We met Kendra and Matt waaaay back when we photographed their super chill engagement session in Missoula. I can’t EVEN with how much fun it is!! Even then, I know that these are seriously the sweetest, funniest, most down to earth people. I mean, I knew from the time they popped open their engagement session beers (highly encouraged) that they were our people. Fast forward to the next year and they volunteer as tribute to hike their sexy asses to the top of the mountain with us and take some epic bride and groom photos. There’s seriously NOTHING we love more than a Montana hiking adventure session with an alpine lake at the end. That’s exactly what we got in the Bitterroot National Forest on a gorgeous summer day.
We drive down the bitterroot valley and up the steep, rocky road to the trailhead. Next, we attach her dress and wedding flowers to the back of my hiking backpack and start the climb. Be sure you’re prepared with the best gear for your hike. This trail is NO JOKE. It’s so steep that we have to rest in a few places to catch our breath. It’s not too terrible though – we get amazing views to look at! The valley below us looks even more far away the farther we climb up. This incredible hike is short, but challenging and we feel like fuckin rockstars by the time we make it to the top.
pro tip: attach your wedding bouquet to the top of your hiking backpack when you take on a Montana hiking adventure session!
The couple gets changed into their fancy wedding clothes with nobody else around. Just when I thought we had enough fun on the way up the trail, we find a way to be even more loud and obnoxious, giggling the whole time. The little pockets of water and rocks through the trees makes this place such a unique spot. The best US mountain elopement spots are special in their own way, and this little gem was no different. Twilight cascades upon the lake and the reflections it create is absolutely magical. We explore and soak in the adventure of the day as the sun sets behind the mountain. The couple has a celebratory drink, and then we hike back down the mountain with our headlamps.
Let’s just say it was a helluva day!
Bonus: The ultimate elopement gear guide
Photography: Honeybee Weddings (oh heeeey!)
Dress Shop: Velvet Bride
Dress Designer: Rue de Seine
Bouquet: Agile Goat Flower Farm
Hat: Gigi Pip
[…] at your wedding. A great choice is curating a full engagement album. Especially if you booked an adventure session with us! These are photos your guests will enjoy flipping through during the cocktail hour. A full […]