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Paradise Valley surprise proposal

What was going to be a simple ‘surprise proposal’ stroll along the banks of the Yellowstone River with a camera turned into a wild spring weather experience. I was all set up about a half mile up the river bank at the Yellowstone Valley Lodge when a weather front blew in with a rage. It came with such force that I had to run for my vehicle to take cover and somehow the lightening caused my cell phone to glitch out. I lost all connection with the ‘groom to be’ as we were trying to coordinate the last minute location details for the surprise. All our planning was out the window. The storm went as quickly as it came, so I began the walk back down to the planned meeting place. Then the miracle arose.

I could see the sun light start to refract in moisture filled air. The beginning of a rainbow started take to the sky. I grabbed my gear and ran back up to the lodge in hopes of finding my ‘couple’! There they were standing on the deck above watching the rainbow grow. The groom was somewhat shell shocked by the ravaged plans we had made… and in awe of the rainbow forming in the sky above.

Up to this point his lady was still unsure of what was happening. Not wanting to spoil the surprise, I yelled up to the couple and ‘spun a little story’ about how I was shooting some images for the Ranch and would they PLEASE come down into the field and just be an anonymous couple taking in the spectacle. They jumped at the chance to be in my photos. Down they came, running out into the field as I yelled out directions to get them into the frame. All this time the rainbow was growing more bright and tall in the valley. It was too good to be true…. AND THEN!!!

He took the lead! He turned to his lady, took her hands and spoke the words of a lifetime. She was visibly changed as she melted and merged with the reality. The rainbow continued to grow as I made some images that Chris and Katia will cherish for a lifetime. It was quite miraculous. See for yourself!

Cheers to my new found friends! And thanks to the folks at Yellowstone Valley Lodge for being such fine neighbors for years here in Montana.

Larry

By Larry | May 16, 2022 | Categories: Surprise proposals | 4 Comments Read more >

Yellowstone river surprise proposal

Proposing marriage on the Yellowstone River is magic!

This week on the Yellowstone River, Matt and his family pulled off the most fantastic surprise wedding proposal! Several weeks ago, Amy the mother of the groom contacted me, for ideas and seeking help to ‘somehow’ create and photograph the surprise proposal for her son Matt to Sydney, her future daughter in law. They were planning a family vacation here in Paradise Valley and Sydney, Matt’s girlfriend of 6 years was coming along. So the planning, scheming and brainstorming began!

It was a complicated equation to find a way to pull this off! ‘Long story short’… we hired a sight seeing guide to meet the couple in the morning and take them to a trail along the Yellowstone where Matt’s family, and also the Mother and sister of the bride that flew in to accompany the family entourage for this amazing occasion. And… I’d be there to capture the surprise!

I had searched and found a public place along the river where the family could hide amongst trees and bushes as I played the part of a local photographer that just happened to be set up along the riverside with my long lens and tripod photographing the Sandhill Cranes that come back to Montana in the early spring. Sure enough the cranes were dancing and cackling in the field adjacent the river when I arrived.

Everything went off without a hitch. The couple were guided down to the planned location on the river’s edge and in short order, Matt proceeded to propose to his beloved. Then… the family broke their cover and ran out to cheer! It was quite the surprise, definitely one for the books!

It was a gorgeous day and a remarkable proposal! Enjoy the view!

By Larry | May 12, 2022 | Categories: Surprise proposals | 0 Comments Read more >

320 Guest Ranch , Big Sky wedding

Nicole and William married at the 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky on a beautiful day in August. Families and friends gathered alongside the river on this lovely historic Montana ranch. It’s the perfect place for a Big Sky wedding in the mountains where a river runs through it. At every wedding there is always a bitter sweet environment that is always with us as human beings. That is the truth of life and death. This occasion was immensely sweet, beautiful and wonderful in every way and yet the knowledge of the recent loss of the bride’s father was in everyone’s heart and his life was celebrated on this special wedding day. His presence was tangible at his daughter’s wedding! It was an honor to photograph with this couple, their families and friends. The pictures tell the story!

Many thanks to my fine friend Carlie Breen for her talented help in capturing all the beautiful moments of this Montana wedding!

