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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

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!