Snow-Capped Mountains and Purple Mountain Majesties
Written by Erin Sabine, Celebrant
Chelsey and Darak married on the shores of Lake Mcdonald on a spectacular May evening. We have had a beautiful Montana spring and Chelsey and Darak’s day was just amazing.
Chelsey, Darak, Jenn and I all caravaned from their Whitefish rental to Lake McDonald Lodge in Glacier National Park. The road to the lodge was under construction and, wow, it was a work in progress.
Despite the construction, there are days in Montana, when somehow, it’s even more breathtaking than normal. This was one of those days. Driving along Lake McDonald was incredible. The lake was so calm and clear. We saw the mountains on the horizon and reflected in the lake! Chelsey & Darek told Jenn they envisioned snow-capped mountains and purple mountain majesties views for their elopement day. Having never been to Montana before, they were in for a treat when seeing views of Lake McDonald for the first time.
There was a little hustle and bustle at the lodge when we arrived. Biking in Glacier before the tourist season really hits is a popular pastime and the lodge was opening the next day so the final touches were being taken care of as we arrived.
The lake was fairly high and Darak and I tried to convince Chelsey and Jenn to cross the creek to a little rocky point jutting into the lake. Our plan was vetoed (high, fast, cold water, Chelsey and Jenn were the voices of reason) and we were able to find a spot on the shoreline with the stunning Glacier backdrop. Miraculously, everyone vanished for Chelsey and Darak’s ceremony and it was just the two of them making their pledge as husband and wife.
Darak channels the voice of their dog Kermit and speaks for him when necessary so there were lots of laughs when he said his vows in the voice of their dog (a Pug nonetheless).
The road construction got the best of their cake so it was a little “worse for wear” when the time came to cut it. But it tasted delicious, and trying to hold it together added to the lighthearted feeling of the evening and it was truly a magical evening for an elopement! Sometimes, you just have to roll with the (cake) punches!
Congratulations Chelsey and Darak! It was an absolute joy to be a part of your wedding!
XOXO, Elope Montana Team
Photographer: Jennifer Vernarsky
Celebrant: Erin Sabin
Cake: Mountain Mama’s Cupcakery
Florals: Mum’s Flowers
Lodging: Lodge at Whitefish Lake
