Montana Weddings

Yoga Images

2010-01-27T17:22:00.005-07:00

Athleta Chi online

Margaret Burns Vap is at it again. I photographed my good friend Margaret last week, and... this week her article is online at Athleta.net. Check out suggestions for after ski yoga, along with some cool photos of the PRO yoga "dudette"!

click the banner to go to the Athleta site.

Lost in the line of duty

2010-01-15T15:59:00.008-07:00

A Tribute to those that give... everything.

I was going through some of my work from the past year and I revisited an amazing image. I was shooting for the Benefis Hospital in Great Falls in September. It was late in the evening. I was up about 30 feet in the air on a swaying scissor lift, trying to stay perfectly still while making long exposures of their new hospital addition. A noise caught my ear. It was the sound of helicopter blades in the wind. One of the hospital's Mercy Flight aircraft rising from behind the building. I picked up my camera, still attached to the tripod and followed it through the air. I got one exposure! "A lucky grab" I thought. Then my mind went back several years when I read the heart saddening story of the crash of one of their Mercy Flights. Pilot, nurse and paramedic, they all died enroute to pickup a patient in Bozeman.

So this is my small way to pay tribute to these folks that did'nt even give it a second thought to put their life on the line for another. They go about their selfless work and no body really pays much attention except those that have had the benefit of their fine service.

For this I am grateful. I say THANK YOU to these three that gave everything, and many others out there, still hard at work. You're amazing!

The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon

2010-01-10T21:21:00.008-07:00

"Ever After" bridal affair

Just got back from a day at the Woodlands. It was the annual Ever After wedding event. I have lots of beautiful images to share and Jennie Lynn will be adding to this in a few days when she gets back from skiing! We collaborated with Posie Patch flowers and After Five and Weddings to create some really fun photos. Three beautiful models braved the elements. These ladies were real troupers. Amy, the bravest of them all was in snow up to her neck! Thanks to our fine models. And, Amy... you rocked the powder!

A great big Montana style Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T17:28:00.005-07:00

From Montana Wedding Photographer, Inc.

Heather and I have been out tromping around in the mountains enjoying the winter wonderland under the Big Sky of Montana. We've had so many wonderful Montana weddings this year and now it's time to get ready for 2010! I've been getting inquiries from folks all over the place. They are busily planning weddings right here in Montana, to Texas, all the way out to Aruba. Looks like an exciting new year ahead.

This Sunday I'll be at the Woodland's annual "Ever After" bridal event. Come say hi! It's free, it's fun and it's the best bridal show around. I'll be there to support our fine Blubird Images photographers. I will also be photographing the models in their beautiful dresses from After Five and Weddings.

Next week, I will be adding the best images from my 2009 weddings to my Portfolio Site. So be sure to check out the new work when you get a chance.

Montana Big Sky Weddings

2009-12-22T16:24:00.004-07:00

Setting the stage for 2010!!!

Did I save the best for last? You be the judge.

As I said before, this has been a fabulous year of beautiful weddings, wonderful people and amazing places, and the last one followed suit.

Actually, I'm sort of sad that I won't have another wedding to work on until next spring. Then it's off to the hill country of Texas to photograph for the Orcutt and Griffith families. Spring time in Texas...when the bluebonnets bloom like crazy. And, it's going to be a CRAZY beautiful wedding.

Check out the Jennifer and Brandon's album at the link below.

Jennifer and Brandon, September 26, 2009

Don't worry I wont stop blogging. Engagement sessions are beginning for next year and you just never know what I might pull out of my hat. I've got some new things brewing, and it ain't beer!

My sincere thanks to all of the kind couples and families I photographed this year.
Here's to a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

Say goodbye to the Montana Weddings of 2009

2009-12-18T16:57:00.005-07:00

Setting the stage for 2010!!!

Did I save the best for last? Well, I've had a whole year of fabulous weddings, wonderful people and amazing places. But, as fate would have it, I got a call late in the summer from a young lady that needed my services... and fortunately, I was still open that day. This would be my last wedding of 2009.

Now I'm in the process of building the album and this one ROCKS! Jennifer and Brandon were just delightful to work for. Jennie Lynn and I launched into the photography of their day with a passion. Actually, I didn't realize how much "passion" until I started going over all the photos again before I began two days of my style of fun.

