An elopement can look however you want it to and for Evan + Trey, that meant eloping with family for their intimate ceremony but then heading off into the mountains to explore just the two of them (and me as their elopement photographer, of course)! 

No one could have prepared us for the misty, magical day Evan + Trey would have on their Glacier National Park intimate wedding day. I always tell my couples, “we don’t worry about the weather around here” and their elopement gallery is the perfect example why. But this particular wedding takes it one step further with an added obstacle and last minute changes of plan because of surprise construction. Just another reason why elopements are made for going with the flow and soaking in the unexpected beauty of an unconventional wedding day! 

Evan + Trey are originally from Oklahoma, but got engaged in Grand Teton National Park. When it came to planning a wedding, they never felt drawn to the conventional ceremonies or timelines. With Glacier being their favorite national park, Montana was an easy decision. While they loved the idea of eloping just the two of them, they knew their close knit family would want to come along as well (including her grandmother in a wheelchair). So they created the best of both worlds – eloping with family in Polebridge followed by adventure-style portrait photos in the park – proving you can make your wedding day look however you want. 

Though when we arrived at their first look and ceremony location, everywhere you turned was construction. Too far into the wilderness to change plans, Evan + Trey decided to make the best of what they had and celebrated through every twist and turn the day threw at them. The best moments of elopements are often unplanned, so unexpected challenges are rarely a bother!  Found us a small trail nearby that grandma could access with an open field and they went for it.

They shared moments on the lake shore, tiptoed along flowing riverbeds, ran through tunnels, and ended with those quintessentially Glacier epic mountain views at Big Bend, catching the last of the wildflowers in bloom. 

Low lying clouds made for moody backdrops to compliment his deep red suit (a stunner from William & Lauren) and the wind kept her classic white dress flowing in photos (thanks to Chantilly Bridal for that one). The stormy sky over their ceremony (officiated by my absolute favorite Raul with Best Day Officiants), the wind in her bouquet ribbon (a stunning batch of florals by the talented people over at Mum’s Flowers), their pups running around, the dirt on her dress, the warmth their smiles bring to an otherwise eerie view – all of the vibes you could want for eloping with family in the mountains.

Eastern Oregon Wedding on the Historic Oregon Trail  

History, hometowns, famous hauntings, and a family heirloom came together for Beth + Brent’s eastern Oregon wedding in Baker City. They wanted a simple, heartfelt microwedding surrounded by the people (and places) that mattered most. What did they get? A ghost story or two, real-life Oregon Trail wagon ruts, and a last-minute weather shift that made the whole thing feel even more personal and sentimental. 

If you’re planning an intimate in Oregon, whether it’s for your family roots or a love of local history, this one is full of inspo! 

Beth, Brent, and a Baker City, Oregon Wedding Way

Getting Ready at the Haunted Geiser Grand Hotel

The charming Geiser Grand Hotel is a popular Eastern Oregon wedding venue itself and a historic landmark in Baker City. Originally opened in 1898, the hotel has had quite a past, originally as a luxury spot during the Gold Rush era and then as a renovation project, but most know it because of how freakin’ haunted it is!!! 

Beth spent the night before her wedding here with a couple of her closest girls, and I met her there the morning of her wedding. As she was getting ready, she mentioned that her room is rumored to be THE most haunted room in the whole place! The hotel staff refers to her as Annebelle, but she’s also known as The Lady in Blue (click if you are a lover of ghost stories like me), and apparently, she loves to lurk around and make herself known! 

Personally, I’m happy she didn’t make an appearance, but shout out to her suite because it made for the perfect place for some classic getting-ready wedding photos for Beth with a big ornate window and a chandelier. 

Brent got ready down the road at his parents’ property, with stunning views of the Blue Mountains. It was a quiet morning with no one else around (Brent said it was the best!) 

An Intimate Ceremony at a Unique Eastern Oregon Wedding Venue 

With just 25 of their favorite people, Beth + Brent had their ceremony at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. It’s not typically used as a wedding venue, but it’s only 2 minutes from Brent’s family home and offers some great views, with the Blue Mountains, the Wallowa Mountains, the Baker Valley, and Virtue flat are all visible from its trail systems! 

When it came to their wedding day, the rain clouds rolled in and fog socked in the valley, so not many mountains were in sight. But the puffy clouds above rolling plains made for a killer ceremony backdrop, made even better by a homemade wedding arch made by Beth herself! 

