Gallatin River Hideaway Wedding of Muriel and Aaron
A few weeks back, I photographed the intimate Gallatin River Hideaway Wedding of Muriel and Aaron in Bozeman, Montana.
This bride and groom each has strong Montana roots from growing up here but over the last seven years of dating, they have supported and followed each other across the country to foster each other’s goals. Aaron got his PhD in engineering and Muriel just finished up her MFA in printmaking in Tennesseee. Last year they decided to move back to Montana and now make their home in Helena, Montana.
Over all this time, their relationship together has been a beautiful balance. Aaron loves how Muriel brings him out of his shell. His life has always been ruled by routine. For him, doing things alone can sometimes be intimating. But together Muriel has supported and helped him do activities that he normally wouldn’t. Her empathy and kindness she gives to the people around her have inspired and helped him realize his full self. Muriel loves Aaron’s mind. He’s the perfect balance of thoughtfulness and silliness without ego. His sense of humor and talents as a musician have brought a smile to her face for years.
This wedding couple chose The Gallatin River Hideaway for their wedding celebration with guests and loved ones coming from as far as Ireland to make the event.
Muriel and Aaron wanted a laid-back, social event filled with color documented in my photojournalistic approach.
During their wedding, they had a handfasting ceremony officiated by the bride’s sister. Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual in which the hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of two lives. Tears flowed as Muriel’s grandfather sang a lovely Irish tune. After their enthusiastic vows, Muriel and Aaron sealed their commitment to each other with a kiss and walked down the aisle under a cascade of bubbles.
At the reception, the newlyweds and their guests were treated to their favorite iced coffee drinks from The Red Coffee Trailer. Excited and properly caffeinated, people mingled, played yard games then everyone got in line for a delicious BBQ dinner. After speeches and heartfelt toasts, the celebration energy cranked up. In between dancing and a conga line, the guests explored the costume possibilities in the Greener Visuals Photo booth. Laughter and giggles ensued. Photo booths are the perfect invitation for the young and old to play together.
I really enjoyed my time photographing the wedding celebration of Muriel and Aaron and I wish them a lifetime of happiness. -M
Vendors:
Caterer – Ghost Boy Catering (Alex Hester and Brad O’Neil)
Coffee – The Red Coffee Trailer
Coordinator – Mary C. Baumstark
Dessert – Wild Crumb and Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream
DJ – Glacier DJ Jesse Frohriech
