Maddie and Caleb’s wedding at Gallatin River Hideaway in Bozeman, Montana was one I won’t soon forget! It was a little different than the normal weddings I photograph, because these two are part of TLC’s show, Sister Wives! Instead of working with a typical videographer team, I got to work with a whole TV crew – so crazy and fun!
When Maddie first met Caleb, she wasn’t really fond of him, but after a while they became good friends. Three years after they met, they were ATV riding when those “more than friends” sparks started to fly. Maddie went home and told her sisters she knew she was going to marry Caleb, and sure enough, when he finally got down on one knee, Maddie said yes before he could even ask the question!
It’s always amazing to see couples that started out as good friends, because they have such a solid foundation in their relationships. These two are no different! I always hope to have the opportunity to photograph fun-loving, adventurous couples in love, and Maddie and Caleb are these people. Their common love for the outdoors and easy, comfortable relationship was right up my alley. It was easy to become friends with them!
Their wedding day started out with each of them getting ready in their own tree-houses. How cool is that?? Caleb hung with his guys, Maddie with her girls, and both houses were filled with laughter and smiles all morning long. After Maddie got dressed, she had a special reveal for her family. It was so sweet to see the reactions of her brothers, sisters, and moms! There’s so much love for each other in their unconventional family, it was so fun to witness! Maddie also had a special reveal for her dad, Kody. He was beside himself with emotion when he saw his daughter walking toward him in her wedding gown, and believe me, his eyes weren’t the only one’s wet with tears. I’m glad I have a camera to hide behind! 😉
Maddie and Caleb chose a Montana Boho vibe for their wedding. Flowy maxi dresses, flower crowns, bangles, barefoot sandals, dream catchers, and draped lace and fringe mixed with rustic touches of wood and pinecones made for a fun, relaxed environment to celebrate with their friends and family. One of my favorite details of the day was the groom’s cake. When I walked into the reception tent, I was first attracted to the cake by it’s smell – as a self-diagnosed chocoholic, it’s hard to miss the smell of chocolate! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw an enormous elk standing on the table, and it was a freaking CAKE. It was incredible!!! The inside was red velvet with huckleberry filling, a fantastic combination that couldn’t be more “Montana”!
After a nice dinner out in the shade and heartfelt toasts for the bride and groom, the guests joined the couple for and evening of dancing in the tent. There wasn’t a dry eye in the tent when Caleb’s sister stood in for his mother, who passed away only months beforehand. These two grew up in the country, where swing is the dance of choice, and man were they and their guest talented! It was so fun watching everyone twirl around the dance floor like they did, and definitely got me itching to get back into dance classes again!
All in all, it was truly a gorgeous day. Perfect weather, lots of love and laughter, and so much happiness surrounded the entire day. You can check out their wedding episode from Sister Wives, too (click here), it was such a fun day!!
Maddie and Caleb, it was an incredible experience meeting your family and getting to know you two! I am beyond honored that you chose me as your photographer, and can’t wait to be able to meet up with you again! Here’s to many more decades of love and happiness! xo
A gigantic thank you to Ashley, my talented second shooter, I couldn’t have done it without you, and to the folks at TLC and all the incredible vendors!!
Venue: Gallatin River Hideaway
Florist: Budget Bouquet and More
Cakes & Desserts: Elle’s Belles Bakery
Catering: Food For Thought
Dress: Celebrations Bridal