Glacier National Park Elopement

This elopement in Glacier National Park was one I will never forget- an unbelievable experience and a true highlight of my photography career. My favorite part wasn’t the incredible scenery or how stunning Ishkaret looked. It was the sense of family, and how meaningful it was. The day was full of emotion and sacred-ness, the kind that goes above just having an epic intimate wedding just for the photos.

Elijah and Ishkaret originally had their wedding booked with me in Nashville. I got a call out of the blue that they were thinking about changing their plans and immediately said- heck yes! I will be there! They decided that family and making a memorable experience was better than having a full on event- and this ended up being totally and completely them! They road-tripped in their jeep all the way from Pennsylvania- camping in beautiful mountains and in forests and by lakes. They made memories as a family they will have for a lifetime. It was so inspiring to witness!

After a lot of contemplating we decided the best spot for their sunrise ceremony was Lake McDonald. It ended up being so beautiful. The sun rose in a softness of pink and blue tones that was breathtaking. They had their first look as Ishkaret’s dad walked her up to the spot where Elijah and their daughter Reagan was waiting- and there were many tears.

The ceremony was intimate and meaningful. And so full of joy! I can still hear the lapping of the lake water on the rocks and the tearful vows being recited. Ishkaret’s parents shared officiating the ceremony, and Ishkaret wrote special vows to her stepdaughter that were given with so much love and care.

Later on in the day I traveled to the cabin that they were all renting and got some getting ready shots of Ishkaret and her family. These were so special- I am so glad we were able to fit them in!

And then the last part of the day- bride and groom portraits on Going to the Sun Road! This was a whirlwind of beauty and experience. One of my favorite memories was riding in the car with the windows down watching the sun set over the giant glaciers, passing waterfalls and beautiful green grass and wildflowers. Elijah told us that this experience had changed him. “No really” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever be the same”. At that I almost teared up because this is what I long for for every couple that I photograph. Whether it be an adventure in Montana or a local Nashville party, I want every clients wedding to be such a reflection of them that at the end they say “this is something I will never forget!”.

If you are thinking about ditching tradition and doing something like this, please don’t hesitate. I know this was such an incredible, memorable wedding for Elijah and Ishkaret and I am over the moon that they decided to go this route- and hire me of course!

Here are some links for ya:

wedding dress : https://www.justinalexander.com/

ring: https://www.bluenile.com/

planning a Glacier National Park Elopement: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/weddings.htm

booking me at your Glacier National Park Elopement Photographer: https://abbeysfilms.com/contact/

Eljiah and Ishkaret were featured in the most beautiful wedding photos of 2021: https://www.insider.com/the-most-beautiful-wedding-pictures-captured-this-year-2021-11