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Montana Weddings: Photography Portfolio

   The majestic scenery of Montana makes a wondrous backdrop for many outdoor weddings each year. Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, Big Sky, Paradise Valley, Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake and many private ranches along winding rivers are just a few of the places chosen by people from all over the country that come to Montana to be married. Please explore my images from the many beautiful Montana weddings since the summer of 2001.

   Also, you are invited to view my special multimedia presentation The Montana Weddings of Summer. Click the link below and fill in the request form to see this beautiful show.

Wedding picture of Tammy and Graham Mather.

July 10th, 2004 - At the Rainbow Ranch

A warm sunny July day with immeasurably blue skies sticks in my mind. Emotions ran high amongst this fine gathering of folks. After the knot was tied, they processed out of the church and immediately broke into tears of joy. It seemed that no one was exempt. Even this seasoned wedding photographer had a hard time seeing clearly through his view finder, for some inexplicable accumulation of moisture had gathered. Yes, it was shear joy all day and all through the evening as they partied into the night by the Gallatin River at the scenic Rainbow Ranch Lodge. I felt honored to be in attendance at such a remarkable celebration of love. Congratulations Tammy and Graham!


Wedding picture of Stefanie and Jess Leach.

October 16th, 2004 - At the Beede's Yellowstone River Resort

October can be a fickle time of year here in Montana. Stef and Jess committed to the October 16th date with both barrels and trusted that the weather would comply with their dreams of an outdoor wedding under the Big Sky, rather than in a tent! It couldn't have been more perfect. A golden day along the banks of the Yellowstone River at the Beede's Resort complete with a sunset sky full of fiery clouds. Happy trails Stef and Jess.

To Bob and Machelle Beede, Thanks for the great hospitality at your beautiful resort. What a great place for a wedding, I'd recommend it to anyone.


Wedding picture of Sandol and Peter Brinig.

July 24th, 2004 - At the Soldiers Chapel and the 320 Ranch.

Summer days along the Gallatin River were never more beautiful this year. Friends and family of the bride and groom filled Soldiers Chapel located in the mountain valley below Big Sky Ski Resort for the warm afternoon ceremony. Celebration afterwards took place at the 320 Ranch where they ate, danced and partied on into the night. Best wishes to Sandol and Peter.


Wedding picture of Kim Kooyers and Derick Mains.

August 31st, 2003 - At the historic Belton Chalet in West Glacier, Montana

History played it's roll on the grounds of the century old, beautifully renovated Belton Chalet. Glacier National Park was experiencing forest fires last summer and thick smoke filled the area for miles around. Amazingly, a few hours before the ceremony the smoke cleared in a small area in the vacinity around the Belton. Blue skys shown above for the wedding ceremony. And as history would have it, the wedding was briefly interrupted by the rumble, clatter and whistle of a train rolling into town on the tracks across the highway, just as it has done since 1910. Some things never change in this little way station town of West Glacier; like smoke, trains and "Hearts on Fire"!

Kim and Derick, For us this was the perfect end to a summer full of beautiful weddings. We made so many new friends. Thanks for making us feel like part of the family! Larry, Heather and Lauren.


Wedding picture of couple with rainbow in Montana.

August 9th, 2003 - At the river side home of Ron Gompertz in Paradise Valley, Montana

Life is art for Theo and Cynthia Ann. Film making, photography, professional dance and Theo's own style of painting based on a self conceived structure of compositing photo imagery, influence every waking moment of their lives. And so it was with their wedding day. The day was artistic, dramatic, and seemed to portray this couple's passionate love for life. The sun, the wind, the rain, the lightning, and remarkable rainbows graced the Paradise Valley to celebrate the union of these souls. For me, it was the most memorable wedding of the summer. Of course you might expect that since Theo is my nephew.

Congratulations Theo, Cynthia Ann and Nova. Emaho!


Picture of wedding ceremony at Montana's Gallatin Gateway Inn.

March 9th, 2003 - At the historic Gallatin Gateway Inn in Bozeman, Montana

Sun poured through the windows of the Gallatin Gateway Inn warming the friends and family of Marnnie Grannis and Michael Herrick that gathered for their Sunday wedding celebration. Spring is slow coming to Bozeman, Montana but I consider this the first "Spring" wedding of 2003. Tulips and Calla Lillies added to the elegant decor of the Inn. Marnnie's sister, movie actress Athena Massey was present with her husband Tony Azzi along with the newest unborn member of the family. It was a warm and wonderful family affair.


