Bubbles, Birria Tacos, and a Bozeman Wedding Celebration
Jocelyn (she/her) and Kaitlyn (she/her) hadn’t planned on a big wedding at first. They were leaning toward an intimate elopement, but everything shifted when they met photographer Lo Hunter Photo + Film. Surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated at Gallatin River Hideaway in Bozeman, Montana, a venue known for its scenic riverside views and openly inclusive spirit.
Their day was filled with home-cooked birria tacos made by Jocelyn’s parents, a dance floor packed with everyone they love, and spontaneous moments that captured who they are, like running through sprinklers and wading into the river together before a bubble-and-pride-flag sendoff that glowed in the evening light.
From Freshman Camp to Tinder: A Love Story Years in the Making
It all started back in college, when a mutual friend introduced us at freshman camp in 2015. We didn’t really stay in touch then, life just moved along, until we matched on Tinder a few years later in 2018. That first date turned into an all-night conversation, the kind where everything just clicks. From that night on, we’ve pretty much been inseparable.
Finding Safety: Why We Almost Eloped
Honestly, the hardest part was figuring out if we even wanted to have a wedding at all. We were seriously considering eloping, just skipping the whole process so we wouldn’t have to deal with the stress of finding gay-friendly vendors. It felt like a lot. But once we came across our photographer, everything shifted. Lo Hunter Photo + Film made us feel seen and safe, and suddenly the idea of having a real wedding surrounded by people who supported us felt possible.
An Inclusive Celebration at Gallatin River Hideaway
Our photographer, Lo Hunter, pointed us toward a few gay-friendly venues, and that changed everything. We ended up choosing Gallatin River Hideaway because they’re so open and outspoken about being inclusive, and because the place itself is absolutely stunning. We fell in love with the scenery right away.
Keeping it Lowkey (and On Budget)
We kept things really small and lowkey with just our closest friends and family, which made it a lot easier to stay within budget. We were able to do so much with a little. The Knot helped a lot too. We used it for most of the planning process and even built our wedding website there.
A Chance Meeting at Bozeman Pride
We actually met Lo Hunter at a Bozeman Pride event! Afterward, we started looking through the photographers who had been there and came across her work. Her portfolio was breathtaking, and we instantly knew she was the one. Having her photograph our wedding was such a phenomenal experience. It truly was one of the highlights of our day. Every time we look at the photos, it feels like we’re reliving that amazing, special moment all over again.
A Taste of Home: Mom and Dad’s Birria Tacos
My mom and dad made birria tacos, and they were amazing, as always! For almost every big event we’ve ever had, my parents have been the ones making sure everyone’s eating good homecooked Mexican food. It wouldn’t have felt right any other way.
From Hectic Setup to River Sunsets
The day started out a little hectic with all the setup, but once the ceremony began, everything felt easy. Afterward, we took family portraits, then made our grand entrance. Once everyone had eaten, the dancing started, and from there it was just an amazing time. We had speeches, cake, and spent the rest of the night hanging out and dancing with our loved ones.
Going Above and Beyond (and Into the River)
Our venue host and our photographer absolutely did. They helped us get some amazing shots of us in the Gallatin River right next to the venue. It was so much fun, and they’re both such wonderful people!
Honoring Sisterhood and Redefining Traditions
We both walked down the aisle with our parents of choice, which felt really special. During the reception, I danced with my dad and then my mom, while my wife did the same with her mom and dad. We even had a one-on-one dance with our sisters. She danced with hers, and I danced with mine. My sister has been my rock from the moment I came out. She’s never wavered in her love or support. Having that dance with her was my way of honoring everything she’s been to me.
Photography by Lo Hunter Photo + Film
Cake Cupcake Mountain Cupcakery
Ceremony Venue Gallatin River Hideaway
Dress Boutique Plume Bridal
Suit Designer Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings Costco
