Intimate Lake Elopement
Dan and Erica live in Sarasota, Florida with their four children and love to spend time outdoors especially on the water. They had intended for many years to be married and finally picked July in Montana as the time to do it. They took a break from the kids, leaving them back in Florida, and flew to Kalispell for a destination elopement adventure including fly fishing, a helicopter tour, play time in downtown Whitefish, a sweet serene ceremony on the shore of Flathead Lake, and an adventure photo documentation day in Glacier National Park.
This summer time wedding hit that sweet spot where mornings are still cool and bright, the wind gentle and calming, and the air clean and fresh. After a little navigation and parking permit logistics, we sauntered through the parking lots and past the boat ramp in our fancy clothes down to the water. We walked to a small clearing between the trees with a flat gravely beach and some worn wooden logs to the ideal ceremony spot. There was not another soul in sight.
Erica had a simple white full length gown with a v-neck front and long dropped back. She wore block heels in a neutral cream and was adept at navigating the rocky shore of the lake despite their height. I was impressed! Dan had a fitted suit in the perfect blue and wore a crisp collared white shirt with a dark tie. His brown leather loafers were cut low enough that you could see his coordinating blue socks peeking at the ankles when he walked. I wore a draping light blue floral set with a long skirt and capped sleeves.
“Audrey was such a kind and easy person to work with. Since we aren’t from the area, she generously offered recommendations to us. She was completely open to allowing us to personalize our ceremony or was willing to take over and run the show. She was a pleasure to work with and such a positive addition to our elopement. So thankful we found her.”
Right before we headed down the path, Erica had questions about the placement of the wedding ring vis-a-vis the engagement ring. I reassured her that:
A) it was her wedding and she could do it however she liked,
B) that as there were no witnesses, no one would be judging her choice, and finally,
C) that there are no rules - only traditions, and she could make her own!
I also reminded her she could change her mind and shift it later. This is my approach with most everything about weddings - you get to make it your own!
The energy that Erica and Dan brought to their ceremony is one I assume they have through their busy lives with family and work - one of sincerity, patience, quiet humor, and resilience. The ceremony was smooth and easy with the exception of a pesky ant, for which I interrupted the vows in order to brush it off of Dan's neckline to avoid any reactionary twitching or worse. He was grateful as it was starting to tickle.
Erica contacted me at the beginning of July with an open and flexible hope that I might suggest a ceremony spot. So many folks travel to our region targeting Glacier National Park, which requires a special use permit for wedding ceremonies, that is first come first serve, competitive, and requires advanced planning. I suggested a variety of alternatives that I know about: a beautiful meadow, a remote waterfall, a state park mountain top, and where we landed, the West Shore of Flathead Lake. I had reached out to the park rangers earlier in the spring to draft and secure a special-use permit for the full season and was excited to have this offering to share with Erica and Dan as an option for them to consider. They were psyched about the idea of a lakeside service and after our ceremony together asked me about boat rental options nearby. I was so glad to be able to provide this custom option that met their needs on short notice and provided nearby fun to continue their elopement adventure.
Photos of their adventure in Glacier National Park were taken by Stella who works with CarrieAnnPhotography. I hope to be able to share some with you soon!
In the meantime - Check out this little video I made to share with couples who are considering this options!
Venue Visit: West Shore/Flathead Lake State Park
