Montana Weddings

320 Guest Ranch , Big Sky wedding

Nicole and William married at the 320 Guest Ranch in Big Sky on a beautiful day in August. Families and friends gathered alongside the river on this lovely historic Montana ranch. It’s the perfect place for a Big Sky wedding in the mountains where a river runs through it. At every wedding there is always a bitter sweet environment that is always with us as human beings. That is the truth of life and death. This occasion was immensely sweet, beautiful and wonderful in every way and yet the knowledge of the recent loss of the bride’s father was in everyone’s heart and his life was celebrated on this special wedding day. His presence was tangible at his daughter’s wedding! It was an honor to photograph with this couple, their families and friends. The pictures tell the story!

Many thanks to my fine friend Carlie Breen for her talented help in capturing all the beautiful moments of this Montana wedding!

Montana Wedding Photographer

A Grand Wedding day! With springtime weddings coming soon, this one is worth revisiting.

In the summer of 2020, I photographed Michael and Rebecca’s engagement session at the Gallatin River Hideaway. I knew then that this was going to be a most wonderful occasion. We walked through the property shooting here and there, getting to know each other a bit. Right away we connected and I knew this was going to be a humdinger of a wedding! Pardon my midwest slang, it means remarkable or outstanding!

AND THAT IT WAS!

I was smiling all through the day as I was watched the magic of love play out in the arisings of this couple’s deep and sincere love for one another, and the beautiful bonds of family and friends.

Take a look for yourself!

Thanks to my side kick Carlie Auger for her excellent second shooting and delightful friendship!

A few notes of recognition for all the finery and support.

Becky’s Dress: Belles and Lace Bridal (Great Falls, MT)
Hair/makeup: Shayla Snow at Beauty and the Belief
Flowers: Karen’s Floral Artistry 
Food: Kick Back BBQ (dinner) & Cupcake Mountain (dessert)
DJ/MC: Monte Anderson 
Beer Truck: Tailored and Tied

Images found

Images found are like hidden treasures to me.  I found this while my client was putting on her wedding day pearls.  Weddings are full of momentary art that is just screaming to be seen and captured.
OK, so. As a photographer you look and shoot, look and shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot. By this process, sometimes you just find an image you weren’t even looking for. In the process of editing Barbara and David’s images, out pops this amazing photo.

For me as a photographer this is like a hidden treasure. I remember that something beautiful fascinated me about these moments as I was looking and shooting. It wasn’t until I was in the process of editing down the images that I saw what subconsciously caught my eye. In a split second this naturally occurring reflection of shape of the pearl necklace mirrored her shoulder? To me, this is beautiful, very beautiful.

Married in the mountains of Montana

There is something very magical about our mountains here in southwest Montana. Their allure is irresistible and the view, well… ‘breathtaking’!

Gary and Edna came to Paradise Valley for their very private ceremony. Beth Renick of Big Sky Ceremonies and I were honored to be witness to their wedding vows in the hills above Chico Hot Springs Resort on this brisk November afternoon.

I walked about the upper fields of Chico with Gary to help him select the perfect spot while Beth assisted Edna with her dress and the final details of the ceremony. Soon Beth joined us in ‘field of dreams’, followed by the beautiful bride. It was a long aisle of over 200 yards of browning sage grass which juxtaposed the most amazingly blue sky. Fall was in the air and the breeze was brisk. The entire expanse was filled with a palpable sense of joy.

Enjoy the view!

Rachel and Ian

Wedding Album first draft

Springhill wedding

I was back at home this week shooting at the gorgeous Big Yellow Barn in the Springhill valley. It was such a spectacular day with these families on a warm sunny day in June. I met Ryan and Emily last winter for their engagement shoot in Paradise Valley when the temps were just above freezing. Thank God for springtime in the Rockies! It was a heartfelt day full of love and tears, of joy and laughter… lot’s of laughter! Then in the evening we had the most beautiful sunset to put the perfect finishing touch to a beautiful day.

I was so pleased to once again photograph with my daughter Jennie Lynn, and true to form… she created some amazing images to add to the collection. Enjoy the view!