Tag Archive for: Bozeman Wedding Photographer

I’m happy to present my Best of 2021 Wedding Photography!

Happy new year! It’s been this winter fun reflecting back on all of the great times I had with my 2021 wedding clients.

The pandemic of 2020 forced many brides and grooms to put their wedding celebrations on hold. Gratefully, the vaccine rollout of 2021 allowed more wedding couples to safely gather with their friends and family. Still, the ongoing pandemic continues to be a source of uncertainty for engaged couples. If a theme resonated for my 2021 wedding clients, it would be their capacity to be flexible.

Even in normal times, there is so much that goes on during a wedding that can surprise you. This past year had some unique challenges for my clients that they overcame.

For one couple, there was wildfire smoke blocking mountain views. After the pandemic forced another couple to have a Zoom wedding, their long anticipated wedding reception was dampened by rain. At another wedding, there was a rush to locate a spare suit for a family member two hours before the wedding. A groom on crutches could not dance but instead sang songs for his bride with the band playing behind him. One engaged couple started a CSA farm from scratch to grow their own food and flowers for their wedding day. Their hard work created wonderful accents to their story that they shared with their loved ones on their big day.

It just goes to show. You can plan all the things, set the tables and get everything “perfect” on your big day, but in the end, weddings turn out the way they turn out. They have a wonderful life of their own.

All of my wedding couples smiled at adversity and gracefully overcame whatever wedding day hiccup came their way. 

Having positive attitudes made each wedding an authentic reflection of who each couple was. Regardless of what happened, the true beauty of it was found by focusing on the bigger picture.

My wedding clients could finally celebrate their love alongside their friends and families bearing witness to it. What truly mattered.

For what is a wedding but a wonderful, sweet slice of society pie. A sacred event that celebrates the best things in life – our loving relationships.

As I sorted through my Best of 2021 Wedding Photography, I kept that thought in mind. As a Montana wedding photographer, you expect to find excitement from people attending a wedding. But this past year was different. You could tell that the pent up energy of the world made this year’s weddings more rich and rewarding. The societal faucet of normalcy was partially turned back on. A return to the ability to come together and feel human again. 

As a visual storyteller, it warmed my heart to see my 2021 wedding clients and their loved ones embrace this moment. To truly savor these time-honored celebrations that I think many of us have taken for granted.

Beyond the obvious celebration of two people in love, to me, weddings are one of the few places where the young and the old can get together and honor what matters most.

Weddings are a chance to show the youth the ways of community – this is how we act in the good times. These are the things in life we value. These are moments that are worth everything.

This year nothing was taken for granted. 

Personally, I’m thankful that I got to be in my element again; making people feel seen, laughing and joking with them, and photographing people being authentic and real. It was such a wonderful release for so many people. You could tell that the guests needed the celebrations just as much as the couples needed them.

I love witnessing the mixing pot of friends and family at a wedding. Most people know either the bride or the groom, but not many others. Strangers meet and mix. The stories start coming out. The laughter, fueled by good food and libations begins. Then the groups become one to dance and sing all the lyrics of a song with the people brought together by a newlywed couple. All awesome ingredients to honor and celebrate love.

The wedding event galvanizes a couple and their path forward.

This past year I was so grateful we could all gather. I’m proud to showcase my Best of 2021 Wedding Photography.

Looking forward to what this new year holds. -M

With much anticipation and a year long delay due to the pandemic, I had the pleasure of photographing The Ellen Theatre Wedding of Lisa and Shawn.

True to their shared love of cinematic films, this Lisa and Shawn had their wedding on stage at the historic downtown Bozeman theatre. We also emphasized the movie theme during their recent couples portrait experience as well.

I love it when a wedding couple throws out the rules of what society says a wedding should be. Instead they embraced their shared interests that make their relationship unique.

