Adventure Elopement Wedding in Glacier National Park, Montana
Savannah & Matt | Adventure Elopement Wedding | Glacier National Park, Montana | August 12th, 2020
We all know 2020 was a doozy, and it was even crazier as it was my first year as wedding vendor. I had to navigate a lot of firsts, some that are normal for a wedding photographer/videographer, and some that are certainly not (thanks Covid). The wedding season was a bit stressful, but one of the best wedding days I got to be apart of was on August 12th when I got to spend the day in Glacier National Park with Savannah & Matt.
Savannah has followed my big sister, Kelsey of Natural Escape Photography in Spearfish, SD, on Facebook for several years. Like myself, Savannah has looked up to my sister and admired work for quite some time. Savannah knew she had to have Kelsey as her wedding photographer, and when she and Matt decided that they also needed a videographer, Kelsey recommended me.
After first speaking with Savannah on the phone, I just knew that her wedding day was going to be so much fun and that she and Matt were going to have an amazing day. She talked about their desire to have an intimate, elopement style wedding with just close family. I was ecstatic.
As an outdoor enthusiast myself, small intimate elopement style weddings are an absolute dream. Savannah and Matt wanted to prioritize their time together as well as time outdoors hiking and exploring the incredible Glacier National Park. Not only is an intimate wedding at a national park a dream wedding, working alongside my sister is always one of my favorite things to do. I love watching her work and I always learn new things from her. I could not have asked for a better day.
We began the day at a beautiful historic lodge just outside of the park as Savannah got ready. We met up with Matt and Savannah’s father at a nearby campground for their first looks and time with their adorable pups. Then we made our way to the beach they had reserved for their intimate ceremony on Lake McDonald. Even though the sky was clouded over, and there was a little bit of misty rain, the view was breathtaking. The cloudy sky made everything look so blue, and it was so magical.
Matt and Savannah then said their vows, hugged their family tight and said farewell, and then the two of them, Kelsey and I went on to explore the park for the rest of the day. Glacier National Park is stunning. We got to see gorgeous waterfalls, the brightest blue water, and a beautiful sunset, all while watching Matt and Savannah just enjoy each other and the park. The two of them had an adorable little picnic riverside after the sun went down, enjoyed their first dance together, and ended the night talking and laughing with us.
It truly felt like Kelsey and I were spending the day with old friends. Savannah is one of the most thoughtful people I know, and Matt was so enthusiastic and kind the entire day. They really are an amazing couple and I feel so lucky that I was able to capture their day, spend time getting to know them, and now call them friends.
Even though 2020 was difficult, I loved being able to travel from South Dakota to Montana for Matt and Savannah’s amazing day. It’s a day I’ll always remember and appreciate as a creator and vendor. Cheers to Matt and Savannah for an amazing wedding and a happy marriage!