The Bozeman Front Porch Project Family portraits – March 28th-29th

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Front Porch Project Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.

This past weekend, fifteen gracious Bozeman families participated in the Bozeman Front Porch Project family portraits from afar. They wanted to celebrate their loved ones, be a part of a community art project, and raise money to support the Greater Gallatin United Way during this unsettling time in our community and country.

Over the last few weeks, the COVID-19 virus spread across the world and finally reach our Montana doorstep, social distancing commenced. Quite quickly our vibrant, social, outdoorsy Bozeman community suddenly felt like a ghost town.

As a self-employed photography business owner navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus, I wanted to support and create a project to uplift the mood while our community maintains safety with social distancing.

While our normal lives have been turned into a holding pattern it’s important to remember that – Love is not cancelled. Friendships are not canceled. Emotional support is not canceled.

I wanted to create a reminder of all the good things these families have to celebrate in their lives right now.

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These precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets – our relationships, are what will help us all get through these times of difficulty and struggle.

Through our shared, sheltered experience, we can still foster connections and our combined community’s resilience.

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The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project, has been profound.

I am so grateful to everyone who supported this and helped me spread the word on social media. Thank you!

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Right from the start, the health and safety of every one were at the forefront of importance for me. As the week went on, this serious national health emergency continued to drastically change and escalate.

With the announcement of stay-at-home directives (starting this weekend for Montana) by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, suddenly, I was debating whether I should put the project on hold.

In the end, under my already stringent safety measures, I decided to continue forward. By photographing everyone from afar with my telephoto lens (on average at least 20 feet), we created some really genuine fun family portraits.

There was no charge to participate in the Bozeman Front Porch Project Family portraits. However, I’m happy to announce that donations raised $1,015.00 that will be given to the Greater Gallatin United Way!

I am so thankful for all of the generous donations to this good cause. It makes me proud to be a part of our Bozeman community. I’m looking forward to a time when we can put this challenge in our rearview mirrors.

Thank you, Bozeman!

Stay safe, stay healthy, and soak up this time with your loved ones.

When this storm passes, I’ll be here to help you and your family showcase everything you love about your relationships during your own family photographic experience.

Together, we are all going to get through this. -Mike Greener

P.S. As a candid, creative photographer, I can’t help but capture a moment if it’s happening in front of me. Here are a few bonus photos that I liked from my weekend of giving back.

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And lastly, thanks to my labrador retriever and photo assistant Tippet for accompanying me on the Bozeman Front Porch Project. -M

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Bozeman Front Porch Project

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Family portraits from afar to raise money for those in need.

Lately, there has been a lot of uncertainty. The pandemic has caused drastic changes across our community and the nation these past few weeks.

Everyone is feeling the impact in one way or another due to the current health and economic crisis of Covid-19.

While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience these precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets. During this time of unpredictability, we can turn it into a celebration.

That is something to celebrate.

Together, we will get through this.

As Fred Rogers said in times of trouble, “Look for the helpers.”

During this past week, countless, selfless people in Bozeman were offering support in various ways throughout our community. I wanted to do my part! 

Introducing the Bozeman Front Porch Project.

Greener Visuals Photography is now offering family portraits from afar. It’s a chance to celebrate your loved ones, create a community art project, and raise money for those in need during this unsettling time.

While I might be standing a little farther away than I normally would, the connection I’ll inspire during our photo session will be felt deep within your hearts!

It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety. Together, we will create a photograph that will remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. Through our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.

How it works: Every weekend during the stay-in-place statewide directive, Greener Visuals Photography will come by your home in Bozeman and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.

We are fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.

In return for your $100.00 booking fee, half will go to supporting the Bozeman Area Community Foundation and $50 to support the costs of your local candid, creative family photographer.

In return, each family who donates to the cause will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print. They will also receive 25% off a future family portrait experience. All participating families will receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe as a thank-you for your donation and support.

Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal. Collectively, we will have a group of portraits representing your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience. -Mike Greener

Next weekend April 25th & 26th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.

