At An Epic Elopement, we don’t just plan elopements! We also specialize in intimate and micro weddings here in the beautiful Flathead Valley of Montana. No matter what type of wedding we’re planning with our amazing couples though, we’re experts in infusing a sense of fun and adventure into them. Hannah and Dow trusted us to do just that for them with their summer wedding at Great Northern Resort, and we like to think that we succeeded!
Since they were having an outdoor summer wedding in Montana, Hannah and Dow really wanted to play up the state’s natural boho vibe in their wedding design. We worked together to thoughtfully include boho details throughout their big day, like the neutral hues of the bridal bouquet, the soft, smeared wedding cake design, and the wild greenery that we used from start to finish. This post is for you if you’re envisioning a summer wedding in the mountains, if you’re planning a micro wedding with just your closest people, and if you are searching for adventure session inspiration. Make sure to read through to the end to see all of the truly EPIC shots these two got within Glacier National Park!
It’s a Love Story…
Hannah and Dow’s love story began when they met at their first jobs right out of college. Their cubbies were right next to each other. Do you remember how scary your first day at your first “real” job was? Thankfully for these two, they found a friend in each other from the start. Their friendship eventually blossomed into romance, but they never lost their solid foundation. As Hannah says, “We are literally peanut butter and jelly! Where I fall short, he picks up and vice versa.”
…Just Say Yes!
When Dow was concocting the perfect plan to propose to his best friend, he knew exactly where it had to be. His family owns a bass fishing lake, where the couple loves to spend time together surrounded by nature. Since they usually meet up with family when they are there, Dow told Hannah that they were going to visit his dad and siblings. Hannah didn’t think twice about it and was excited to go as usual. When they got there, they were the only two and Dow had decked out the family’s barn in twinkle lights! There, he got down on one knee and popped the big question. We’re swooning just imagining it all!
Summer Wedding Décor Details:
Fast forward to their summer wedding at Great Northern Resort! This venue is always one I recommend because not only do they offer great outdoor and covered event spaces, but they are also located at the base of Glacier National Park. This makes it super easy for our couples to jet on over for the most jaw dropping adventure sessions and that’s exactly what Hannah and Dow did! If you can’t wait to see some of their shots (and we wouldn’t blame you!), here are a few sneak peeks before the full photo gallery at the end:
For Hannah and Dow’s ceremony, we set a wooden arch that looked like it could have been crafted from the tree branches that very day and we draped it with ivory fabric and simple greenery. The forest trees and distant mountains completed the altar’s look and overall, made it the perfect spot to get married! To greet guests upon arrival, we set up a wooden welcome sign and to keep them cool during the ceremony, we placed a hand fan on every seat.
Under the reception tent, the sweetheart and guest tables were all wooden with matching cross back chairs. We placed an ivory runner down the center of each guest table along with wooden lanterns, votive candles, and terracotta glassware. The napkins were a deep forest green, similar to the shade of the greenery that was delicately placed between all the candles.
Hannah and Dow’s sweetheart table had a rust table runner, even more greenery, and a white “Mr. and Mrs.” sign in the front. To tie it in with the rest of the décor, we set a few of the same wooden lanterns at the foot of their table as well.
The wedding cake was so lovely and possibly our favorite décor element of the day! Its exterior was covered in a smeared white buttercream that looked both oh so soft and delicate, and was accentuated by little sprigs of greenery, rustic wood pedestal, and gold cake knife set. You better believe it was also incredibly delicious and everyone completely ate it up!
The Ceremony:
Hannah and Dow’s summer wedding day started with a first look not with Hannah and Dow, but actually with Hannah and her dad. They have a very sweet relationship, and it was so touching to see Hannah honor her father in this way. The emotions started flowing from that moment and they just kept going throughout the rest of the celebration!
When the ceremony began, Hannah’s bridesmaids came down the aisle in their mismatched, boho dresses and the two kiddos in their family paved the way for Hannah by filling the air with bubbles from their bubble guns. So adorable and so fun for them!
Then, it was Hannah’s turn. She looked absolutely angelic in her flowing gown dotted with lace flowers and her hair falling in waves around her face. She was holding back tears as she spotted Dow and we have to admit, we teared up a bit too!
The two tied the knot in a sweet and intimate ceremony and after they were pronounced husband and wife, they snuck away for a private communion back in the canvas tent. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: We love when couples want to build in private moments together like this on their wedding day! Even if you have an intimate or micro wedding, the day always goes by so quickly and stolen moments like this are key to staying truly present with your new spouse.
The Reception:
After some appetizers and family photos, everyone gathered under the reception tent to celebrate the newlyweds! Hannah and Dow wowed everyone on the dance floor for their first dance and that was followed by the father/daughter and mother/son dances. After a blessing given by Hannah’s dad, dinner was served!
Later on in the evening, Hannah and Dow cut their cake and mingled with their guests in a relaxed and joyous atmosphere. We would definitely say that they achieved their original goal for their wedding of being surrounded by their closest family and friends in nature!
They ended the night with a petal toss grand exit! You may not be able to tell in the photo, but despite how light it appears, it was actually about 9:30pm at night! A summer wedding in Montana means a late sunset, which means more natural light for photos! A huge plus in our opinion!
A Word from Katie:
Hannah and Dow, thank you for being the sweetest couple to work with! Your wedding was a dream to be a part of and I’ll never forget how happy everyone was, especially you two! Congratulations on a beautiful day and cheers to an even more beautiful marriage!
-Katie
Venue // Great Northern Resort
Planner// An Epic Elopement Photographer // Jacilyn M Photography Hair & Makeup // Melanie Hobus
Caterer // The Kopper Kitchen Baker // Montana Wildflour
Florist // Forage and Floral Rentals // Empress Tents & Events // The Party Store
Linen // BBJ Linen
Let's Plan Your Summer Wedding!
Based in Kalispell, Montana, An Epic Elopement specializes in all-inclusive elopements, micro-weddings, and intimate weddings. Here, you get the full experience of having a traditional wedding, but with a little more adventure included!
Are you ready to start your elopement journey? Send me a note describing your elopement vision and let’s make it happen!