When I talk to couples about when we should schedule Day After or Engagement sessions, or anything where we have a choice regarding the schedule, I tell them as close to sunrise or sunset as possible. Usually people opt for sunset. But Ryan, being a photographer himself, made the decision that they would make their intimate wedding happen at sunrise on the shores of Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Before this wedding, I wouldn’t have had much preference, but I am decidedly now in the sunrise camp. We all met at the amphitheatre near Apgar at 7:30am and as you’ll see in the photos, those first rays of light were unbelievable. And the lake was like glass.
The ceremony was small enough that the officiant was able to pass around a cord that each guest held while saying a few words to the couple. This was very emotional and touching, as the dozen guests were Rebecca and Ryan’s favorite people. They read their own handwritten vows, exchanged rings, kissed, then opened a bottle of champagne. From there the couple had a surprise for their guests: a trip up the west side of Glacier to Logan Pass via the Red Jammer buses. We made a stop along the way for some portraits, then continued up to the top for more portraits! For most guests, and Rebecca and Ryan, this was their first time in the Park so everyone’s eyes were filled with that sparkling awe that one has when they first see how big the mountains and valleys are. In the evening the couple hosted their guests for a nice dinner near Whitefish. There were toasts and one special moment that I hope I am recalling correctly: Rebecca’s dad gifted her a leather moccasin (baby-sized) and a few meaningful things inside that he acquired when she was first born. He’s held onto it this entire time to give to her at her wedding. I think we were all struggling to keep our eyes dry.