Update: The Bozeman Front Porch Project was a great success! Read the story and check out all of the gracious families that participated.

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Destination Family Portrait Photography of Sara & Jason in Auburn California

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I photographed the Destination Family Portrait Photography of Sara & Jason during my Northern California trip this past Fall.

I was fortunate to meet these two years ago when they hired me to photograph their wedding celebration in Chico, California. As the years have gone by, we’ve become friends.

Now six years later, their world revolves around raising their little family in Northern California.

They now call Auburn, California home where Jason works as a firefighter and Sara as a veterinarian. While schedules can be busy and they work hard to find the balance, it’s clear that there is a lot of love in this home.

I think it shows through the mirror of their happy kids.

In their eyes, life doesn’t get much better than when they are exploring the outdoors and camping outside with their two kiddos during their days off.

For their destination family portrait photography, they wanted to celebrate all of the little things they cherished about kids during this fast-moving time in their young family’s life.

They wanted to capture the joy on the face of their exuberant 3-year-old son as he plays and dreams in their family home. They wanted to hold on to the feeling of seeing that mom heart-melting tenderness that he shows towards his 1-year-old little sister and his willingness to always include her.

After rounding out a full year with the new addition of their daughter, they wanted to capture her fiery spirit and hilarious exploration of her little world.

They wanted to remember the magic that they see every day when they are with their family.

Knowing this, I felt we were able to create some really genuine, meaningful memories for them by exploring the north fork of the American River and playing with their kids around the house.

Here are some favorite photographs from our time together. Thanks for looking! -M

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Winter Engagement Portrait Photography of Kate & Dylan

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I recently photographed the winter engagement portrait photography of Kate & Dylan at their Bozeman family property overlooking the Bridger Mountains.

Kate knew right from the start after connecting online and on their first lunch date, that Dylan was a man unlike any she had met before.

The immediate comfort in their own skin around each other, matched with good conversation, inspired them to play hooky the rest of the day. They ended up spending the afternoon walking around, riding a carousel, and being complete goofballs.

For someone like Kate, who has dedicated her whole career to how humans learn through play, seeing Dylan’s forthright invitation to make a fool of himself sparked an immediate connection for her.

Dylan was a partner who had a willingness for silly, goofy fun. It’s a character trait that had been missed in Kate’s previous relationships.

As Kate recalled, “Dylan is the most earnest of people she had ever met. He is nerdy in the most wonderful ways.”

As their relationship grew, Dylan’s kind heart and inspiration around creativity solidified her love for him. It was a big deal. He was the first partner she ever invited to her family home for the holidays.

For Dylan, Kate is such a natural fit for him. She complimented him in every way.

“Kate’s smile is so genuine. It has an uncanny capacity to instantly get me excited and always lifts my spirit,” Dylan said, “It’s her ability to always find positivity in the world around them. Her willingness for adventure, good humor, and her sense of morality made him feel seen, recognized, and cared for.”

Kate gives him hope for a better future.

It has been a true pleasure getting to know this engaged couple over the last few months.

For their winter engagement portrait photography session, we wanted to celebrate all of those playful, creative traits that each one brought into their relationship.

We decided the perfect place to meet up for their photo session was at her parent’s house outside of Bozeman.

We had such a fun time exploring the Montana property of Kate’s youth. With the man of her dreams, we created fun portraits that reflect all that they cherish about one another.

Here are a few favorite photographs I made during their couples portrait session.

I am so looking forward to photographing these two on their wedding day later this year. Congrats on your engagement Kate & Dylan! July can’t come soon enough! -M

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Best of 2019 Portrait Photography Greener Visuals Photography

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I’m proud to share my Best of 2019 Portrait Photography!

I’ve been looking back on this past year and the photos from my Best of 2019 Portrait Photography with so much gratitude for the couples, families, and business professionals I had the privilege to photograph and build relationships with.

As a destination family photographer, I was lucky enough to travel to Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, many parts of New England, and all over Montana this past year for my portrait photography clients.

Everyone had so much to celebrate in their lives.

