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Big Sky Wedding at the 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

Yellowstone Park proposal at the Falls

I love surprises, and this one was a huge success. Seth contacted me in the spring of this year and he inquired regarding my secret photography of surprise wedding proposals in Yellowstone Park. A few back and forth emails and soon we’re on the phone scheming and planning Seth’s big surprise. He and Sarah had been a couple for 7 years, but with school and jobs and everything they had not yet got to that point. This year was the year and she did not know it!   They a had a trip planned for hiking, fishing and camping in Yellowstone. So we exchanged pictures so we would recognize each other and set the time and place.

When I arrived early to the spot below the lower falls, true to form Mother nature was creating quite a display of spray and light causing this amazing rising mist in the background. Everything was in sync and the location cleared out. I had watched 20 and 30 people at a time come and go. Now it was empty and here came Seth and Sarah. Sarah didn’t even give me a second glance, I was just the funny tourist dude with a camera and bag like everyone else in the Park. But when he stood their facing her, ring box in hand waiting for her to raise her glance from her phone while making photos of the falls… I knew something very special was about to occur.

Here’s the rest of the story in moments from the afternoon.

Seth and Sarah, I so loved witnessing your proposal and engagement. It’s amazing how well met we were!

 

I thought ahead and took a bottle of bubbly with me in a cooler full of ice, and some ‘cool’ pint jars to sip from and celebrate! And celebrate they did!!!

Back country wedding in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park has some of the most powerful scenic views on earth. What better place to exchange vows and promise a life time commitment to your soul mate. I’m surprised more couples don’t choose this place to marry. Shar and Jessica did just that last weekend and it was spectacular! Jessica’s father presided and I was photographer and witness. Our small group was guided by two very competent back country horsemen, Tim Bowers and his grandson Issac of Bear Paw Outfitters. They coached us in climbing rocky hills, crossing streams and descend down narrow trails on horseback. At one point, we came upon a fallen tree across the trail and we dismounted and climbed over the tree while Tim and Issac navigated the steep hill side with all of the horses and mules. It was a tricky situation getting the team up and down through the obstacles. These guys were solid!

After riding for a couple of hours we came to an overlook above the second mountain meadow in Slough Creek. In a word… breathtaking!. Then preparations were made, a location was chosen and the couple dresses by a nearby tree. Quietly, thoughtfully and with reverence these two were married by Vernon in a very holy place. The moments arose, one by one with the powerful forces of nature impacting thought and feeling. BREATHTAKING

If other couples are interested in a wedding like this, just me know. I would love to be involved!

enjoy the view!

 

Paradise Valley wedding at Chico

Chico Hot Springs weddings are a weekly occurrence all year round. For over 15 years, I have photographed with couples from all over the world at this beautiful lodge and hot springs tucked into the hills of Paradise Valley. From England to Scotland and including just about every state in the US, people come here for a very good reason. If you don’t know why, you should go visit for yourself. As they say “location, location, location”, Chico has spectacular views in every direction and I would also add service, charm, excellent food, history, a great western bar and of course a wonderful hot springs facility.

Well, on July 14th this Chico wedding couple were Montanan’s and I felt right at home!!! So much family love and participation. It was a rocking night complete with the band headed by the bride’s father, family and friends. It was great!

So… here’s a small collection of images to enjoy. Feel the Montana love!

The wedding of Diane Rauch and Eric Tackett. Happy Trails!

Thanks to Laura Simmons for her artistry! Laura joined me as second camera contributed to this collection.

Most amazing sunset for Sarajane and Dan

Most Amazing Sunset

Well, you’ve probably noticed how fascinated I am with the sky, rainbows and vast, amazing arrays of light in our big Montana Sky.  Well, Sarajane and Dan picked a winner when they selected July 7th for their wedding at the Foster Creek Farm on the outskirts of Bozeman.  I was watching the sky throughout the day and I could see that there was a very strong possibility that the sunset would be grand.  And… it was!

I had the unique pleasure of second shooting this wedding with my visually astute daughter Jennie Lynn.  Sarajane and Jennie Lynn attended college together for a few years in New York and have maintained their friendship over the years.  When Sarajane and Dan decided to marry, they put the call out to Jen and she happily accepted.

It has been a bit of a blur since we were shooting in New Hampshire and then flew back just a few days before this wedding and a few more after that.  BUT, what a great blur it is!  I totally loved Sarajane and Dan’s wedding.  Foster Creek Farm is a gorgeous venue and we were well received by their professional staff.

One sweet detail that I must share. Sarajane’s engagement ring was Dan’s Great Grandmother’s! The last wedding image in this collection is the ring I placed in front of a picture of that beautiful woman on her wedding day. Wow!

Congratulations married people!!!   More soon…

Enjoy the view!






















‘your’ real Montana wedding

My photography is about YOU, not about the photographer!

I offer an alternative to the highly altered reality, cookie cutter type of wedding photography in Montana.  SEE for yourself.  BE yourself.  It’s YOUR day.

My work is authentic to who YOU are.
My shooting style is unobtrusive.
My images are full of the naturally occurring beauty of each moment.

I love Montana!  I am most fond of the spectacular scenic wedding surroundings here in Montana, from Glacier to Yellowstone with occasional destination weddings around the country.

Here are a collection of links to several Real Montana Weddings I have captured in the recent past.

Audrey and Micah

Antonia and Rance

Melissa and Jarrod

Anna and Chris

And then, take a walk through my Portfolio and see for yourself.

Paradise Valley wedding by Larry Stanley

I am now booking for 2018 and 2019, so contact me soon to reserve your date!