And then came my favorite part! Turns out this place is perfect if you’re a history buff or an Oregon wedding photographer who lovesssss unique + fun photo opportunities! Beth, Brent, & I went off to explore after the ceremony for portraits, and ended up in front of a wagon, running down original wagon ruts of the Oregon Trail, hanging out in front of a blacksmith home, and truly having the BEST time! This wasn’t an Oregon Trail-themed wedding,, but now I’m like…who wants to plan one??? 

A Backyard Reception Turned Cozy Family Dinner 

After portraits, the newlyweds and their guests headed back to Brent’s family home for a backyard reception. Originally, they had set up a single long table in the yard, but the skies opened up and the threat of rain loomed a little too close for comfort. Beth asked me if moving everyone inside would ruin the photos, and if you know me at all, you know my rule: rain NEVER ruins a wedding day. It almost always adds some memorable stories to the mix. 

And their wedding day was no different! 

Quickly shifting the plans indoors, I watched as Brent’s parents pulled out leaves for their dining table, one that had been in their family for over 100 years. Everyone grabbed their spot, sitting closer than they would have outside, and got cozy during teary-eyed speeches and food shared family style. It. Was. PERFECT. 

Sitting around a table full of family history, celebrating a new era of family added, after a day of ghost stories, local landmarks, historic replicas… I mean, does it get more special? I’d photograph days like these over and over and over again. 

Planning a wedding in Oregon? 

We don’t have to head to the Oregon Trail or Baker City, we could head west and plan a beach wedding or head south to the redwoods and run around in the forest! The location doesn’t matter, I’ll follow you anywhere. 

But I’ll tell ya, as a wedding photographer, what does matter most:

Planning a day that means something. Doing the things you love. Going somewhere that makes you feel inspired, or sentimental, or most alive. 

If that’s the kind of Oregon wedding you’re planning, then count me IN! 

→ Head over to my contact form to chat about your own Oregon wedding photos! 

But not before you take a look at Beth + Brent’s gallery featuring haunted hotels, wagon replicas, and that sweet family dining table!

If you’re searching for the best places in Seattle for engagement photos the Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington usually doesn’t make the list. Classic Seattle vibes like Pike Place Market, Kerry Park, the waterfront, and Washington Park Arboretum are all beautiful in their own way, but what if you want something a little different? And indoors??

As a wedding and engagement photographer, my top tip is always to choose a location that feels sentimental. And that’s how I ended up with Sydney + Nicholas running around the library on a very snowy morning in Seattle! 

Why Suzzallo Library is a Hidden Gem for Engagement Photos

If you’ve never been, let me tell ya, this building is a stunner (and a photographer’s playground)! Old Gothic architecture, arched windows with plenty of natural light pouring in, grand staircases with vaulted ceilings, dark woods, and intricate pendant lights everywhere.  It’s like stepping into a European cathedral but in the heart of a college campus.

For classic, timeless engagement photos, it’s the perfect backdrop. But there are a couple of other reasons why the Suzzallo Library might be the right choice for you: 

• It’s stunning year-round in any weather. Doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, drizzling, or completely gray; the architecture and light in Suzzallo always look good.
  
• It can be meaningful to you! If UW is part of your story, college sweethearts, grad school years, or countless coffee runs on campus, it’s such a cool way to tie that chapter of your life into your photos.

• It’s flexible for your style, outfit, or vibe. Whether you want to dress up in something formal or keep it low-key and cozy, Suzzallo works either way!
  
• It pairs well with other locations. Want both dramatic, moody architecture and a completely different backdrop? Maybe some adventure? Perhaps a skyline? All of the go-to Seattle engagement photo locations are close by, so you can make a day of it!
  
  → Head to Snoqualmie Pass for snowy mountains or forest trails (like Sydney + Nicholas)
  → Pop over to Gas Works Park for skyline views and industrial vibes

→ Hit the Seattle waterfront for a classic PNW shot
→ Sneak into the UW Quad in spring when the cherry blossoms go wild
→ Wander to Capitol Hill for moody urban streets and neon lights
→ Finish with golden hour at Discovery Park for open fields and sunsets

The wish for a snowy engagement photoshoot? Granted. 

