{Grant + Meagan} Montana Wedding Photographer

The wedding I am going to share with you today isn't one of my typical weddings.  That is because these two aren't just clients.  They are also my best friends.  Two people who I love so much.  Two people that I love enough to be in their wedding, while also being the photographer.  Obviously I had to hire another photog for the ceremony, and I would like to say a big thank you to Megan Stoker for taking the time out of one of her Saturday's to help me out with this!!

Most people looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I was doing both.  Sometimes I thought to myself that I was crazy.  BUT....I knew the look that Meagan was going for in her wedding.  I knew exactly what she would want in terms of images.  And I couldn't entrust that to anyone else.  So while I had a little bit of added stress on the wedding day...I also wouldn't have wanted it any other way.  As a photographer, you really get to be part of the most beautiful parts of the day and I would have never wanted to miss that with my very best friends.  I was able to witness some really special moments, and for that I consider myself privileged. 

Grant & Meagan were married on June 23 at Tarkio River Lodge in Tarkio, MT.  They were surrounded by their families and closest friends as they got married amidst the trees.  Then we partied hard in a beautifully decorated barn which made for the rustic French country look that Meagan was shooting for.  Here is a look into their big day!!

Getting Ready/Details:
We all got ready in the balcony room, upstairs in the main lodge.  We drank mimosas, had croissant sandwiches, and just enjoyed being girls.  I even turned over the camera at times...which isn't the most comfortable experience for me.  Tee hee!

The First Look:
This is one of those moments that I was talking about.  When couples opt to do the first look before the ceremony, it makes for some of the most precious memories you could ask for.  The bride and groom get a moment to just bask in each other....really truly seeing all the hard work that has gone into how they look for each other.  Witnessing this moment between my best friends was an honor.  It was a moment that I will never forget either.

The Bride & Groom: 
After the first reveal, we took their portraits so we wouldn't have to worry about it after the ceremony and could just get right to the party!!  I inherited the antique green chair from my great-grandmother, and it was the perfect accent for their wedding images.  Meagan loved it!!

The Bridal Party/Family:
We did the rest of the group photos right after their portraits, before the ceremony started.  It was a bit of chaos....I have to admit that it isn't easy to arrange people while thinking of where you need to fit in it as well!  Not to mention, having to relinquish control of the camera for the most part.  Tee hee!

The Ceremony:
The ceremony was held on the lawn at the lodge, overlooking the river and woods.  It was officiated by Pastor Bill Center of E3 Convergence Church, where we all attend.  It was very sweet and heartfelt, full of laughter and some tears.  Once again, thank you to Megan Stoker for shooting the part of the day that wasn't possible for me to do!  I appreciate it!!

The Reception/More Details:
The reception was held in the barn that is located on the property.  We decorated for hours the day before, and it looked really beautiful!  I really should have done a before and after shot....before being decorated it really just looked like a dark, old barn.

This was the final photo of the night before the cameras were put away, and we celebrated with Grant and Meagan into the wee hours....almost 3am to be exact!!  Tee hee!  Then got up and made them fresh squeezed orange juice just a few hours later.

Thanks for taking a look into the wedding day of Grant & Meagan!!  I hope you enjoyed it!

Until later,

Wedding Info:
Dress: White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal (VW351011)
Tux Rental: The Tux Store - Missoula, MT
Venue: Tarkio River Lodge
Flowers: Bitterroot Flower Shop - Missoula, MT
DJ: Ryan Surmi (aka: DJ Squirmi)