A Playful Ceremony at Rodale Farm

Tara & Mike

August 19, 2017

Birds of a Feather Photography

Tara and Mike met through a mutual friend after obliviously crossing paths on several occasions. Mike proposed in Glacier National Park, Montana, in July of 2016, after the two had reached the top of Logan Pass, an elevation of 6,646 feet. Mike asked a stranger to take a picture of them with the background of Bearhat Mountain, and then surprised Tara by taking a knee.

Mike being a graphic designer and Tara being an event coordinator, their vision for a non-traditional wedding took shape and was full of thoughtful touches. It was a laid-back setting with a casual dress code and an unconventional entrance: Tara and her dad riding in on his Harley before walking down the aisle. Their friend Brendan officiated, using a script written by all three. Mike branded the wedding with a mountain-themed logo and custom stationery and signage, and their dog, Patty, had the honor of a signature cocktail in his name. The ladies' bouquets were made of homegrown wildflowers and the tables decorated with locust branches cut by Tara's father. Guests feasted on cheesesteaks and pulled pork sliders for dinner, and an ice cream sundae station for dessert, supplemented by kiffles from a family recipe made by Tara's great-aunts. Each guest received a wand to wave after the ceremony, and shared the event on social media with the hashtag #mikeandtarawedtheirpants and a designated Snapchat filter.