Celebratory Dinner

Glacier National Park: Apgar Amphitheater

Elopement Day

Ceremony

We're Eloping!

We’re so excited to share that we’ve decided to elope and exchange vows in a very intimate ceremony surrounded by nature and love. While the moment itself will be small and private, our hearts are full knowing we’ll be celebrating with our families. With love,Sam &amp; Andy

Our Wedding

As told by Andy...

On a warm summer evening in the abyss of Facebook videos, a notification pops up. It read, "Myrlem Samantha Fonseca commented on your post. Hesitantly, he clicks on the notification, hoping a woman would see his true worth. The reply said: "Is this how you pick up girls?" As I eat a punch to my pride, I ponder a rebuttal that would grab her attention. The endless thoughts raced through my head like a school of fish stuck in between a tuna feeding frenzy. What could I possibly say to something like that? Do I conform as a beta-male and say "No, I would rather be more of a gentleman than use childish pick-up lines, or do I full-send this pickup line I learned from the video in a more witty way?" If you guessed the full send, you are invited to the after-party because that's exactly what I did. I sat up in my chair and I shot my shot, and asked her if she's from China. She laughed and said that's not going to work on her. Now my ego has been completely shut down, and I'm stuck in a pinch. I have to finish this pick-up line somehow and that's where I said I'm just China, get your number, Sam. That was it, ladies and gentlemen, hook, line, and sinker. This woman actually gave me her phone number, a real girl this time! I couldn't believe it. After a few dates, we connected pretty well like peanut butter and jelly. Sam, she's pretty cool, and by the grace of god, she thought I was something special. My friends and family think I'm "special," but not in the same way Sam sees it. We became an official couple on 4/20/2018 (R.I.P. Bob Marley) (hi, it's me, Sam, it's technically 4/21 but he will die on the 4/20 hill), and it's been nothing but smooth roller coaster rides with each other. We originally wanted to use all the money we saved up in 2019-2020 to buy her ring and do the whole wedding thing but instead we chose to invest our funds together into a fabulous townhouse in Kendall where we have shared the last 5 years. I presented her with the options of a wedding or a house, and she chose the house. BEST DECISION EVER, cause it was pre-COVID turmoil when we bought it, and it's super nice, all the house is missing is a golf simulator. We have been living together happily with our two dogs Bailey and Bruce, and we have nothing but constant strives to make each other better and to pursue our goals and dreams every step of the way. We are now in the hunt to be scratch golfers, I am coming for you Scottie Scheffler.

Our Story

Photos

Weekend Plans Friday – August 7 🥾 Morning Adventure: Avalanche Lake TrailJoin us for an optional group hike to one of Glacier National Park's most beautiful destinations! Meet Time: 7:00 AMTrail: Avalanche Lake TrailDistance: Approximately 5.9 miles round tripDifficulty: Easy to ModerateEstimated Time: 2.5–3.5 hoursElevation Gain: About 730 feet This scenic trail winds through the famous Trail of the Cedars before following Avalanche Creek to the stunning Avalanche Lake, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and waterfalls. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and dress in layers, as mountain weather can change quickly. 🍝 Evening Celebration DinnerLet's kick off the wedding weekend together over great food and drinks! Location: Abruzzo Italian KitchenReservation: 8:30 PMWe'll gather for a relaxed evening of authentic Italian cuisine, drinks, and celebrating with our favorite people before the big day. We can't wait to spend the evening with everyone! Saturday – August 8 | Wedding Day 💍 Today's the day! We are so excited to celebrate this special moment with our favorite people in beautiful Glacier National Park. 💒 CeremonyLocation: Apgar Amphitheater, Glacier National ParkCeremony Begins: 4:00 PMPlease plan to arrive by 3:45 PM so everyone is seated before the ceremony begins. Since everyone is staying in different locations, please check your drive time to Apgar Amphitheater ahead of time and allow extra time for summer traffic. Parking at the amphitheater is limited, so we kindly ask everyone to carpool whenever possible. 📵 Unplugged CeremonyWe kindly ask that you silence your phones and refrain from using them during the ceremony. We've hired an amazing photographer to capture every special moment, and we'd love for you to be fully present as we say "I do." 📸 After the CeremonyFollowing the ceremony, we'll spend some time taking family and group photos before heading out into Glacier National Park for our wedding portraits. We'll be exploring a few of our favorite scenic locations while our photographer captures the beauty of Montana.During that time, we encourage everyone to relax, explore the park, grab dinner, or head back to your accommodations before meeting up later that evening. 🎉 Continue the CelebrationOnce we're finished with photos, we're planning to head into Downtown Whitefish to continue the celebration! We don't have a specific venue picked out just yet, but we'll likely find a fun spot with live music, drinks, and a great atmosphere. If you'd like to join us, keep an eye on our wedding group chat—we'll share the location once we've decided where to go. We'd love to celebrate with everyone who wants to keep the night going! 🌲 A Few Helpful Tips🚗 Check your route to Apgar Amphitheater before leaving and allow plenty of travel time.🚙 Carpool whenever possible, as parking at the ceremony is limited.🧥 Mountain weather can change quickly—even in August—so bringing a light jacket is a great idea.📸 Don't forget your camera! Glacier National Park is full of unforgettable views. We can't wait to celebrate this unforgettable day with all of you. Thank you for making the trip to Montana to be part of our story—it truly means the world to us! ❤️

