A little less than a year ago, I received an Instagram message from Kimberly asking if I was available to photograph her and Tyler’s wedding, the following June. A few messages and emails back and forth later, they booked me, and we started planning.

What I didn’t know when they booked with me was that I was going to get to be a part of one of the most touching weddings in my life.

Kimberly and Tyler grew up in Columbia Falls and first met when they were in the 3rd grade. Sparks didn’t fly until years later in middle school and sat next to each other on a bus ride to a cross country meet. As the saying goes “the rest is history”. A few years into their relationship Kimberly was diagnosed with a form of Leukemia. Kimberly said “Tyler was by my side throughout my entire battle, and I knew that he was the one.”

If you can set aside an already incredible story of dedication, pursuit, recovery and survival, you find yourself looking at two Flathead county locals who, after being together for 8 years, finally tied the knot. A crowd of a little more than 200 family and friends gathered to celebrate these two in a beautiful spring Montana wedding. It was remarkable to get to witness so many people cheering on Kimberly and Tyler, and as their officiant said “helping them write the first chapter in the next book of their story.”

Pinky promise vows, heartfelt speeches, and tear jerking dances made this wedding so personal and impactful for me to witness. I left a little (read, a LOT) weepy, and haven’t been able to stop thinking of these two since. I will be sad when the photos are delivered and I close my chapter of their story.

Photographer: Rachel Jobst Photography

Venue: Glacier Meadows: The Wedding Place

Dress: Morilee from Rococo Bridal