This whimsical Montana engagement session in Seeley Lake might just be my favorite one yet!I first met Grace in Atlanta when she was a bridesmaid at a wedding I photographed years ago. Fast forward a few years and a lot of life later, and we both ended up in Montana at the same time! Grace is a travel nurse, and she and Gage spent three months in Helena, just a few hours from me.
Last May, Gage reached out about photographing his proposal to Grace during their trip to Glacier National Park. Of course, it was the one week I was going to be out of town! We were both so disappointed, but Gage threw out the idea of surprising Grace with an engagement session a few weeks after the proposal instead!
We only had a short window of time (literally one available day!) between my travels and their big move to Iowa, where Grace was starting a new travel nursing contract. So we set the date and crossed our fingers for good weather!
We considered doing their engagement session in Glacier National Park, but with their move approaching quickly, it was just too far of a drive. Seeley Lake ended up being the perfect halfway point for their Montana engagement session! Neither of us had been there before, so I arrived early to scout locations. I found a pretty, secluded spot by the lake at a quiet campground and it turned out to be absolutely perfect!
We lucked out with clear blue skies and a stunning golden sunset. When we talked about their vision, Grace and Gage mentioned they loved the look of movement, motion blur, and grainy textures, inspirede by film. My goal was to create something nostalgic and dreamy and I think we captured that beautifully in their photos!
Sessions like this are why I love being a Montana engagement photographer! There’s just something about the way the landscape meets the couple’s energy and how it all works together to tell a story. Grace and Gage’s session was more than just pretty pictures; it was a celebration of this chapter in their lives, set in the beautiful state of Montana!
I’m so grateful for the creative freedom they gave me and the trust they put in me to document such a special moment. This Montana engagement session was a reminder of why I love what I do: helping people freeze time in places that feel like magic.
There’s truly nothing like a Montana engagement session when it comes to epic views, peaceful moments, and a sense of adventure! Whether you’re locals, traveling nurses like Grace and Gage, or planning a destination engagement session, Montana offers a dreamy backdrop that feels straight out of a movie!
One of the biggest reasons Montana is such an incredible place for engagement photos is the variety of landscapes. You’ve got mountain ranges like the Mission Mountains or Glacier National Park, serene lakes like Seeley Lake or Flathead Lake, and endless forest trails and meadows. No matter the season, you’re met with the most stunning colors and light that make every photo just magical!
Another bonus? The golden hour light here hits differently. With wide open skies, the sunsets are soft, golden, and cinematic. Its the kind of light that I dream of as a photographer! It’s one of the reasons so many couples (even those not from here!) opt for a Montana engagement session.
If you’re into adventure, laid-back vibes, and embracing the beauty of nature surrounding you, Montana is 100% worth considering for your engagement session. If you’re planning your own Montana engagement session, I’d love to hear your story and help you bring your vision to life! You can contact me here, or check out more of my work on the blog here.
Glacier National Park // Kalispell // Whitefish // Flathead Valley
Sarah Joy Photo is a Montana based wedding, elopement and family photographer. Serving Glacier National Park and the surrounding area, but available for travel worldwide. Specializing in nostalgic imagery on digital + film, with a heart for telling your story in an honest and organic way.