Lauren and Duncan’s was a very special wedding for me on many levels. Lauren is the daughter of a long friend of mine who is also a wedding photographer, so it was an honor to be approached to document her and Duncan’s day. In addition, the timeline of their event sounded so fun and adventurous and I was elated to have the opportunity to tie the story together. That was a good start, but the fact that they didn’t have a rain plan really ended up making this day memorable.
We began the day at an Airbnb that Duncan’s family rented. I was able to meet them all (which doesn’t always happen with the groom’s side on wedding day), watch a slideshow about the couple, and learn the traditions of their family, like putting together jigsaw puzzles without looking at the box. They even invited me to stop by later in the week to check the progress of the puzzle.
Lauren’s day took place in one of the most unique locations I’ve ever photographed hair and makeup: outside on the top of a mountain overlooking Bozeman. She hung the dress from an overhanging branch above, sat on a cooler in the shade, and let Emily Tompers go to work. It was such a fantastic experience and wonderful to photograph. The ceremony was held a few dozen yards away, then the couple lead their entire wedding on a walk down the mountain to their 140-foot dinner table nestled in a row in an orchard at Rocky Creek Farm. But it was late afternoon, the week had already been dotted with thunderstorms, and it turned out this day would not be excepted. About halfway down the hill the dark, ominous clouds on the horizon rolled in and the rain began to fall heavily. It didn’t take long for the western-facing sides of our bodies to become soaked. We were too far from cover to even attempt to hide, but after a couple hundred more yards and no respite from the precipitation, the decision was made to run for it. These are some of the most spontaneous and purely fun images I think I’ve ever taken – be sure to watch the slideshow for a thorough recap of the soaked sprint.
I was afraid after this event that we might lose a lot of guests, but it seemed that most continued on to the reception site (after hiding in the barn for awhile). This was a wise choice as the sun came out and brightened up everything in close proximity while contrasting it against the steely gray-blue skies still circling the area. Some of the portraits we were able to make in these conditions were unbelievable. This was a once-a-season opportunity for me and I’m ever so happy to have had a couple on board with running away at the right moment and making some magic.
The night wrapped up with a funk band, Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons, brought in from Wyoming and dancing on the grass and mud in bare feet. It was just a fantastic party from start to finish and, as best I can tell, exactly how Lauren and Duncan wanted to personalize their day with all their favorite people.
Vendors:
Venue: Rocky Creek Farm/Gallatin Valley Botanicals
Hair and Makeup: Emily Tompers – Eleven Twenty Seven
Florist: Calliope Flowers
Dress Maker/Bridal Shop: BHLDN
Men’s Wear: Indochino
Caterer: Fork & Spoon Catering
Bakery: Brennan Keegan – friend
Band: Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons preceded by bluegrass conglomerate of friends
Officiant: Jennie Lynn Stanley