Montana Weddings

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!

Gallatin Valley Wedding

A Grand Wedding day!

Exactly one year and week ago to the day, 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 couples 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

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!

Yellowstone National Park Wedding

There is nothing like photographing a Yellowstone National Park Wedding during the celebration of the National Park Service Centennial! The traffic was wild! The sky was painted with plumes of smoke from a few nearby fires and Emily, Sean, their immediate family and a few close friends were wonderful!

We drove around for a few hours making images in just a few of the scenic wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Everywhere we went dozens of people form all over the world were stopping to take a picture of the couple and conveying their congratulations and well wishes. It was very cool!

The Ceremony took place at one of the colorful pools for an intimate and moving ceremony officiated by the brides father. And then after Old Faithful performed on time, Emily and Sean slipped into their sleek Tesla Model S for some photos!
Enjoy the view!

LSP_3811 — Oh, by the way, I had some unexpected competition, this is the officiant and Father of the Bride putting his camera to work.

This year brings different challenges. However I’m hopeful and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

November in Paradise

Paradise Valley Montana is a visual delight just about any time of year. This engagement session in November was no exception and this couple drove all the way from Kentucky to visit their venue for next summer’s wedding and to spend some time in front of my camera in my backyard.

Emily serves in the military and it was an honor and a pleasure to make some images with these two. A really delightful couple!

The images look warm but the breeze made it a little brisk at about 50 degrees. The intense sun and quick shooting helped us stay comfortable and happy.

Enjoy the view!

Film at your wedding

I’ve decided to reintroduce my love for b&w film photography into my weddings, elopements and surprise proposal photo work. It’s been on my mind for awhile and recently I had a client that showed interest in the idea as he himself is a film photographer.

This is the beginning of a larger collection of b&w images that I am setting out to capture in the days, weeks and in the new year to come.

I love the look and feel. I think it has something to do with the fact that an ephemeral moment is captured in the physical silver molecules in the emulsion of the film. I like that idea! Enjoy the view.