For their Ellen Theatre Wedding Day, these newlyweds showcased their love of the Star Wars universe and other action movies near and dear to their hearts. It was a wonderful balance of fantasy and classy wedding themes all coming together. Each was able to highlight their loves. Lisa highlighted her love of red roses. Shawn (in pure delight) wore his Darth Vader outfit and walked down the isle to the imperial march theme music. Many of their guests in attendance also donned character costumes from the epic movie saga. All were given light sabers and Wonder Woman bracelets to wield during the grand exit down the isle. Their wedding cakes made by the talented bakers at Decadent Bozeman were super hero themed. Everyone in attendance savored the delicious tacos from the Chefs Table Food Truck.

In all, their guest were treated to a unique, playful experience full of laughter and movie nostalgia.

Here are some favorite photos I made from their wedding celebration. To see all of their fun photos, click here to view their gallery link.

It has been so wonderful to get to know these two lovebirds over the past two years. I could not be more excited for them. It was an honor to photograph The Ellen Theatre Wedding Day festivities of these newlyweds. I wish them a lifetime of happiness. -M

Wedding Vendor List:

Venue – The Ellen Theatre

Photographer – Greener Visuals Photography

Catering – Chefs Table Food Truck

Wedding Cakes – Decadent Bozeman

DJ Services – Moshunal Production

In early May, I had the pleasure of photographing the StarWars-themed Ellen Theatre couples portrait experience of Lisa and Shawn in downtown Bozeman.

This couple have dated over the last seven years. In that time, these two have fostered a solid relationship and family home with Shawn’s two children.

They are self-described “goofballs” and commented that “their inner nerd matched each other’s.”

For Lisa it was his kindness and loyalty to their relationship that she cherishes. She loves how everything he does is for the family and is constantly putting others before himself. Shawn loves that she accepts him for who he is. Together they give each other forgiveness and grace both in their relationship and professional lives.

But of all their shared values and appreciations for one another, these two have fostered a passion for watching fims, especially their mutual love of the Star Wars saga.

So much so in fact that their entire upcoming wedding celebration theme will revolve around their love of movies. In fact, their wedding will be the first wedding ever at The Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman, Montana.

It was only appropriate that we highlighted their favorite film into their Ellen Theatre couples portrait experience.

These two love the archecture of old theaters and they maintain hopes of someday owning their own. We decided to explore the historic Ellen Theatre where we created a movie date night/Star Wars theme portrait experience for them.

We had a blast “nerding out” and creating some personal, unique photos of their relationship in a place that truly resonated with them.

The force is strong with these two. Clearly, the love as well.

Here are some favorite photos from their couples portrait experience.

I am so looking forward to their wedding celebration this Saturday! -M

The other day I had the pleasure of photographing the Peet’s Hill Couples Portrait Experience of Jenny and Cooper in downtown Bozeman, Montana.

During their busy lives working in Bozeman, these two often find relaxation and solace with their dogs, Dalia and Mr. Krill, during their frequent hikes along their favorite Bozeman in-town trailhead. For their Peet’s Hill couples portrait photographic experience, we wanted to highlight a place that was important in their relationship. Peet’s Hill was a perfect choice. On a lovely early May evening, we set out on the trail. An opportunity to celebrate this time in their lives together and make some fun photos.

These two have been dating for the past four years. From the moment you meet them, it’s clear that these two compliment each other so well. They have such a playful way about them and in conversation each commented on the absolute kindness of the other. For Cooper, he reveled at just how much fun they have together. He said he loves Jenny’s strength, her go-all-in passion for her art, and her ability to care deeply for the relationship and their friends.

“The way she approaches her life is so heartfelt and pure,” recalled Cooper, “She’s just so wonderful.”

For Jenny, she absolutely cherishes Cooper’s contagious enthusiasm for life and admires his ability to talk to anyone. Cooper’s social skillset has helped her feel more comfortable to open her own life more to others. As a result, he has positively impacted her growth into the best version of herself. Jenny loves Cooper’s commitment to being a role model. His passion for others shows when he is coaching free ride skiing to his twelve to eighteen-year-olds students. Most importantly, Cooper has a unique ability to make her feel safe. His kind presence empowers and allows her to let go of past shame. Such a gift from a loving partner.

