Destination Weddings

Montana Heli Wedding

I love mountain tops and helicopters! Aside from the experience of an exhilarating day hike, there is no better means for getting on top of mountain peaks in Montana than a flight in a helicopter. Last November I had the opportunity to shoot with my clients Katelyn and Tyler up above the Madison River overlooking what is known as the Bear Trap in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness area. It was a quick flight over to pick up Katelyn on her family’s farm and then off to the mountains we went! On the way we saw herds of bison and elk as the view of the lands and river were captivating. Upon arrival, Mark Taylor our pilot from Rocky Mountain Rotors put us down on a little spot on top of the high ridge. We hopped out and walked about 25 yards to a rock out cropping above this phenomenal view.

It was such a grand experience, it has inspired me to put together a photo/video package for couples that have the desire for this type of experience and imagery. I’m sure there are couples that would want to add this to your Montana wedding photography experience. Maybe you want to take your officiant along and be married in this location or perhaps have your engagement session in this mountain top world of bliss!

The sky is the limit, enjoy the view and check out the video that Camden Miller Productions created!

destination wedding in New Hampshire

The last week of June took me to the east coast to a town by the name of Meredith, New Hampshire. This beautiful place sits on Lake Winnipesaukee. The wedding took place in a charming 200 year old chapel on a nearby school campus. The parents of the bride hosted the wedding reception on their historic family farm. Heather and Matt were surrounded by an intimate group of family, friends and loved ones. Summer weather had set in with temperatures in the 90’s which nearly wilted a couple of photographers!

I was so pleased to have an old friend of mine join me for the photography. I met Katherine Van Acker in Calabasa, California and mentored her for a brief time some 30 years ago! She has since gone on to become an acclaimed professional photographer in New York, professor of photography at University in Albany, and herself a fine mentor to many students of photography. I have included a number of her wonderful images in my post. Thank you Katherine!!!

Congratulations Heather and Matt!

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE WEDDING ALBUM!

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!

Big Sky winter elopement

Big Sky winter wedding… and they eloped! Yep, Shelley and Brian flew in from North Carolina and headed toward their mountain top destination wedding with two dear friends. Big Sky greeted them in style with sunshine, lot’s snow and it’s amazing winter scenery! I love the bright sun on snow, it does something really good for my brain! It was a heart felt ceremony with time for laughs, tears and pause to look to our maker with reverence! Afterward they enjoyed a delicious meal and headed to Yellowstone National Park for snowmobiling and the scenic wonder of Yellowstone in winter!

It was a great way to begin another year of Big Sky and Montana weddings. After all, I incorporated Montana Wedding Photographer 15 years ago! My how time flies.

Live with an open heart, an inquisitive mind and … enjoy the view!

Chico Winter Wedding

Peter and Ashley came all the way from Scotland last Christmas for this Chico Winter Wedding… and splendid it was! From the warmth of the ceremony, to the receiving line in the Saloon, to the sub freezing temperatures in the mountains above, this wedding was SPLENDID indeed.

If you are planning a winter wedding in Montana, think of Chico Hot Springs and contact me about your photography!

A personal note to Peter and Ashley. It was such a pleasure to be a part of your wonderful wedding day and welcomed so graciously by all of your family. Cheers and Merry Christmas! Larry Stanley

Montana destination wedding

Montana Destination Wedding

Just in from England, Stephanie and Michael were greeted by beautiful springlike weather with a gentle rain shower in the hills above Livingston. Stephanie vacationed in the area with her family when she was very young. She and Michael chose to return here for their Montana destination wedding. Chico Hot Springs is hosting this grand occasion and I am very much looking forward to it!

For the last year, we have only skyped and planned via email. So, last night we had a little ‘meet and shoot’ at a private place near Livingston. Such a happy and authentic couple, we hit it right off.

Love this place!!!