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Fall proposal in Yellowstone

There is nothing like an early morning drive into Yellowstone National Park. I was greeted with this foggy scene as I gained altitude toward the canyon and the falls. I would have liked to have spent more time capturing the morning light as it found it’s way through the clouds at nearly 8000 feet above sea level. However I had a very important engagement!

I was on en route to Yellowstone Falls to capture the surprise proposal of Austin to Libby, his soon to be partner for life!

When I descended the trail and got to the location, there were a number of folks on the viewing platform that morning. So, of course I always find someone to chat with while waiting for my couple.

We shared stories and enjoyed a delightful conversation… and then off they went into their new life together. Cheers and congratulations!

Winter engagement on the Yellowstone

It’s not everyone that would enjoy the winter’s ‘brisk’ breezes on the banks of the Yellowstone River during their engagement photo session! And by the looks on their faces, I think Jessica and Charlie enjoyed every minute of it! As for this seasoned photographer, I went dressed for the job and worked quickly. It was splendid! Then we drove up into the mountains to get an over view of Paradise Valley.

The weather in Yellowstone holds for Love!

Domenic made plans months ago for his surprise proposal in Yellowstone for early in October. The weather at 8000 feet ASL can change quickly to winter this time of year. Fortunately, up to this date the weather was cool but still quite nice.

Thankfully, on this morning all of the roads remained free from snow. His surprise proposal came off without a hitch and his partner was shocked and elated! See for yourself…

That water was freezing cold but we all took off our shoes and enjoyed perhaps one of my MOST FAVORITE magical little spots in Yellowstone National Park!

Now I’m hoping and praying that this weather holds for just a couple more weeks! I’ve got one more 2024 Yellowstone Park surprise proposal on the books before winter sets in.

Cheers to Domenic and Chelsey !!!

Yellowstone … love, love, love

Yeah, it’s a corny title for a blog post, however this surprise proposal had me singing along with Lennon and McCartney while I was editing the images of this surprise wedding proposal in Yellowstone National Park. “All you need is love!”

Check it out and sing along!

“And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make”

lyrics by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

A sweet surprise in Yellowstone

Efren contacted me awhile back to plan a huge surprise for the love of his life Christa; a marriage proposal during a visit to Yellowstone, our nation’s first National Park! So we talked dates and got the ball rolling. It’s always sort of iffy planning something in Yellowstone. There can be unusual obstacles like a Bison herd that decides to cross the road for 20 minutes… or a bear sighting in a field when all traffic stops! Or, the forever road repairs that are required each year to handle the hundreds of cars and trucks that come and go each day. Fortunately, all went smoothly on this day. I took my time on this early morning drive into Yellowstone Park knowing that soon the snow will fall and the gates will close to cars and trucks!

I’m always entranced by the beauty of this place. Driving through the north gate and ascending the road to higher ground with Yellowstone Falls as my destination always brings perspective and joy into my world!

The photos of these loving, smiling faces makes me very grateful for my job !!!

After the big surprise I like to share some of the other magic places in Yellowstone Park that often go undiscovered. This place is miraculous!

Paradise Valley in Gold

In the course of a year there is rarely a day when the Paradise Valley is not spectacular! Whether it’s the freezing temperatures of the dead of winter, a rainy day in spring or even when the smoke of a fire far away puts a golden filter on everything. On this day it was a bit smokey with a late afternoon sun.

This couple brought their own brightness to the valley and nature shown kindly upon them. The wedding is coming right up in August in a high mountain valley near Big Sky. I can’t wait!

And… after we had said goodbye and I started my drive up the valley, the entire sky began to light up! I pulled over immediately, grabbed my camera and trotted out to the highway in hopes that my clients were following the same route. Soon they came rolling up and I waved them over to capture this most amazing sunset! SWEET! I love it when that happens! Magic!!! I can’t wait to see what their wedding day will bring!!!