With high spirits, we explored Peet’s Hill Park and played with their dogs as the sun set behind the Madison Mountains to the west. These are some favorite photos we created during out time together.

I loved getting to know these two and discovering all that they loved about each other and their relationship. I’m looking forward to photographing their wedding celebration at the Star M Barn venue in late August this year. Congrats to the newly engaged couple! -M


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

The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project during this time of social distancing, has been profound and I’ve decided to offer another weekend round of mini photo sessions to raise money this time for the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.

Last weekend, fifteen gracious Bozeman families participated in the first ever Bozeman Front Porch Project from afar to celebrate their loved ones, be apart of a community art project and raise money to support the Greater Gallatin United Way during this unsettling time in our community and country.

Together we raised $1,015.00 for them.


There has been a lot of uncertainty with all the drastic changes we’ve been experiencing as a community and nation these past few weeks.

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

While we may be socially distancing from our neighbors, we also get to experience the precious moments of togetherness with our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.

That is something to celebrate.

Together, we will get through this.

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

This past week, countless, selfless people in Bozeman are offering support in various ways throughout our community, and we want to do our part! 


Introducing the Bozeman Front Porch Project for April 4th & 5th, 2020.

Greener Visuals Photography again offering family portraits from afar 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 farther away from you than I normally would, the connection with your family I’ll inspire will be felt deep within your hearts!

It’s a little something to uplift the mood while maintaining safety precautions. Contributing to a good cause and creating a small keepsake to remind you of all the good things you have to celebrate in your life right now. During our shared, sheltered experience, we can foster social distancing connections within our community.

How it works: Mike Greener, of Greener Visuals Photography, will come by your home next Saturday April 4th or Sunday April 5th with his telephoto lens and take your family portrait on your front porch from afar.

The Bozeman Front Porch Project by Greener Visuals Photography is fundraising to support the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.

In return for your $100.00 booking fee, $50 will go to supporting the BACF and $50 to support your local family photographer.

In addition, each family will receive a beautiful matted 5×7 fine art print to remember this time and 25% off a future one-hour family portrait experience with Greener Visuals Photography. All participating families will also receive a web-friendly digital photograph of your tribe to share as a thank you for your participation and support.

Together, we will raise funds to assist the Bozeman Area Community Foundation in helping our neighbors heal through this ordeal.

And as a result, we will have a collective group of creative portraits representing both your individual family’s strength together and our combined community’s resilience.

Next weekend April 4th & 5th, 2020 throughout Bozeman.

To reserve your spot in this weekend’s Bozeman Front Porch Project, simply on the link below.

https://bit.ly/3bDEVEM

If you know of a family that might be interested in participating, please share this link with them.

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 from afar to celebrate their loved ones, be apart 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, as the COVID-19 virus spread across the world and finally reach our Montana doorstep, social distancing commenced and 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 little something 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 cancelled. Emotional support is not cancelled.

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



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.



The enthusiasm and outpouring of support for the Bozeman Front Porch Project over the past week of social distancing, has been profound.

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



Right from the start, the health and safety of everyone 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 Thursday announcement of stay-at-home directives (starting this weekend for the state) 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) and safely, we created some really genuine fun family portraits.



There was no charge to participate in the Bozeman Front Porch Project however I’m happy to announce that together we raised $1,015.00 that will be donated to the Greater Gallatin United Way!

I’m so thankful for all of the generous donations to this good cause. I’m proud to be apart of our Bozeman community and look 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 showcase everything you love about your family relationships in 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.

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

This past Saturday, I ventured out to Deep Creek Range in Paradise Valley, just south of Livingston, Montana to photograph the wedding day celebration of Megan and Ben.

I came to know these two wonderful humans when I moved into the house apartment below them last January. Friendly neighbors quickly became friends.