These two lovers live in the Midwest now, but spent four years in Washington, where they first moved in together! So when they planned a trip back to visit friends, they decided their Seattle engagement session was the perfect excuse to celebrate their time here.

Sydney has high hopes for a winter engagement photo vibe, and originally, we had decided to spend all of our time in the Snoqualmie Pass for portraits! But her mind kept wandering back to the Suzzallo Library and how she had always been obsessed with the library, so we were like, “why not both???”

We planned to meet at the library bright and early (because it can get busy fast), then drive out toward the Pass later. But Seattle’s weather had other plans! A surprise snowstorm hit the night before (soooo much fresh snow for Sydney’s wish!), but the university delayed opening the library by two hours so we had to improvise! 

Instead of waiting around, we grabbed coffee and headed east! We drove through snow on the highways, only to find weird dry patches where snow completely disappeared. Every trail we’d scouted was blocked or inaccessible. Classic winter adventure photography!!! 

Finally, we found a random roadside pull-off with a snowy trail winding into the trees. No perfect view or landmark—just fresh snow, quiet forest, and room to play. And it was perfect.

They ran around in the snow and laughed until their faces were red and their hands were frozen. Worth it! But back to the library we went to warm up! 

We got there just in time for the afternoon light to pour in through those huge windows. I won’t keep gushing over the photos, but keep reading to see ‘em for yourself!

Tips for Engagement Photos at Suzzallo Library UW

If you’re thinking of shooting your engagement photos at Suzzallo Library, here are a few tips:

✔ Go early: It gets busy quickly, especially during the school year.
✔ Check UW hours: You truly never know! Weather or campus events can affect open times, so just do your research.
✔ Consider a weekday: Fewer people!! Especially if you don’t love the idea of being photographed around groups of people.
✔ Mix indoor & outdoor: The exterior architecture is just as photogenic as the inside! Plus, there are so many stunning nooks around, the options are endless!  

Want help choosing a Seattle engagement session location? 

Then let me help! Take a look at this blog about engagement photo ideas, specifically choosing a location that is sentimental to YOU!

I’ve photographed couples in every corner of the world, from Belize to Iceland to Oregon, and my favorite ones are always the ones that mean something.  So if Seattle is a part of your story, let’s meet at your favorite place! 

Contact me to plan your engagement session!

Why Lone Mountain Ranch is the Best for Winter Elopements

If the vibe for your winter wedding is snowglobe, Hallmark movie scene…

Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky Montana is your place! Specifically, if you want it to feel like two lovers ran off to the mountains to cozy up by the fire in a cabin, take a post-wedding sleigh ride, and warm up with burgers & beers at the saloon. 

This resort doubles as a Montana wedding venue and they make it so stupidly easy to have a winter wedding that’s beautiful, low-stress, and just really damn fun. ​​Whether you’re eloping or planning something a bit bigger, it’s honestly one of the best places to get married in Montana. Especially in winter (but all year round, too).

Baker + Mark’s Winter Elopement in Big Sky

These two came out from Nashville and handled winter in the mountains like absolute champs.

It had dumped fresh snow right before their wedding, which was amazing for photos (and less amazing for fingers and toes ‘cause BURR). When I arrived in Big Sky the day before, it was -28°F. The day of the elopement? A spicy 12°F and they were still down for the full winter wonderland experience.

Baker was finishing her hair and makeup when I arrived at their cabin, coffee in hand, FaceTiming her sister, totally chilled out. 

They did their first look just outside the cabin, with the trees heavy with snow and the whole ranch looking like a postcard. We wandered through the property, took photos around the cabins and the barn, sleigh ride, and even went up to one of the ridge areas where you can see the whole valley (so stunning if the weather’s clear)!

Then (because being frozen is NOT recommended for good photos) we headed back to their cabin, started a fire, and just hung out while they warmed up. Friendly reminder from your fav elopement photographer → Not every part of your elopement has to be a photo moment. Sometimes, just hanging out, soaking it all in is NEEDED.

Later, we wandered over to the saloon (truly the cutest one I’ve ever seen), snapped some filmy, flash-style photos, ordered drinks and burgers, and ended the day in some comfort-food coma, just-got-married bliss!!! 

Why You’re Going to Love Lone Mountain Ranch 

There are a million reasons why I recommend this place to couples planning a mountain elopement, but here are a few of my favorites:

You don’t have to leave the property (if you don’t want to). 

