Art Gallery Wedding at Cypress Yard
Andrew and Victoria truly have a remarkable love story leading up to their July wedding in Whitefish, Montana and I thought it would be so beautiful to set the scene of their wedding day by telling the story of how they met, how he asked, and talking a little more about their engagement pictures and the wedding day itself.
How They Met
They met while they were both living on the island of Oahu in Hawaii – here’s the catch, she’s from a small town in Indiana and he’s from Montana. How amazing is it that they are from totally different parts of the country and met their soulmate on one of the most remote islands in the world. Their first date was at a dive bar in Honolulu named The Harbor Pub, which inspired them to name their dog Harbor years later. From that moment on out, they spent every moment their schedules would allow them to spend together.
How He Asked
Victoria and Andrew had planned to do a hike together near Mount Hood in Oregon while living in the PNW. She woke up like any other morning, not thinking a thing, a little grumpy as we most are and in desperate need of coffee (I feel that). Once they began their hike, she felt super tired with very little ambition to do the hike itself. Not knowing Andrew planned to propose at the end of the hike, she asked that they turn back and Andrew agreed, with hesitation. From there, they decided to go on a drive near the ski lodge. There was a spot where they wanted to pull over to get a beautiful picture of Mount Hood. Right there in front of some beautiful mountain views, Andrew got down on one knee on the side of the highway and asked her the big question. Victoria was so shocked that she kneeled down right there with them.
Now as if that story wasn’t beautiful enough – Andrew had just earned his pilot’s license so they celebrated and finished off the day by taking a flight around Mount Saint Helens.
Amazing photos from their engagement and just look at their dog Harbor as a puppy!
Their Wedding Day
When I arrived at the Airbnb that Victoria was getting ready in the morning of their wedding, the entire vibe was super chill and relaxed – which set the tone for the entire day.
One of my favorite things about the relationships I have with clients is that we truly feel like friends on their wedding day – I’m not just a vendor and the connection is so much more personal than that. I value the little ways that clients show they care, like Victoria insisting that I join them in enjoying a mimosa once I arrived!
I took time to capture things as they were – her dog Harbor being curious about what was going on and laying on her dress, her mom and bridesmaid helping her get ready in the bathroom, and all of her tribe of ladies popping champagne outside on the back patio!
Their ceremony and reception took place at Cypress Yard in Whitefish Montana. This venue is an absolutely beautiful art gallery that has both an indoor space and an outdoor yard space that made for a fun summer wedding location.
Andrew and Victoria said their vows in the gallery area surrounded by beautiful paintings and an arbor made by Mums Flowers. I teared up during the ceremony, as I often do, especially when couples hand write their vows. It was beautiful to hear their love story all over again and looking around at the venue, so many guests felt the same way.
Following the ceremony, we took family photos and bridal party portraits and then it was time for drinks, dinner, toasts, and all the dancing! We managed to slip away at sunset to take photos just a short drive from the venue at Whitefish City Beach. We had so much fun escaping the reception for 30 minutes and I could tell how much they appreciated taking a moment during their wedding day to just breathe and focus on their love for one another surrounded by beautiful, calm views.
Kind Words from Victoria
“My favorite part of the day was when we snuck away with Jessica to Whitefish City Beach to get sunset pictures. It was so nice to take a breather away from the crowd and be with one another.Working with Jessica was hands down one of the best parts of our day. She showed up where I was getting ready the morning of with Chick-fil-a, kept our whole wedding party laughing, and got the most adorable portraits of our sweet dog. She made the whole day relaxing and reminded us through the hiccups that all that mattered at the end of the day was that we became husband and wife.”