I harbored so much fulfillment in helping each one of my photography clients rediscover what they valued most in each other and their relationships – in turn helping to bring out the best versions of themselves.

This year I chose the photos for my Best of 2019 Portrait Photography that showcased the photographs that meant so much to my clients.

For me, 2020 is shaping up to be another great year of celebrating the best in life.

Thanks for the continued support everyone! Happy New Year! -M

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Seattle Washington Couples Portraits of Allie and Chris

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Back in August, I photographed the Seattle Washington couples portrait session of my wedding clients Allie and Chris.

This past year I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to make Seattle Washington Couples Portraits of my wedding clients. As a destination wedding and portrait photographer, it’s always such a joy to take photos of my clients in the places that matter most to them.

These two love their city life together in Seattle.

Allie is coming down the final stretch of obtaining her law degree from Seattle University and Chris works as an aircraft engineer. These two are passionate and driven in what they do. Above all else, they really value the time they have with one another in their relationship.

For their Seattle Washington Couples Portraits, they wanted to explore some of their favorite places in Seattle where they love to spend their free time with one another.

We walked through some of their favorite neighborhoods, explored parks near their home and checked out some of their favorite places for a good drink.

I can not wait to photograph their wedding day celebration in 2020. Congrats on your engagement Allie and Chris!

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Flyfishing Family Portrait Session on the Gallatin River

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On a peaceful August afternoon, I had the pleasure to photograph the flyfishing family portrait session of Kevin and Joan along the Gallatin River outside of Bozeman, Montana.

With their only grandson, Colton, living out of state and them residing in Red Lodge, Montana, this flyfishing family doesn’t get to visit each other as much as they would like. Kevin and Joan were so excited to finally be spending quality one-on-one time during their recent Southwest Montana road trip. Their agenda? Spend as much time together on rivers with fly rods in hand, chasing trout. 

Flyfishing, as it turns out, has been a storied way of life for this family for generations. 

All of their four adult children are serious fly fishermen. Two are even professional fishing guides featured on national television shows. 

To Kevin and Joan, this family time together was precious. They recognized the importance of this time in Colton’s life. After all, he was growing up fast. They knew they wanted to document this moment with a flyfishing family portrait session. 

In excited agreement over the course of our discovery conversations, we decided to highlight both their love of Colton and their favorite family pastime. In turn, they wanted to create some beautiful photographic artwork as a reminder to their grandson of all the Montana love that surrounds him, even from afar.

They are a family after my own heart! As a Montana Family Photographer (and fellow flyfisherman), it brings me great joy when I can celebrate and photograph families in a place that fuels their souls. I was happy to oblige.

Along with their Goldendoodle “Boomer” in the lead, we had a great time exploring, fishing, and photographing along the Gallatin River and making some really meaningful photos of them along the way. It’s never a bad day on the river with the ones you love. Here are a few favorite photos from our family portrait session. Wishing this family of anglers all the best on the road trip ahead. Tight lines, -M

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Bozeman Business Portraits of Knoff Group realtor Carla Thorning

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Last week I photographed the Bozeman Business Portraits of Knoff Group realtor Carla Thorning in downtown Bozeman, Montana.

Helping local Bozeman businesses create profession business portraits and headshots is a great source of pride for me at Greener Visuals Photography.

I love helping my business headshot clients put their best foot forward.

Real estate agent Carla Thorning @livebigskybozeman of the Knoff Group Real Estate in Bozeman, Montana approached me about creating a variety of fun, professional portraits of her in her new role.

I’ve worked with the Knoff Group Real Estate crew for years helping them and their realtors create impactful, professional photography for their website and real estate brand.

Carla had a great attitude and we had a great time exploring the downtown architecture. These photos really convey the warmth of her personality. She was a natural in front of my camera.

If you’re in the market for a real estate pro, to help you find the right home for you in Bozeman, Montana, give Carla a call. -M

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West Yellowstone Couples Portraits of Belle and Angel

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For Belle and Angel’s West Yellowstone Couples Portraits experience, we decided to drive back to their hometown of West Yellowstone, Montana to explore and photograph the place that fostered the roots of their relationship.

