The White Raven is hands-down one of the best wedding venues in Missoula... Dare I say it’s my favorite?? It’s tucked away in the mountains just outside of town, giving couples that perfect mix of modern elegance and Montana’s wild beauty. If you’ve already booked your wedding here, you made a great choice—especially in the summer, when the sunsets are long, the hills are golden, and everything just feels extra magical.

Lauren and Jeff got married this past summer at The White Raven, and their wedding was such a dream. Classic, classy, and full of love. The moment I arrived, I could tell it was going to be an amazing day. Lauren was in the getting ready suite with her mom, aunts, and best friends, sipping champagne and just glowing. No stress, no last-minute chaos—just genuine excitement. Jeff was just as relaxed, keeping it super lowkey and getting ready in a cabin onsite with their perfect doggo, Wally.

One of my favorite parts of the day was something I’d never seen before—Lauren set up a first look for her parents. Her dad was so cute and emotional seeing his wife all dressed up for their daughter’s wedding day. It was the sweetest moment, and I hope more couples start doing this! Then Lauren had her own first look with her dad before heading to see Jeff.

For their first look, we set Jeff up at the alternative ceremony site, standing under the tall pines with meadow and mountain views stretching behind him. Wally sat patiently by his side (okay, maybe not that patiently—he had a case of the happy zoomies as soon as he saw Lauren). Completely wrapped up in their own little world, Lauren and Jeff shared some sweet whispers and giggles while Shayna (of Montana Diaries, the best videographer in the biz) and I captured everything from behind some trees.

As guests arrived, they mingled and signed the guest book before taking their seats for the ceremony. They were also encouraged to grab paper fans and sun parasols from nearby buckets, which not only looked super elegant but were a lifesaver in the summer sun. The ceremony was absolutely perfect—Jeff and Lauren exchanged vows and rings with the mountains behind them, sealed it with a kiss, and just like that, they were officially married!

After some quick family photos (everyone crushed it—we flew through them), Lauren and Jeff got to actually enjoy cocktail hour with their guests. Then it was time for dinner, toasts, and another sweet moment—Lauren surprised her mom by dedicating her bouquet to her. Such a thoughtful touch!

We snuck away for some quick golden hour portraits before rejoining the group for their first dance to Honeybee by The Head and the Heart. Then, they each shared special Father-Daughter and Mother-Son dances with their parents and it was finally time for the whole crew to hit the dance floor! The whole day was just so much fun—a million little moments I could relive over and over again.

Watch Lauren + Jeff’s beautiful wedding video by Montana Diaries, here.

If you’re getting married at White Raven, I hope this gives you an idea of what your day could look like. It’s such a stunning venue, but beyond that, it’s a place where you can really be present with the people you love. If you’re still looking for a photographer to capture your day in a way that feels natural and true to you, shoot me an inquiry asap!