A sunset wildire wedding | Kelsey & Rob

As Montana elopement photographers we know Glacier National Park is infamous for checking all the boxes for couples… because even when things “go wrong” it looks like it went right.  Stay tuned for more to that effect. 😉

When Kelsey and Rob came to us they knew their priority–quality time with one another and their families.  They also knew they wanted a break from the heat where they lived… so up to Glacier it was!

They pictured their day to be quiet and relaxing with big views.  They wanted an easily accessed ceremony location for all their folks.  And BONUS: they wanted to hike with their pups solo.

We helped them over the course of about six months to plan this day making sure every box was checked for them!  Kelsey & Rob are the type of folks who know what they want so giving them all the tools from location guides to Airbnb wishlists, etc. made helping them plan an absolute breeze of an experience for them.

They’re also incredibly understanding folks; so when the wildfire smoke rolled in from nearby Canada Kelsey and Rob were still just as stoked to get out and enjoy the hike we recommended for them!  Here’s how it all came together.

Related: Eloping in Montana | The Ultimate How-to and Location Guide

A meaningful morning

Kelsey and Rob decided to bring along their parents as well as one more couple who had played a big role in their lives.  They also needed to bring along their two pups to experience this day with them.

When we arrived Kelsey and Rob were the only folks at the cabin as everyone else was beep bopping around doing their wedding day list!  We could tell from the beginning that these two were so crazy excited to see each other, but they weren’t planning to do a first look.  This meant the morning of getting ready was full of dodging each other and getting meaningful moments with each set of parents.

Did I mention their wedding day was also their parents’ anniversaries?!  On our initial call when we were discussing dates with them, Kelsey and Rob said, “Oh… it HAS to be July 14th.”  Ya see, both of their parents were married on this date, and when they shared that with each other while they were dating they instantly knew this would be their future anniversary too. <3

Once all partied were loaded up in the car, Kelsey and Rob drove separately toe their gorgeous ceremony site in Glacier National Park.

Related: Glacier National Park Wedding Ceremony Locations

“We absolutely loved working with Destinie and Dan! Everything about our experience was great. From day one she did a great job at being our personal guide on everything we needed to know and do for our elopement. Whether it was finding good vendors, picking our location or even helping us decide on an evening hike after our ceremony!”

-K & R

A joyful ceremony and ice cream celebration

Once Rob arrived he lead everyone down to the beach to wait on Kelsey and her parents.  When we had everyone ready we advised Rob to take a big breath and soak up every sound, smell, and feeling he had–he was about to get married!

Kelsey was walked down through the trees to the beach to a tearful Rob to exchange their personal vows.  All four parents wrapped around to hear their kiddos commit themselves to one another on their wedding day amidst a breezy beach.  Kayakers, swimmers, and hikers strolled by, but you’d never think so how Kelsey and Rob couldn’t keep their eyes off each other.

Due to Rob’s Irish descent, Kelsey and Rob wanted to do a hand fasting.  They recited Irish poems and blessings before recounting their wild stories from traveling the world together via their heartfelt vows.

They determined to always help one another grow and to grow alongside one another for the rest of their lives.

The ceremony concluded with a joyful Irish blessing and a meaningful hug shared between the two before hugs were passed all around among their guests.

A swoon worthy ice cream celebration

Kelsey and Rob had plans after their ceremony to enjoy an ice cream bar as the two have been known to indulge on.  We encouraged them to enjoy that “just married” feeling down by the beach where they could have time to freely talk and enjoy what had just occured… no interruptions, no photos (except from behind the bushes), just enjoying time with their brand new spouse.

Once the guests had put together their ice cream bar it was time to enjoy!  Kelsey and Rob were celebrated via speeches, and everyone ate ice cream as quickly as possible before the July weather melted it, but no one was complaining about the necessity to eat. 🙂

“We love how you captured the day and told our story. When people saw our sneaks they were like “that could be in a magazine”, and they’re right. Des and Dan got some amazing shots of the people we love that I know we will cherish for years. Des & Dan were so supportive throughout the whole planning process.”

-K & R

A sunset hike shrouded in smoke

Kelsey and Rob were having a blast with their families celebrating so we actually had to give them some signals it was time to pack up if they wanted to make their sunset hike in time to watch the sun go below the horizon over the Flathead Valley.

We all loaded up and went off to pick up the pups from their Airbnb!

Once all parties were in tow we started up a tricky forest service road to reach their destination.  The road was about six miles long, but took a great deal of time to drive up as the road was super curvy and washed out in area.  Kelsey and Rob bounced around the road in their Subaru taking time to drive safely.  They told us later this was one of their favorite parts of the day because of the sheer quality time together spent in the car to talk. <3

We parked and all headed up the trail–an absolute favorite of ours for sunset!  We knew the views likely wouldn’t be the usual view of the Flathead Valley and the Swan Range due to the all of the smoke, but Kelsey and Rob enjoyed it all the same taking in the views of wildflowers and towering evergreens.

Once up top Kelsey and Rob cooked dinner via their propane stone and enjoyed a delicious quinoa and pepper dinner–not forgetting to the pups some water and treats as well!

When the sun had set we spent time hiking down in the dark talking all things childhood for both of them.  We love to talk loudly when we hike on the way down in the dark to keep safe from bears.

Saying goodbye to one another at the trailheads was truly difficult!  Kelsey and Rob created a day that was authentic to them, and those are the types of days that are difficult to say goodbye to.  Nonetheless, Kelsey and Rob planned a trip up to Spokane after their Glacier trip so we bid them farewell and exchanged hugs.

Check out how the day ended, but stick around to get their words on the experience and see wat vendor team made it happen!

Related: Montana Destination Wedding Guide with help finding locations, venues, and things to do

One mo time!

Here’s what eloping folks are saying about hiring us:

-Kelsey & Rob

Who made this Sunset Wildfire Elopement possible?

Bridal Dress | Anthropologie

Groom’s Attire | Men’s Wearhouse

Lodging | Airbnb in Bigfork

Florals | Rose Mountain Floral

Hair and Makeup | Glacier Beauty Co

Boots | Kodiak

Morning Snacks | Montana Picnic Co

Photography | Destinie Fouche Photography

Yo.  You need a hiking wedding guide and photographer.

Imma be so honest.  We love hiking weddings, and we love helping couples plan their elopement days to be full of meaning and intention.  Kick that tradition crap outta here, and let’s plan something magical together!

You deserve for your wedding day to bring you peace in the great outdoors, and this is only a taste of how we help our couples.

All of our elopement packages come with professional elopement photography, two photographers, and unlimited planning assistance.  We think this is the best way to serve eloping couples, and we can’t wait to chat!

Contact us about photographing your elopement!