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Big Sky Wedding, 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

In front of the camera

I have been photographing people, places and things for years. However, I am not always the ‘Montana Wedding Photographer’ dude wading into the river and squatting down on the rocks with my camera strapped around my wrist like some sort of high tech appendage! hahaha. Occasionally, I’ve been known to venture out in front of the lens.

The latest episode was a project that I was happy to be involved with. Billings Clinic serves many Montana communities and beyond in other states. I was selected for a part in this production and had a tremendously enjoyable day running around with a talented crew of professionals in the making of this and other TV commercials.

Enjoy this little 1 minute piece!

Billings Clinic – We care where you are – 60 Final – v2 from Billings Clinic on Vimeo.

Paradise Valley studio

Yesterday found me shooting in my favorite outdoor studio… Paradise Valley Montana. I like to think of it as my BIG BACKYARD! We had been waiting for the last week or so to get the weather to cooperate. On this day, we were gifted with a comfortable 57 degrees with luscious sun and just a slight breeze. Perfect weather for family photos in our scenic home in Montana.

The youngest showed up in his Buzz Lightyear outfit and his older sister was being a bit shy. Evidently, he was determined to wear this costume for his photo session! Sooo… I jumped in with both feet (being the silly kid that I am ) conversing with the kids, falling down while snapping away with my camera like everything was perfect!!! Soon ‘Buzz’ was happily giggling at my schenanigans and his beautiful older sister became a shining ‘star’.

The stars of the show had arrived!

Then the Buzz Lightyear outfit came off and we were all playing happily together, making fun and beautiful photos that Mom and Dad will cherish for years to come.

Enjoy the view!

Big Sky wedding at the 320 Ranch

One week later and here I am again at the scenic 320 Ranch in Big Sky Montana. Personally I can’t get enough of this place and I love making images in this luscious mountain valley.

Holden and Greg convened with their family and friends for this splendid wedding day. The weather was wonderful and they were spared the afternoon showers that had been the normal course of events on the ranch this summer.

Abundant and beautiful flowers were produced by the talented Katalin Green. The wedding arbor was simply gorgeous. Thanks to Carlie Breen Auger for joining me as second camera. Many of the photos in this collection were captured by her adept perception and eye for beauty!

Enjoy the view!

Summer wedding in Paradise

Anna and Adam married this weekend in the beautiful Paradise Valley. The day was sunny and warm; it seems summer has finally come to our to little home in this mountain valley. The surrounds of the Sage Lodge was perfect for the event. Stylish, tasteful, classy but certainly not stuffy!!! And let’s talk about scenic views!!! The Yellowstone River winds through the valley below the lodge and Emigrant Peak towers above everything, providing a constant visual treat in any direction you choose to look.

I couldn’t wait to dive into these images this morning to rediscover the moments that I witnessed through the lens. Thanks to my most excellent second shooter Becca Boylan. Becca… you’re amazing!

Enough talk… now enjoy the view! First of all the slide show…

phew! such a beautiful wedding!

Surprise proposal in Yellowstone Park

June 21st found me once again in Yellowstone Park meeting up with a couple from Atlanta that had just arrived for a week of touring. Anthony had contacted me weeks in advance and we plotted and planned the surprise proposal to take place in front of the lower falls of the Yellowstone river. As I drove into the park the temperature was very low for this time of year and snow showers were moving through the area. I had been watching the weather radar and I was hoping for a clearing for our 6 pm meeting. And sure enough the sky slowly brightened as I waited patiently for the couple to arrive.

I will leave it to my photos to tell the rest of the story! And… how sweet a story it is! Cheers to Caroline and Anthony!