These two have been dating since high school – over seven years ago – where they first cultivated their relationship through their shared love of basketball.

While a lot has changed since high school, their relationship has never been stronger.

In Belle’s opinion regardless of where they are, Angel’s presence in her life is an immediate sense of home.

They now live and work in Bozeman, Montana – him as a chef and her as a caregiver.

Time together has helped them discover not only their love for each other but their shared passion for exploring the outdoors.

Now, as they work to finalize their wedding plans for Summer 2020, they wanted to celebrate this time in their lives by giving a nod to their shared love of camping and hiking in their old Yellowstone National Park area stomping ground.

We headed over to Black Sand Spring, a small spring creek west of town where we explored the area making photographs of them. Here are some favorites from their experience. Congrats on your engagement Belle and Angel! -M

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Washoe Theatre Couples Portraits of Amanda and Harley

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A few weeks back I had the pleasure of photographing the Washoe Theatre Couples Portraits of Amanda and Harley in Anaconda Montana.

Amanda and Harley met ten years ago and were high school sweethearts.

I had an amazing time discovering all that they cherished in each other and their relationship.

It has been such a fun time getting to know these two high school sweethearts over the past year.

They met at the age of 16-year-old. From the get-go, they shared an easy-going sense of humor and appreciation of the little things in one another.

Harley, usually a shy kid, recalled how profound it was that she could always bring him out of his shell and how to completely be himself around others.

Thinking back on what was a difficult childhood, Amanda loved that meeting Harley showed her the possibility of a better life and how to be a kid again.

More often than not, this usually takes the form of dancing and singing to music while cooking together.

Over the next ten years, Amanda and Harley’s relationship flourished.

“We were able to develop around each other and made up for each other’s perceived “faults”, Amanda said.

It was a wonderful, mutual balance of support, love, and acceptance. Each knew they had found their person

For them, it was those times growing up together around Butte and Anaconda, Montana where the foundations of their relationship and support for one another really solidified.

As their relationship grew, some of their fondest memories were going on dates to the historic Washoe Theatre in downtown Anaconda and then dining at one of their favorite restaurants in Butte, the Pekin Noodle Parlor – the oldest Chinese restaurant in the country and housed in a formal brothel.

We wanted to highlight these two places that held a lot of wonderful memories for them.

We decided to recreate an ultimate date night for them!

Here are some favorites photographs from their Washoe Theatre Couples Portraits photographic experience.

This January, they will be getting married here in Bozeman and the Gallatin River Lodge. I can’t wait to celebrate with them. Congrats on your engagement you two! -M

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Morel Mushroom Hunting Couple Portraits of Brianna and Kyle

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  • Bozeman Morel Mushroom Hunting Couples Portrait Photography

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of photographing the Morel Mushroom Hunting Couple Portraits of Brianna and Kyle.

Brianna and Kyle are two foodies who are planning their September wedding celebration later this summer.

This engaged couple has made a life together fostering their shared love of the outdoors and wild foods. They work hard for that lifestyle. Both are on the talented staff at the Gallatin River Lodge. Kyle works as a sous chef and Brianna is the kitchen, garden, and reservations manager for events.

Working in the service industry often requires long hours, especially in the summer. It can make personal time challenging to harness especially when your partner might not have the same schedule as you.

Through our numerous conversations leading up to our photo session, we discovered that it’s the little things that they shared together that help make their relationship so strong and satisfying.

For their couples portrait photographic experience, our conversations focused on all the things they love about each other, their relationship together, and their 8-year-old English Pointer dog named Speck.

For this engaged couple, life doesn’t get much better than when they walk the banks of the Gallatin River near with their dog and find wild morel mushrooms to turn into fancy meals.

The more we talked, the clearer our theme became. Their Morel Mushroom Hunting Couple Portraits would be the perfect recipe for their couple portrait theme – highlighting their passion for the outdoors and cooking good food.

