After every elopement, I find myself thinking “wow, there’s no way my job could possibly get better!”. And then another day comes along, where I am proved otherwise. For example, getting PAID to go out on an 8 hour fly fishing excursion with a rad couple and their crew!? You’re JOKING! Capturing Karly and Ryan’s fly fishing elopement in Big Sky, Montana was a dream come true. From their intimate sunrise wedding ceremony all the way through their private chef catered dinner, it was a day I will never forget.
Adventurous Fly Fishing Elopement | Big Sky, Montana Wedding
Karly and Ryan were 100% my people. They both are huge outdoorsy people who love to hunt, fish, and be completely immersed in the rugged terrain. In fact, they got engaged in Patagonia, Argentina while on an exclusive fly-fishing trip! When they inquired about a fly fishing elopement on the Yellowstone River, I was immediately sold. Their “must-have” list was an easy one to achieve. They wanted to have a sunrise wedding ceremony, a day on the river, and a cowboy cookout surrounded by their loved ones.
Their wedding day arrived bright and early at the couple’s grand lodge in Big Sky. I took a few moments to photograph Karly getting ready before the sun came up. We then made the short drive to Durnam Meadow where Ryan and the couple’s loved ones were waiting. The sunshine painted a warm, honey hue atop the rolling mountains in the background as Karly walked through the meadow to her groom. Guests gazed lovingly upon the couple as they exchanged their vows. The moment was as calm as they come — birds chirping and a soft breeze floating through the meadow. It was a moment of serenity before a bustling day of laughter and catching fish!
After the couple’s ceremony, we took group photos before I stole the newlyweds away for some bridal portraits. We took our time walking through the meadow, making sure to mosey over to the Gallatin River Golden Gate bridge for some iconic photos. Karly had expressed the couple’s love of photos with “huge scenery where the couple looks like a small piece of the epic surrounding.” CHECK! Little people, big views is my specialty — and Big Sky was the perfect place to capture exactly that.
Yellowstone River Fly Fishing Elopement
We then made the drive up to Livingston to the Yellowstone River for the guided fly-fishing day. Karly and Ryan had custom fishing shirts made for their guests, but stayed in their wedding attire the entire time (which was such a vibe). Their entire crew came fishing, with 10 boats filling the river. I can’t even express just how much fun I had being ‘paparazzi’ on my own little boat… Not to mention just how cool the couple was to insist that I spend some time fishing, too. Okay, okay, pull my arm 😉 The bride was an absolute champ all day, catching fish left and right with no competition! It was just such a wholesome day on the Yellowstone River, surrounded by so much love and laughter.
After the tour ended, it was time to drive back to the Airbnb where Chef Daniel Cox was preparing a mouthwatering meal of prime rib and lobster tail. Guests mingled, made toasts, and dined together before I was able to snag the couple for some sunset portraits. Karly wore a hand-painted denim jacket featuring her new last name, as we strolled through the property’s meadow. Once we got back inside, the couple cut their beautiful cake before the night of dancing commenced.
Montana Elopement Photographer and Planner | Sydney Breann Photography
Documenting Karly and Ryan’s fly fishing elopement in Big Sky, Montana was a dream come true. I will forever be pinching myself over just how lucky I am to not only do this for a LIVING, but to have so many incredible couples who trust me to capture their day as authentically as it occurred.
If you’re looking for more Montana love stories to swoon over, check out the latest from the blog down below! And be sure to keep up with my adventures as a Montana elopement photographer and planner over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto). From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my dream. ’Til next time, are you ready wander?
Vendor Team:
Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Vacation Rental – Gallatin Gateway, MT Airbnb
Florals – Poppy & Pine
Catering – Chef Daniel Cox
Fishing Guide – A bunch of cool dudes, and Callan Wink
Montana Elopement Inspiration
Moody Lake McDonald Intimate Destination Wedding
Northwest Montana Intimate Wedding Weekend
Intimate Pray Lake Elopement Beneath the Northern Lights
Adventurous Dog-Friendly Elopement Weekend in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park Family-Oriented Microwedding