These two met in 2015 and from the get-go, they had immediate chemistry.

After just three months of dating, they decided to quit their jobs, sell all of their stuff and bought a teardrop trailer for an impromptu six-week road trip around Colorado, Utah, and the California coast.

Their shared love of spontaneity and fun, outdoor adventures blossomed into a powerful bond between them. It would be the first of many wonderful road trips they would share together and ultimately realize they were the perfect match for one another.

Their wedding day at Deep Creek Range was the perfect setting to host their Montana wedding day with friends and family.

It was a lovely cool August afternoon filled with laughter, good wine, family, friends and a whole lot of dancing into the night. I loved the energy of this crew.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from their wedding day. I am so happy for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds! -M

To see all of their wedding day photos, click here.

This past weekend I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Courtney and Josh’s Bozeman Wedding Day celebration.

Their small intimate wedding was held at her father’s property here in the Gallatin Valley.

After getting to know these two this past year and photographing their portrait photographic experience, it was wonderful to see these two lovebirds say their vows and celebrate.

Congrats to the newlyweds!

I’m working hard at editing through all the fun moments from their wedding day and will post all of them soon.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a preview of a few favorite photographs that have stood out so far. I can’t wait to share the rest. Stay tuned. -M

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of photographing the Bozeman, Montana wedding day celebration of Cassie and Justin at Holy Rosary Church and wedding reception at Bridger Bowl Ski Resort.

After dating for the past eight years, this couple wanted to say their wedding vows surrounded by the most important people in their lives amongst the mountainous backdrop of Southwest Montana. A place they both love so much.

For many of their family members (coming from Florida, Maine, New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Washington) their wedding weekend would be the first chance to see the place they’ve called home for the last few years.

After an unusually soggy Spring and Summer in Southwest Montana this year, we had high hopes of avoiding the recent precipitation weather patterns. Alas, on a Saturday in mid-July, the rain found us.

Luckily, it just so happened that Cassie and Justin’s wedding ceremony and reception were preemptively planned for a rainy day – they had an indoor Catholic mass ceremony at the church and then lovely intimate reception at the Bridger Bowl mid-mountain lodge.

The rain couldn’t keep us down.

We celebrated indoors at both locations dancing, eating crusted trout and elk tenderloin and playing in the Greener Visuals Photobooth.  Many of their guests had taken advantage of the close proximity of Yellowstone National Park and were telling stories of their recent adventures. It was a lovely evening in a great place with good people.

I could not be more excited for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds Cassie and Justin! -M

To see all of their wedding day photos, click here. 

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing the Bozeman, Montana wedding day celebration of Cassie and Justin at Holy Rosary Church and Bridger Bowl Ski Resort.

After dating for the past eight years, these two wanted to say their vows surrounded by the most important people in their lives among the mountainous landscape of Southwest Montana they love so much.

Their wedding would be a chance for many of their family members (coming from Florida, Maine, New Jersey. Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Washington) to see the place they have called home over the last few years. Many of their wedding guests were traveling to Montana for the first time. The day was filled with Big Sky excitement and surprisingly for July, lots of precipitation.

It has been an unusually soggy Spring and Summer in Southwest Montana this year. The rain found us.

Luckily, it just so happened that their ceremony and reception were preemptively planned for a rainy day – indoor Catholic mass ceremony at the church and then lovely intimate reception at the Bridger Bowl mid-mountain lodge. The rain couldn’t keep us down. We celebrated without a hitch indoors at both locations dancing, eating crusted trout and elk tenderloin and playing in the Greener Visuals Photobooth.

I’m working hard to go through all the fun photos I made during their special day. For now, I wanted to share a preview of their wedding photographs.  Here are a few favorites so far. So many more to share.

I could not be more excited for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds and stay tuned for more! -M

 

 

bride-groom-springhill-pavilion-bozeman-wedding-photographer

Happy New Year everyone!

I always find this time of year to be thrilling.

