Carly and Daiten’s early morning intimate wedding in Glacier National Park very well may have been the most laid-back, carefree wedding day that I have ever photographed. From the moment these two got engaged, they knew they wanted a small wedding centered around each other and their families. The early morning wake up was well worth it to celebrate this wholesome couple and to soak up the last glimpses of Fall in Glacier National Park. 

Early Morning Intimate Wedding | Glacier National Park Weddings

I woke up well before the crack of dawn to travel from Kalispell to Carly and Daiten’s Whitefish Airbnb. Because they envisioned saying “I do” at Lake McDonald at sunrise, we had to get an early start to the day. When I arrived to their vacation rental, Carly was just making finishing touches. After sharing a sweet moment with her dad as he clasped a necklace around her neck, Carly and Daiten shared their first look in front of the cozy fireplace in the living room. While the sky was still dark overhead, we then made the drive from Whitefish to Lake McDonald. 

When we reached Lake McDonald, Carly and Daiten’s families gathered on Ryan Beach while Carly made her way down the rocky shore. While it wasn’t the sunrise wedding ceremony they initially planned for, the overcast skies overhead created a romantic atmosphere. Witnessing Carly and Daiten exchange their heartfelt vows was beautiful. They celebrated 9 years together to-the-day as they exchanged rings in the presence of their families. After saying “I do”, the newlyweds and their families headed up to the Apgar Picnic Area to kick off the morning of celebration.

Picnic tables were lined with a yummy brunch spread for guests to enjoy. Once the bonfire was blazing, everyone enjoyed champagne and cake. Carley and Daiten shared their first dance beneath the towering pines and larches before everyone else joined in the fun. Despite the cold morning, guests kept warm with giggles and two-stepping to keep warm. While the party continued at the Apgar Picnic Area, I snagged the newlyweds for some bridal portraits along Lake McDonald. The haze hung low along the snow-capped mountains, but we caught little slivers of blue sky above. As Carly and Daiten strolled hand-in-hand along the shore, I couldn’t help but feel like I was witnessing a live Bob Ross painting. It was such a stunning morning!

Belton Stage Park Bridal Portraits | Mountain Wedding Inspiration

Before wrapping up the cozy bonfire and brunch at the picnic area, we spent some time taking a few more bridal portraits in the forest. Our time together concluded at Belton Bridge as the crew made their way back to Whitefish. Belton Bridge is one of my favorite spots to snag bridal portraits. The rock formations, last remnants of Fall foliage, and stone bridge stretching across the aqua-colored river created such a stunning backdrop. 

Photographing Carly and Daiten’s early morning intimate wedding in Glacier National Park was such a special way to start the day. I would be lying if I said I didn’t snuggle up with my pup (Hatcher) for a nap when I got back to Kalispell that afternoon! 

Montana Elopement Photographer | Sydney Breann Photography

Carly and Daiten’s intimate wedding also signified the end of my 2024 season as a Montana elopement photographer. I am so grateful to each and every couple who trusted me to document their best day ever in 2024. You can peruse the blog to catch up on my 2024 adventures! And keep up with my adventures in real time over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto) until the next blog post. As always, are you ready to wander?

Glacier National Park Intimate Wedding Vendors

Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Dress – Brides for a Cause
Suit – The Modern Groom
Cake – Bonjour Bakery + Bistro