June 28, 2023

Whitefish Wedding Photographer, Krissy & Todd at Star Meadows Ranch

I had my true kick-off to my 2023 wedding season this past week out at Star Meadows Ranch outside Whitefish. It was so great to share that kick-off with Krissy, Todd, and their friends and family. It was almost more like a summer camp outing—though with a more formal dress code than your typical summer camp—than a big fancy wedding but it had all the elements you might want.

Your best friends standing up with you? Check. Surrounded by family? Check. Flower girl and ring bearer? Check. A Jello shot bearer... wait what?

Venue & Lodging: Star Meadows Ranch / Coordinator & Florals: Dear Dahlia / Hair & Makeup: Craft Society Salon / Catering: 406 BBQ & Montana Picnic Co. / DJ & Music: Kadin Beller with RMF Entertainment / Couture: Alena Leena & Indochino / Rentals & Decor: Empress Tents & Events

May 31, 2022

Intimate Whitefish Wedding Photographer, Chelsea & Corey at Star Meadows Ranch

I was so thankful that Whitefish-based wedding officiant Sarah Harding brought me into the fold for this wonderful intimate wedding at Star Meadows Ranch between Chelsea and Corey. Because they were simply having a short ceremony followed by a group dinner they initially planned on simply relying on friends with cell phones and cameras to document the day. Thankfully Sarah convinced them to book even just an hour of my time so that everyone could really soak in the moment as they tied the know and it was my absolute pleasure to document everything.

September 24, 2021

Whitefish Wedding Photographer, Dani & Shawn at Star Meadows Ranch

Dani and Shawn's wedding was a perfect example of how you can prioritize your day to emphasize what is most important to you as a couple. They had a wonderfully intimate wedding with their family and fifty or so of their closest friends at Star Meadows Ranch outside Whitefish. As it was such an intimate affair, with lawn games and dinner following the ceremony versus a traditional, raucous dance party I worked with them to customize their photography package to focus on the getting ready photos and the ceremony followed by an adventure portrait session at Glacier National Park the following evening. It was a blast spending time with them and their families, followed by showing them around Glacier. Even if the weather didn't cooperate in any way, shape, or form. Though with the delivered photos, I think it was an important teachable moment for all couples. Weather in Montana can often be very unpredictable, but if you just roll with it you will not be disappointed. Whether it's wildfire smoke, a cold and rainy evening, or just cold weather in August, Glacier is and always will be a stunning backdrop.

Venue: Star Meadows Ranch / Planner: Big Day Celebrations / Hair & Makeup: Melanie Hobus, 406 Hair / Videography: Alyssa Jean Studios / Catering: Famous Dave's BBQ

April 8, 2021

Whitefish Wedding Photographer, Joann & Ryan at Star Meadows Ranch

Joann and Ryan came to Whitefish from Colorado with their closest friends and family to hang out, go skiing, and get married! Their wedding at Star Meadows Ranch was the perfect match for their laid-back attitude full of dogs—they've got three—no attendants, unicorn socks, corn hole and hockey set up in the pavilion, a roaring fire, and fireworks to close out the evening.

They also had the most unique unity ceremony I've ever witnessed which involved them both pouring un-aged whiskey into a custom aging barrel to age over time and be enjoyed at a later date.

Venue: Star Meadows Ranch / Lodging: Star Meadows Ranch / Catering: DeSoto Grill / Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Distillery

January 4, 2021

Montana Wedding Inspiration at Star Meadows Ranch, Whitefish, MT

This past fall Katie with Big Day Celebrations invited me to take part in a styled shoot at Star Meadows Ranch to celebrate their recently completed wedding and reception pavilion. It's an extremely cool space on the sprawling property that features open meadows, mountain vistas, and secluded wooded trails that are an amazing setting for a wedding, family reunion, or really any occasion where you might want to get friends and family together, particularly in these times where social distancing is prudent.

A huge thanks to Katie for organizing this and inviting me along, our models Cristine and Josh, and a shout out to the amazing team of vendors that made magic happen on this smokey September evening.

Planner: Big Day Celebrations / Venue: Star Meadows Ranch / Hair & Makeup: The Edge Salon / Couture: J Scott Couture / Rentals: With Love Vintage Rentals, The Party Store, BBJ Linen / Bakery: Montana Wildflour / Paper Goods: Simply K Calligraphy

Prints & Canvas

Matt Wetzler is an editorial, motorsport, portrait, and destination wedding photographer based in Whitefish, Montana.

Copyright ©Matthew Wetzler 2008–2024