Ceremony? Photos? Lodging? FOOD? All here. No driving. No coordinating five different places. You wake up, walk outside, and it’s all ready for you. They have on-site catering, music, restaurants, everything.

But if you do want to leave the ranch, you’re only 18 miles to Yellowstone National Park. LMR offers guided tours and is so helpful with transport, too. 

It’s a dream mountain escape (and a dream for wedding photos, too). 

Cozy, rustic cabins. An old style saloon. Horses. Fire places. Sleigh rides. Need I say more? The aesthetic of every single space is giving mountain getaway in the best way, perfect for destination elopements for out of towners wanting that classic western vibe! 

It’s an outdoor lover’s playground (and the adventure is built-in). 

Like I said, you’re in the backyard of Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by endless outdoor adventure activities. The ranch offers excursions like horseback riding (where are my horse wedding people at??), fly fishing, and guided hiking. Though for winter specifically, they’ll happily take you just 10 miles down the road for skiing at Big Sky Resort, give you gear for some cross country snowshoeing on Nordic trails,  or pick you up at your cabin with a horse sleigh in the snow. 

They’ve got options for every kind of couple.

If you’re eloping just the two of you, their Big Sky elopement packages cover all the bases—lodging, meals, coordination, activities. They also have specific packages for winter elopements versus summer elopements (seriously, I told ya, they think of everything)!

If you’re planning something more traditional, Lone Mountain has full wedding packages with multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony sites, plenty of lodging for guests, and just about every inclusion or amenity you could ask for. 

More Lone Mountain Ranch Wedding & Elopement Inspo 

Wanna see this place in every season? I’ve been lucky enough to shoot here a lot, and trust me, it never misses! 

For my winter-lovers:

→ A Snowy Christmas Wedding in Montana
→ Winter Mountain Wedding in Big Sky

Fall vibes are stunning:

→ Lone Mountain Ranch Fall Elopement

Summer in the mountains:

→ Destination Wedding at Lone Mountain Ranch

Need an elopement photographer for Lone Mountain Ranch? 

Whether you’re planning a snowy two-person ceremony or a full-on ranch wedding with your crew, Lone Mountain Ranch is one of my all-time favorite wedding venues to photograph.

The staff is amazing. The property is beautiful. The vibes are impeccable. And it shows in your photos every time.  So if you’re planning your winter elopement at the ranch, I’m your girl.Let’s start planning your Lone Mountain Ranch  elopement →

And take a quick scroll for the full story as told by Baker + Mark’s elopement photos! 

Let me just slide in my personal recommendation for The Silver Knot in Ronan MT for locals and destination wedding babes alike! If you’re out here searching for a mountain wedding venue that perfectly blends modern charm with that laid-back Montana spirit, then you’re going to want to have a closer look at Jade + Hunter’s wedding!  

The Silver Knot: A Hidden-Gem Montana Wedding Venue 

Whether you’re a local or planning a destination wedding in Montana, if you’re looking for a laid-back ranch vibe for a western-style wedding that also has a modern, timeless touch—you’re going to LOVE The Silver Knot in Ronan, MT! 

I’m actually originally from just down the road (Missoula to Ronan is about an hour’s drive) and have photographed mountain weddings at nearly every major wedding venue in the area, but there’s something special about this secluded property. And if you’ve been vision boarding about a mountain wedding venue with charming details, then this one deserves to be on your list. 

High ceilings dripping with chandeliers, reclaimed corral wood on the walls, windows for DAYS framing the Mission Mountains in view. They’ve thought of everything to make your best day comfy and cozy with a honeymoon cabin on site option, spaces for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, an outdoor pavilion with lights strung all over for receptions & dancing under glittery lights, a barn and horse pen, a fire pit for even cocktails or smores! You will love it here!

Proof that Rain on Your Wedding Day Doesn’t Matter at All 

Here’s the thing about Montana weddings in May—you’ve got to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws your way, okay! For Jade + Hunter that meant rolling with some serious weather changes! Their original plan for an outdoor first look got rained out, but sometimes Plan B turns out to be even better than Plan A. No really, it does always work out just as it’s supposed to I promise! 

