Big Sky Weddings

Bozeman Wedding, 320 Ranch

Last Saturday found me at the historic Soldiers Chapel and the beautiful 320 Guest Ranch for the wedding of Kathleen and Charles. The last time I saw this couple it was blowing snow in sub freezing temperatures… and too cold to be making images. But that is exactly what we did! We shot for about 17 minutes start to finish! This time it was a wonderful Montana summer day in a high mountain valley 1000 feet above Bozeman, Montana with delicious breezes and the warm sun poking in and out of puffy whites. Sublime!

I was pleased to be accompanied by my daughter Jennie Lynn as second shooter. She is a highly accomplished photographer in her own right and she makes the wedding day seem to glide by with such grace. Her photography speaks for itself.

From the early moments of getting ready, to the light stick send off and the dancing that went on and on after that… it was a grand event. Kudos to Lauren Schoenborn of Beautifully Born events of Bozeman for all the hard work and seamless coordination.

Congratulations to Kathleen and Charles! May your years be many and always filled with love!

Now, enjoy the wedding album… and then my favorite stills!

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

Sunset in Paradise

Paradise Valley! I refer to this place as my ‘studio’, just 15 minutes down the road from my office and it is spectacular…

Let’s just say, that this evening did not disappoint! Holden and Greg flew in from PA to take care of the details of their upcoming wedding in August. I talked them into driving over from Big Sky for a little meet and greet photo session. In a short 90 minutes the sky performed it’s living art form of light and shadow with many hues, textures and values. And in the end the grand finale ‘sunset’ that left us all breathless.

Enjoy the view!

Spring wedding in Big Sky

Chandra and Brad came to Big Sky in February during ski season and we had fun photographing in deep snow at the 320 Ranch. For their June wedding the weather was much different, albeit we had some mountain rain which later gave way to a beautiful sunset over Big Sky Resort. Their wedding day was … delightful!

Enjoy the view!

Hybrid Engagement session

Here’s the latest in engagement session photography. We call it Hybrid Wedding Imagery. Camden Miller Productions and Larry Stanley Photography are working together in this endeavor and I must say we’re having a great time with it.

Here is a short clip that Camden created with his video and my stills. Oh and the Bald Eagle launching from the tree below his drone was something you just can’t script! AMAZING moments of nature caught by the intuitive eye and reflexes of Camden Miller, just minutes after our brief and COLD photo session with Kathleen and Charles.

Visit us this Saturday at the Yellowstone Wild Gallery in Bozeman during the annual Bozeman Bridal Walk. Please come say hello and see more of our work.

Winter engagement sessions

Fast and Fun!

Kathleen and Charles are marrying on this beautiful Big Sky ranch in 5 short months. The 320 Guest Ranch is always beautiful, whether it is covered in the white of winter or the lush green of high altitude spring and summer!

This couple chose to come and visit in the winter to meet with vendors and make their final arrangements for their August wedding. And… they wanted outdoor engagement sessions regardless of temperatures and snow.

Kathleen was set on braving the weather in her gorgeous gown and the Charles donned a jacket for some of the shoot.

This was one of the quickest engagement sessions I have ever done. One of my early teachers always said ‘it doesn’t take time it takes attunement’! It always made me think of the fleeting and lightening fast passing of moments.

In the same vein, I’ve always repeated in my mind that it doesn’t take a lot of time to capture amazing images. Moments are fleeting by very quickly compared to minutes or hours! Well, this time I had the chance to prove out my thoughts and test my skills. Here are over a dozen captured moments that spanned only 17 minutes and at least 9 of those minutes my subjects were warming themselves in the car between the 3 quick sets.

Kathleen and Charles, I can’t wait to see the images we make together in August! Cheers, Larry