Destination Weddings

Back country wedding Yellowstone National Park

Take your elopement wedding to the next level! 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 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 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 the ranglers 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.

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 you are interested in a wedding like this, just me know. I would love help you put this together and capture every magical moment.

enjoy the view!

FIVE FAVORITE MONTANA WEDDING VENUES

Looking for some great wedding venue choices for your 2020, 2021 or 2022 wedding? Here are five of my favorites illustrated with images of recent weddings.

Foster Creek Farm

Show me more of the Foster Creek Farm

Chico Hot Springs Resort

Sage Lodge

Now let me see more of the Sage Lodge wedding.

Rainbow Ranch Lodge

Ok, show me MORE!

320 Ranch

Take me to that high mountain valley

Click on the hand to see all 27 Montana wedding venues!

COVID-19 shutdown in Montana

Watching my little town come to somewhat of a screeching halt as businesses close their doors and people hunker down has been a quiet time in Livingston. The threat of illness brought by this virus has created a new reality, albeit temporary. For me, I’ve take the opportunity to get outside more and go for long walks on the weekends. During the week I walk to my studio by myself in the big empty Shane Lalani Center for the Arts.

Today I took a roundabout route to walk to work and carried my camera to see what I might see. The mountains were obscured and a haze was over the mighty Yellowstone River which added it’s mystery to the crystalline environment.

On my route, I met other’s that were out walking and joyously greeting others that were sharing the same experience. It is obvious that folks are hungry for the social interaction of our little rural community.

So I hope you enjoy the view of our small town Montana, USA during the last weeks of winter. Be safe, be kind and stay healthy!

I found that this sign had acquired a different meaning than was originally intended.

And finally my destination at this beautiful old school building that has seen a lot!

And then sighting my first Robin this year. There is hope!

Soon this will pass and a vibrant life will once again return to all of our towns and cities. I have had a few calls from couples that have had to cancel their wedding plans for the early spring weddings. Some of whom having successfully rescheduling with venues and service providers and some not. If this has happened to you and are looking for help with photography or connecting to other services for your wedding, I’m happy to help. Give me a call or hit the Contact Larry button!

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!

In the end I pulled some Montana bubbly… also known as ‘IPA’ out of my trunk and I made a toast to the couple at 8300 feet ASL overlooking Yellowstone lake.

Yellowstone Spring Wedding

Finally winter has given way to spring and… How Sweet It Is!!! I was in our nation’s first national park last Saturday for the wedding of Jamie and Josh. Yellowstone National Park was in amazing form. We had no idea what the weather might do on the first day of June. We were hoping for sun, a few clouds and perhaps a nice sunset. This couple was in for much, much more.

As the wedding day flew by in a blur, I consulted with the bride and groom about the plans to drive out to another location in the park for the sunset. They made the sound decision to stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel to spend time with their friends and family instead. That was the right decision! Just awhile later someone came in from outside excitedly pronouncing RAINBOW! Out the door we went to capture a beautiful glowing rainbow to honor this couple and their love. See for yourself.

A sincere Thank You to my friend and accomplished photographer Lindsey Mulcare for shooting with me on this momentous occasion.

The ground was covered with small cactus so one of the powerful groomsman took matters into his own hands and carried the bride to the location of the photos.

These three have traveled to visit nearly all of America’s great Nation Parks!

The evening was consumed with hours of dancing… and these young people can dance!!! And that’s the subject of yet another upcoming blog post. Cheers to Josh and Jamie!

Chico Hot Springs wedding – Michael and Stephanie

On July 1st Stephanie and Michael joined their lives together at Chico Hot Springs Resort in the ever beautiful Paradise Valley. Coming all the way from England, they chose to make Montana their destination wedding. Friends and family came from near and far to join them on their wedding day, and a grand day it was!

Cheers to a long life together, full of joy and happiness! Enjoy a few highlights from the day’s events.

Many thanks to my extremely talented friend and professional photographer, David Clumpner for second shooting with me. Here, I caught him being his exuberant and funny self during our sunset photo shoot! Several of these images were his work! Thanks David!