Some photographers don't like the album building thing, so they hire it out. Not me. I have become hooked on the process. It's so creative and rewarding for me. Look for the results early next week.

Scenic Montana Wedding

2009-12-16T20:58:00.003-07:00

September 19th in Lolo

Finished it! This is an amazingly scenic wedding. Check out the showcase album at the link below.

Amber and David's Montana Wedding

Dramatic Montana wedding

2009-12-11T15:25:00.003-07:00

September 19th in Lolo

Just started work on Amber and David's wedding from what seems like yesterday. The images have brought back memories of an exciting and dramatic wedding day in the Bitterroot Valley near Lolo. Fire was on the horizon that day, which seemed appropriate because David is a smoke jumper among other things. Amber a ballerina and school teacher.

Right after the family photos we hopped in the Suburban and raced over a county road to the river. And I do mean RACED... I think David thought we was in his airplane rather than a truck on a country road. The photo tells the story from the back seat! Trying to catch this amazing light and as you can see from the second photos IT WAS FABULOUS!!!

The trees are not blurred in photoshop. We were doing close to 60 at times!

this is going to be a spectacular album.

There's nothing like a Montana Wedding

2009-12-09T10:41:00.004-07:00

Big Sky wedding in September

Now that winter is really here! Yeah, no question about that with sub zero temps and blowing powder! This morning's drive over the pass looked like I resided in some artic tundra. brrrrrrrrrrr! Anyway it gives us some co-measurement of just how good we have it in the summer.

Heather and Stephen's wedding on September 12th was delicious with color, sunshine, heat, the smells of the river and mountains in Big Sky, and most noticably the love of this couple!!! It was a gorgeous ceremony at the Big Sky Chapel followed by the reception at the mountain top Mountain Meadow Davis Ranch with views of Lone Peak and the entire Big Sky Ski Resort as well as the Yellowstone Club. Flowers, gown and creative direction was provided by the deft wedding artisan, Katalin Green.

I just finished the first draft of their album, so take a second to relive some of our late summer beauty and their gorgeous wedding day.

View their showcase wedding album at the link below.
Stephen and Heather's Big Sky wedding

A really Big Sky Wedding with a Texas twist

2009-11-23T16:31:00.003-07:00

Stephanie and Jay

Well, looks like I'm finishing this album just in time to share for Thanksgiving. This wedding will pluck your heart strings. Both the Johnson's and the Turner's are big on FAMILY... and this big family style wedding packed into the Soldier's Chapel and then spread out on the lawn at the Rainbow Ranch.

Me, I'm very grateful for crossing paths with so many wonderful couples this year. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Here's a link to the album. Enjoy!

Jay and Stephanie's Big Sky wedding

A touching Montana Wedding

2009-11-14T19:40:00.005-07:00

Alisia and Patrick's dramatic wedding day

Well, I've been busy this week trying to catch up on the last of the summer weddings of 2009. This one is amazing. Alisia is a photojournalist and Patrick is an writer. They sought me out because of my photojournalistic style of photography and... well... I was a prefect fit for what they wanted in the way of wedding photos. It was a dramatic day of weather and on the way to the ceremony, Alisia got the phone call that things were running late so she needed to take a bit more time before she arrived at the venue. I was in the back seat of a small sedan with Alisia and her maid of honor. Seeing the potential of some breathtaking images I suggested that we take a detour up a county road. The rest is history. Amazing, remarkable, non traditional, electric images were the result of our efforts. See for yourself.

Patrick and Alisia, I love this album. Thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding!!!

Patrick and Alisia's wedding album

Brian and Anne

2009-11-04T16:39:00.002-07:00

marry at Bohart Ranch in the Bridger Mountains

It was a warm summer day in the Bridger mountains on the Bohart Ranch. Brian, Anne and all their friends and family traveled by horse drawn buckboard high into the cross country ski resort. This intimate event was full of deep feelings and love of family.

Check out the Album Showcase via the link below.

Anne and Brian's wedding in the Bridgers

Brian, thanks for seeking me out for your wedding. It was an honor to be present.

