It's your day,
Your wedding day isn't a photo shoot. It is a day of real, unscripted moments—the quiet deep breath before you walk down the aisle, the belly laughs during the toasts, and the chaotic energy on the dance floor.
My goal is to capture those fleeting seconds so you can relive them forever. I focus on natural light, genuine emotions, and the unique connection between the two of you. No awkward posing, just your love story told honestly.
Wedding Tips
Plan Your Timeline Around the "Big Sky" Golden Hour
When searching for the perfect outdoor wedding venue in Montana, it’s easy to fall in love with mountain backdrops. However, mountains cast massive shadows long before the official sunset.
- The Tip: If your venue is tucked into a valley or surrounded by tall peaks (like in Glacier National Park or Bozeman), your "golden hour" might happen up to an hour earlier than your weather app says. We will work together on a custom wedding timeline to ensure we catch that warm, glowing light before it slips behind the ridge.
Wedding Dress Care & Stains
Have some white chalk or baby powder nearby on your wedding day, it can mask dark stains or spots on your dress instantly without wetting the fabric.
You may want to embrace that the bottom hem of the dress will get dirty during an outdoor shoot. This dust and dirt rarely shows up in wide landscape photos or close-up portraits.
Have a Rainy Day Backup Plan for Outdoor Weddings
Sometimes its okay to just embrace the weather on your day.
Atmospheric clouds can help soften harsh shadows and rain can make for fun pictures but Its a good idea to have clear umbrellas in case it rains and an indoor alternative spot for photos just in case.
Serve your wedding cake together as at your wedding
After you cut the cake, this is a great opportunity to hang out and pass out the cake. everyone at your wedding is going to want to greet you and congratulate you and they are also going to want cake. this is a great time to do that. As the bride and groom pass the cake out together and greet everyone at the reception.
Use your wedding cake cutting ceremony as a natural opportunity to mingle. Passing out wedding cake slices together as a couple is an endearing way to greet your wedding guests without feeling overwhelmed later in the reception with everyone trying to say hello later.
Everyone at your wedding reception wants two things: to congratulate the newlyweds and to eat delicious cake.
By being behind the dessert table you get to interact with all your loved ones who may not have gotten the chance earlier to say hello.
Trust me, you look like such a power couple by serving together as the new Mr. and Mrs.
Also for couples planning a Montana wedding reception, this approach matches the warm, hospitable vibe of a mountain or lodge celebration. Its also going to save time on your timeline, and your guests will feel truly appreciated.
Detail Shots & Photography Prep
Detail Shots & Photography Prep
Capturing beautiful close-up detail shots takes careful planning before the wedding day begins. Advise clients to prepare these elements in advance:
- Pre-Packed Detail Box: Advise brides to gather all small details into a designated box before the wedding day. This includes invitation suites, jewelry, shoes, perfume, and both wedding bands.
Outdoor & National Park Permits
Outdoor & National Park Permit Rules
Planning an outdoor ceremony requires careful attention to location guidelines. Use these facts to save your clients from costly legal issues or disrupted plans:
- Glacier National Park Requirements: A Special Use Permit is required for all vow exchanges, elopements, and weddings within the park. Couples must submit applications to the Glacier National Park Service Office at least 20 days prior, along with a $125 non-refundable fee.
- Yellowstone National Park Requirements: A Special Use Permit costs $250. Applications must be submitted to the Yellowstone National Park Service Office at least 10 business days before the event.
- Strict Property Rules: Public spaces remain fully open to the public during ceremonies. Couples are prohibited from blocking paths, closing off areas, or setting up chairs and tables.
- Leave No Trace Policies: National parks strictly ban items that damage the ecosystem. Confetti, glitter, smoke bombs, and flower petal tossing are completely prohibited.
have a hard copy of your wedding vows
Reading vows from a phone might sound convenient but there is nothing classy about it. Squinting at tiny text on a bright screen looks awkward and disconnected from the moment. It also creates unnatural blue light on your face, especially if your venue is inside and ruins close-up wedding photos. Worse yet, dead batteries and unexpected screen timeouts can cause unnecessary ceremony stress.
Save yourself the worry and print them out! keep them on your phone strictly as a backup! practice reading them a couple of times out loud so it comes naturally also. You will thank me later.