I traveled out to their home west of Bozeman where we explored the Gallatin River banks together. Within an hour, we found a heaping bowl full of blond morel mushrooms and made some really fun, personal photos of Brianna and Kyle in their happy place with their pup.

Being an aficionado of foraging and cooking wild game meat myself, I joined them for a riverside campfire dinner. I loved photographing them creating together in their outdoor, fireside kitchen with uncontrollable smiles on their faces. These two were in their creative culinary zone. Kyle sautéed our prized morel mushrooms with garlic, spices, and asparagus then artistically dished them onto a perfectly grilled moose backstrap (donated by yours truly) prepared by Kyle.

We ate like kings and queens that night.

With our bellies full of delicious food and a couple of microbrews, we savored the moment. To close out our time together, I had these two snuggle up into their hammock. Kyle is also a musician and he played blues riffs on his guitar for us as the sun set over the mountains. It was a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing Montana summer evening.

I love the energy and the life these two have created together. I think their bond really shines through these photographs.

Congrats again on your engagement Brianna and Kyle. Wishing you two a lifetime of happiness! -M

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Alaska Maternity Portrait Experience of Jessie and Brendan

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During my recent trip to Alaska, I had the pleasure of photographing the Alaska Maternity Portrait Experience of Jessie and Brendan in Hope, Alaska.

These two expecting parents are dear friends to my brother and his family in Anchorage. Over the last five years, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these two wonderful people.

Jessie and Brendan have been married since 2010. They love to travel together both throughout Alaska and abroad. Their passion for a full life in Alaska lead them to purchase land outside of Hope, Alaska where they have been building their own home together since 2011.

As that passion project comes to a conclusion, a new journey is about to begin for them. In two weeks, these two are expecting the arrival of their first child.

To commemorate this special time, Jessie and Brendan reached out to me about making some maternity photographs for them. For our Alaska Maternity Portrait Experience, we decided to explore their favorite walking trail near their home that looks out over the Turnagain Arm and the Chugach State Park landscape.

Here are some of their favorites from our photo experience. I can not wait to meet the new addition to their family! Congrats you two! -M

 

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Hyalite stargazing engagement portraits of Aysha and Brad

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I photographed the Hyalite stargazing engagement portraits of Aysha and Brad on the eve before the springtime road closure to Hyalite Canyon.

For Aysha, her love of Brad’s spontaneity and ability to make her laugh won her affection over quickly. Their relationship grew closer through their LDS faith, love of soccer and live music, and being together stargazing with each other in their Montana backyard. This couple is dedicated to their craft. Aysha helps run the family plumbing business and Brad is also working there as an electrician apprentice.

Brad summed up Aysha as nothing short of amazing and kept commenting on how much he cherished how every day, she gives everything her all.

After dating for seven months, they were engaged a few weeks back while next to a campfire.

For their Hyalite stargazing engagement portraits, we decided to highlight some of their favorite activities they love to experience together. We made a plan to meet up at the Hyalite Reservoir just outside of Bozeman for their nighttime, stargazing engagement portrait experience.

Upon our arrival at the snow-covered Hyalite parking lot, we were greeted with clear skies and a setting sun. We started by exploring the quiet, cold winter landscape with antique oil lanterns that lighted our path. As the stars came out over the frozen mountain scene, I made some long exposure photographs to make the sky really shine. Afterward, Brad made us a warm campfire to sit around. This couple came prepared with plenty of s’mores, cups of hot chocolate, and the arms of each other. We had found a perfect mountain atmosphere to showcase Aysha and Brad’s relationship.

It made for a really fun night.

Here are some of my favorite photographs I made during our evening together.

I’m so excited for these two and the good fortune that lies ahead for them. Congrats to Aysha and Brad! -M

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Bogert Park Snowstorm Portraits of Ali and Josh

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Even a Bozeman Montana winter snowstorm couldn’t dampen the spirits of Ali and Josh during their recent Bogert Park Snowstorm Portraits session.

Ali and Josh are seniors at Montana State University and besides finishing up school and internships, they have continued to grow their relationship. After meeting them at this year’s Montana Wedding Event, we got to talking about things they love about each other and the activities they enjoy doing together.

