When it comes to capturing the magic of a wedding, the setting and timing are everything. For Eric and Ellen, their intimate evening wedding at DanWalt Gardens in Billings, MT, was nothing short of enchanting. As a wedding photographer, it was a dream to photograph such a beautiful, personal event surrounded by nature's beauty and the golden light of a summer evening.
Why Evening Weddings Shine
There’s something uniquely special about evening weddings. Photography, at its core, is all about light, and the best light of the day starts about four hours before sunset. The cooler temperatures also contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the celebration. Eric and Ellen made the brilliant choice to hold their ceremony at DanWalt Gardens during this golden hour, ensuring every shot was bathed in that perfect, warm glow.
A Picture-Perfect Ceremony by the Koi Pond
DanWalt Gardens is renowned for its lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and towering trees that create a natural, picturesque backdrop for weddings. Instead of opting for the traditional ceremony spot, Eric and Ellen chose a more intimate location by the Koi Pond. This thoughtful decision placed them in the most flattering light, enhancing the natural beauty of the scene and making the moment even more special. As they stood surrounded by flowers and the peaceful sound of the pond, it was clear that this was a perfect setting for their vows.
Personal Touches Make the Day Unforgettable
Everything about Eric and Ellen’s wedding was deeply personal and meaningful. From the heartfelt, handwritten vows on notecards to the unique rituals that made the ceremony truly their own, every detail was a reflection of their love story. Ellen shared a sweet moment during the vows, revealing that she had found a journal entry from middle school listing qualities she hoped for in a husband. One of those qualities was that he would be an architect, and as fate would have it, Eric is indeed an architect!
Another beautiful touch was the basket of "skipping rocks" that Eric brought. Guests blessed these stones, which were then arranged in a circle for the couple to stand in during the ceremony. This unique element added a symbolic and emotional layer to the event, further highlighting the couple's connection to nature and each other. Family and friends then took turns reading the Seven Blessings, a modern take on a Jewish tradition, before the couple exchanged heirloom rings, adding another layer of sentimentality to the day.
An Evening of Celebration and Love
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a few toasts, bubbles, and some heartfelt family photos. Ellen's mother had lovingly arranged the flowers, and they were absolutely stunning, adding vibrant colors and natural beauty to every moment captured.
Before heading to the backyard reception at their home, we made a quick stop downtown. We visited a few of Eric and Ellen’s favorite spots, including The Monti for a quick shot, The Babcock Theater, and Big Dipper Ice Cream. These stops added a fun, urban twist to the wedding gallery and provided the couple with a variety of photo styles and memories.
The reception was a relaxed and joyful affair at their flower-covered home, complete with a large garden in the back. Guests were treated to fresh garden veggies and wildflower seeds as gifts, a perfect nod to the couple's love for nature. The atmosphere was casual and inviting, with several friends arriving by bike and everyone mingling, snacking, and enjoying drinks as the evening unfolded. As darkness fell, the night ended with a sparkler send-off and some lively dancing, creating the perfect finale to a perfect day.
Capturing the Magic
Eric and Ellen’s wedding at DanWalt Gardens was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. The combination of an intimate setting, personal touches, and the golden evening light made for a stunning collection of photos that truly captured the spirit of their love. If you're planning a wedding and want every detail to be as magical as this, consider the beauty of an evening ceremony at DanWalt Gardens. The combination of nature, light, and love creates memories—and photos—that will last a lifetime.
Hi, my name is Zak and I've been a Montana based wedding photographer for 13 years. I love capturing authentic and unique love stories and helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera. I specialize in intimate and personal weddings, bringing a warm, professional touch to every shoot to ensure that each moment is captured beautifully and authentically.
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