Working with Paige and Victor both leading up to their Glacier National Park elopement and the actual elopement itself couldn't have gone any more perfectly. We enjoyed absolutely perfect weather, they were both relaxed, and their immediate family was so sweet, and by the end of the evening, it was like hanging out with old friends.
I consider myself very fortunate to have crossed paths with Betsi and Luke at Alpine Theatre Project thanks to our kids sharing a first-grade classroom. Though I suppose we live in a small town, we most likely would've crossed paths one way or another. Twice a year they do kids productions that are open to children from all over the Flathead Valley, no kid is turned away, and everyone gets a part. This results in two casts rehearsing intensely for four to six weeks culminating in multiple performances of a 60 to 90-minute show. As you can imagine it can be a bit like herding cats, and honestly, I don't know how they all do it, but the final performances never fail to blow me away. Even when I've been present at a high percentage of the rehearsals. "Descendants: The Musical" was no exception, despite an extremely physical show with lots of complex choreography. I suppose what I'm trying to say is, if you ever have an opportunity to attend an ATP Kids performance you should absolutely take advantage of it.
Diane & Shawn's story was so special and amazing. Both grew up in Bigfork, both went to the same high school but were barely more than acquaintances. Fast forward past graduation and thirty-plus years and they reconnected and fell in love. They had the most special, intimate wedding at Clementine's in Bigfork that felt more like the sweetest family barbecue ever than some stodgy wedding. My favorite part of course was seeing Shawn begin crying happy tears as Diane walked down the aisle just before tying the knot.
For some reason, I'd not had the opportunity to make it over to Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier but I'm so glad I got the opportunity to document the Lewis family's vacation stop there. Yes, it was sort of a miserable day, with gray clouds and reasonably persistent rain, but they were very open to working around that and didn't let it spoil the fun—and plenty of shenanigans from the teenagers and the grandads—of the evening.
I initially met Sofiya and Collin this past winter for their engagement session over in West Glacier and Glacier National Park. Despite the frigid temperatures and numb hands we had a great time and captured some really beautiful moments.
After that session, it was of course only a matter of time before their actual wedding day arrived. And in typical Montana fashion, the weather played a role in the proceedings. Of course, it is to be expected that a June wedding will be warmer than a winter engagement session. What isn't as expected is a mid-June in Montana in the mid-90s temperature-wise. They opted for a ceremony inside the smaller barn at Diamond B Weddings instead of the riverside ceremony spot which I think all involved agreed was the right decision. It kept everyone in the shade and provided just the right amount of intimacy for their small wedding.
Venue: Diamond B Weddings / Hair: Bridal Bliss Hair & Makeup by Lana / DJ: V-Team DJs / Jewelry: Riddle's Jewelry & Adair Jewelers
I had such a great time photographing the Wagners in Columbia Falls this past month. They were celebrating their parents' 40th Anniversary and converged on the Flathead Valley from all over the country to spend time together and do some quality hiking. It was honestly one of those family sessions I didn't particularly want to end, they were all so friendly and sweet, and I probably could've chatted with them all day if they—and okay me too—didn't have other plans that day. It really is always a pleasure getting to meet these multi-generational groups spending time together on vacation, and one of my favorite things I get to do as a photographer.
Repeat customers are probably one of the most favorite things a family photographer can have, and that is especially true with this family. You may recognize them from a post late last summer, or possibly Nick from his video series "Small Business Every Saturday" promoting Flathead Valley small businesses that he invited me to be a part of this winter. Their daughter also happens to be one of my daughter's best friends! But unfortunately, they're having to move away from Northwest Montana but wanted to document their time here one last time prior to moving out of their house. It was such an honor to be the one documenting it, and I was sure not to actually say "goodbye," but leave them instead with a "see you around."
Debbie contacted me through my Instagram page in hopes of getting just a handful of photos of her family's spring visit to Whitefish. It was the first time they'd all been together in several years and was especially important to her parents. Multi-generational family sessions are always such a pleasure to do because there are always special moments whether it's between a dad and his daughters, some sibling tomfoolery, or grandparents and their grandchildren. Because of the toddlers and their diminutive attention spans to match their size, and the fact that Debbie is a pretty great photographer herself, I created a custom 'multi-generational family session' and we knocked these out in just 30 minutes.
Joann and Ryan came to Whitefish from Colorado with their closest friends and family to hang out, go skiing, and get married! Their wedding at Star Meadows Ranch was the perfect match for their laid-back attitude full of dogs—they've got three—no attendants, unicorn socks, corn hole and hockey set up in the pavilion, a roaring fire, and fireworks to close out the evening.
They also had the most unique unity ceremony I've ever witnessed which involved them both pouring un-aged whiskey into a custom aging barrel to age over time and be enjoyed at a later date.
Venue: Star Meadows Ranch / Lodging: Star Meadows Ranch / Catering: DeSoto Grill / Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Distillery
I'd hate to speak for other photographers, but for this particular photographer, repeat business is one of the best feelings ever. I met the Ahmad family this past fall when they were paying a visit to Northwest Montana, and I was extremely stoked to get a text from them again this winter asking if I was available for some portraits this February as they were here for some powder turns at Whitefish Mountain Resort.
While it was certainly chilly we did manage to sneak in before an arctic system moved in and temperatures plunged below zero. We were also blessed with the most perfect light snowfall, something I've been wanting to have for a portrait session for the last three years but had never materialized until now!
Thewmatt Elsewhere
Matt Wetzler is an editorial, motorsport, portrait, and destination wedding photographer based in Northwest Montana.
Copyright ©Matthew Wetzler 2008–2021