Hearing their story and learning about their relationship, they have found a shared interest in playing ice hockey together. We decided to incorporate that shared passion for their recent Bogert Park Snowstorm portraits photography experience.

The last few weeks in Bozeman have had frigid temperatures and lots of snow. This meant most of the outdoor ice rinks around town were buried under a few feet of snow. We headed over to Bogert Park in downtown Bozeman, Montana to take advantage of its covered, outdoor ice rink.

After a fun hockey-themed photo session, we noticed a snowstorm coming in. We shifted gears, took off the ice skates and went for a tromp around the park in the deep snow. These two had a great attitude throughout and their playful love for each other really comes through in their photographs.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from my time with them. Big things are on the horizon for these two and I couldn’t be more happy for them. -M

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Lone Mountain Ranch Winter Wedding of Diane and William

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A few weeks back, I photographed the snowy Lone Mountain Ranch Winter Wedding of Diane and William in Big Sky, Montana.

When Diane and William contacted me about their wedding photography needs, these Florida residents informed me of their grand plans to head north for a snowy, horse-drawn sleigh-inspired outdoor wedding celebration. They were so excited!

The February winter weather in Montana did not disappoint. Their wedding day had over two feet of fresh snow to decorate the mountain landscape. I love a couple that goes against the grain and does an exciting destination wedding change up from their usual warmer climate.

These two medical professionals invited about forty of their closest friends and loved ones out to Lone Mountain Ranch for an intimate wedding weekend tucked away in the mountains in Big Sky, Montana.

Embracing their self-description of being, “numerically up there, been married before, yet still young at heart!” they opted to get adventurous with their Lone Mountain Ranch Winter wedding plans.

They both have cherished their time spent vacationing in Montana and couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate their union.

With excited smiles on their faces, their guests got all bundled up for a unique Montana experience. They loaded into horse-drawn sleighs that would bring them to a large opening on the mountainside where Diane and William’s small, intimate outdoor Montana wedding overlooking Lone Peak would take place. Everyone loved the unique experience that the horse-drawn sleighs provided. With relatives who had trouble being mobile, the sleighs allowed access to the beautiful outdoors while also offering wool blankets and a high-seat vantage point for the guests to watch the ceremony. It all worked out really well.

After a lovely snowy ceremony complete with communion, the entire wedding rode by sleigh to the nearby B-K cabin at Lone Mountain Ranch for the dinner reception. The crew at LMR created a lovely atmosphere combined with flower arrangements from Karen’s Floral Artistry that made the room feel really homey. The sweet bluegrass tunes from The Bridger Creek Boys serenaded the crowd throughout the evening. The fireplace and libations kept everyone cozy while the funny stories and laughter warmed their hearts. We had a fantastic time and capped off the evening with a sparkler exit for the newlyweds. I could not be more excited for these two. I was so grateful to be a part of their wedding celebration and I wish them all the best! -M

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Missouri Headwaters State Park Family Portrait Session of Eliza and Drew

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The other day I was out at the Missouri Headwaters State Park for a Family Portrait Session of Eliza and Drew. For this Three Forks, Montana family, there is no better way to spend a day outside than when they are trail riding with their young daughter Evelyn, horses, and dogs. We decided to incorporate all of their loves into one photography session timed perfectly with the Montana Fall colors.

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Fairy Lake Engagement Photography Session of Jennie and Mark

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I photographed the Fairy Lake engagement photography session of Jennie and Mark in the Bridger Mountains outside of Bozeman, Montana.

Fairy Lake, in the heart of the Bridger Mountains, is one of my favorite places in Montana to take destination wedding couples for their engagement photography session.

A few weeks back, I met up with my childhood friend Mark and is lovely wife-to-be Jennie during a stop on their Rocky Mountain road trip in Bozeman, Montana and took them out on an adventure.

The first time I talked with Jennie and Mark was during a video chat and instantly we reconnected over similar interests and many laughs reminiscing about stories from our youth growing up playing hockey together in the Chicago suburbs. It was clear to me from our online visit that these two were the perfect match for each other.

