November 2014 | Greener Visuals Photography

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing the same-sex court marriage of MichaelAnne and Shannon in Bozeman, Montana!

In the early morning, news had spread around the State of Montana that a U. S. District Court Judge struck down Montana’s same-sex court marriage ban which effectively made the Big Sky country the 34th state to allow gay marriage. I was so happy to hear it. It was some good news that has been a long time coming. Positive change. Love had finally won!

So as I was sipping my late morning coffee and reading the Bozeman Daily Chronicle newspaper article about the court decision for ending the same-sex marriage ban, I got a surprise call from a friend. She let me know that my two friends MichaelAnne and Shannon had decided they had waited long enough. They we’re going to quickly tie the knot at the Gallatin County Law and Justice Center at 11:30 am.

I had about ten minutes to get to the other side of town and I wouldn’t miss such a special occasion. Grabbing my camera gear, I rushed out the door.

Sprinting up to the second floor, I arrived to find the Rev. Nina Grey, of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Bozeman performing free wedding ceremonies to LGBT couples in the hallway as they lined up to the County Clerk’s office to get their new marriage certificates. It was a beautiful and emotional scene to witness. There were many tears of joy. Sweet beautiful victory.

I photographed a few couples and then waited to see my two friends finally join in union. MichaelAnne and Shannon met in Eugene, Oregon has been together for the past 15 years. It was so special to see them finally tie the knot surrounded by close friends. I’m so excited for them and all the other LGBT couples that finally got their big day. Today love won! Congrats to all! -M

I’m excited to post these wedding photos. About a month ago, I traveled to Chico, California from Bozeman, Montana to photograph the destination wedding day of Sara and Jason. These two lovebirds booked me well over a year out after her work friend found me and showed my photography to Sara during a internet search for Northern California wedding photographers during a long overnight emergency work shift (Sara is a veterinarian). Talking with with Jason and Sara on the phone we quickly bonded over discovering a mutual love of the outdoors, fly fishing and the occasional craft beer. These were my kind of people. I had been looking forward to their wedding day for a while. Our first time meeting was in the morning of their wedding day but it was like being reacquainted with old friends. I met up with them as they were getting ready at the Hotel Diamond in downtown Chico and photographed them as the day unfolded.

Their wedding was a fantastic DIY (Do it yourself!) event hosted at his mother’s farm property outside of town called the Double R Ranch. It was put together with the help of friends and family who were successful in creating a charming garden farm themed wedding celebration. Dinner was served in the garden amongst the sunflowers and squash on wood tables made by the groomsmen. The barn itself had been just finished by the wedding party in time for the event. Everywhere you looked there was a personal touch. It was a beautiful day filled with warm weather and smiles. A fun weekend with great people! I am just thrilled for these two! Congrats to Sara and Jason and many years of continued happiness! -Mike Greener