: family photos, cake cutting, cute toasts, sunset wedding photos, and a sparkler exit. They partied hard lol.

But all night long, there was talk of going to the river. Of getting crazy and jumping in, something I wouldn’t dare miss! And eventually they did! The wedding party piled into golf carts and off they went, down to the river nearby! One by one, they jumped in, Olivia still in her dress + Josh in his suit pants, wedding party losing their clothes along the way lol. I was right there with them, camera flashing to capture some seriously epic after-dark photos! 

Straight from the river they headed back to warm up in the hot tub, leaving more water on the ground than in the tub itself. It was spontaneous, fun, and an absolutely fitting end to an incredible wedding day at White Raven. 

Take a look at these photos! Make sure to scroll until the end so you don’t miss those river photos. They’re too good! 

And if you’re thinking about getting married at White Raven (or any Montana wedding venue), I’d love to be right there capturing it all. You can tell me about all of your plans right here!

Xx, J

Want your Glacier National Park micro wedding to feel like more like an elopement? Let’s make it happen! That was Devin + Blake’s request for their intimate national park wedding. Family and friends were in attendance for the ceremony, but we set off on our own adventure in the park afterwards for some elopement-inspired fun! 

Back during D+B’s fall engagement session in Glacier, we had soooo much fun together! So I knew I was in for a treat on their wedding day. They had visited different parts of the park during their visit and knew they wanted a wedding ceremony in Two Medicine Valley! The area is stunning and has a ceremony location that permits the amount of guests they have, so it was the perfect choice! 

They chose to keep it small and make it all about them, but felt that there were a few very important people that should be there on their day. It’s not uncommon for couples to feel this way! An intimate wedding in the park is the best of both worlds. 

D+B had their ceremony at Pray Lake, with gorgeous mountain views and the sunlight sparkling off of the water. Toasts were made, champagne was sipped, and her father gave such a sweet speech. They had first dance by the creek as the sun filtered through the trees all dreamy. The wedding portion of their day was wrapped up with some sentimental dances and a few family photos. 

Then we were off for their portrait photos! Two Medicine and Pray Lake are connected, so we ventured off for a little walk to Paradise Point for some different scenery. This is always my favorite part of the day, where the couple gets the chance to bask in the excitement of being married and just be together. The skies turned a little hazy from forest fires that started in the park that night. As awful as it is, it created a hazy glowy filter for the evening, and the photos luckily did not suffer one bit. In fact, that golden hour glow was just amplified! 

Based on their adventurous engagement photos where they were literally hanging over a cliffside at one point, I knew these two were up for anything! We headed for Running Eagle Falls as the newlyweds snaked through forests down trails, scampering out onto rocks, until we landed at an epic overlook for their final photos at sunset. 

To end their wedding day, Devin gave Blake one of the most heartfelt gifts I’ve ever seen (and that is saying something, my couples are freaking cuuuuute!) She had written him a letter every day for the past year in a journal, talking about different ways she loved him – including an entry from earlier in the day – their wedding day. It was the perfect ending to an absolutely magical Glacier National Park wedding day. 

So if you are dreaming of an elopement, but know you want to bring some of your closest loved ones along, let D+B be proof that you can definitely have it all. 

Xx, J

Washington brings a special kind of energy and this Snoqualmie River Vow Renewal at Franklin Falls is absolutely no different. This spot wraps up everything I love about the Pacific Northwest into one sweet experience. After looking through this gallery of D+N, you’ll be planning a trip there yourself I freakin’ know it!! 

Dayana + Nick reached out to me back in February of last year about a couples photoshoot and to share vows somewhere near Seattle, maybe Snoqualmie Falls. They are originally from Salt Lake City, but moved to Spokane for work, and were taking a childfree trip to Seattle to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary!! 10 whole years, whewwww! Every 5 years they write each other new vows for the next 5 years, like how amazing is that? So inspiring!

I was just wrapping up my own little getaway on Anderson Island in Washington. Anytime you get the chance to photograph couples in Washington or Oregon, you just simply can’t say no. And I’d already be in the area?? It was fate!!! 

I had photographed another couple at Snoqualmie Falls years ago, but knew that the rules and regulations around actually getting down to the falls had tightened since the last time I visited. They have blocked the pathways to get to the bottom of the falls due to it being a dammed waterfall (a bit dangerous). The inspirational photos they had seen were no longer possible, but that didn’t stop us from finding another spot for some dreamy waterfall photos!! 

So instead we headed to the Franklin Falls trailhead, a well-known and super accessible hike near Snoqualmie Pass just outside of Seattle. This easy 2-mile round trip hike weaves you through the stunning PNW forests and along deep pools, leading you to the main attraction.

We walked about by the creek, the sun was glittering through the trees, taking photos along the way and then Dayana + Nick shared personal vows in the most beautiful spot along the creek. The vow renewal was simple, but so true to themselves, and so damn sweet. 