Instead of fighting the weather, we moved their first look to this incredible loft space inside the venue. It has massive windows (we love good lighting!!!) and is the perfect blank slate for first look photos. They exchanged gifts, spent intentional time together before the ceremony and it was the sweetest thing—Hunter was literally bracing himself against the wall because he was so emotional when he saw Jade in her stunning dress. *CRYING* 

Just before the ceremony, their amazing crew of family and friends jumped into action, wiping down the outdoor chairs after another rain shower. And would you believe it? The sun came out just in time for them to say their I-dos, giving us that perfect golden Montana light. I told you…. It always works out how it’s supposed to.

But my favorite part? The rain cleared enough for us to sneak over to the horse pen for some photos. The horses were a bit shy at first, but they warmed up to give us some Pinterset-worthy photos that any couple planning a wedding like theirs would immediately pin to their western style weddings ideas board! 

The night wrapped up with everyone dancing under the covered outdoor area, staying cozy thanks to heaters and the warmth of the fire pit. They ended their night with that classic movie sparkler exit, actually hopping right into their getaway car (so many couples actually fake this exit for photos, did ya know that??) Then they drove off into the night! 

The Montana Wedding Vendors Behind J +H’s Western Style Wedding

Every perfect wedding day takes a village, and this crew knocked it out of the corral pun intended:

Wedding Planning: Big Sky Wedding Planning 

Florist: Field Five Flowers

Hair: Shayna Achin Beauty

Makeup: Sieh Beauty

Entertainment: Brandon Johnson 

Baker: Gretchen Dunn Cakes

Bridal Shop: Alta Moda, SLC, Utah 

Wedding Dress Designer: Aleena Lena

Suit Shop: Mens Wearhouse, Missoula, MT 

Suit Designer: Joseph Aboud

Is The Silver Knot Ronan, MT on your wedding venue shortlist? 

As wedding photographer with 15+ years experience AND someone who has called the Mission Mountains home—I want to be there to capture every detail! Check out my pricing here and inquire to ask me allllll of the questions right here, babe!  

Whether you’ve booked the venue or not, reach out sooner rather than later for my availability!!! Full MT wedding availability is limited. 

Ok ok, now here’s what you have been waiting for—here’s Jade + Hunter’s photos from their modern meets western Montana wedding at The Silver Knot venue in Ronan!

When it came to choosing from Lake Tahoe wedding spots, Raegan + TJ chose wisely with an epic ceremony location overlooking the lake, the most perfect sunset views, and an open air dance floor to party the night away Before you go lookin’ through their Lake Tahoe wedding gallery, you’ve gotta hear more about how their day, especially if you’re thinking of getting married in the mountains yourself. 

Raegan + TJ are the cutest couple of college sweethearts ya ever did see and it’s not hard to tell they’ve known each other a long time (since they were just baby middle schoolers)! They reached out originally thinking about getting married in Montana, but ended up actually booking a Lake Tahoe wedding venue instead. When they sent an email asking if I was still down to photograph them, I was STOKED! It had been nearly a decade since I photographed any Lake Tahoe wedding spots and whew is it a stunning place. 

The Lakeview Lodge at Heavenly Mountain Resort was an ideal location to host their laid-back, energetic friends + family for an intimate wedding celebration on a mountaintop.  Sounds dreamy, ya?! They had their first look in the granite rock forest, sharing personal vows kept for only the two of them. Their ceremony was on a big, beautiful patio overlooking the lake. After their I Dos, TJ threw Raegan over his shoulders and ran back down the aisle, a very fitting ending to kick off their all night long celebration under a clear + starry sky. The sunset after their ceremony was actually otherworldly and one of the best of the season, light to die for.

But the stars weren’t the only thing glowing during their reception! They had a glow bar set up with glow-in-the-dark hats and leis and glasses for everyone to wear. And they brought in a face painter! This was a party! Not only are these the coolest wedding reception ideas EVER, but they made for some really fun photos too. 

When we were planning their wedding timeline and talking about what photos meant the most to them, Raegan + TJ expressed how much they wanted a focus on candids! Not only of them and the focal point of their day, but also of all of the people who came to celebrate them too. So while I definitely got the must-have wedding detail + formal type photos, I also spent most of the time just letting their moments unfold. And the result is photos full of lots of light, energy, and fun – just like them. It was a Lake Tahoe wedding for the books for sure. 

Planning your own mountain wedding and searching for a photographer who is down for all of the fun? Hit me up, babe. Let’s plan this party!

