Hi! I’m Erin, the heart and soul behind On The Fly Films, a Montana-based wedding and elopement photographer and videographer. I’m also a wife and a mom to two fiery redhead girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not chasing after them, you can probably find me fly-fishing on the Flathead River in the summer, maybe some Big Game and Goose hunting in the fall, or camping with my family in the spring. I could also be out capturing love stories in some of the most breathtaking places, like Glacier National Park, which I’m lucky enough to call my summer (and sometimes winter) office.
My journey to becoming a Montana Photographer & Videographer…
My journey into this world of wedding videography wasn’t exactly planned. Before On The Fly Films, I was a K-8 PE and Health teacher. But everything changed after I had a friend film my Big Day on my iPhone and edited my own wedding film. That experience ignited a passion for videography that I didn’t even know I had. In 2019, I took a leap of faith and jumped headfirst into this new adventure. By 2021, what started as a side hustle had grown into something much bigger—big enough that I retired from teaching to follow this passion full-time.
Since then, I’ve had the absolute privilege of capturing over 150 weddings and elopements. I’ve met couples from over 15 states and three countries, and each love story has been beautifully unique. I focus on creating films that are raw, wild, and authentically you. I’m obsessed with telling love stories in a way that’s natural and heartfelt. There’s nothing I love more than meeting new people and being part of one of the most memorable days of their lives. I can’t wait to capture more incredible moments and turn them into timeless memories you’ll cherish forever.
A poem by Whitney Hanson:
“You know the way that sunsets never look quite as good in pictures?
And retelling the joke never does justice to the way your stomach ached with laughter the first time it was told.
You know the way the moon always looks smaller through a lens?
And words can never really describe the way the view from the top of the mountains stole your breath.
I want you to remember that you only see yourself in snapshots.
And that if the sunset cannot be contained in a photo,
neither can you.
I want you to remember that the words someone speaks of you can never do justice to the radiance of your smile or the sound of laughter rolling from your chest.
I want you to remember that your vastness renders cameras useless and the sight of you would make even the mountains lose their breath.
Because photos and stories and the small glimpses you catch yourself in the mirror do nothing to surmount the task of capturing the universe surging within you.
You are not an instant. You are an eternity. The gap between now and forever.
A color changing sky;
I’d capture you in a poem,
but it isn’t worth the try.” – A poem by Whitney Hanson
I recently heard this poem on TikTok, and it had me thinking about photography and videography. I try like hell to truly capture the essence of what makes you, YOU. You tell me the most beautiful stories throughout your day. You share your lives and families with me. You welcome me in like a long-time friend. But my time with you can never really do justice to capture the whole story. Your wedding day is a mere glimpse into your lives together. It is a sacred bond and a sacred day. Capturing it fully will never do justice to the place, your love, your feelings. BUT I TRY LIKE HELL to do that for you.
It is so important to freeze time when you can because it freaking flies by. Before you know it, photos and videos are all you have.
You ask me which season is my favorite, or which couple, or which view, …. I don’t have a favorite because I can’t pick one. I love each day, each couple, every view, every sunset, every rainy day. I love my job so much. Capturing and creating stories so unique to you. Your unique universe and the words that you express. You leave a tiny little impact on my life and in my heart. I am forever grateful for each person I get to meet, and for each love story I get to cherish. Over 150 couples have trusted me, after 5 years in business and I am so beyond overjoyed. I love you. Thank you. 🥹
To the couples I haven’t met, yet. I am so over the moon excited for you that you found your life partner. Your best friend through it all! Whether you say “I Do” with 100+ people around, or just you two, or anywhere in between, I WILL BE THERE. Words cannot express how honored I would be to capture your day.
It sounds so cliche and every vendor says that but seriously, I could just cry thinking about how special it is that I get to do this!! I hold your memories near and dear to me and treat them as if they were my own. After over 150 of these things you would think I would quit crying over your vows, first looks, daddy/daughter dances, anything really, etc. LOL *insert eye roll to my own self* That’s just how special this is to me. It’s more than a business. It is my passion and it has absolutely changed my life.
Thanks for stopping by— stay tuned for our next blog, “how to elope in Glacier National Park!”
