Wedding at Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana

Justin and Gloria’s wedding day was set in the beautiful mountain scene of Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, Montana. These two drove all the way from Illinois with fifteen of their closest friends and family to have an intimate Montana wedding.

From the couple: “Booking from out of state was so stressful! Let alone any type of photographer! I reached out one day and I’m so grateful I did!! Kira Rideout photography is 10/10! She goes the extra mile getting to know you as a couple, getting all the best angles making you feel the best! It felt more like having another friend around telling me which angles are the best rather than someone wanting posed pics. My only negative is I’m not closer to have more pictures done!”

First Look

When I arrived at the venue, Gloria was just finishing up her final touches and anxiously awaiting her first look with her soon-to-be husband. The rain picked up a bit during this time, so we opted to do their first look on the porch of the cabin rather than in the open field like we had originally planned. It ended up being the perfect location for this precious moment between Justin and Gloria! Justin got emotional seeing his beautiful bride and they shared a sweet hug to comfort each other.

Gloria was especially excited to show off the shiny buttons trailing down that back of her dress which where perfectly highlighted by the waterfall of pearls on her veil.

I always try and keep my distance during a first look so that the couple feels comfortable just taking in the moment together and admiring each other. I give them as long as they like and wait for their cue to jump in with and posing or prompts.

After leaving them to enjoy their first look at their soon-to-be spouse, my second photographer and I jumped in to grab a couple photos of Justin and Gloria since we were running ahead of schedule. We kept these photo on the porch to avoid getting the couple too wet before they walked down the aisle, and the beautifully diffused light made for some precious romantic photos.

Wedding Ceremony

Shortly after finishing up the first look, it was time to start preparing for the wedding ceremony. The venue had set up a beautiful ceremony in the Field of Dreams with Emigrant Peak majestically outlining the background. A vibrant floral arrangement had been set up on either side of the gazebo by Rooted in Montana and perfectly complimented the greens and blues of the location.

The rain clouds parted just as Gloria was preparing to make her entrance down the aisle and left us with the most perfectly overcast day. The venue had provided umbrellas in case the Montana weather decided to be unpredictable per usual, but much to everyone’s surprise, they were completely unnecessary!

As his bride made her way across the Field of Dreams towards him, Justin let a few tears sneak out once again. He was not alone in this, however, as most of the guests quickly followed suit.

The couple had asked one of their dear friends to be their officiant and he did a phenomenal job of sharing their journey, including the birth of their precious son, Ilias, and their vision for their future together as they raise their little family. Their vows to each other were just as special and you could truly feel their connection throughout the ceremony and entire wedding.

Their first kiss as husband and wife was one for the storybooks followed by the most precious recessional and a loud chorus of cheers!

One of my favorite things is watching the couple in those first moments after they walk back down the aisle as they celebrate together and the fact that they are now HUSBAND and WIFE starts to settle in to their brains. Justin and Gloria were no exception! As they stopped at the edge of the field, Justin scooped Gloria up into the most intimate embrace that they held for several minutes as they enjoyed their new spouse!

Then came the celebration! We rejoined their family and friends and, after many hugs and several more bouts of tears, started on their list of family photos. And you know we had to get one of everyone celebrating with them!

Newlywed Romantics

Then came time for my favorite portion of the day: newlywed romantics! The meadow behind the gazebo was the ideal spot to capture these intimate photos of this sweet couple.

Gloria was positively glowing with happiness, her bright smile lighting up her face. Justin just couldn’t stop admiring his bride! They walked hand-in-hand, pausing every so often for a tender kiss or a quiet moment to take in the views of Emigrant Peak. The love they had for each other was evident in every glance, every touch, and every smile. I couldn’t help but feel honored to capture such pure, unfiltered love.

As I pulled Gloria aside for a few solo shots of her, my second photographer snuck in this sweet photos of the groom admiring his new wedding band.

After a variety of couples photos, we headed back down to the field where a golf car was waiting to take the bride and groom to their reception. I just love how caring Justin was for his new wife and they way he held her dress for her was precious!

Wedding Reception

And then we PARTIED! Since their wedding party was so small, Justin and Gloria got to visit with each and every one of their loved ones!

When I saw the bar at their reception, I immediately had a vision to get a couple photos of them with it. During our initial connect call, Gloria had told me that they met while she was a bartender at a local bar where they lived. What could be more perfect to signify their relationship? (Of course we got permission before taking these.)

After that came the cake cutting!

And then it was time for me to say goodnight to the new Mr. & Mrs. Baucom.

Justin and Gloria’s wedding day at Chico Hot Springs was a true celebration of love, family, and the start of a new chapter. From the intimate first look to the joyous reception, every moment was filled with emotion and meaning. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was the beginning of their lifelong adventure together, surrounded by the people they love most. And as a photographer, I felt privileged to be a part of their story, capturing the moments that will forever remind them of this beautiful day.