It’s a moment we collectively engage in looking ahead and backward from where we came.

The last week of the year always holds a lot of important annual events in my life – Time spent with family around the holidays, the celebration of my birthday (I turned 36-years-old a few days ago, yikes!) and the ringing in of the new year.

I always take this time to self reflect on the great experiences with my wedding photography clients from the past year and to begin throttling forward towards my new creative goals on the near horizon. I’m ever striving to be the best version of myself (mind, body, and spirit) and finding ways to better serve my clients and community. 2018 was a positive year for me with lots of growth, new places explored, new challenges overcome, new faces met and many good times were had. I feel blessed for all the new relationships I made throughout the year and for being able to tell candid, creative stories through photographs!

I’m excited about my upcoming adventures and the fun clients I’ll get to document in 2019.

In the spirit of reflection during this time of year, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite wedding photographs from the past 2018 wedding season.

It’s such a joy for me to relive some of my favorite moments all gathered in one place. I feel honored to have been a part of all the wonderful celebrations this year with my wedding clients.

With pride, here are my Best of 2018 Montana Wedding Photographs by Greener Visuals Photography.

If you or a loved one you know is in need of an epic wedding photographer, engagement photos, new family portraits, or updated business portraits in 2019, Greener Visuals Photography is now booking for all your professional photographic needs!

Grateful for all of your continued support and I look forward to hearing from you! -M

Fairy-Lake-Bozeman-Engagement-Portrait-Photographer

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 engagement portrait session. 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

Bozeman Wedding Photographer Springhill Pavilion Bridger Mountains couple portrait

I’m still buzzing with excitement after photographing the Springhill Pavilion Wedding Day of Allison and Matt outside Bozeman, Montana a few weeks back.

I’ve gotten to know these two Montana transplants over the past year and have been looking forward to documenting their wedding day for some time now.

And it’s all because they happened to meet by chance.

At the time, both were getting their Ecology graduate degrees from UC Davis in Davis, California but didn’t know each other.

One night after class, Allison was planning to catch up with a friend, but there was a location mix up and she ended up in the wrong bar. As fate would have it, it was in that wrong bar where she met Matt and they instantly hit it off.

Davis, California was a place where I used to live back when I was a newspaper photojournalist and a place that is close to my heart. Having them into my studio to learn more about their wedding day plans, we bonded immediately over Davis stories and the realization that we knew many of the same people.

Sometimes you encounter certain people in your life that you know will instantly become friends. These two are wonderful, hilarious goofballs.

Their Montana wedding day was everything you would hope one could be – lovely Spring-like weather, the perfect setting, and a gathering of friends and family that were ready to get down on the dance floor. Their wedding day was an absolute blast to photograph. Here are some of my favorite photographs I made throughout their wedding day. Congrats to the newlyweds! -Mike

To see all of their wedding photos, click here.

Bozeman Wedding Photographer Kelly Canyon Quaker Wedding portraits

For Lisa and Noah’s Bozeman Montana Kelly Canyon Wedding Day celebration, it was important to return to their cultural roots.

They met two years ago through online dating here in Bozeman. As their relationship flourished over the next two years, Noah would eventually propose to Lisa on his family farm Kelly Canyon outside of Bozeman, Montana. The two currently live in Kirkland, Washington where she works as a computer scientist and he has started his graduate school program with a developing interest in Chinese medicine. When it came time to plan their wedding day, there was no better place to host it than on his family’s farm back where it all began.

Their wedding would be a wonderful hodgepodge of tradition and a unique blend of the couple’s own interests.

Their shared love of medieval fantasy book genres influenced their wedding decorations, outfits and even an honorary object for the day. The wedding party all took turns wielding the wedding couple’s actual battle hammer named “Schmerglehermer”. With a sense of humor throughout, the wedding couple and party included the hammer in the festivities. It was walked down the aisle during the ceremony, guests posed throughout the day with it in photos and it even found it’s way onto the dance floor. I love a couple and community that geeks out together. It was no short of epic.

