Intimate and timeless Missoula wedding photos on film at Western Cider

Molly and Kale got married in the backyard of Western Cider on the single most gorgeous day in Montana history. It was mid October - full fall foliage on display and sun DRENCHED. Here's a quick snapshot of some of my favorite highlights of Molly and Kale's intimate wedding celebration - featuring a mix of editorial and candid wedding photos on film & digital.

I am a huge fan of an untraditional venue. Western Cider in Missoula was the perfect location for an intimate wedding. Built in drink menu and bartenders, a large outdoor area with a covered patio, which was perfect for the ceremony itself. Plus the apple trees throughout the yard made for really beautiful group shots and portraits.

Group photos can often be the trickiest part of the day as a wedding photographer - between corralling family members, finding a good backdrop that works with a lot of people, and making sure everyone is in focus and looking good - it can be a difficult balancing act. But these family portraits made themselves. The tree branches were the perfect natural frames and the afternoon sunlight made for perfect portrait lighting.

This wedding day celebration was full of all these nontraditional and personal details that made it super unique and special. Molly and Kale didn't do a first look but instead got ready at the venue and walked down the aisle together. This was such a sweet moment for them to walk through all of their friends and family as a couple, and it made for an amazing candid newlywed portrait. I also love the idea of not doing a first look and instead using that time to connect with each other or with guests.

Molly and Kale had so many creative touches throughout the wedding. The flowers were an explosion of colors and styles with tons of big and little bouquets everywhere. Kale also made a custom sign for the wedding that sat outside the entrance of the venue welcoming guests in. These kinds of personal little touches are what makes a wedding unique and make the wedding photos extra special. (Take a peek at this blog if you're looking for cheap and easy decor ideas to up-level your wedding photos).

Molly and Kale had the perfect kind of wedding where every single vendor was on point. The wood fired pizza oven was an absolute hit - slanging pizzas all night in all kinds of flavors (my fav was the fig and balsamic - yumm). And the DJ kept the different events moving and the dance party going. With the venue being a cidery - there was a bar right where the celebration was going down.

I loved the way Molly and Kale styled their wedding fits. Molly had one of the most gorgeous dresses I've seen in a long time - it was stunning for photos with the buttons going all the way down the back. And Kale rocked a pop of red in his fit with his heart patterned button up. Basically a dream newlywed style for a colorful wedding photographer.

Molly and Kale wanted lots of candid wedding photos throughout the day of their friends and family celebrating. I love it when I hear this from wedding clients - I'm a firm believer that the candid moments make the best photos, which is why I love candid wedding photography and why I always advocate for a mix of editorial-style portraits and documentary-style wedding photos.

The reception kicked off with a pretty epic dance party which was followed up with a karaoke session (which I highly recommend for any couples looking for a fun and interactive reception activity). The guests killed it and of course Molly and Kale had to kick it off with Do You Want to Get Married by the Goo Goo Dolls.

These fun, laid back, intimate weddings are the types of celebrations that remind me why I love what I do. Bringing together all of your family and friends to celebrate your love with an epic party - that's what I'm here for. Planning a wedding can be stressful and overwhelming - it's easy to get caught up in the logistics and forget why you're celebrating in the first place. Avoid the wedding planning stress and focus on what really matters with this Wedding Guide for Fun Wedding Celebrations.

If you're ready to capture your own timeless and authentic couples photos - reach out today for a custom quote, or check out my photography pricing and packages to get an idea of budget. Wedding, elopement, and engagement photo packages on film and digital - available anywhere you're in love.