Montana Summer Wedding at Banjo Ranch | Blake & Christina’s DIY Forest Celebration
Film + Digital Wedding Photography in Montana
Some weddings just feel like Montana in the summer—Blake & Christina’s Banjo Ranch wedding was one of those.
I’ve known these two for a while, and getting to photograph their day made it all the more meaningful. They tied the knot on Blake’s family’s ranch—Banjo Ranch—a place he grew up visiting. It holds so much sentimental value, and turning it into their wedding venue made the celebration feel incredibly personal. If you’re dreaming of a DIY Montana wedding, this one’s going to give you some serious inspiration.
They put in weeks of work clearing trees, prepping the woods, and transforming the riverside into a full-blown wedding venue. A river runs right through the land, and it felt like the whole weekend was tucked away in its own little pocket of the world.
A Wedding in the Montana Woods
The day started slow and warm, with Christina getting ready down the road at a nearby cabin while the guys stayed back at Banjo Ranch to put the finishing touches on the ceremony spot. It was a full-on all hands on deck kind of morning—logs being moved, chairs set, wildflowers arranged. There was a calm energy to it all, like everyone knew something special was coming. I shot a mix of digital, flash, and film throughout the day to keep things feeling raw and true to the setting.
The Ceremony: Nature All Around
They kept things super simple and super them. Everyone gathered under a clearing in the trees with the river running behind. The ceremony felt like it had grown out of the land—emotional, intimate, and wild in the best way.
Sunset Portraits on Film + Digital
Montana clouds rolled in just in time for golden hour, adding some drama to the light. We snuck away for a short portrait session up on a rise and were met with the kind of stormy-sunset combo that only Montana can deliver. The wind, the light, the rain—it all just worked.
Late Night Turns Festival Mode
After dinner and toasts, the vibe shifted. Twinkle lights lit up the forest, the drinks started flowing, and just when people thought it couldn’t get better—Christina jumped behind the decks for a surprise DJ set and tore it up. The rest of the night felt like a little music festival tucked away in the woods.
Kind Words from Blake & Christina
“We can’t recommend Jeffrey enough. From start to finish, he brought the perfect mix of warmth, professionalism, and ease to our wedding day. He made us feel instantly comfortable in front of the camera, and his calming, friendly presence helped set the tone for a truly joyful experience. It was clear that he had our best interests at heart every step of the way.
His documentary-style approach was exactly what we were hoping for. He captured the candid, in-between moments - the laughter, the emotion, the little looks - that made our day so meaningful. Nothing felt staged or forced, and every photo feels intentional and full of heart. He was everywhere and nowhere all at once. Never intrusive, yet somehow present for every meaningful exchange, every spontaneous laugh, every tear.
Looking back at the photos, we are in awe of how artfully he captured not just how everything looked, but how it felt. We feel incredibly lucky to have had Jeffrey there to document our day. He gave us the greatest gift; photos that tell the story of our wedding with heart, authenticity, and so much care.”
The Takeaway
This one will stay with me for a while. From the deeply personal setting and the wild weather to the full-on dance party, Blake & Christina created something truly special. DIY weddings like this remind me why I love doing what I do—especially when I get to document it for friends.
Scroll through some of my favorite moments from this weekend below ↓
Vendor Shoutouts
Venue: Banjo Ranch
DJ: Christina (The Bride!)
Photography: Jeffrey Newby Photo
Film + Digital Wedding Photography | Based in Montana & Southern California