The bride and groom’s friends and family gathered together on Noah’s family farm to witness the bride and groom’s traditional Quaker wedding ceremony in the Montana summer sunshine.

Tucked back against a large stand of pine trees, they decided on a traditional Quaker wedding ceremony to honor Noah’s family roots. The bride and groom were married “under the care of a Quaker meeting” before God and gathered family, friends, and meeting members — but was for all purposes officiant free. The idea is based on the tenet that only God can join a couple in marriage. Quakers believe that no church official is essential for a marriage to take place. Instead family and friends throughout the hour-long ceremony would occasionally break the silence by stepping up to the microphone to give words of advice, tell stories or well wishes. I found it to be a really relaxing and thought reflective ceremony. To hear the words of the important folks in their lives in front of all was a special way to honor their guests just as much as they were honoring them.

Like all good weddings, they sealed theirs with a kiss surrounded by a roar of cheers from their surrounding loved ones. The wedding celebration moved on to their evening reception at the Lindley Center in downtown Bozeman where dancing, outdoor games, a good steak BBQ and a Greener Visuals Photo Booth were utilized in full force. It was an awesome time and a wonderful reflection of all the things that are important to these newlyweds lives. I could not be more excited for these two. I wish them all the best! -M

To see all of their fun wedding photos, click here.

 

Bozeman Wedding Photographer Kelly Canyon Quaker Wedding ceremony

Montana native newlyweds Lisa and Noah got married on his family’s property in Kelly Canyon just outside of Bozeman Montana last weekend. Perfect sunny weather blessed the day where these two celebrated their Quaker wedding with their close friends and family. I’m working hard to edit through all of the fun photos I made throughout their wedding day.

For now, check out a preview of some favorite photos I made for them. Stay tuned for more… -M

Livingston Wedding Photographer Yellowstone River wedding portrait

A few weeks back, I had the absolute pleasure of providing the Livingston Montana Wedding Day Photography of Erika and Josh.

For these two, it was all about returning to the source of where they met.

Little did they know after a chance encounter over a foosball game table in Livingston, Montana, two years later they would be celebrating their wedding at the Livingston KOA in the beautiful Paradise Valley just south of town.

Both are well versed in the art of hospitality (Josh as a chef at Feast Raw Bar & Bistro and Erika as a former wedding planner now operations manager for the Shane Center for the Arts), they wanted to have their wedding day be “about letting their friends and family know how much they’ve impacted us in our lives.” by creating a personal wedding experience for their guests.

In a wonderfully intimate setting along the Yellowstone River, guests were met with great food, meticulous decorations of 1,000 paper cranes and rock cairns, homemade booze-infused cupcakes and the right tunes to keep the dance floor busy.

Their attention to the little details made their wedding day a true delight.

Not even the constant rainfall throughout the afternoon could dampen the spirits of those in attendance.

As the sounds of the consistent rain and the high waters of the nearby Yellowstone River serenaded the evening, the big pavilion transformed smoothly from the ceremony to the catered dinner and then into an energetic all night dance party.

Happiness, smiles and good times abound. What a day!

Here are some of my favorite highlights from my day photographing their wedding celebration. Congrats again to the bride and groom Erika and Josh! Wish you guys a lifetime of happiness! -M

See all of their wedding photos here.

 

Springhill_Pavillion_Bozeman_Wedding_Photography

Spring in Montana is a sight to behold and yesterday could not have been a better setting for my couple Camille and Matt’s wedding day celebration at the Springhill Pavilion just outside Bozeman, Montana.

The warm spring rains promised in the weather reports failed to dampen the day. Not that it would matter. Instead, the wonderful combined family energy of Wisconsinites and Montanans raised the level of a wedding celebration to a new high bar.

This was a group that shrugged off uncertain weather, raised their Coors Light libations with smiles and focused on the task at hand, celebrating two special people through hugs, laughter, songs, and dance.