Weekend Plans

Q + A

Getting There

Most guests will be flying into Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, which is the closest major airport to the west side of Glacier National Park. It's about 30–40 minutes from Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and the West Glacier entrance. FCA is served by major airlines like Delta, American, Alaska, and United, with connecting flights through cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis. Other nearby airports (a bit farther out) include:Missoula (MSO) – ~3.5 hours awayGreat Falls (GTF) – ~2.5 hours to the east entranceWe recommend flying into Kalispell (FCA) if possible for the easiest travel experience. Glacier National Park and the surrounding towns don’t have public transportation or ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, so a rental car is essential for getting to your lodging, the ceremony, and around the area. Please make sure to reserve your rental car well in advance, as summer is peak travel season in Montana and availability can be limited — especially at smaller airports like Kalispell (FCA). If you're traveling with others, feel free to coordinate and carpool to make things easier!

Where to Stay

Most people visiting Glacier National Park stay on the west side, near the West Glacier entrance. The towns of Kalispell, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish are all great options — they’re close to the park (within 30 minutes), have plenty of places to stay, and offer restaurants, grocery stores, and everything you might need during your trip. Andy and I booked our Airbnb about 5 minutes from Columbia Falls, so we’ll be nearby if you choose to stay in that area too! Since it’s a popular destination, especially in the summer, we recommend looking for accommodations about a year in advance — things fill up quickly. Here are a few popular hotels in each area to get you started: 🏨 Kalispell:Kalispell Grand Hotel – Charming historic hotel downtownSpringHill Suites by Marriott – Modern and reliable with great mountain viewsHomewood Suites by Hilton – Great for families or longer stays🏔 Columbia Falls:Meadow Lake Resort &amp; Condos – Golf course views, pool, and close to townCedar Creek Lodge – Clean, comfy, and just minutes from GlacierGlacier Peaks RV Park &amp; Lodging – Rustic cabins and full-service RV sites❄️ Whitefish:The Firebrand Hotel – Boutique hotel right in the heart of downtownLodge at Whitefish Lake – A beautiful lakeside resort with spa and diningGrouse Mountain Lodge – Cozy mountain lodge feel with easy access to town and golf Whether you prefer a quiet cabin, a hotel, or a cute downtown spot, any of these towns will make a great home base for your trip.

Things to Remember

•Coordinate with others – If you're traveling with some of the family, feel free to team up on rental cars or lodging to make things easier and more fun.•Ceremony vehicle limit – Our special use permit only allows 4 vehicles at the ceremony site. We’ll coordinate those in advance. If you’re not one of the designated vehicles, you’ll need to enter the park using the vehicle reservation system.•Vehicle registration required – Glacier National Park requires vehicle entry reservations during peak season for certain areas of the park. These can be booked through the National Park Service at:👉 <a href="https://www.recreation.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.recreation.gov</a>•Pack for the outdoors – Glacier weather can change quickly, so bring layers, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. While we’d love for everyone to be in formal attire for the ceremony photos, we highly recommend choosing comfortable shoes, especially for the ladies — the terrain may be uneven, and we want everyone to feel good walking around.•Cell service is limited – Reception in the park is spotty to non-existent. Download maps, directions, and any important info ahead of time.

Travel

There’s so much natural beauty and charm around Glacier National Park — if you’re arriving early or staying a little longer, here are a few fun things to check out: •Explore Glacier National Park – Take in the stunning scenery with hikes, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Even just driving Going-to-the-Sun Road (if open) is unforgettable.•Visit Lake McDonald – Crystal-clear water, canoe rentals, and beautiful photo ops. Great for a relaxing afternoon.•Hiking – There are trails for every level, from short walks like Trail of the Cedars to more adventurous options like Hidden Lake or Avalanche Lake.•Fly fishing – Glacier’s rivers and lakes are known for their beauty and native trout. Local guides offer lessons and gear if you want to try it out!•Golfing – There are some beautiful golf courses nearby, including Whitefish Lake Golf Club, Meadow Lake Golf Course in Columbia Falls, and Northern Pines in Kalispell — perfect for a scenic round with mountain views.•Whitefish – A charming mountain town with cute shops, restaurants, and a walkable downtown. Great for a laid-back day trip.•Columbia Falls – Close to the park with coffee shops, breweries, and a low-key local vibe.•Go rafting or horseback riding – Several outfitters offer half-day and full-day experiences near the park.•Local eats &amp; breweries – Don’t miss Montana’s craft beers, huckleberry everything, and cozy spots to grab a bite.•Fireweed in bloom – August is peak time for fireweed, a vibrant wildflower that blankets the park in beautiful pink-purple hues. It’s one of Glacier’s most magical summer sights. Here's a link with some ideas: https://morethanjustparks.com/things-to-do-glacier-national-park/

Myrlem & Andres

Myrlem & Andres

M&A

We're Eloping!

Celebratory Dinner

Elopement Day