You might think a waterfront wedding in the dead of summer is a risky move, but even in the heat, this sun-filled intimate Flathead Lake wedding ceremony was as chill and smooth as could be. A quick trip to the mountains for a day-after photoshoot kept the outdoor fun going, too! 

Jess + Brian bring an easy-going presence to everything they do and their wedding day was no different. With no real timeline in place, we flowed through their plans with ease and kept the focus where it should be – on the fun and happiness surrounding them! 

I won’t sugarcoat it, it was HOT. It was the first of July in Montana and there was one tree (only one!!!) near the property of Flathead Lake Forevers wedding venue. Turns out that one tree would come in handy and actually was giving shade to their sweet little lounge set-up for their private first look, all planned by my girl Katie over at Big Day Celebrations! 

But rewind a bit because plenty happened even before their tear-filled first look while they exchanged personal vows under said lone tree. Jess got ready with her girls in an Airbnb in a different part of Flathead Lake and booked the Montana Trolley Company to bring them to the venue. A little late, but going with the flow, Brian thought we were starting the first look by the lake, when in reality, Jess had pranked him with some groomsmen in wedding dresses…not once, but twice. I had never actually photographed a good ol’ groomsmen switcheroo so I was unsure how it would go, but Jess + Brian are both hilarious, so of course it set the mood with lots of laughs and joy for the day. 

Jess was stunning in a shimmery, textured dress with a removable jacket. It was absolutely perfect for a day full of sunshine. Brian wore a blue suit, coordinating with the blues and whites that they used for their wedding colors (which I loooooved and was different from the usual pink, blush tones for summer weddings). Their waterfront wedding ceremony kicked off an evening of celebration, with an insane sunset, a kicked-back cocktail hour in lounge chairs, and a party under the welcome shade of the reception tent (thanks Empress Tents & Events)! 

The reception set-up was just as dreamy as the rest of their day, with the most Pinterest-worthy wedding desserts from Montana Wildflour and locally made ice cream from Sweet Peaks Kalispell and table settings dripping in blues, whites, and greens impeccably arranged by Conrad Floral. Jess + Brian danced to Your Song by Elton John as their first dance before we ran to the dock for golden hour photos on the lake. 

The fun with these two did not end with the waterfront wedding & reception! A few days later, I scooped up Jess + Brian and took them into Glacier National Park for a quick day-after session. Day after or a-few-days-after sessions are actually more common than you might think. In fact, I have plenty of after wedding photoshoots to share, so take a peek! They’re the perfect way to take the rush + stress of packing lots of portrait photos into your wedding timeline, plus a great opportunity to add a bit of variety to your photos in your wedding attire with totally different locations! 

So there you have it, an action-packed yet still extremely chill wedding weekend enjoying what summer in Montana has to offer! Trust me, you wanna save this one for your own inspiration if you’re planning a lake wedding!

The Sunrise Amphitheater wedding venue sits perched on top of a mountain outcrop with sprawling views of the valley below. When you’re planning an outdoor Colorado wedding, there might be plenty of places to choose from, but for an intimate wedding near Boulder – this is your spot! 

Erin + Adam wanted a first look with big views, but the town was buzzing and busy as it was a big espn football game day, leaving me searching for a place with a bit more privacy. I found a spot just outside of town and they were in! These two were cracking me up, as they were so laid-back and worry-free that they forgot the flowers and had to run back to get them. It’s easy for you to get excited on your wedding day and start to rush things, but when you go into it with a relaxed mindset (knowing that sometimes things don’t go as planned) and just wanting to enjoy your time together, it shows in your photos I promise. 

After their first look, we drove up the mountain to meet their family + friends for their Sunrise Amphitheater wedding ceremony! It was ready for us, set up with chairs and florals by Sleepy Bee Gardens that made the space their own. Their ceremony was so intentional and thoughtful. They included a ring warming ceremony, something I’ve been seeing more often, where they take a moment to set their intentions with the rings before exchanging vows and took the time to include her 7 year old daughter, Maple. We wrapped up their intimate wedding with plenty of family photos, having so much fun just hanging together that we lost track of time before heading back down the mountain. 

