A Lodge at Whitefish Lake wedding offers couples the rare combination of lakeside beauty, mountain scenery, and on-site accommodations—making it an ideal destination wedding venue in Montana. For Zachary and Carolyn, it was the perfect place to gather loved ones from across the country and celebrate in a setting that felt both elevated and inviting.
These two met through mutual friends while spending time in Charleston, South Carolina, and from the very beginning, their relationship has been shaped by a shared love of adventure. So when it came time to plan their wedding, a destination celebration felt like the most natural fit. Neither Zachary nor Carolyn are native Montanans, and with the majority of their guests traveling from out of state, they wanted a location that would truly showcase Montana’s mountains and lakes—especially for those visiting for the first time.
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake was the perfect venue for their intimate destination wedding. With on-site accommodations for guests and easy access to Whitefish Lake, Glacier National Park, and the surrounding towns and valleys, it offered a full Montana experience without the need for complicated travel logistics.
The day began with Carolyn and her girls getting ready in the State Room, with Glacier Beauty Co. providing hair and makeup. Carolyn chose an old Hollywood–inspired look, wearing her auburn hair in soft waves and opting for makeup that felt simple yet elevated. The full-length mirrors and beautiful lighting in the State Room added a touch of glam to the morning and created the perfect environment for getting-ready photos.
Zachary and Carolyn chose early June for their wedding—a time of year in Montana that is known for its unpredictability. On this day, the weather brought cool temperatures, overcast skies, and steady rain. While it required a few last-minute timeline adjustments, we were still able to create a quiet, intimate first look before the ceremony, photographing in several sheltered spots around the Lodge and out on one of the docks on Whitefish Lake.
Despite the rain, Zachary and Carolyn handled the changing conditions with so much grace. The Lodge provided umbrellas for guests during the ceremony, and the on-site tent offered just the right amount of coverage for dinner and dancing. The weather added an unexpected intimacy to the day and created some truly romantic moments between the two of them. I always remind couples planning a Montana wedding that flexibility is essential—weather can change in a moment, but with the right venue and vendor team, an incredible experience is still very much possible.
As guests transitioned into the reception, the design details tied the entire day together beautifully. Because Montana is so green in June, Carolyn and Zachary chose a soft, neutral palette. Bridesmaids wore champagne-colored dresses, while the groomsmen wore classic navy suits. Tables were styled with white linens, beige napkins, and subtle touches of green and gold. Their simple three-tier cake from Montana Wildflour was adorned with florals from Mum’s that echoed the color palette in a beautifully understated way.
Inside the draped on-site tent, the couple also created a lounge seating area with a cozy couch and table—an inviting space that encouraged guests to relax, mingle, and connect. Every choice throughout the day reflected how intentional Zachary and Carolyn were about creating a comfortable, welcoming experience for everyone in attendance.
As the evening went on, the combination of rain, grass, and an outdoor ceremony meant Carolyn’s dress had become heavy and cold. With Zachary’s help, I encouraged her to change into a second dress and shoes so she could fully enjoy the rest of the night. One of my goals as a photographer is to care for my couples beyond simply documenting their day, making sure they feel supported from start to finish.
By the end of the evening, the skies cleared just enough for a sparkler send-off. Surrounded by their guests, Zachary and Carolyn were sent off on their next great adventure together. Their wedding day was one filled with intention, connection, and meaningful moments—set against the unforgettable backdrop of Whitefish Lake.
Carolyn even left me the sweetest review:
1000% Recommend!
Rachel is not only a master behind the camera, but a true professional! We hired Rachel to photograph our June 2, 2024 wedding at the Lodge. Despite the chaos of uncooperative weather, timeline woes and typical wedding day stress – Rachel did not skip a beat. She went above and beyond to help us stay on track and make sure we were where we needed to be. We truly feel that she was the glue holding it all together! Not only is Rachel extremely helpful and personable – her pictures are absolutely stunning and creative. It was such a great surprise when she sent us our sneak peak the day after our wedding! We would 1000% recommend Rachel for anyone seeking photography services!
VENDOR LIST
Venue: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake: https://lodgeatwhitefishlake.com/weddings
Catering: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
Hair and Make Up: Glacier Beauty Co: https://glacierbeautycompany.com/
Dress: New York Lace: https://www.newyorklacecouture.com/
Cake: Montana Wildflour: https://www.montanawildflour.com/
DJ: https://www.sidecaraudio.com/
Photobooth: https://www.pixelatedgigs.com/
Florals: Mums: https://www.mumsflowers.net/
Rentals: Empress Tents and Events : https://www.empresstentsevents.com/
Musician: Brent Jameson Music
