Despite the smoky skies that Montana has been plagued with during this last part of the summer (quite a departure from all the rain we were avoiding in the spring during their engagement session!), Andrea and Mike’s small wedding on Flathead Lake in Polson Montana at her uncle’s family cabin was beautiful. We could barely see the mountains across the lake, but I don’t think anyone minded as we were all focused on how happy Andrea and Mike were.

Their day started off with getting ready at the cabin. There was a fun energy in the air as Andrea’s sister, mother and friends helped her with her hair, makeup and putting together all the final details for the moment when she’d get to see Mike for the first time, each all decked out in their wedding day finest.

Andrea made her way down to the shoreline (in her beautiful emerald-green shoes!) to see Mike for the first time, and as he turned to catch the first glimpse of his bride, grins immediately leapt to their faces. They shared a sweet moment, we gathered the wedding party to make some fun portraits of everyone together, and soon it was time to prepare for their ceremony to start.

Guests took it all in from the shoreline as the wedding party walked out to the end of the dock, highlighted by the sunshine we were treated to that day, and framed by the wedding arch Andrea’s father made. I just love how Andrea and Mike held their ceremony on the dock – Andrea has been coming to her uncle’s cabin nearly her whole life, so this location holds a special sentimental value for many of the folks who attended their wedding.

Andrea and Mike exchanged vows with one another, grinning, laughing, and getting a little choked up as they promised their love to one another. And before they knew it, they sealed it all with a kiss, which turned into smiles and laughter walking down the aisle (or should I say, dock) as newlyweds.

Festivities continued as guests were treated to tapas and a dinner of street-tacos (a nod to Andrea and Mike’s ties to Arizona). Everyone mingled, laughed, dined and had a good time just hanging out and enjoying the lake, and were treated to tasty huckleberry cake later in the evening.

Andrea and Mike shared their first dance together down on the dock, and soon the music carried out onto the water and beckoned a few more folks to kick off their shoes and come kick up their heels as well.

The jet ski also beckoned, so Andrea changed into her reception dress (and Mike changed into his reception shorts), and it wasn’t long before they hopped onto the watercraft and took it for a little newlywed spin on the lake – a perfect end to a happy day!

Andrea and Mike! Thank you again for having me document your wedding day! I loved how sweet your wedding was, how kind all of your family and friends are, and seeing just how happy you two make one another. I hope you have many more trips to the lake in the future, filled with wonderful memories galore (which I’m sure won’t be a tall order in the least)! Congratulations again!

Vendor Information for Andrea + Mike’s Wedding on Flathead Lake in Polson Montana:

Venue: the bride’s uncle’s cabin on Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana
Florist: Dawn’s Flower Designs, Polson, Montana
Cake Artist: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
Caterer: A Moveable Feast, Missoula, Montana
Rentals: Celebrate Events and Rentals, Bigfork, Montana
Wedding Dress: Luv Bridal, Phoenix, Arizona
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse

On the Docket:

Weddings and portraits! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Despite the weather forecast warning of rain, Mother Nature must’ve known she needed to match Autumn’s and Kevin’s bright, happy personalities and decided to wow everyone with a beautiful, sunny day in an absolutely picturesque setting at Autumn’s grandparents’ house in Great Falls.

Everyone readied themselves amidst a chorus of laughter (and maybe a few happy tears too), and soon the two were ready to see each other for the first time. Kevin was filled with emotion – happy, happy tears! – as he saw his bride-to-be walking towards him.

Guests filtered in, hugging and greeting one another, and soon the ceremony started as the wedding party meandered down the hillside and petal-laden pathway, beneath the towering trees and up onto a green knoll, surrounded by tall, stately trees. The sun lit up Autumn’s beaded veil as she walked arm-in-arm with her father and brother, and Kevin had eyes only for his bride as she walked up the hill to join him as they would say their vows to one another.

Everyone enjoyed a good laugh as the best man surprised Kevin with the “ring” he was to give Autumn – a giant, blingy diamond. (Have no fear, he replaced it with the real one. :) ) Amidst cheers, and wide smiles, Autumn and Kevin sealed their vows with their first kiss as newlyweds and were showered with confetti as they made their way back down the aisle.

Guests were treated to fun wedding favors – jam and s’mores (“Spread the Love” & “S’more Love”), as well as a delicious dinner, and slices of the tasty, beautiful ombre cake. Folks soaked up the sun, played lawn games, enjoyed the photo booth, and really tore up the dance floor amidst the twinkle lights and fluttering pennant banners as the sun dipped below the horizon. Sparklers soon made an appearance and Autumn and Kevin kissed as sparks flew against the night sky.

Autumn and Kevin! Your wedding was such a beautiful day in every single sense of the word…I had a permagrin (and STILL have a permagrin) from having the opportunity to spend such a special, important day with you both, and with your amazing friends and family. Thank you for inviting me to document such a great moment in your lives – you two have such a bright future ahead of you and I wish you many, many more years of happiness, laughter and lots of fun. :)

Vendors:
Venue: Private residence, Great Falls, Montana
Florist: My Viola Floral Studio, Great Falls, Montana
Cake Artist: Crooked Tree Coffee and Cakes, Great Falls, Montana
DJ: Troy Gryga, Great Falls, Montana
Hair: by the bride’s cousin, Savana Pedersen
Dress: Margene’s Bridal, Boise, Idaho
Bridesmaid Dresses: Etsy Shop MF&J Designs, Los Angeles, California
Officiant: David Ginther from Libby Assembly of God, Libby, Montana
Rental Items: Strobel’s Rentals, Great Falls, Montana
Catering: Bar-S Supper Club, Great Falls, Montana

On the docket: more weddings! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine