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Montana Wedding on top of the world

It’s not always that I have the opportunity to hop into a helicopter and fly off to a high mountain ridge overlooking the wilderness to shoot with my clients.  Well that’s exactly what I did last Saturday!

Tyler (the groom), myself and Camden (the videographer) boarded this amazing Bell 407GX at Bozeman Airport lifted off to pick up his bride-to-be Katelyn at her family’s farm.  When we put down in the field Katelyn and her family faced a helicopter blizzard of sorts created from the rotor wash.  Tyler jumped out to greet them all and returned to the helicopter.  One of the most exciting ‘first looks’ I’ve seen.  Then up, up and away across Bozeman and southwest over Four Corners towards the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.   This entire adventure was the wedding gift from Tyler’s uncle Mark of Rocky Mountain Rotors.  Certainly, a gift that will never go forgotten!

Mark took us up unto a high mountain ridge which revealed the Madison River about a thousand feet below in what is known as Bear Trap Canyon.   He sat it down on a clear area and we walked a brief way to the over look.  Spectacular!!!  The entire day was a real treat to photograph.  Cheer’s to Katelyn, Tyler and Jackson!

Enjoy the view!




























destination wedding in New Hampshire

The last week of June took me to the east coast to a town by the name of Meredith, New Hampshire.  This beautiful place sits on Lake Winnipesaukee.  The wedding took place in a charming 200 year old chapel on a nearby school campus.  The parents of the bride hosted the wedding reception on their historic family farm.  Heather and Matt were surrounded by an intimate group of family, friends and loved ones.  Summer weather had set in with temperatures in the 90’s which nearly wilted a couple of photographers!

I was so pleased to have an old friend of mine join me for the photography.  I met Katherine Van Acker in Calabasa, California and mentored her for a brief time some 30 years ago! She has since gone on to become an acclaimed professional photographer in New York, professor of photography at University in Albany, and herself a fine mentor to many students of photography.  I have included a number of her wonderful images in my post. Thank you Katherine!!!

 

Congratulations Heather and Matt!

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE WEDDING ALBUM!























Livingston Montana wedding by the Yellowstone

It’s not always that I get the opportunity to shoot a wedding just blocks from my home right here in Livingston Montana.  The fall colors brought a unique beauty to Sacajawea Park and the adjacent Yellowstone river.  Anne Marie and Dan contacted me earlier in the year and I was excited to be hired for the photography.  The colorful autumn weather held off colder temperatures until the day after the wedding.  Phew…!

Thanks to my good friend and stellar photographer Carlie Breen Auger for second shooting with me.  Here is a mix of some of the beautiful images we captured… Oh yes, and a fun collection of my images portraying what it’s really like with the groomsmen in their ‘get ready’ process!

enjoy the view!

























 

Paradise Valley engagement photos

Anne Marie and Dan drove up from Teton National Park for their engagement session in the Paradise Valley. When they got here the place was full of reddish smoke that created a scrim over the sun. We met in Livingston and discussed possibly putting off the shoot, but quickly decided to head down into the smokey valley and GO FOR IT! Nothing ventured nothing gained! Over the years I’ve learned that, when in pursuit of meaningful images there is no such thing as easy. NO MORE EASY IMAGES.

I took them to a friend’s ranch that overlooks the Yellowstone for their photo session.  The wind had subsided to a breeze and the magic of a Paradise Valley sunset began. The results were stunning.

October 6th we will see what the Paradise Valley holds in store for their gorgeous wedding day!

Enjoy the view.

Paradise Valley engagement Anna and Adam

The Paradise Valley engagement shoot of Anna and Adam was stunningly beautiful. The late afternoon sun streamed across the valley (without smoke) and created beautiful backlight and warmth. We roamed around on the beautiful family property and visited a secret pond! Bailey, Anna’s dog joined us for the photo romp and was quite happy to have her portrait taken!

Their wedding is coming up next August at the Sage Lodge in Paradise Valley. Can’t wait!
Enjoy the view!

Big Sky Wedding at the Rainbow Ranch Lodge

The Rainbow Ranch Lodge has always been one of my favorite places for a Big Sky wedding.  15 years ago I photographed there and became friends with Patrick Hurd who was part owner and General Manager at the time.  He had a sand volleyball court built on the lawn near the river and it was a tradition to pack up on Sunday and head for the RR!  Many great times were had followed by dips in the cold river and amazing dinners afterwards.  Thank’s Patrick where ever you are.

On this Saturday, July 21st it was the congregation of the family and friends of Breckyn and Thomas that brought their joy and love to this place in celebration of their wedding day!






















Credit and thanks to all of the excellent vendors that helped make this wedding so amazing!
Dress: Essenes of Australia from Plume Bridal
Bridesmaid’s gowns: Azazie
Flowers: Carr’s Posie Patch with Kim Miller’s help
Rings: Engagement Ring – Harry Glinberg Jewelry (Milwaukee, WI), Wedding Band – Miller’s Jewelry (Bozeman, MT), Tom’s Wedding Band – Grandfather’s Ring
Men’s attire: Tom’s Suit – Hart Schaffer Marx from Squire Fine Men’s Apparel (Milwaukee, WI)
Groomsmen: The Black Tux
Pastor Officiant: Kelly Krueger
Hair: Britney Williams from Theory Hair Salon
Makeup: Erin Mulhern from Hair Shop of Big Sky