Stephanie and Jay's

2009-10-31T16:53:00.003-06:00

Love of family stops me in my tracks.

Ok, so... I'm sitting here on Saturday afternoon trying to catch up on the wonderful weddings of this last summer. Color correcting and just trying to be productive when I should be out hunting or playing golf. And, these images just start to sink into my heart.

I see the moment that a proud father releases his daughter at the altar.

I see Stephanie's kiss on the face of her pappa and his blissful response.

I see Stephanie getting the same love back from her big brother.

This stuff just stops me in my tracks and makes me realize what a lucky guy I am, to do what I do; to witness and share what I see. Can I get a witness here?!

Ok, back to work.

Jay and Stephanie are still jumping for joy!!!

Ahhhh yes, The Bahamas!

2009-10-23T12:45:00.005-06:00

Jen and Scott's destination wedding

Wow! Just finished Jen and Scott's wedding album. It was a hot August day in the Bahamas. What a great occasion. Stop what you're doing and take a trip to the Bahamas for a warm wedding on the white sand.

View their first draft album here.
JEN AND SCOTT

Jen and Scott, thanks so much for allowing Heather and I to attend your wedding week in such a luscious place. Cheers!

Jen and Scott take the plunge

2009-10-15T14:42:00.004-06:00

in the Bahamas

Last August I traveled with Jennifer and Scott to the Grand Bahama Island to photograph their wedding. I've been working on their album and I rediscovered the images I made on the snorkel trip the day before the wedding. My water housing finally got put to the test and we had a blast underwater. More coming soon.

Did you know that Vin Diesel is a stage name... hmmm.

A kiss before they took the leap from the second level of our dive boat aka... party boat!

Exploring the reef below.

Susan and Patrick's

2009-10-01T15:06:00.003-06:00

wedding in Ringling, Montana

Well, it was a remarkable day in Ringling at the Higgins Ranch on August 1st. Susan and Patrick got married in fine Montana style! The sky was as blue and as big as it gets anywhere in these United States.

Jennie Lynn and I had a fabulous time with all the folks and made some new friends. Most notably Patrick, Susan and their families. We were right at home. Thanks to the Doig's for hosting such a memorable event.

Just finished the first draft of their album. Check it out below.

Susan and Patrick's wedding album.

Next week it will be Esther and Eric's wedding from August 2nd in the Field of Dreams at Chico Hot Springs Resort.

Montana wedding in Ringling

2009-09-30T18:03:00.002-06:00

Susan and Patrick's album

I've been working away on a new album today. And... although I'm not finished I just had to share these images with someone. The photo with Grandma holding and being held by her daughters and grandchildren just rocked me. So much love, emotion and experience in her beautiful face. The album should be finished tomorrow so check back to see this album. Don't miss this one!

Amber and Jesse

2009-09-28T23:02:00.003-06:00

Marry in Lolo, Montana

What would you expect on the day of the marriage of a smoke jumper and a ballerina/school teacher???... just about anything I guess. It was a forest fire that broke out south of the wedding site. The fire created quite a stir of the elements and extremely dramatic wind and sunset light. Here are a few photos I took on the family bridge. Whoa! It was amazing. Holy smoke! ha ha ha

Keep an eye out for 2 new albums by the end of the week!!!

Claire and Steve

2009-09-23T13:08:00.004-06:00

take the BIG DIP - literally.

My dear friend Claire Langran is marrying Steve on Saturday and although I'm not shooting her wedding, I had the pleasure of shooting with them yesterday on the Yellowstone River.It was one of those perfect days in the Paradise Valley; actually, a rare day with no wind.

Claire assisted me with weddings one summer while in her pre-med years at MSU. Claire is like another daughter to me. After I finish my wedding in Big Sky on Saturday, I'm going straight to Claire and Steve's reception to celebrate. Happy day!

Of course... I can never stay out of the river. It turns me into a little boy and makes me so happy.

Susan and Jeff

2009-09-22T14:50:00.006-06:00

Glacier Wedding at the Belton Chalet

Ok, so... I just finished another wedding album. This one took place at the Belton Chalet in West Glacier. It was an amazing day as you will see from the photos on the lake.

So take a seat and enjoy the views of this joyous occasion in one of the most spectacular places on earth!

