It was one heckuva gorgeous Montana day for Alexis and Joe’s Bowman Lake elopement in Glacier National Park. We had a bluebird sky above, pristine reflections on the lake in front of us, and oh so much sun! Suffice it to say, Montana really pulled out all the stops for Alexis and Joe’s special day!

These two originally met in Denver at a bluegrass show and moved to Missoula a little over two years ago. Because they love their time in the outdoors (camping and hiking especially), Joe proposed to Alexis in Glacier. So it was particularly fitting that they tied the knot there, too!

We started out the day by meeting up at their Air BnB just outside of the park, and then hopped in the car to make the trek to Bowman Lake. Along the way we made a quick pitstop in Polebridge so Alexis could change into her dress, and so we could make some fun images. (Because one must always stop in Polebridge if passing through, amiright?)

Eventually, after driving the winding, bumpy roads, we arrived at the lake and, honestly, couldn’t have had a more spectacular view. We immediately began making portraits to take advantage of our light (and also dry eyes, just in case tears started up during their ceremony!). And I swear, our faces hurt from sharing so much laughter and giggles together.

Soon it was time for Alexis and Joe to say their “I do’s.” Their dogs, Bodhi and Copper (who are great pyrenees mixes) were their “best people,” Alexis’s sister, Izzie, officiated, and their friends Hannah and TJ stood up with them as well. As Izzie got the ceremony started, there was plenty of laughter, a few tears, and so much excitement as Alexis and Joe made it all official with kiss!

Even the nearby bystanders cheered for the newly married couple, and Bodhi and Copper danced about, too, excited for their humans. Everyone signed the marriage license to officially make it official, and then we all meandered back to the vehicles where the last, and essential thing to do, was to toast and share a few shots together (and of course, more laughter).

On our way back to the AirBnB, we passed through Polebridge again, and this time, everyone picked up a few of the Merc’s legendary huckleberry bear claws as a celebratory sweet. (Who needs cake when you’ve got huckleberry bear claws?!)

Alexis and Joe! Thank you so much for inviting me to capture these moments for you! I wasn’t kidding when I said I was about to smile my face off, and I truly appreciate our time together and fun conversation on those gravel roads. Here’s to you both! I hope you have a lifetime of Glacier adventures ahead of you, and I cannot wait to document your reception in June, too! Woot woot!

On the Docket:

Portraits and editorial work! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine