A Montana elopement. Yes! Let’s elope in Montana, she said. Or have a wedding in Montana, he said. A wedding won out in the end and we were married at the base of a mountain with a full moon, honky tonk band and bbq. It was perfect. But I would have been happy either way, elopement or wedding. Those were simpler times when we could make that choice and didn’t have to think about Covid, distancing, masks, and restrictions.

It’s been a difficult year for everyone. Big weddings have been postponed, and postponed again. And again. Couples with their weddings on the horizon are fraught with disappointment and difficult decisions as Covid continues. My heart breaks for them. I wish it was all over. We all do.

And yet amid all the postponements, we have photographed some of our most beautiful, intimate, and heartfelt weddings during the pandemic. We LOVE that our couples have pivoted to having smaller, intimate wedding with their nearest and dearest. Some scrapped all their plans and had a backyard wedding with family. Others a simple picnic where they exchanged vows. Some got creative and worked with their caterer to move to an outdoor space and were still able to invite 65 guests. And more than ever, we’ve seen couples eloping. Choose the most stunning place you can think of (within driving distance please) and exchange your vows there. Take epic photos and honeymoon your face off and forget all this is happening.

It makes me so happy to see love shining forth regardless of the restrictions. Our couples that tied the knot this  past year went through a grieving process where they had to let go of their original wedding plans. But once they did, it was liberating. They planned safe, meaningful celebrations with their closest loved ones.  Let love move forward! Start your life together! Start your family if that’s what your hopes and dreams are. Everyone’s situation is unique (especially in regards to deposits, etc), but if possible, consider opening yourself to other ways to have your wedding.

In the coming weeks I hope to catch up on blogging and sharing some of the inspiring Covid-time weddings we photographed. I hope it will give you hope. I hope this inspiration session we did of a Montana elopement will help kindle some ideas.

Gown: Velvet Bride

Florist: Soul and Stem

Men’s Clothing: Betty’s Divine