When Kade and Addie reached out about their 4-wheeler-only access to a secluded lake tucked deep in Montana’s untouched mountains, I didn’t hesitate for a second. Having a place like that entirely to ourselves sounded like an adventure photographer’s dream.

We loaded up our vehicles and made our way up what was technically called a road—but felt far more like a rugged trail—before hiking higher into the mountains. The path wound upward to a lake hidden in a bowl of shale, quiet and untouched.

As evening settled in, Kade and Addie exchanged vows with their two sweet dogs as witnesses. We watched the sun slip behind the mountains as the stars slowly revealed themselves overhead. We talked about the stories these mountains hold and the origins of their ominous name, wrapped in the stillness that only places like this offer.

Before dawn, Kade and Addie were up again to catch the sunrise spilling over the grand, jagged peaks. We wandered to a waterfall cascading from the lake and explored a rocky valley that felt entirely otherworldly. To top off the morning, they capped it all with a Notebook-style swim in the icy lake.

Backpacking elopements are relaxed, intimate, and deeply meaningful—an experience I can’t recommend enough.

Mark and Carolyn and kiddos took an extended road trip around the country to visit and take in some of our national parks. They picked Glacier National Park as a location to do their family photos and vow renewal. I’d say they made a good choice! We got up super early (because we all know the sun comes up early in the summer) and started our journey to this large rock. So majestic and so amazing to be able to capture this vow renewal for eons to come! Thanks for the fun time and amazing ice cream topping stuff straight from South Carolina. Mark and Carolyn own Story Bright films. In the evening, I got the opportunity to have them shoot my promo video for my business. I cannot wait to see it!

Springtime in Montana can be very unpredictable. The day was sunny and warm and quickly the clouds rolled in. I’m so glad Greg and Erin stuck it out. We dodged the rain and ended up with some nicely textured clouds.

Greg and Erin love to enjoy life together. I told them at what point during our session, “Just do what you would normally do in the woods.” And they said, “Well, we would probably be waiting for deer to hunt.” That’s my kind of people.

I can’t wait to document Greg and Erin’s wedding this fall. Fall is such an incredible time of year.

The winters around here can be long. This year in particular we have gotten more snow pack then usual and have had some pretty insane low temperatures. Looking for places to ice-skate is not actually as easy as one might think, but when the snow piles up; a shovel definitely comes in handy. Josef and Laura are such a fun couple, have untouchable fashion, and are bringing back timeless love. And. . . this sunset. Josef was building the fire, when I turned around and could not resist photographing it. I have to tell you, as gorgeous as these sunset photos are, they don’t actually do it justice.

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By the way, Holland Lake is one fine lake that is often overlooked. If you do decide to ice-skate on it, watch out for the springs. I don’t want to be responsible for giving people ideas that get them into trouble.

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I truly believe it is so important as a couple to adventure together and keep having fun. Do you agree?