Swooning at Swan Lake in Bigfork MT
This was a launch of summer wedding at Six Mile Estate on the shore of Swan Lake in Bigfork, Montana. It was full on western weather - complete with the drama of giant thunder claps, threateningly huge raindrops, on the heels of a full week of flooded creeks and rising lake levels. The atmosphere just before the wedding was one of eagerness for fun and laughter with a delightful gathering of friends and family ready to truly celebrate.
Photo: Zak Jokela Photography
Just six miles south of the beautiful lakeside town of Bigfork, Montana, Ashley found this amazing and almost secret site: Six Mile Estates, by looking at a topographical map of Montana in search of a spot with water near mountains. It amused me that she was the one searching this way when it’s Jeff who works as a flight instructor and likely could just fly over this site in a day at work and find it without the map. Regardless, this refurbished “ sportsman's fabulous private empire”, originally built in the 1930’s, was the ideal spot for their gathering that utilized every offering available.
Photo: Zak Jokela Photography
Ashley and Jeff cared deeply about having a spiritual ritual in which best wishes could be gathered and sent out into the world through a nostalgic practice of releasing a dreamboat into the water. Beckoning backwards to childhood overnight camp memories, they planned a canoe retreat just after the ceremony and released the flower and mushroom decorated fairytale dreamboat into the lake.
Photo: Zak Jokela Photography
One of the most memorable visuals I’ll take with me from this ceremony were the gorgeous colorful panels hung in a specific array to create an altar that moved with the wind and perfectly framed the wedding party. In orange, yellow and cream it coordinated beautifully with the wedding party in greens and rusts, and I strived to complement in a dark maroon, providing a flavor of balanced reverence and fun.
The most delightful surprise (except to those of us in the know) was the arrival of the five year old nephew, in his cheetah suit, riding down the aisle on his bicycle equipped with a basket to transport the rings. Full of confidence and humor, he almost stole the show from the vibrant couple, sharing high fives and filling every one of the guests with smile.
Photo: Zak Jokela Photography
Central to Jeff and Ashley’s values is the role and responsibility of their community. I incorporated that focus initially by opening with a land acknowledgement at the start of the ceremony - a gesture to invite reflection of the progress made and the work yet to be accomplished in our society in regards to social justice concerning the native inhabitants of that specific land. Additionally, I asked the congregation to stand and pledge to be a continuing presence for Ashley and Jeff as they move forward in their new life together, providing their own vow of love and support.
Photo: Zak Jokela Photography
“What a soulful, dedicated, and joyful celebrant! From the start, we trusted Audrey to help us create an unforgettable ceremony and ease our worries.
No matter how wrapped we were in planning—Audrey provided compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. She helped craft our processional to ensure smooth logistics and provided gentle nudges/encouragement to complete our vows. (Helpful and desired accountability!)
On our wedding day, Audrey brought her warm energy to our beautiful ceremony following surprise rain. At the altar, she enchanted everyone with a “reverence and whimsical” way of capturing our love story and values with meaningful intention. There were laughs and tears. Friends and family have remarked that our ceremony and wedding was one of the most beautiful celebrations they have ever witnessed.
Details matter to both of us—and Audrey fully delivered. We couldn’t have asked for a more lovely celebrant to help us transition into our next chapter. Thank you, Audrey! 💕
”
Photo: Zak Jokela Photography