View Susan and Jeff's wedding here.

Next album is Susan and Patrick in Ringling Montana, followed by Esther and Eric at Chico in Paradise Valley. And the list goes on!

Happy days of Indian Summer!

Wedding Photojournalist

2009-09-15T21:27:00.005-06:00

Big Sky Wedding

Hey there. I'm in Great Falls this week shooting ads for Benefis Hospital (in between amazing weddings!). Last Saturday I shot for Heather and Stephen. This wedding reminded me of my love of for photojournalism. I knew this was going to be a special occasion and all the stars aligned to make it so.

Some folks have scoffed at the idea that a wedding photojournalist is any different than any other 'wedding photographer'. Well in support of the difference I submit to you a few of the many images I made last Saturday. I also suggest you take a visit to the WPJA website. It is a relative small group of wedding photographers that focus on perfecting their intuition and their craft as photojournalists. I'm proud to be a member of this elite association.

In any case... however you see it, just see it and enjoy the view!

Here's a cool image of my friend Catalin Green putting the finishing touches on her art... the bouquets. Another fabulous wedding by Catalin Green of Avant.

Prelude to a beautiful Montana Wedding

2009-09-09T16:45:00.003-06:00

at the Rainbow Ranch

Here's a great prelude to a gorgeous wedding at the Rainbow Ranch. Stephanie and Jay flew in last week and took a few hours with me for photos, and for us to get to know each other before their Big Sky Wedding. We went to an amazing ranch that is being developed as a new wedding venue in the Gallatin Gateway area by the folks at the Baxter Hotel.

I always like to shoot with the couple before the wedding day. It really breaks the ice and they get used to being photographed by me. This is such an advantage to us both that I offer the engagement session without charge. It's such a blast!
Now... the photos.

I've got so many fun weddings that I'm working on that I'd like to share. So I'm trying to fit one into the blog every week. Happy sunny days!

Erica and Jake Rinker

2009-08-27T15:23:00.007-06:00

Wedding album of their nationally televised story.

Ok, so... here it is: the wedding album of the young med students/newly weds that stopped on the way to their reception to assist an injured young girl. The story hit ABC and CBS early news shows a few weeks back, as well as many local and national newspapers.

So I dedicate this album to this fine couple, as well as all of the numberless unsung hero's out there that take time to help others, in big ways and small.

Erica and Jake's Wedding Album

But wait... that's not all!
Those of us in the business of weddings would recognize the telling importance of the image below. Let me explain. It seems every church has a person, usually a woman, that is put in charge to see that all rules are known and obeyed. Often it is a difficult position to be put in. Trying to tell an entire congregation that flash photography is not allowed when dozens of guests have cameras in hand. Or worse yet, telling the likes of me that I can't do the job that my client has paid me very well to do.

So this photo is dedicated to the dear Church Lady. I love you. I love what you do. I understand and I am really sorry that I always avoid you on the wedding day.

A dramatically beautiful wedding day.

2009-08-25T21:00:00.007-06:00

moral of the story is: never shrink from adversity

Ok, so... here's one single photo that tells you how wonderfully bold and lively Alisia and Patrick's wedding was last Sunday in Anaconda, Montana. I've got loads more but time is short at the moment. Look for more as time allows.

By the way, I loved their wedding. It reminded me to never shrink from adversity, always look for the beauty in every moment.

Cheers to my creative friends, Alisia and Patrick

No reservations: Anthony Bourdain

2009-08-24T22:51:00.004-06:00

Covers my home town, Livingston, Montana on the Travel Channel

A fine job of showing our local secret... how we eat and live in Livingston Montana. My neighbor Russell Chatham, my friend Dan Lahren and the great Jim Harrison, not to mention my female lab, Yeshe's boy friend Jacques. All this on the Travel Channel. Check it out!

Now you know why I live and love, love, love my home town here in Big Sky Country, the Paradise Valley and home sweet home, Livingston, Montana.

Here are some links to the show. Hope you can catch it on Travel Channel.

Anthony Bourdain Blog

Also a link to the Travel Channel where you can find a video link.

check it out soon before the daily links change.

Did I say that I love Montana? yeah!