Surprise proposals

Proposing in Paradise

I got an email from Michael a couple of months ago and began the process of setting up the photography of his surprise proposal to Sarah in Yellowstone National Park. Little did we know that all the precise planning was going to be ‘awash’, so to speak in the challenges of a disastrous flooding of the Yellowstone River starting in Yellowstone park and continuing south though many towns down river.

Well, it’s quite a story which I’ll make time for later in the week. The bottom line is that Michael and I for the last week, carried on daily secret conversations to bring us all together without blowing the secret. Amazingly, we did it… and yesterday Michael proposed marriage to Sarah on the banks of the mighty and still swollen Yellowstone River.

I posed as a hobbyist photographing birds near a pre-planned location and the rest is history!!! Here’s a beautiful image I grabbed right as the couple was walking by me to the planned spot. Then the real event began!

Congratulations to Sarah and Michael, newly engaged and my new friends! smiles…

Paradise Valley surprise proposal

What was going to be a simple ‘surprise proposal’ stroll along the banks of the Yellowstone River with a camera turned into a wild spring weather experience. I was all set up about a half mile up the river bank at the Yellowstone Valley Lodge when a weather front blew in with a rage. It came with such force that I had to run for my vehicle to take cover and somehow the lightening caused my cell phone to glitch out. I lost all connection with the ‘groom to be’ as we were trying to coordinate the last minute location details for the surprise. All our planning was out the window. The storm went as quickly as it came, so I began the walk back down to the planned meeting place. Then the miracle arose.

I could see the sun light start to refract in moisture filled air. The beginning of a rainbow started take to the sky. I grabbed my gear and ran back up to the lodge in hopes of finding my ‘couple’! There they were standing on the deck above watching the rainbow grow. The groom was somewhat shell shocked by the ravaged plans we had made… and in awe of the rainbow forming in the sky above.

Up to this point his lady was still unsure of what was happening. Not wanting to spoil the surprise, I yelled up to the couple and ‘spun a little story’ about how I was shooting some images for the Ranch and would they PLEASE come down into the field and just be an anonymous couple taking in the spectacle. They jumped at the chance to be in my photos. Down they came, running out into the field as I yelled out directions to get them into the frame. All this time the rainbow was growing more bright and tall in the valley. It was too good to be true…. AND THEN!!!

He took the lead! He turned to his lady, took her hands and spoke the words of a lifetime. She was visibly changed as she melted and merged with the reality. The rainbow continued to grow as I made some images that Chris and Katia will cherish for a lifetime. It was quite miraculous. See for yourself!

Cheers to my new found friends! And thanks to the folks at Yellowstone Valley Lodge for being such fine neighbors for years here in Montana.

Larry

Yellowstone river surprise proposal

Proposing marriage on the Yellowstone River is magic!

This week on the Yellowstone River, Matt and his family pulled off the most fantastic surprise wedding proposal! Several weeks ago, Amy the mother of the groom contacted me, for ideas and seeking help to ‘somehow’ create and photograph the surprise proposal for her son Matt to Sydney, her future daughter in law. They were planning a family vacation here in Paradise Valley and Sydney, Matt’s girlfriend of 6 years was coming along. So the planning, scheming and brainstorming began!

It was a complicated equation to find a way to pull this off! ‘Long story short’… we hired a sight seeing guide to meet the couple in the morning and take them to a trail along the Yellowstone where Matt’s family, and also the Mother and sister of the bride that flew in to accompany the family entourage for this amazing occasion. And… I’d be there to capture the surprise!

I had searched and found a public place along the river where the family could hide amongst trees and bushes as I played the part of a local photographer that just happened to be set up along the riverside with my long lens and tripod photographing the Sandhill Cranes that come back to Montana in the early spring. Sure enough the cranes were dancing and cackling in the field adjacent the river when I arrived.

Everything went off without a hitch. The couple were guided down to the planned location on the river’s edge and in short order, Matt proceeded to propose to his beloved. Then… the family broke their cover and ran out to cheer! It was quite the surprise, definitely one for the books!

It was a gorgeous day and a remarkable proposal! Enjoy the view!

Yellowstone Park Surprise Proposals

Once again, hope springs eternal. Hope is real in our world today, regardless of the ebb and flow of the circumstances, karma, politics and human conditions. Love finds a foot hold in the moment. Love… it is our greatest hope.

In Yellowstone, the world around you is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Our first national park is a marvel to behold. Visiting Yellowstone is like stepping into another world. And… to propose marriage to your partner on this hallowed ground is an indescribable experience. I have witnessed and photographed dozen(s) of proposals over the last 3 or 4 years and it inspires me every single time. Here’s a collection of moments from a handful of recent proposals that I had the honor of surreptitiously capturing.

Watch the slideshow below.

Interested? I can help you fulfill this dream and capture the moments in images that you will treasure for a life time. I have scouted out many scenic locations that are easily found and accessible. All couples are welcomed.

Yellowstone Park opens in the middle of May. I’d love to speak with you about your plans and capture your surprise proposal or photograph your engagement or elopement.

Larry

One of my favorite little streams that begs being dipped into!

surprise Yellowstone Park proposal

I got a call from a gentleman named Shawn a few weeks back and he told me that he wanted to give his lady “the most beautiful proposal in the world” during their visit to Yellowstone! So we began the process. Maps, photos, conversations, location decisions, logistics and timing… It takes quite a bit of planning to pull off a secret proposal when the couple and I are coming from different locations near Yellowstone. When you’re in Yellowstone there is very little if any cell service, so everything has to be nailed down in advance, and the you hope and pray we don’t have a “bison traffic jam”, or an auto accident that stops traffic in it’s tracks!

The weather was great and the light was beautiful as I was headed toward the trailhead when I saw Shawn and Felicia just getting out of their vehicle, so I knew everything was a ‘GO’! I took to the mile long trail down to the location and found the viewing platform nearly empty with only a few onlookers. Then the fireworks began!!!

Seeing this huge strong man melt in his shoes as he poured his heart out to his companion was very moving! He INDEED gave her the most beautiful proposal of marriage! Her reaction was so amazing. She just melted closely into him with comfort, joy and acceptance.

After all the celebration we took to the trail and off we went to several other locations for photos with smiles, laughs and tears of joy! YEP, that was my day at the studio. Oh God, I love my job!

Enjoy the view!

Congratulation to Shawn and Felicia!!!

Yellowstone proposal in Spring!

Last Friday Ryan surprised the love of his life with a proposal in Yellowstone National Park. The lookout over Yellowstone Falls was quite busy early for 9:30 in the morning, but that didn’t stop Ryan from negotiating his space in front of the railing with the amazing rainbow display that was occurring below! Leslie was visually surprised and moved to tears of joy! Those that were present cheered heartily and congratulated the couple, many taking time to chat and share their own stories!

We hiked out of the canyon and proceeded to another scenic, wide open location beside the Yellowstone River and then upward onto a bench above in the Hayden valley. We finished with a quiet moment by the river with some ice cold celebratory bubbly served in Montana style champagne glasses, aka (Ball canning jars) !!! I love spending my mornings like this!!!

Enjoy the view!