Mark’s tribe has been good family friends with my family for many years now. Despite going our separate ways almost eighteen years ago after high school, we kept tabs on each other through the parental telegram over the years and where I learned of this awesome woman named Jennie he had met. Suddenly here we were picking up where we left off years later planning out their Montana engagement session and the intricate details of their wedding day this upcoming summer in Springdale, Arkansas.

It’s always such a treat for me to photograph old friends. This was going to be fun.

Upon their arrival into Bozeman, we all saddled up into my 1984 Land Cruiser and made our way up into the beautiful Bridger mountains for our couples’ engagement portrait session at Fairy Lake. The Montana Fall colors were in full array and we took full advantage of them.

Here are some of my favorite images from our time together. I’m so excited for these two and can’t wait to celebrate their wedding day next October! Congrats to the newly engaged! -M

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Middle Cottonwood Canyon Engagement Portraits of Lisa and Noah

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Bozeman Engagement Photographer Middle Cottonwood Canyon couple

  • Bozeman Engagement Photographer Middle Cottonwood Canyon couple

The other day I photographed the Middle Cottonwood Canyon Engagement Portraits of my wedding clients Lisa and Noah in Bozeman Montana.

Lisa and Noah wanted to feature a special place as the setting for their engagement session.

It was here that Noah brought Lisa on their second date for a hike up Middle Cottonwood Canyon.

These two have been living in their new home in Washington for the past year. Lisa works as a software engineer and is Noah working away on his pursuit of a science graduate degree. They were home visiting family and wanted to have their Middle Cottonwood Canyon Engagement photos to remind them of their Montana roots.

When it came time to plan their wedding day, choosing their Montana home as the backdrop was a no-brainer for them. These two will be tying the knot tomorrow up Kelly Canyon! I’m so excited for these guys! Stay tuned for their wedding photo preview! -M

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Hyalite Canyon Engagement Photography Experience of Allison and Matt

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Bozeman Engagement Photographer Hyalite Canyon couple portrait

  • Bozeman Engagement Photographer Hyalite Canyon couple portrait

Capitalizing on a recent break in the rainy weather, I met up with my wedding clients Allison and Matt for their Hyalite Canyon Engagement Photography Experience.

Over these last few months, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know these two.

They recently moved to Bozeman from Davis, Montana where they attended school as Ecology grad students. Back during my time working in California newspapers, I too lived in the city of Davis. As we got to know each other, we quickly realized we had many overlapping UC Davis friends and shared outdoor leisure activities. We quickly hit it off and had a blast exploring the scenic local landscape during our Hyalite Canyon Engagement Photography session.

These two are wonderful humans.

And their big wedding day is quickly approaching. I’m looking forward to documenting and celebrating them at their Springhill Pavilion wedding day in a few weeks! -M

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Horseback Riding Engagement Portraits of Sam & Melissa

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  • Horseback-Riding-Engagement-Portraits-of-Cowboy-Couples

I had the pleasure of photographing the horseback riding engagement portraits of Sam & Melissa outside of Norris, Montana.

These two horse-loving locals packed up their truck and trailer with their animals and followed me out to a beautiful spot near Norris Montana on the edge of the Madison Mountain range for an evening of horseback riding engagement portraits, sipping cowboy coffee, and enjoying a sunset campfire.

During my couples portrait photography sessions, I love discovering what my clients love about each other and their relationship. By understanding all the things that they cherish in one another allows me to create photographs that celebrate those loves.

For Melissa and Sam, working with horses is a passion between them and a lifestyle that these two fully embrace. What better way to capture that love than by creating our own trail ride to photograph them in their happy place. Our mountain spot was the perfect setting for their photographic experience.

These two were quickly at ease in front of my camera lens. We ended up making some great horseback riding engagement portraits that encapsulate their lifestyle with their animals.

Below are some of their favorites from our time together.

These two are set to marry this summer. I couldn’t be more thrilled for them. Congrats to the newlyweds! -M

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