Have you ever had those moments where you just know in your soul that you are witnessing something truly unbelievable? Jaxon and Marykate’s magical Glacier National Park intimate wedding beneath the Northern Lights very well may have been the highlight of my career thus far. Not only did I have the honor of photographing their early October nuptials, but I also did the planning for it — and it was utterly perfect. Having bridal portraits under the Northern Lights is only something that couples dream of, right?! Ending Jaxon and Marykate’s day with a sky full of dancing lights was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never stop thinking about. 

Glacier National Park Intimate Wedding | Real Wedding Moments

I have no doubt that Jaxon and Marykate’s wedding day was as magical as it was because of their beautiful love story. If you follow me on Instagram (@sydneybreannphoto), you probably know I’m a hopeless romantic who loves a good book. Well, Jaxon and Marykate’s story could be straight out of an Emily Henry novel—no one can convince me otherwise. With a love that’s been nearly two decades in the making, this one’s a tearjerker. So grab your tissues, and let’s take a stroll down memory lane.

Jaxon was just six years old when he moved from his dad’s home in Arizona to Pennsylvania with his mom. The day before they settled into their new apartment, he met Ethan—the boy who would become his best friend for life. Their friendship was instant and has now lasted nearly 20 years. And, as every great love story goes, the best friend had a little sister (you guessed it—Marykate). Back then, she was the “pesky little sister” who always seemed to be around, and Jaxon was the “annoying best friend” constantly hanging out at their house.

Eloping in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography

Life went on, and about 10 years later after his mother passed away, Jaxon moved back to Arizona. Time passed, but Marykate never forgot him. One day, she asked Ethan for Jaxon’s number just to check in. That simple text turned into something more—a spark. But with miles between them, long-distance proved to be a challenge.

Fast forward a few years, and fate intervened. Jaxon was accepted to Penn State and chose to attend a satellite campus—one that just so happened to be in the same area where Ethan and Marykate still lived. Everything fell right back into place, with Jaxon and Marykate realizing they had something very real. Jaxon and Marykate have now been happily building their life together in Pennsylvania, each with a Master’s degree and a love story that keeps getting better.

An Early Fall Intimate Wedding in Northwest Montana

A true romance novel, amiright!? The ole “boy meets girl” trope will never get old. As soon as I read the inquiry from Jaxon, which outlined their love story, I was hooked on them. They were my ultimate hype people from the beginning; we created a group chat and never stopped talking. Talk about GOALS! These Pennsylvania lovers had originally been planning a traditional wedding, but realized they weren’t enjoying the process (luckily for me!) After deciding on eloping in a place brand new to them, they knew they wanted views “worthy of a wallpaper” with fall colors, mountains, and foliage as the main characters of their day. 

Their intimate wedding in Northwest Montana began at Treetops Glacier — a stunning, modern a-frame cabin resort tucked among the towering pines. After getting ready, they had their first look overlooking the beautiful property. Beneath the sunny skies, they read their vows to each other before we made our way into the park. We made the iconic stop at Big Bend for bridal portraits, Jaxon’s rust-colored suit popping against the deep blue mountains and lush greenery. Big Bend always delivers the most perfect views, and this day was no exception. Marykate’s veil floated effortlessly in the breeze as Jaxon gazed at his blushing bride. 

Sun Point Intimate Wedding in Glacier National Park

We then made our way to Sun Point for their intimate wedding ceremony. Jaxon and Marykate were surrounded by their favorite people as they committed to a lifetime together. In honor of his mom, Jaxon said a few words before the wedding ceremony ended. After the officiant pronounced Jaxon and Marykate as husband and wife, their crew whooped and hollered to celebrate the newlyweds. Seeing the pure joy on everyone’s faces was truly priceless. Despite the early October wind whipping through Sun Point (to no surprise), you could just feel the warmth emanating from everyone celebrating the newlyweds. 

After the intimate wedding ceremony at Sun Point, we slowly began to make our way back to Treetops Glacier where my team was busy setting up for dinner. Jaxon, Marykate, and I made a few stops on our way back, taking in the beauty of Glacier National Park. On our adventures, we were lucky enough to spot a moose and a curious red fox! I think the fox was just as captivated as Jaxon was of his beautiful bride. Marykate wore a regal white faux fur cape over her wedding dress to keep the crisp breeze at bay and it was gorgeous. With the snow covering parts of the mountains, Marykate was serving some serious “snow queen” vibes. Before we arrived back at Treetops Glacier, we were able to find some fall foliage to frolic around in. Jaxon and Marykate ran along the road, the golden aspens framing them the entire way.

Intimate Wedding Reception Dinner Party | Elopement Ideas

Back at Treetops Glacier, my team created a stunning tablescape on the deck. A large banquet table sat beneath twinkling lights among the pines. Candlesticks and bud vases lined the center of the table, just waiting for guests to enjoy the ambience. As everyone was dining on the delicious meal from Great Northwest Catering, I received a notification on my aurora app (yes, I am a major nerd when it comes to chasing the Northern Lights). As I stepped outside to look overhead, sure enough, the lights were out! Everyone gazed in awe, so thankful to have caught such a sight. 

After my team and I cleaned up, we boogied back into the park with Jaxon and Marykate. We arrived at Lake McDonald and were in complete awe of the brilliant emerald green sky. I can’t even put to words just how magical it was to capture bridal portraits UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. I was deceased; I will never recover…RIP. Watching Jaxon and Marykate marvel in the beauty was priceless. While I never take for granted how lucky I am to catch the lights so often in Montana, it’s so special to watch someone see them for the first time.

Wedding Photos Under the Northern Lights | Montana Wedding Photographer

Even though Jaxon and Marykate’s magical Glacier National Park intimate wedding beneath the Northern Lights wrapped up around 10:30 pm, my assistant and I simply couldn’t look away. After big hugs sending the newlyweds on their way, we pulled over on a  random backroad on the way back home to gaze at the lights dancing overhead. We were spoiled with streaks of pink, orange, purple, and green to conclude the most incredible day. 

I am clearly not over this day…and never will be.

Glacier National Park Elopement Photography and Planning

Capturing Jaxon and Marykate’s new chapter their love story was something I will remember for the rest of my life. Photographing their magical Glacier National Park Intimate Wedding Beneath the Northern Lights was a dream come true. I can safely say that I will hold their “beginning” close to my heart every time I see these photos, or catch the Northern Lights. Being a Montana elopement photographer and planner is the greatest joy of my life. And it’s all thanks to genuine, madly in-love couples like Jaxon and Marykate. Thank you for being here, my friend.

You can always catch up on my other blogs if you are searching for Montana and Glacier National Park elopement inspiration. Or follow me over on the ‘Gram. But until next time, are you ready to wander?

Vendor Team:

Photography: Sydney Breann Photography
Planning: Sydney Breann
Lodging: Treetops Glacier
Officiant: 406 Officient
Hair: Bridal Bliss
Florals: Flower Child Floral
Suit: Indochino
Cake: Fleur Bake Shop