Waiting for us in the driveway of their aunt’s house was Dos Manos Food Truck, which was brilliant if you ask me! The kids were munching on churros and everyone was able to order their own food, grabbing drinks from coolers and celebrating away (myself included – can confirm the tacos were excellent!!) To wrap up the night, I was able to grab some photos of the details, the cake, and more goodies and them ordering tacos. 

Erin + Adam’s intimate wedding is proof that you can involve the people you love without committing to big, traditional wedding plans. You can get those big view, adventure wedding photos you want. You can book the outdoor wedding venue. You can use a food truck for your reception dinner. It’s about what YOU want. 

There’s a million ways to have a wedding. You can do it just the two of you at a tiny church in the middle of the mountains like this Montana elopement. You can get married in freezing temps and shots of whiskey like this winter elopement. You can do it summer camp style like this lakeside wedding. 

There’s no right way to have a wedding, only the right plans for you!

Julie + Matt’s Jackson Hole wedding at Turpin Meadow Ranch is an incredible example of weaving an adventurous spirit into more traditional wedding plans. A church ceremony with a trip into Grand Teton National park was the perfect pairing for this sentimental, sweet wedding day in Wyoming. 

This couple’s story started with a meet cute straight out of your favorite rom-com. Julie was a working television news reporter in Orlando, FL when she literally fell backwards out of a news truck and who was there to catch her?! A handsome fella (and fellow photographer) named Matt. As they say, the rest was history. 

Fast forward a few years and their movie script meeting escalated to planning a Jackson Hole wedding, just outside of the epic scenery of the Grand Tetons. Then they found little ol’ me. I’m always urging couples to find a wedding photographer they connect with on a personal level (100% the best way to get photos that really feel true to you). Julie reached out to me after reading my About page on my website, where I’ve shared my own experience with the meaning of photos after losing my dad. We were just two girls who lost their dads to heart attacks way too young and with far too few photos to remember them by. 

Because of this, I knew exactly how much these photos would mean to them. Oftentimes, we get caught up in feeling uncomfortable in photos or not taking the time to capture the moment or thinking, “oh we’ll take some later” and then never do. Our loved ones age and pass on. Life goes quickly and memories fade. Without the photos, our minds lose the details. But with the photos, you can almost hear the way they laugh, almost feel their hugs, taste the food you shared. That’s why I do what I do. And it’s what I wanted to give Julie + Matt on their wedding day. 

And what a wedding day it was! They stayed at the Turpin Meadow Ranch, a stunning resort outside of Jackson Hole. Julie + Matt had visited the area many times and intentionally chose it because they shared so many fun memories there. Now they can add to them – starting with their laid-back first look on the porch, where they just hung out and chatted for the most natural start to their day. Along with their close family and friends, they rode into town on buses they booked prior (a genius move, so easy + efficient!) and started with their ceremony at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church.   

Julie’s uncle walked her down the aisle to Matt, who waited under wooden beams and stained glass windows while their closest friends + family watched. After the ceremony, their guests headed back to the resort for cocktail hour and snacks, while we headed into Grand Teton National Park. Accompanied by Julie’s aunt + uncle, we explored my personal favorite spots in the Tetons. I mean… the whole park is as epic and dreamy as you could imagine. Along the way, we made sure to snap photos of her aunt + uncle even when they played shy, because these are the moments that matter. 

The sun was setting over the meadow, with the big Teton views in the background, and we ran along forgotten timber and over bridges and down roads. The perfect adventure wedding feeling to mix in after their church ceremony – the best of both worlds. Julie + Matt ended their Jackson Hole wedding back at the ranch with an intimate dinner + quality time with the people they love most. Absolute perfection! 

Somewhere along the way, Julie shared with me that she doesn’t have many photos of her dad. In fact, really only one good one. It’s printed and kept in her home in Florida. And it’s the first thing she grabs when there’s a threat of a hurricane. That’s the power of a photo. It’s the reason I do what I do. 

Wedding photography is a big investment, especially when you start to add up everything it takes to put a wedding together. I get it. But when it comes to choosing a wedding or elopement photographer for your day – no matter your plans, no matter your budget, no matter your location – I really urge you to find one who values the same things you do. It makes all the difference. 

So if you read my about page and thought, “hmm this gal gets me!” then let’s chat, bb!!!! ‘Cause that probably means you’re my type of people and I want to meet you too. Just fill out this contact form and it’ll pop you right into my inbox! The rest might just be history!

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!