Oh Glacier. Glacier Glacier Glacier. There’s just something so magical about this place. It twinkles. It sparkles. It intrigues. It awes. And it inspires.

Heather and Matt know this firsthand. They’ve both had a love for Glacier for a while, and Matt even proposed to Heather while visiting the park, so it was only fitting that they join their lives together in such a magical, meaningful place.

The morning started out with some fly fishing for the guys in the park, and lots of small brook trout were caught (and released) as we all waded up the creek to Trick Falls. Not a shabby way to start their wedding day!

The ladies readied themselves in the Glacier Park Lodge, sharing laughs and a few happy tears before boarding one of the bright red Glacier Park jammer buses, driven by Jammer Joe, to take them to the Two Medicine Amphitheater in the park to start their ceremony.

Jack Gladstone sang and played the guitar as the bridal party, and Heather and Matt made their way to the Chupah, the sun shining down between the tall trees surrounding the amphitheater.

Heather and Matt were blessed with a traditional smudge ceremony, the sage smoke lightly brushed over them with feathers. The two spoke their vows to one another, smiles sneaking in amongst their words, and soon their friends and family were cheering for them as they kissed.

Guests joined them in a processional down to Pray Lake, where both the Ketubah and marriage license were signed, sun glinting off the gentle waves.

As guests made their way back to the lodge, Heather, Matt and I sneaked away to make some lovely Glacier portraits before they made their grand entrance back at the lodge. Guests cheered and high-fived them as they danced their way into the tent to the song, “Celebration,” which immediately lead into a lively Horah dance.

Family and friends dined on a delicious meal and soon began to laugh and shed a few tears as toasts punctuated the evening. Shoes didn’t stay on long as folks took to the dance floor and showed off some sweet dance moves.

As the evening wound down, Heather and Matt were sent off through a tunnel of sparklers and danced off into the evening together as husband and wife.

Heather and Matt – what a gorgeous day for you two! It was such a pleasure to be able to document such personal touches in your wedding day, and I wish you many more magical trips to Glacier, with even more bear sightings. ;) Congrats again!

East Glacier Wedding Vendors:

Getting Ready and Reception Venue: Glacier Park Lodge, East Glacier, Montana
Lodge Event Planner: Rachel Schmidt, East Glacier, Montana
Ceremony site: Two Medicine Amphitheater, Two Medicine Campground, Glacier National Park
Transportation: Glacier National Park Jammer Buses
Ceremony Musician: Jack Gladstone, Kalispell, Montana
Wedding Planner: Teresa Kennedy, assisted by Kerry, with Perfect Montana Wedding, Bigfork, Montana
Videographer: Paul Neff with White Cliff Productions, Kalispell, Montana
Florist: Conrad Floral, Joyce Billmayer, Bigfork, Montana
Cake: Cakes by Debi, Kalispell, Montana
DJ: DJ Heart, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Kelly Kasey, Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: lots more weddings and lots more portraits – don’t miss them!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Julie and Dave, both big fans of fly fishing, chose the Stillwater River Outpost in Absarokee as their ideal place to tie the knot. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it’s got personal significance to them as well since they have spent quite a bit of time there enjoying all the river and the location have to offer.

True to form, Montana decided to wow everyone with some pretty epic rainstorms, but then pulled out all the stops right as wedding day activities started getting underway, and showed off blue skies, fluffy clouds and brilliant sunlight to highlight Julie and Dave’s beautiful riverside wedding.

Their dog Quill walked down the aisle with their rings, and Julie and her father made their grand entrance down the pebble pathway, serenaded by violin music.

The two spoke their vows to one another and embraced in a happy kiss for the first time as husband and wife.

As the wedding ceremony came to a close, little sprinkles began to fall from the sky, and we all got another taste of a torrential downpour, which soon turned into a gorgeous, sunny evening, full of long shadows and golden clouds.

Guests snacked on mini grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (perfect for that initial rainstorm!), samplings from an antipasto platter, and other delicious offerings, just to name a few. Dinner and some fun toasts soon followed, and not long after, folks were cutting a rug on the dance floor (along with the many dogs who joined in too!).

Julie and Dave – what an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt wedding you had! Thank you again for having me document such a special day in your lives – may you have many years of love, adventure, and fly fishing ahead of you! :)

Stillwater River Outpost Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Stillwater River Outpost, Absarokee, Montana
Hair and Makeup Artist: Shannon Christensen, bride’s sister-in-law
Caterer:
Band: The Nye Express
Cupcakes: Shelly’s Cakes, Billings, Montana
Dress: a Vera Wang design
Florist: Mac’s Floral, Billings, Montana
Rentals: Party Time Rentals, Billings, Montana

On the docket: portraits and more weddings! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine