Kelsey + John :: Summertime Glacier National Park Elopement

Every time I go to Glacier it’s always a little bit different, which is something that I just adore about zipping on up there. Kelsey and John live in Pennsylvania but worked in Glacier for 6 months in 2017 and had many fond memories of their time in the area. So they knew the perfect way to start their married life together would be to have a summertime Glacier National Park elopement.

And perfection it was! John’s sister, Mary, joined them as well as Kyle, John’s longtime best friend, who was also their officiant. We had such a wonderful time checking out the park together, all of us piled into their rented Subaru, and started out at Lake McDonald where they had their official ceremony and exchanging of vows and rings.

After they tied the knot (quite literally – they used some climbing rope!), Kelsey and John exchanged high-fives and everyone shared in celebratory champagne too. The cork ended up shooting off into a nearby stand of trees, but, not wanting to be litter bugs, and because we all subscribe to the “leave no trace” way of existing, we all scoured the ground for the cork, eventually found it (which also was cause for much celebration!), picked up some additional litter that we found (PSA moment…people – don’t litter!!!), and went on our merry way, winding through the park.

Words can’t really do justice to just how much fun it was to make images with these two (and with Kyle and Mary as well!). Kelsey and John were up for anything and easily scrambled over rocks (Kelsey was rocking a pair of Chacos with her dress) to make some beautiful images. We all had a blast laughing together, and in general, just had a grand old time hanging out.

Along the way, because we were all feeling a bit peckish, we stopped to indulge in some seriously giant burritos and sodas together (to which Kelsey and John had treated all of us) with probably the best views one could hope to get to get while scarfing down aforementioned grub.

After filling our bellies, we all continued on, and to our delight, and especially Kelsey’s, we discovered that the beargrass was in full bloom! Kelsey absolutely loves beargrass, and even though the wind had picked up by that point and we were all getting a little chilly, Kelsey and John were game to brave the gusts, and hoooooo boy. Was it ever worth it! The beargrass delicately danced and swayed in the wind, Kelsey’s dress flowed (I’m pretty sure her dress was made to work with the wind), and I nearly lost my mind it was so unbelievably gorgeous.

We continued up higher, gaining elevation and definitely losing warmth, but onward we went, despite the wind (which I think we had determined had things feeling like 40-some degrees). Again, Kelsey and John (and Kyle and Mary) were absolute troopers, and we all made the most of the gorgeous evening, even though I think we may have been on the verge of totally freezing Kelsey. 😉 Again, I (and I think everyone else) would wager that it was totally worth it because the clouds parted briefly, we were treated to the most beautiful slivers of sunlight peeking through the clouds to highlight Kelsey and John, and got to check out a bunch of gorgeous Indian Paintbrush, too.

To top off the evening we swung by to a “secret spot” Kelsey and John liked to frequent with their dog when they had lived in Glacier. Not only was the light absolutely stunning, we were even treated to a bumper crop of deliciously perfect huckleberries, which, you know, is always a win.

Kelsey and John! Oh my goodness – how do I even express how wonderful it was to document your day for you, but also get to spend time getting to know you both, as well as Mary and Kyle! I loved every single second of our time together, and I’m so glad that our paths got to cross as you celebrated such a happy day in your lives. Here’s to the two of you, to oodles of adventures in the future, and a steadfast love for each other and for Montana. :) Thank you again for inviting me to document your day!