Blog

Last wedding of summer!

October 16th can be an ‘iffy’ date to plan an outdoor wedding here in the Paradise Valley, but that’s exactly what Keith and Samantha did! And indeed, they chose well! The sun was deliciously warm in the mountain fresh air and thank God the wind was held in abeyance. It was a picture perfect day here at the Copper Rose Ranch in southwestern Montana.

Here’s a quick look at a wedding that was brimming with love, emotion and a genuine appreciation for the days we are granted on this big orb that spins around our sun! Cheers to Keith and Samantha! It was such a delight to photograph for you, your family and your friends!

Many thanks to Rachel Mascari for her fine assistance and excellent photography work!

Proposal in the midst of Paradise Peaks!

This surprise has been in the planning stages for some time! Matthew reached out to me in the beginning of August about his planned surprise proposal to Paige in Yellowstone Park. With the closure of the Gardiner road to Mammoth I suggested the Paradise Valley right on the banks of the Yellowstone River. Matthew agreed and the planning began.

The first snow of the season accented the amazing peaks that rise up out of the valley… it could not have been more perfect. Albeit, a little chilly.

The secret presence of Paige’s parents made it even more exciting!

So when Paige was taking in the awesome view Matthew stepped back to look around and went right down on his knee and touched her arm gently. It’s as if life paused for a second or two while the reality of the moment came into focus!

Congratulations to this delightful couple!

After the wedding day… magic!

On Sunday I photographed the beautiful wedding of Samantha and Keith at the Copper Rose Ranch. So many gorgeous images to share soon! However… we didn’t have enough time to visit a very magical place on the banks of the Yellowstone River. So… I contacted the bride and groom and we regrouped yesterday afternoon for a delicious walk through the golden leaves and warmth of the late fall, full of light and color! Oh my… see for yourself. Enjoy the view!

Many thanks to my friends who allowed me access to this piece of heaven on earth!

On the cusp of beautiful 2023 weddings

In planning this day with my clients, we knew that the weather in Paradise Valley is always up for grabs. And as fate would have it… and a little good luck, we chose a day that was ‘true to form’! It was blustery, fresh, vital and immeasurably beautiful! It was so inviting that we spent some extra time together and sought out a number of different locations.

We started at the top of Chico Hot Springs property and moved north up the Paradise valley and took a hike down to the Yellowstone river. We ended our search for images at a friend’s ranch and these two got to sit on a very special bench above the river. Thanks… friends, you know who you are!

Paradise Valley history in the Yellowstone Valley

I was out the door Sunday morning to meet up with Amber and Jeremiah on the Yellowstone for a photography ‘meet and greet’! The wedding will be right here in Paradise Valley on their families land amidst the century old cabins filled with the groom’s family history. I’m totally excited about photographing for them on that soil and in this amazing place!

We had the most soft and beautiful morning light in the river valley as we hiked around making images and having fun! Enjoy the view!

A little ‘old school film look seemed to fit their playful nature!!!

Dramatic proposal on the Yellowstone

I found myself hiking in to my favorite studio along the banks of the Yellowstone river with a foreboding storm front moving quickly in from the south. I had made firm plans with Mitchell for his surprise proposal and now… I’m thinking we’re going to get drenched a half mile from the highway!

Fortunately, the storm stayed a little ways south of the planned location. Soon I noticed the couple approaching the river quite a ways down stream. Fortunately he caught a glimpse of me on the shore and made his course correction quickly.

Mitchell and Madison approached and I made friendly conversation about the storm, the weather and the birds I was photographing! Then went on about my business as they approached the shoreline. And then the lightening and thunder commenced as Mitchell knelt before his companion and asked her to marry him! OMG! It was Shock and Awe! Lot’s of laughs, hugs and kisses.

After that we hustled around, made more photos and took a quick path to our cars. Then up we went into the mountains to enjoy the valley view and a little shower.

Congratulations to Madison and Mitchell. Enjoy the view!