From the moment we showed up to Carly’s house on the morning of her wedding, we instantly knew how much fun it was going to be.  The energy was high and Carly’s supportive group of bridesmaids were running around making sure everything was ready for the big day.

Emily was busy making everyone beautiful and Joyce showed up with some of the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen at a Montana wedding! When we got over to the Marina Cay, we all met in Carly’s aunt’s condo and the girls finished getting ready before we started photos.  Hanging out with Carly’s family was a highlight of the day. Everyone was so fun and hilarious and just so excited for this amazing couple.

The Venue was one I had never photographed an event at before but it does have a little connection to me, personally!  When I was in 8th grade, I actually worked in the restaurant as a bus girl. It was my very first job! I remember having the cutest clothes for back to school that year 😍 (yes, my obsession with clothes has been since birth, I am pretty sure 😂) We also had a school dance in the very room that Carly & Michael had their reception.  This resort in Bigfork is iconic and has been a staple in the town for, what seems like, forever so it was so fun to get to see it as the perfect spot for this amazing day! Everywhere you looked, there were flowers.  Even the stairs were decorated! I have never seen that pool look so gorgeous.

The couple chose not to do a first look so while I was hanging with the girls, Liz snuck over to where the guys were hanging out to get some pre-wedding groomsmen stuff. She quickly learned how great this group of guys was.  We really have been so spoiled this year!  We tried the groomsmen toss again and had better success this time!  (guys, this shot is harder than it looks 😂) They all looked so dapper in their bowties and suspenders.  This color scheme couldn’t have been a better pick!

Tiffany had strategically planned to have most of the guests in the shade by the time the ceremony was supposed to happen and it was pretty darn perfect.  It was a HOT day so the shade was so nice for everyone and we were all thankful for that big tree. A slight breeze picked up as Colton Christensen serenaded the guests with his beautiful acoustic guitar and the bridal party made their entrance.  Carly and her Dad were next.  As she made her way down the aisle to her groom, she was literally glowing. All of us could feel the love in that moment.

Their ceremony was simple and elegant with traditional vows.  All was quiet until a group of friends that were staying at the resort drove into the bay on their pontoon boat. They saw that there was a wedding happening in the front lawn and erupted with congratulatory cheering! It could have been an unwelcome disruption for some weddings but for this one, it was welcomed with open arms. It was all smiles!

Something Carly & Michael did that I had never seen done before was they chose to incorporate their love of beer as their unity ceremony. They each brought their favorite beer and poured it into the same cup to drink from.  It was such a cute idea, and I heard that the final result was pretty dang good!

S&M Taco brought their magic for the reception. If you don’t know this about me, tacos are literally my favorite food and S&M Taco is my FAVORITE so I was excited about this from the first meeting with Carly & Michael when they told me all the things they were planning.  I am drooling as I type this, just thinking about their delicious food. If you are local and haven’t had a chance to try it, make it your next meal!

The toasts were heartfelt and hilarious. We always love hearing more of the backstory with our couples and usually we learn so much more when we hear the toasts.  They cut their beautiful cake that Cakes by Debi made and did a classic smash in the face, which is always so fun, and then everyone meandered over to the next room and the party started!  Big Mountain DJs brought the music and the hardworking bartenders at the Marina Cay brought the spirits! I think our favorite part of the reception was the bouquet toss when the girls fought over the bouquet. It was serious business, catching that bouquet. Be sure to check out the photos from that!

Carly & Michael were having so much fun with their friends and family that they decided to opt out of more photos and spend their time with their loved ones instead and they all danced the night away.  It was truly an honor to be your photographer. I enjoyed every moment of your day and it was AMAZING to witness this true love story in the making.  Liz and I wish you both all the happiness and hope we get the opportunity to document your big moments in the future!!

 

Huge shout out to all of the amazing vendors who came together to make this day happen!!

DRESS | Miosa Bride

HAIR STYLIST | Samantha Bye

MAKEUP ARTIST | EMJ Cosmetics

FLORAL DESIGN | Conrad Floral

CEREMONY & RECEPTION VENUE | Marina Cay Resort

PLANNIN & DESIGN | Book of Love Weddings

MUSIC + ENTERTAINMENT | Big Mountain DJs 

CAKE + DESSERT | Cakes by Debi

CATERING | S&M Tacos

BRIDESMAID DRESSES | Jenny Yoo

MENSWEAR | Men’s Wearhouse

STATIONARY | The Knot