Picture of Nate and Kristen Brooks

July 4th, 2001 - on the Frontier Valley near Big Timber, Montana

The clock was turned back to July 4th, 1883 when Nate and Kristen exchanged vows during the filming of a recent PBS special "Frontier House". The neighboring families living in this re-enacted homestead community all pitched in to create an event that folded time.

Visit the homestead of Nate and Kristen the day after the wedding. Nate and Kristen Brooks on the Frontier.

NOTE: View more of my images and read a recent interview with Nate and Kristen online at "The Knot".



Picture of wedding ceremony at Chico Resort

August 31st, 2002 - At Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, Montana

It was a very special gathering of the Stewarts and the Rohyans as Brian and Amy exchanged vows under a painterly sky on this warm August afternoon. Banners flowing in the breeze were a memorial for loved ones recently departed reminding everyone of the transient yet joyous nature of life. And when the music began after the reception dinner, it was a grand celebration with guest singers including Amy herself. Thank you Amy and Brian, we were all blessed to be in attendance at this auspicious event.


Picture of Rosa and Tony Buffalo

October 11th, 2002 - At the Boettcher Mansion in Golden, Colorado

It was one of those remarkably beautiful fall days in Golden, Colorado. Rosa Tiquez and Anthony Buffalo were surrounded by their friends and family that traveled from as far away as Gautemala to share in this beautiful day. A special thank you to Rosa and Tony for bringing me to Colorado for this wonderful occasion.



Picture of Rachel and Todd Thesing

July 6th, 2002 - At the Big Sky Chapel

Todd and Rachel recited their vows in the Big Sky Chapel while an afternoon thundershower refreshed the mountain meadows. Minutes after the ceremony the storm cleared to accomodate our photo session and a beautiful evening reception at the Moonlight Lodge.



Picture of Becky and Al Parker

September 7th, 2002 - At the Springhill Pavilion in Belgrade, Montana

A few September showers didn't dampen the spirits of these Montanans. They stoked the fire to warm up this century old structure as live music, joyous laughter and dancing filled the pavilion during the lively celebration of the marriage of Miss Becky Herigstad to Mr. Al Parker.



Picture of bride with wedding bouquet

This is a collection of my favorite images from the weddings of 2001. Ranging from a crisp and cold January location shoot with Erica Havig Capser to a warm afternoon on a hill top at the B-Bar Ranch with Paul and Molly Taylor, it was a wonderful year to get married here in Montana.



Picture of Rachel and Justin exiting the church.

July 14th, 2001 - At Saint Brigid Catholic Church in San Diego, CA

The morning began slightly overcast on the beaches of southern California on July 14th as preparations were in progress for the marriage of Rachel Allen and Justin Jonte. The overcast turned to a bright haze which was perfect light for outdoor portraits and by the time we reached the ocean side reception, blue skies and puffy whites provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of love! Congratulations Rachel and Justin, you warmed my heart!


Picture of wedding in Yellowstone Park.

September 8th, 2001 - Inspiration Point, Yellowstone National Park

Shelley and Michael came from Livingston, Montana and Connecticut to get married in the heart of Yellowstone National Park. They chose a morning wedding at Inspiration Point overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. We met early in the morning to do very scenic portraits at Artist Point. The small gathering of friends and family shared the wondrous moments overlooking the canyon as Shelley and Michael exchanged vows.

June 23rd, 2001 - Private Ranch, Wilsal Montana

Picture of outdoor wedding in Montana

Susan and Michael were married on the McLaughlin ranch in Wilsal. Friends and family from both the east and west coasts joined them in a meadow in the foothills of the Crazy Mountains just northeast of Livingston for the wedding. Wind and rain from a passing squall interrupted the day briefly, while the remainder of the event was lit by a glowing afternoon sky, rainbows and candlelight under the stars. The reception dinner featured Maine lobster flown in live that day along with the crew to prepare and cook them. It was a memorable occasion beyond Susan's highest expectations.