At this point, I know I’m a broken record because there’s nothing better than a deeply in-love couple traveling to Northwest Montana to say “I do” with their precious pup in tow, surrounded by their favorite people. If you’re an avid reader of the blog, you already know that Jess and Lane’s Northwest Montana intimate wedding weekend sounded like it was right up my alley. As soon as they expressed wanting to have a backyard bash and include their pup as much as possible, I was sold. Celebrating a couple on their wedding day, in a way that feels authentic to them, is what makes my job as a Northwest Montana elopement photographer and planner the best job ever. Period.
Intimate Wedding Weekend in Northwest Montana | MT Weddings
Jess and Lane drove to their dreamy VRBO in Trout Creek, Montana from Illinois with their pup, Margo, tagging along. This sweet couple met on Hinge, and the rest is history. When they began planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to prioritize making core memories alongside their favorite people. They envisioned an intimate setting where they could actually converse with their guests, rather than having that all-too-cringey “small talk” that we all dread. Other than that, Jess knew she wanted Lane to see her for the first time as she walked down the aisle to him. With these notes in mind, we were set to make Jess and Lane’s intimate wedding weekend go off without a hitch.
On the morning of day 1 of Jess and Lane’s wedding weekend, they began getting ready separately. While Jess was getting glam with her ladies in one of the VRBO’s suites, the guys were hanging out and getting the backyard ready for the ceremony. Something I love about a wedding day is getting to see just how differently each partner spends their wedding morning (iykyk). Jess and Lane read private letters from one another before it was time for Jess to share her first look with her dad.
Glacier National Park Vacation Rental Elopement
After sharing a few moments with her dad, it was time for the wedding ceremony to begin. Jess’s brother officiated the sweet backyard wedding ceremony in the most beautiful setting. Being from the Midwest, Jess and Lane were hopeful for mountain views (or really anything different from the plains). The ceremony was short and sweet, and full of so much love and laughter. And if you’re wondering: yes, Margo was the perfect little attendant, sitting patiently as her parents said their “I do’s”. After the ceremony concluded, guests moseyed back into the VRBO to snack on charcuterie while I snagged the newlyweds for some formal portraits.
We then made our way back to the lodge where a long walnut banquet table was set up, lined with lush white and green florals, candle votives, and crystal drink-ware. Guests dined on delicious food, courtesy of Ivano’s Catering. Loved ones shared toasts before the first dances began. Once dances wrapped up, the real party go started, though. Everyone (including the bride and groom) changed into comfy, casual clothes to get ready for yard games. The rest of the evening was spent playing bags, flippy cup, and beer pong. Talk about iconic.
Two-Day Elopement in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography
The next evening, I met up with Jess and Lane in Glacier National Park for a sunset bridal session. They wore their gorgeous wedding attire, and were truly glowing as we explored the area. Sweet Margo even made an appearance, which was exactly what the couple was hoping for. We wrapped up Jess and Lane’s Northwest Montana intimate wedding weekend at Sun Point, where we were spoiled with a beautiful cotton-candy sunset over St. Mary Lake. It was a beautiful way to end such an intentional wedding weekend.
Looking for more Northwest Montana love stories to swoon over? Check out some of my recent posts below. And of course, you can catch sneak peeks and keep up with my adventures over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). Until next time, are you ready to wander?
Vendor List —
Photography: Sydney Breann Photography
VRBO: Copper Ridge Lodge
Dress: Mia Grace Boutique, designed by Sophia Toll
Engagement Ring: Custom Made by Curtis Jewelers
Groom’s Attire: American Tall
Veil: Bridal by Valeria (Etsy)
Groom’s Boots: Tecovas
Watch: Citizen
Groom’s Ring: Ridge
Catering: Ivano’s Catering
Recent Northwest Montana Blogs —
Intimate Pray Lake Elopement Beneath the Northern Lights
Adventurous Dog-Friendly Elopement Weekend in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Family-Oriented Microwedding
Relaxed Pray Lake Microwedding in Glacier National Park
Garden Party-Inspired Intimate Wedding at Pray Lake
West Glacier Microwedding at Fish Creek Shoreline
