Paradise Valley 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!

Brisk engagement in Paradise Valley

I had scheduled an engagement shoot with Miranda and Richie several weeks ago on a warm fall afternoon, knowing that we might well be into some colder temperatures or even some snow by the date. Fortune shown up us on this brisk afternoon and Paradise Valley was spectacular with her mountain tops capped with snow. It was a quick and breathtaking photo shoot beside the Yellowstone River and on a hill top above the valley just before sunset. Enjoy the view!

Springtime Montana weddings

Well… it’s finally happening! I’m off to a running start into some visually delightful springtime Montana weddings, surprise proposals in Yellowstone Park and many elopements throughout the weeks to come. The covid hex has changed things slightly but the great news is that HOPE is REAL in our world today. Take heart!

This couple came from across the country to marry in Paradise Valley, Montana and it was a splendid occasion. The one and only Chico Hot Springs Resort graciously offered their hospitality on the breathtaking property and later the wedding couple bathed their feet in the miracle waters of the Yellowstone River! And… I’m not exaggerating a bit by saying that the sunset was one of the most amazing displays that I have seen for awhile. See for yourself.

Rachel caught me getting firmly into my work… butt to the ground tripod position!

Thanks to Rachel Olsen Mascari for her excellent assistance and second shooting! Look for more beautiful images from this young talent!

Elope in Montana

Last September one of my fine couples that were scheduled to marry in June of 2021 took the leap ahead of schedule. The small gathering of family and a few close friends came together at a small church in Livingston for the intimate ceremony. Afterwards they climbed into my car and we raced down the valley to a private property overlooking the Yellowstone River. It was a bit brisk and the sunset was subtle and softly glowing. My friend Dain came out to give me a hand with lighting as the daylight diminished quickly. SO SUBLIME… it was!

Cheers to my young friends for making a difficult decision. I champion their strong resolve and internal conviction to act on their hearts inclination. As I look at the number of elopements and small intimate weddings on my schedule for 2021, I can see that they were ahead of the trend.

Enjoy the view!

December surprise proposal in Paradise Valley

Travis called me last week and inquired about my surprise proposal photography. The funny thing is, I was sitting in my car in Bozeman during a snow storm when I took his call. I was counting down the minutes before I hiked up the hill to lie in wait for my last secret assignment. Fast forward one week to the day and here we go again.

This event was every bit as much of a surprise. Madison’s reaction was priceless… it was ‘shock and awe’ all over again. The location was spectacular with the mountainous backdrop behind the Sage Lodge . Then we hit the road and roamed around the Paradise Valley making images of the moments they will never forget. The evening was complete with a gorgeous sunset on a perch below the peaks at Chico Hot Springs resort!

Cheers to love! Cheers to Travis and Madison!!!

Here’s the way it went down!

Surprise Proposal in Bozeman

Seven weeks ago I received an inquiry from Sid about his plan to propose to his lady friend Marisa in Bozeman. We struck up a conversation about his grand plan and over the weeks we refined it to fit his vision of his big surprise. I suggested a spot that was fairly public so I would have some anonymity among other’s out walking and enjoying Peets Hill. And as fate would have it, the day was snowy and cold and the plan went without a hitch. She was absolutely shocked!!!

Afterwards we went in search of open space and scenery in Paradise Valley. The entire valley was socked in with low lying clouds and then came the snow. It was a glorious day for a marriage proposal!

Enjoy the view!