What you might not be able to tell from these photos is that it was swarming with hikers. So so busy – a true Instagram versus reality moment. We went in late August and it was most definitely still high season. 

When I tell you I freakin’ love vow renewals, I mean it. Seriously – I am obsessed with them. Dayana + Nick’s day was laid-back, yet still full of meaning, just spending time together in a beautiful place. They aren’t the only ones who had the right idea though! Check out Eva + Paul’s Highland Springs Vow Renewal for more inspo!!! 

And if your anniversary is coming up and you’ve been thinking about planning a getaway with your lover, what are you waiting for?! Whether you’re planning to reshare vows or not, there’s nothing like a photoshoot to preserve your love for one another even after all of this time! I’m ready when you are – you can tell me all about it right here.

It’s not officially summer wedding season in Montana without a Flathead Lake wedding! And lucky for me, this was a whole wedding weekend – from a stunning white party rehearsal to a big wedding ceremony at the family’s home to a sequin filled night of dancing their freakin’ booties off. 

It all started way back in summer of 2021 when Soiree 99 Events reached out with a couple looking for a Montana wedding photographer! Hey hi helloooo, that’s me! So we connected, I was absolutely obsessed with their personality and vision for their wedding experience, so I said let’s do this thing! Before I knew it, I was at Lauren and Cooper’s family property shooting some seriously amazingly  summer sunset engagement photos!

Flash forward to this year and we’re back at their family’s property for their Flathead Lake wedding weekend! I couldn’t miss the rehearsal dinner for this one – an elegant white party that was the perfect start to their wedding weekend in Big Fork MT! As the sun was setting, their friends and families gathered to toast to all of the love of the weekend and the candid photos of that night show you just how much good energy was in the air! 

The wedding day started off with the wedding party getting ready at various locations around the property! The lovers snuck a first look at the dock on the lake and we even squeezed in a little pre-ceremony boat ride! It was EVERYTHING! With all of the plans and chaos of a wedding day, I highly recommend setting some time aside for just the two of you. Whether that is before or after the ceremony, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure you have time to soak each other in! Because every single couple talks about how quickly the day goes by, so you need that brief little moment to take in all of the magic!! 

In true wedding day fashion, the rain rolled in and dumped on the valley, just before the wedding ceremony. But thanks to the dream team vendors, everything was brought inside at the last minute. Lo + Coop didn’t let a little weather ruin their day! Eventually the rain let up, the sunshine flickered through the trees, and these two babes got married at sunset with the lake and mountains in full view. 

Stigma and Style florals absolutely knocked the flower arrangements out of the park and Soiree 99 Events killed the table settings for their outdoor reception and dinner. Toasts were made, tears were flowing, and soon the whole crew was dancing the night away to wrap up a truly unforgettable Flathead Lake wedding! But not before a bridal outfit switch from a wedding dress to the coolest sequin suit I’ve ever seen. Keep scrolling to see what I’m talking about! 

The best part? I felt like I was part of their crew! They had the sweetest people surrounding them on their day and it was a beautiful thing to witness. Not only am I obsessed with Lo + Coop, but I’ll be photographing some of their very best friends at their own weddings next year! Can’t wait to see some of these shining faces and do it all over again!

Have you ever been to a summer backyard wedding with 370 people? Because I can officially say I have! Okay okay, I guess it makes it more of a field rather than a yard. But this big, beautiful wedding did take place at the bride’s parents home! And holy moly, it was a good time.  

Carter + Dan, where to even begin with these two! The most chill humans I have ever encountered. Their day was laid back and go with the flow, just like they are. And you know how some people are like yeahhhh we go with the flow, but on wedding day the stress of it all just kinda does its thing? Well not with these love birds. 

It’s not too often I have a bride that actually says she wants to spend the least amount of time possible taking photos. HAHA! As a photographer, I was a bit shocked by that. But also flattered that she had the trust that I’d capture the important moments of her day and still be able to deliver a story, without taking whole chunks out of their time spent with loved ones. (Which not to brag, but we totally did!)

You can tell they truly care about the people around them (all 370 of them lol) and at the end of the day, that’s what matters most. They said heck yeah to forever in front of so many groups of friends – ones from the college trip to Peru where they met, other college friends, childhood friends, family, the list goes on. It’s been awhile since I was surrounded by THAT much love and damn was it something special! 

Not only was the energy unmatched, but it was seriously stunning as well. Carter looked effortlessly gorgeous in her caped wedding gown and Dan looked handsome AF in his green suit (no tie, they’re chill remember!!!) The florals and colors were so different from other summer backyard weddings – earthy tones, sunflowers, carnations, herbs and even some veggies – you’ve gotta take a look for yourself! All of the planning was done by the talented Soiree 99 Events and the stunning florals were all The Wild Blume. 

