Wedding at Camp Elohim in Troy, Montana

On August 17, 2024, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Grace and Landon Marcott’s wedding at Camp Elohim in Troy, Montana. This wasn’t just any venue—it was a special place for them. The camp, run by Landon’s parents, was where they first met, so the day was filled with both sentiment and beauty.

Camp Elohim set the perfect stage for Grace and Landon’s wedding. Nestled in the quiet beauty of Troy, Montana, surrounded by towering trees and a peaceful atmosphere, it felt like the couple was getting married in a place that wasn’t just beautiful but deeply personal. It’s not every day you get to photograph a wedding at the very place where the couple’s love story began.

The Details

Because the ceremony was set for 11 AM, I arrived the evening before and stayed in one of the rustic cabins on-site. Waking up at the crack of dawn was a must! By 5:30 AM, we were already diving into details. I started with flatlays and had to get creative, as the light wasn’t on our side yet. The solution? Using flash. And let me tell you, I ended up loving the look. The direct light added a unique edge to the details, and it’s something I might carry into future shoots.

Getting Ready

After capturing those details, I moved to Grace and her bridal party as they got ready. The energy was relaxed but full of anticipation. We snuck in a few shots of Grace and her girls before Grace’s mom helped her into her dress. There’s always something so touching about a mother’s final help before her daughter walks down the aisle.

The entire morning was calm but focused—everything moving steadily towards the first look.

The First Look

One of the best things about Grace and Landon’s day was their decision to have their first look on private land near the camp. A kind local had given us permission to use her stunning property, which turned out to be perfect. With the fog rolling in from the morning chill, the landscape looked ethereal, adding an extra layer of romance to their first look.

As always, I stepped back, allowing the couple to share this moment just between the two of them. They exchanged private vows and share a sweet little dance, and we didn’t interfere until they gave us the cue. I believe in giving couples the space they need for moments like these—there’s something so special about that raw emotion, and I want to let them experience it fully before stepping in to capture it.

The Romantics

Once Grace and Landon were ready, we transitioned into their couple’s portraits. They were adorable together, completely wrapped up in the moment. The foggy morning created a magical backdrop that made their love feel like the central force in this wild Montana landscape. Landon barely looked away from his bride Grace was just full of so much joy and laughter.

Bridal Party Photos

Just as we were finishing up with the romantics, the bridal party arrived for their photos. We worked through these quickly—everyone was in great spirits, and we managed to capture everything in record time. It’s always a good sign when the bridal party is just as excited and cooperative, which makes the flow of the day so much smoother.

At one point when I was working with Grace and the bridesmaids, Caden (my second shooter and husband) had the groomsmen lift Landon into the air for this epic shot. I didn’t even realize it had happened until Caden came over during and in between moment to proudly show off his handiwork!

Pre-Ceremony Touch-Ups and a Sweet Family Prayer

Once the bridal party photos were wrapped up, we headed back to the camp to prepare for the ceremony. Grace and Landon had some time to grab a quick snack, touch up makeup, and relax before the big moment. One of the most touching moments came just before the ceremony when Grace’s family gathered around her to pray. That moment of stillness, surrounded by the people who love her most, felt incredibly meaningful.

The Ceremony

The ceremony itself took place at 11 AM, surrounded by the beautiful forest that makes Camp Elohim so enchanting. The light filtered through the trees, creating a warm and intimate space for Grace and Landon to exchange vows. With music performed by Grace’s siblings and a special wedding message preached by Grace’s dad, this felt so sweet and unique to who Grace and Landon are as a couple and their desire to honor God with their marriage.

Family Formals and Sneaking Away for a Private Moment

After the ceremony, we dove into family formals. Both the bride and groom come from large families, so these were somewhat chaotic and busy, but we managed to get everyone organized and then Grace and Landon snuck away for a few private moments, just the two of them. I always encourage couples to take a few minutes for themselves during the day—it’s a whirlwind, and sometimes, those brief moments of peace are exactly what they need.

The Reception

Grace and Landon were announced into their reception, and from there, the celebration kicked into full gear. They enjoyed a delicious meal, mingled with their guests, and listened to heartfelt speeches from their loved ones. One of the lighter moments came during the shoe game, where Grace and Landon had everyone laughing.

The Grand Exit

To cap off the day, Grace and Landon made their grand exit in Landon’s brother’s vintage orange VW Beetle which was all decorate for the newlyweds. It was such a quirky and fun choice for their departure. Guests lined the path, blowing bubbles as the couple drove off. It felt like the perfect ending to a day that was full of love, joy, and so many personal touches.

Final Thoughts

Grace and Landon’s wedding was the perfect reflection of who they are and their values. From the strong emphasis on family to all the way they chose to honor God throughout their wedding, it was truly beautiful. It was an honor to capture their day, from the early morning details to the bubble-filled grand exit. Weddings like these remind me why I love what I do: the ability to witness and preserve these once-in-a-lifetime moments for my couples.

If you’re planning a wedding in a place as personal and meaningful as Grace and Landon’s, I’d love to help capture your day in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether it’s an intimate elopement or a full wedding celebration, I’m here to ensure your love story is told beautifully.

After years of life in Montana, I am now based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and am available for weddings and sessions in both NC and for destinations across the country.

Kira Rideout is a wedding and family photographer based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, serving couples and families across the NC Triad and beyond. Her approach is warm, nostalgic, and rooted in authentic storytelling — capturing the little moments that make life feel like home.