By Larry | April 5, 2022 | Categories: 320 Ranch Wedding, Big Sky Weddings, Montana Weddings | 0 Comments Read more >

Montana Wedding Photographer

A Grand Wedding day! With springtime weddings coming soon, this one is worth revisiting.

In the summer of 2020, I photographed Michael and Rebecca’s engagement session at the Gallatin River Hideaway. I knew then that this was going to be a most wonderful occasion. We walked through the property shooting here and there, getting to know each other a bit. Right away we connected and I knew this was going to be a humdinger of a wedding! Pardon my midwest slang, it means remarkable or outstanding!

AND THAT IT WAS!

I was smiling all through the day as I was watched the magic of love play out in the arisings of this couple’s deep and sincere love for one another, and the beautiful bonds of family and friends.

Take a look for yourself!

Thanks to my side kick Carlie Auger for her excellent second shooting and delightful friendship!

A few notes of recognition for all the finery and support.

Becky’s Dress: Belles and Lace Bridal (Great Falls, MT)
Hair/makeup: Shayla Snow at Beauty and the Belief
Flowers: Karen’s Floral Artistry 
Food: Kick Back BBQ (dinner) & Cupcake Mountain (dessert)
DJ/MC: Monte Anderson 
Beer Truck: Tailored and Tied

By Larry | March 15, 2022 | Categories: Bozeman Wedding, Bozeman Weddings, Montana Weddings | 0 Comments Read more >

Yellowstone Park Surprise Proposals

Once again, hope springs eternal. Hope is real in our world today, regardless of the ebb and flow of the circumstances, karma, politics and human conditions. Love finds a foot hold in the moment. Love… it is our greatest hope.

In Yellowstone, the world around you is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Our first national park is a marvel to behold. Visiting Yellowstone is like stepping into another world. And… to propose marriage to your partner on this hallowed ground is an indescribable experience. I have witnessed and photographed dozen(s) of proposals over the last 3 or 4 years and it inspires me every single time. Here’s a collection of moments from a handful of recent proposals that I had the honor of surreptitiously capturing.

Watch the slideshow below.

Interested? I can help you fulfill this dream and capture the moments in images that you will treasure for a life time. I have scouted out many scenic locations that are easily found and accessible. All couples are welcomed.

Yellowstone Park opens in the middle of May. I’d love to speak with you about your plans and capture your surprise proposal or photograph your engagement or elopement.

Larry

One of my favorite little streams that begs being dipped into!
Me in my happy place!

By Larry | January 27, 2022 | Categories: Surprise proposals, Yellowstone National Park | 0 Comments Read more >

Yellowstone Park Wedding

Fairy Falls YNP

Yellowstone Park weddings are always an adventure.

Sommer and Ryan brought their families and friends together in Yellowstone National park for an intimate wedding. It was quite the experience! First of all I was held up in traffic by a motorist that went off the road in Yellowstone and traffic was stopped cold for 30 minutes. I always try to account for traffic when I’m meeting clients in the park, but this nearly exceeded my buffer time. I arrived at the trail head parking area, grabbed my gear and headed to the meeting place. There they were all waiting… hmmmm! Fortunately I was only 4 minutes late, so off we went at a good clip up the trail that was 2.4 miles to the falls.

Well it seems that in all the excitement, the junction in the trail that headed to the falls was overlooked and we walked a mile in the wrong direction. Yikes. Fortunately Ryan caught the error and we all turned around and back tracked awhile to redirect up the correct trail toward the falls.

Alas, we reached the this amazing place to find the perfect early evening light. It was absolutely gorgeous. This place took my breath away, as if i wasn’t already breathless from the brisk hike at that altitude! It was a lovely wedding with hearts afire in the joining of these two and their sons and daughters.

Enjoy the view!

Yellowstone Park Fairy lake wedding
And then there was the bubbly!!! cheers!

By Larry | January 26, 2022 | Categories: Destination Weddings, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Park Wedding | 1 Comment Read more >

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Larry Stanley is an award winning member of the prestigious Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA), and also of FEARLESS PHOTOGRAPHERS.

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