To end their day, they brought in Diamond Empire Band from Utah and jammed all night long. When I tell you I’ve never seen a wedding dance floor so packed and lively, I mean it. I could barely get myself in there to take any photos! It was definitely a reception of the summer. 

If you are loving the vibe from Carter + Dan’s day, make sure you check out more summer backyard wedding inspiration over on the blog!

Meghan + Jimmy’s Yellowstone Club wedding was one for the books. And ya I know, people say that allll of the time. But imagine two creative professionals, getting married in the most exquisite place, bringing along a band and DJs, with the most incredible vendor team working actual magic on everything from florals to desserts. Add in the sweetest damn humans in the world! That was Meghan + Jimmy’s wedding day, in a nutshell. 

Let’s start with just how epic the Yellowstone Club wedding venue really is. Well it’s not really a wedding venue, as it’s a private ski resort and golf club tucked into the forest of the Rocky Mountains, just west of Big Sky. It’s kinda a big deal, with members like Justin freaking Timberlake, chillin’ and vacationing in the beauty Montana has to offer. So let that set the scene for you!!! 

Now we have to talk about Meghan + Jimmy. Not only are they actual angels, they are both extremely talented creatives. Jimmy is in the music industry, so you already know the jams at their receptions were top notch. His friend’s 90’s cover band came along to play live (we all were in heaven) followed by two DJs to party all night long. The level of cool was freakin’ outrageous. 

And then there is Meghan. For all of you who don’t know, I’m a texture gal. They make all of the difference when it comes to your photographs, so I’ll preach texture until my face turns blue. When I found out Meghan is a textile artist – you know it, I turned into a fan girl. Every bit of her wedding screamed “photograph me!!!” from her dress to her florals to her decor. Did I mention her dress???? An absolute beauty from Chana Marelus, an Isreali designer. It was INSANE. I’ll take one for myself, please! 

And while it was truly an immaculate day, it was also entirely super mellow. These babes flowed through their day, without a care in the world, just happy to be getting hitched and spending time with their peeps! They got ready at the barn, headed up to the heli pad for a first look, and actually took the time to sip drinks with their guests during cocktail hour. Dinner was to die for and the dessert spread was super impressive + included gluten free snacks for me. I had my own seat at a table with the band (that always makes me feel so loved by my couples!!) and now I’m part of the band, no big deal. 

The entire wedding spent the night jamming away with the band and dancing into the night with the DJs. A truly epic Yellowstone Club wedding. The sweetest couple with the sweetest love. An all around joy-filled day. 

So good that I’d do it again and again! So who’s inviting me back to the Yellowstone Club for another wedding?? Let’s do it!

Destination weddings don’t have to be on a tropical island or in a far off land, they can also be cozy barn wedding venues in Pennsylvania. Andy + Jordan’s summer wedding at One Barn Farm is proof of that! 

So how did I, a Montana wedding photographer, end up at a cozy barn wedding venue in Pennsylvania. While it’s not my normal stomping grounds, it’s true that no wedding is too far for a traveling wedding photographer like myself! 

I first met Andy + Jordan in Glacier National Park, where Andy had planned a surprise proposal followed by an adventurous engagement session! Surprise proposals in Glacier are always fun and I’ve done a few over the years! (Tap that link to see another super sweet proposal!) But Andy + Jordan had such a good time that they decided they had to have me for their wedding, even though they had no idea where it might be! 

Ultimately they chose One Barn Farm in Mifflinburg, PA, a small town northwest of Philadelphia. Though neither of them are from the area, it is situated in between both sides of their family, making it the perfect weekend getaway for their guests. Being a frequent flyer and a lover of travel, I said heck ya I’ll photograph you at your barn wedding venue! 

It was a beautiful and elegant estate with a big barn and several other houses on the grounds, with manicured lawns and gardens sprinkled throughout! Rosemary and Rust florals brought their flower magic to the wedding, Gable House Bakery supplied the treats, and BarCODE Mobile Bar brought the party. 

The weather could not have been more perfect for an early summer wedding day! Andy + Jordan had their ceremony out on the lawn surrounded by friends and family who traveled from all over to be there on their day. For their reception, the barn on the property was perfect! But when it came to dancing the night away, they did it the right way – out on the lawn, under the stars. 

So if you’re looking to plan a destination wedding, here’s your reminder! It can be anywhere. Sure we can go off to another country or elope with just you two in the mountains somewhere, but you can also choose to do it in whatever way that feels good to you. Maybe that is in the college town where you met, the shores of your favorite lake house vacation spot growing up, or even a barn wedding venue somewhere in between your two families. 

Here’s another little bit of inspo for you, if a barn wedding venue is calling your name. No matter where you’re headed, I’m always down to make the trip! Tell me the vision for your day and we’ll make sure all of the fun is documented. Say hi here!