Wedding Bliss At Whitefish Mountain Resort

Real WeddingsVenue Visits in northwest Montana
Written By Audrey Hyvonen

As a Montana-based officiant who specializes in creating personalized, meaningful ceremonies, I aim to ensure every wedding reflects the couple’s unique love story, values, and vision. Michelle and David’s wedding at Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish, Montana was a heartfelt gathering of love, the blending of their families, and a shared spirit of mountain-top adventure. Set against the sweeping sunlit landscapes of Big Mountain, their ceremony was an intimate celebration—just Michelle, David, and their five grown children, marking the beginning of their new life together.

A Love Built on Adventure and Family

Michelle and David met through Match.com, quickly bonding over their shared love of skiing, their devotion to their dogs, and their strong sense of family. With a cabin near Chair 3, Big Mountain had become their second home, so choosing Whitefish Mountain Resort for their wedding was a natural extension of their story—celebrating in the wilderness they love most.

A Day Filled with Joy and Meaning

This mid-August afternoon was bathed in sunshine, and the atmosphere was nothing short of playful, loving, and joyfully relaxed. Everyone—the seven of them—embraced the experience with good humor and open hearts.

Wearing summer dresses and cowboy boots, the group looked perfectly at ease in the warm Montana air. Each child had a special role to play: carrying bouquets, signing the marriage license, and standing by their parents during the ceremony as an integral part of this union.

A particularly touching element for their intimate family ceremony, Michelle and David chose to include a ring warming. Their wedding bands were passed among their five children, each one offering a silent wish and blessing before the rings returned to the couple for their vows.

Capturing the Spirit of the Day

One of the most memorable moments was captured by Mountain Life Photography: the whole family lining up along the edge of a ski run and running toward the camera in slow motion, laughing and radiating happiness. It perfectly embodied the spirit of the day—blending into one family with humor, heart, and deep connection.

Personal Touches and Thoughtful Planning

Because Michelle and David spend some winter visits at their Whitefish cabin, I was able to meet them in person before the big day. Over tea and scones at a local bakery, we discussed their hopes for a ceremony that honored their unique story with warmth and authenticity. It was truly delightful and a great way to understand their personalities and how to best serve their ceremony wishes.

Michelle and David found me through the generous recommendation of Arthur and Polly of Mountain Life Photography. These two serve the Big Mountain ski crowd as portrait and action photographers during the ski season and passed my name along as an officiant to support this summer time wedding.

“Audrey was the best! She kept the tone of our wedding exactly as we had described we were wishing for. She is very prompt in replying to questions and is very thorough with all the details. She was even able to pivot quickly and with humor at a couple of last-minute changes. I would recommend her without hesitation!”
— Michelle and David

If you're ready to start planning your own unique, heartfelt ceremony, I'd love to help you craft a wedding day that's as special and meaningful as Michelle and David's. Get started today by reaching out below—let’s make your dream ceremony a reality!

 

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Audrey Hyvonen https://bigtopquilts.com
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