Last fall, I had the pleasure of photographing THE UNION PACIFIC DINING LODGE wedding of Jackie and Mike in West Yellowstone.

Fate brought Jackie and Mike together two years ago when each were in opposite wedding parties of their mutual friend’s wedding. Laughter and charming wit piqued their curiosity about the other and they instantly hit it off.

Each of their professions have them traveling the state in roles that cater to their love of new places and a curiosity to meet new people. Mike is a sales rep for Kettlehouse Brewery and Jackie is a producer at Montana PBS.

The more they got to know one another, their commonalities started stacking up. Mike and Jackie soon discovered they shared a love for the history of national parks. Even more as their relationship grew, they discovered the shared value of deep conversations and intellect. So when the pandemic quarantine came to Montana, these two decided to keep the conversation going and moved in together. Jackie and Mike both agree the experience made them grow even stronger.

For Jackie, she loves the extroverted, loving, and loyal energy Mike brings not only to their relationship but also to everyone around him. “He’s in awe of his people,” said Jackie. “With heart and soul, he is very thoughtful in his approach to planning new experiences for us that I might like. His energy and passion for life is so magnetic. I feel so lucky.”

Tuck, Jackie’s pitbull-Labrador mix (who has now claimed Mike as his, too), agrees. Jackie smiles as she mentioned that Mike and Tuck have become soulmates.

For Mike, he loves Jackie’s desire for adventure, whether that be their frequent small town dates, visiting hotsprings, breweries or canoe racing on the Missouri River. She’s steady and always there for him. They love to play outside together, often adorned in Chacos and Carhartts. Mike would have it no other way.

Life in each other’s company is quite the adventure.

After their December 2021 engagement, they began planning for their wedding celebration at the Union Pacific Dining Lodge in West Yellowstone, Montana, a building steeped in Yellowstone National Park history.

The massive stone building, built in 1925, was the perfect backdrop to the national parks theme they showcased at their wedding for friends and family. After the ceremony, we snuck away to Quake Lake where Montana’s fall colors of gold, yellows and orange were at their peak. We were able explore and create some beautiful wedding photos of them. Returning to the lodge, the celebration kicked off with a BBQ feast and transitioned into a night of dancing and laughing with their wedding guests.

It warms my heart to witness two people who are so perfectly suited for one another. I had an absolute blast with these two and I wish them all the best! -M

To view all of their wedding day photos, click here.