Wedding Album first draft
Michelle and Lance
Blog
Springtime Montana weddings
Well… it’s finally happening! I’m off to a running start into some visually delightful springtime Montana weddings, surprise proposals in Yellowstone Park and many elopements throughout the weeks to come. The covid hex has changed things slightly but the great news is that HOPE is REAL in our world today. Take heart!
This couple came from across the country to marry in Paradise Valley, Montana and it was a splendid occasion. The one and only Chico Hot Springs Resort graciously offered their hospitality on the breathtaking property and later the wedding couple bathed their feet in the miracle waters of the Yellowstone River! And… I’m not exaggerating a bit by saying that the sunset was one of the most amazing displays that I have seen for awhile. See for yourself.
Thanks to Rachel Olsen Mascari for her excellent assistance and second shooting! Look for more beautiful images from this young talent!
Montana Heli Wedding
I love mountain tops and helicopters! Aside from the experience of an exhilarating day hike, there is no better means for getting on top of mountain peaks in Montana than a flight in a helicopter. Last November I had the opportunity to shoot with my clients Katelyn and Tyler up above the Madison River overlooking what is known as the Bear Trap in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area. It was a quick flight over to pick up Katelyn on her family’s farm and then off to the mountains we went! On the way we saw herds of bison and elk as the view of the lands and river were captivating. Upon arrival, Mark Taylor our pilot from Rocky Mountain Rotors put us down on a little spot on top of the high ridge. We hopped out and walked about 25 yards to a rock out cropping above this phenomenal view.
It was such a grand experience! I’m sure there are couples that would want to add this to your Montana elopement or intimate wedding photography experience. Maybe you want to take your officiant along and be married in this location or perhaps have your engagement session in this mountain top world of bliss!
The sky is the limit, enjoy the view and check out the video that Camden Miller Productions created!
Yellowstone National Park
Every year I have the opportunity to photograph with clients that travel from all around the country to Yellowstone National Park. Weddings, elopements, Yellowstone surprise proposals and even photographic mini tours with the Yogatography workshop in the fall that I collaborate and teach with my dear friend Margaret Burns Vap of Big Sky Yoga Retreats.
Yesterday my wife Heather and I took sometime for ourselves to investigate, hike a little and take in the immensity of this super natural place. Most of the park is still closed for the winter, but soon the snow plows will be at work clearing the way for the spring opening and summer visitors!
Enjoy this brief glimpse into the northern tip of Yellowstone National Park. From the plains below Mt Everts, to The Forces of the Northern Range area and finally the other worldly, supernatural Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces … it is a magical place!
Enjoy the view!
Elope in Montana
Last September one of my fine couples that were scheduled to marry in June of 2021 took the leap ahead of schedule. The small gathering of family and a few close friends came together at a small church in Livingston for the intimate ceremony. Afterwards they climbed into my car and we raced down the valley to a private property overlooking the Yellowstone River. It was a bit brisk and the sunset was subtle and softly glowing. My friend Dain came out to give me a hand with lighting as the daylight diminished quickly. SO SUBLIME… it was!
Cheers to my young friends for making a difficult decision. I champion their strong resolve and internal conviction to act on their hearts inclination. As I look at the number of elopements and small intimate weddings on my schedule for 2021, I can see that they were ahead of the trend.
Enjoy the view!
Elope Montana !
For the last year full of trials and struggles, with the threat that this virus has brought to our world, with fear, restrictions, anxiety, insecurity… and the dark list goes on and on, there is one thing of note that still burns brightly and illumines our lives… LOVE lives on!
I have seen it clearly in the wonderful Montana elopements and micro weddings that I have had the honor of capturing. In fact Montana elopement photography has kept my mental and emotional ship afloat in this storm. So, I thought I should take some time to share my view of a world returning to balance.
These couples chose to go forward in joy, they went in faith, and they went with a vision of better times ahead!
So check it out. I hope this puts a skip in your step, some giggles in your heart and a smile on your face with hope beyond measure for the days that lie ahead. Make the future bright!
WELCOME 2021!