a Rainbow Wedding at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Photo: Tiffany Crystal Photography
Love is Love is Love
As a Montana based officiant who specializes in creating personalized, meaningful ceremonies, particularly for LGBTQ+ couples, I aim to ensure each celebration reflects the unique love story and vision of the couple. For Tommy and Jake, their mountaintop wedding at Whitefish Mountain Resort was not just a ceremony—it was a heartfelt experience that embraced both their individuality and the love shared with their friends and family.
Photo: Tiffany Crystal Photography
This young couple lives in central Ohio and are embarking on their professional careers. Tommy works as a firefighter and EMT, coordinating medical support for large venue entertainment. Jake spends his time in the lecture hall and soon will be rounding on the hospital floors as he pursues training in Pediatrics. They have a home full of pets and are dedicated to taking care of not only the world but especially of each other.
This early July wedding in Northwest Montana brought a full range of weather to accompany a full range of emotions. Riding the lift from the base lodge to The Exchange, I videotaped the sunny bright light, the blue sky, and the ground squirrels playing. I hopped on the scenic lift to journey to the summit and within 10 minutes was trapped in a torrential rain and a sideways-sweeping hailstorm. Having opted for an open lift rather than a gondola like the sensible guests, I arrived drenched and shivering while they gently complained about the breeze and sipped their cocktails. I quickly purchased a commemorative sweatshirt at the gift shop to trade for my now soaking wet green wool jacket and used paper towels in the bathroom to redo my hair. I met the parents of both grooms, encouraged them to watch for rainbows, and gathered the license to prep for the ceremony. As more guests arrived at the top of the mountain, fresh off the lift, the vibe was an excited blend of curiosity, wonder, love, and support.
Photo: Tiffany Crystal Photography
Choosing to be married on the top of the mountain gave even greater meaning to the personalized vows that Tommy and Jake exchanged at the peak in private, while their guests had the opportunity to scribble and jot notes of love and support to enclose in a special wooden box for the couple to read on future anniversaries. The experience of riding a ski lift to the top of a mountain peak in Western Montana during a hailstorm to witness a ceremony full of genuine love and care was deeply memorable and unique. Jake and Tommy were, of course, excited about the ceremony, but I think even more excited about the Alpine Slide celebration promised just after the descent. This amazing resort offered an all-in-one package of experiences to which they could add their a la carte services by bringing in me as an officiant and their photography team of Tiffany and her husband.
The couple had tailored outfits with sentimental details, such as "Jake loves Tommy" and "Tommy loves Jake" sewn into the inner collars. They wore dark purple pants, dark green ties, white shirts, and fancy shoes. Tommy sported suspenders, while Jake had a trim vest. They didn’t have bouquets, but many of the photos show them holding armfuls of flowers as they moved the décor to and from the altar because of the rain. They were accompanied down the aisle by their sisters, who each chose a personalized outfit reflecting their own celebratory aesthetics.
Photo: Tiffany Crystal Photography
Besides having each sister walk the grooms down the aisle, Jake’s mother, Tricia, shared words of blessing at the beginning and was joined at the altar by Rich, Mandy, and Raychel to serve as the four witnesses of the license signing to conclude the ceremony. The congregation was also involved in writing love notes during the ceremony while the private vows were being exchanged, and shortly after, they were asked to bless the rings as they were passed through the gathering. A video was made to share with Grandpa, who had not been able to travel, and the entire congregation was charged with a community vow of supporting Tommy and Jake. When asked, “Do you pledge to welcome them into your family and show up for them the way they show up for you?” the congregation responded enthusiastically, “We do!”
The inclusion of the love note box, which had Tommy and Jake’s names carved in wood on the top, was surprisingly delightful. Bringing that box from the congregation to the altar for them to hold and take home felt like a true transfer of treasures. It was quite windy at the top of the summit, and the full flower piece toppled towards that box, which seemed the most precious thing to protect—even beyond the blue suede shoes! It was quickly moved into the hands of Harley, who was sitting in the front row.
Photo: TiffanyCrystal Photography
My favorite moment of the day came close to the end, when Jake placed Tommy’s ring on his hand. His face lit up brightly, he smiled, and he said, “Bling.” It was so delightful and he had said it so quietly, I asked, “Did you just say ‘Bling’?” He blushed and answered, “Yes!” He was just so tickled and excited—super cute!
~ from Aunt Raychel
“Anyway, Audrey is a total bada$$!!! Even though she was totally drenched and freezing (she was literally wringing the water out of her dress as we were talking), she remained calm and had a positive attitude throughout the whole ceremony. She was VERY professional. I was also amazed at how prepared she was before the ceremony, double-checking to see if we had the marriage license, a pen to sign the license, the rings, etc. She told me that she wears 3 rings on her finger just in case she needs them! She definitely had our backs! My nephews had an amazing ceremony thanks to Audrey. I would definitely recommend her to anyone getting married in Montana.”
Photo: Tiffany Crystal Photography
The whole ceremony carried an intimacy we were able to maintain because we had developed rapport through our Zoom calls. From the start, they had shared their desire for a service that was relaxed, informal, intimate, romantic, and light-hearted. They wanted to have personalized vows but to share them privately, so I worked with them to develop those and make a plan for what the congregation would be doing while they exchanged them. From the outside, the service may have looked unorganized or even wandering, but at all times, the congregation was engaged, attentive, responsive, and supportive. Tommy and Jake’s vows spoke to each other, but the shared joy around them was a testament to the truth that love, in all its forms, unites us, creating a family of friends, loved ones, and allies in the celebration of true connection.
Photo: Tiffany Crystal Photography
“Audrey,
Thank you so much for helping create our dream ceremony—we couldn’t have done it without you!
You have been so kind and supportive, and consistently put our minds at ease.
You are such an incredible person and we wish you the very best!
”
Ready to plan your own unforgettable wedding in Northwest Montana?
Helping couples like Tommy and Jake create a wedding that is not only memorable but deeply authentic is at the heart of what I do, and I look forward to supporting other couples in crafting their perfect day. Like them, you can create a celebration that reflects your unique love story, surrounded by stunning views and the people who matter most. Whether you're dreaming of a mountaintop elopement or an intimate ceremony, I would love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact me today to start planning your perfect day!
