When I tell you that this garden party-inspired intimate wedding at Pray Lake felt like a dream, I am not lying. From the moment Mckenzie shared her vision of spring pastels, colorful florals, and Western touches, I was sold. Mckenzie and Logan traveled to Glacier National Park from Georgia with less than 30 of their loved ones in tow. Despite a windy day at Pray Lake, every moment of their day was exactly as the bride imagined it to be: picture-perfect.
Mckenzie and Logan chose Glacier National Park for their destination wedding because of the gorgeous mountain scenery and colorful landscapes. I was not only honored to photograph their intimate June celebration, but I also had the joy of helping them bring their vision to life through planning support. From our very first conversations, it was clear that spending quality time with their families was a top priority. Mckenzie also shared her dream of having the bridesmaids in mismatched pastels, perfectly paired with the groomsmen’s pastel jackets and tan slacks. While she embraced a vibrant, colorful palette for the bridal party, she envisioned a more neutral, understated feel for the reception — creating the perfect balance for their wedding day.
With the bride’s notes, questionnaires, and Pinterest board in hand, I got to work recommending wedding vendors near Glacier National Park, gathering lodging and venue recommendations, and piecing together a mood board. As a Northwest Montana elopement photographer and planner, I take pride in working hard to bring my couples’ visions to life. From the smallest details like the cutlery finish, to the bigger details like the perfect backdrop for bridal portraits, there’s nothing I love more than being the right-hand gal for my couples. After Mckenzie, Logan, and I spent time fine-tuning the overall vision and their wedding day timeline, all that was left to do was to get them MARRIED!
Mckenzie and Logan’s garden party-inspired intimate wedding began in Whitefish, Montana where they both got ready in separate Airbnbs. The space where Mckenzie got ready couldn’t have been more perfect for a bridal suite. Huge windows and vaulted ceilings let in tons of natural light, which was perfect for getting glam. After getting ready alongside her mom and sister, Mckenzie shared a first look with her dad. Once the happy tears subsided, Mckenzie and her bridesmaids had their own first look. If there was ever an epitome of girlhood, it would be exactly this! Each bridesmaid was overjoyed at the sight of Mckenzie in her stunning Saint Bridal Couture gown. She looked like an absolute vision. Her dress was a fun, modern twist on a classic wedding gown silhouette and looked perfect with her Southern-belle curls.
After popping over to Logan’s Airbnb for some groom portraits, Mckenzie and Logan shared a first touch beneath a canopy of trees. They took this time to also read each other their vows before departing for their Pray Lake ceremony. Once we arrived to Glacier National Park, we were greeted with some intense wind. Guests waited down on the shore of Pray Lake, while the wind whipped Mckenzie’s veil and dress as she walked with her dad down to Logan. Despite the wind, their ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Their officiant shared a reading before the couple’s foot washing ceremony (which always makes me tear up). Guests then gathered around the couple and prayed over them before rings were exchanged and the “I do’s” were said.
The sun emerged beyond the clouds just in time for wedding party portraits in the park — and let me tell you: I am so glad we got to experience the sunshine! Words cannot describe just how stunning each gal looked in their respective dresses. While each dress was a different color, pattern, and neckline, each dress was satin and tea-length. The gals broke out a couple parasols, which were the best addition to the garden party vibes. The groomsmen also deserve an applause, because they looked so dapper in their colorful suit jackets, tan pants, and brown cowboy boots. It’s safe to say that Mckenzie and Logan’s bridal party portraits will live in my mind for a lifetime.
While I was busy taking newlywed portraits with Mckenzie and Logan in the park, my team was busy setting up for the reception at Saint Agnes Farmhouse in Whitefish. I couldn’t wrap my head around just how stunning the portraits were, but I was also so excited to see how everything turned out back at the reception space. We took our time down at Pray Lake and the surrounding trails in the park taking bridal portraits before it was time to head to the party.
And a party it was! Guest enjoyed a DIY hat bar, courtesy of Dusty Brim Hat Bar. I had never heard of such a thing, but it’s absolutely something I will recommend to my couples who travel to the area. The ladies of Dusty Brim Hat Bar helped guests create their dream cowboy hats with different hat bands, accessories, burnings, embellishments, and florals. It was such a hit! After guests donned their hats, dinner kicked off with speeches and first dances. I stole the newlyweds away for a bit for a few more romantics before Mckenzie slipped into her satin cocktail dress and dusty blue cowgirl boots.
The newlyweds cut their beautiful cake before boot-scootin’ through their grand exit as guests threw flower petals. It was the perfect ending to Mckenzie and Logan’s garden party-inspired intimate wedding in Northwest Montana.
Each time I think my job as an elopement and wedding photographer can’t possibly get better, I get the opportunity to help couples plan their best day ever. Sound like something you’re looking for? Let’s connect! Be sure to also follow along with my adventures as a Northwest Montana elopement photographer and planner over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Until next time, are you ready wander?
Officiant: Danny Morales
Hair: Bridal Bliss
Florist: Wilde Floral
Bride: Lovely Bride (Saint, Salomé collection)
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Groom shoes: Ariat
Cake: Mountain Mama’s Cupcakery
Catering: Farmer Meets Foodie
Videographer: Eric Must Film
Hat Bar: Dusty Brim Hat Bar
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