I met Camille at a fishing friend’s house over ten years ago when I was working weekdays at newspapers in Northern California and spending my weekends chasing steelhead in the multitude of incredible Pacific Coast streams nearby. She was raised splitting time between Montana and Alaska, where she’s spent every summer since she was a little girl at her family’s fishing lodge on the Nushagak River in Bristol Bay. She began guiding at a young age, enveloping herself in fly fishing and the great outdoors. When I met her, Camille was about to graduate high school and buzz in the fishing circles was that she was already quickly becoming one of the most successful women anglers in the United States. Presently, she is dominating the internet dividing her time advocating to protect against the Alaskan Pebble Mine efforts, working as Alaska & Christmas Island Program Director for Yellow Dog Flyfishing and living her dream traveling the world with a fly rod in hand.

It was only natural that she would find a partner with the same passion for the outdoors. Through her I got to know Matt – a kind, caring and incredibly talented hunting and outdoor lifestyle photographer based here in Bozeman. As I’ve gotten to know them both more over this past year, I am convinced. Anyone would be hard-pressed to find a better pair of people so perfectly suited for each other.

Their shared love of the outdoors helped influence their wedding day style. Yellow flowers intermixed with whitetail deer antlers accentuated the venue as their wedding guest dined on wild game appetizers and sipped local Montana wine and microbrew. Their mutual love of fishing was noted by cute artwork details of fly fishing files for the table settings and bridal party flair. The day was a wonderful, complete representation of all that was important to them in their lives.

I could not be more thrilled for these two newlyweds! Congrats Camille and Matt! Thank you so much for letting me and my photo team be apart of your special day! Wish you guys a lifetime of happiness! -M

To view the entire wedding day photos and purchase your own special memories from the day, follow this link to see all of the goodness.

View the entire wedding

 

I’ve gathered up my Best of 2017 Wedding Photography by Greener Visuals Photography images that made during this recent trip around the sun.

As the last days of the year tick away, I find myself reflecting back on all of the fun photos I made of my wedding couples over the course of this past year. 2017 was a lot of fun! Lots of growth, new places explored, new challenges overcome, new faces met and many good times were had. I feel blessed for all the new relationships I made throughout the year and for being able to tell candid, creative stories through photographs!

I look forward to what “adventures in documenting the love” await me in 2018.

If you or a loved one you know is in need of new family portraits, business portraits, headshots, engagement photos, boudoir or an epic wedding photographer, Greener Visuals Photography is available for all your professional photographic experiences in 2018! I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy New Year everyone! -M

This past weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the Virginia City Montana Wedding Day Photography of Marissa and Tyler.

These two wanted to celebrate their wedding celebration standing in the old territorial Capitol of Montana. The town is a true piece of history. In fact, it is considered a National Historic Landmark. Of the nearly three hundred structures in town (standing in their original condition), almost half were built prior to 1900.

It was like stepping back in time to the Old West period and we took advantage of the amazing architecture and made some cool photos.

These two Helena residents work in the state government and styled their special day with their own nod to history, to their love of politics and each other. Their boss just happens to be State of Montana Gov. Steve Bullock who officiated the ceremony. It was a rare cool August day and the perfect venue to celebrate the start of their new journey together.

Here is a preview of some of their wedding photos I made throughout the day. I still have many more to go through and I’m excited to show you all. These two are incredible people and I wish them all the best. Stay tuned for more. -M

El Western Resort Wedding Photos Becky and Kyle

This past Saturday, I stepped in to create the Ennis Montana El Western Resort Wedding Photography Day of Becky and Kyle.

Sometimes in life, you can’t always plan for the unexpected.

I woke up to an early morning message from a photographer friend of mine. Overnight she had become quite ill and woke up the morning of her client’s wedding day unable to work it. That is a nightmare situation for any working creative. Thankfully, here in southwest Montana, there is a strong community of supportive, talented wedding photographers who when called upon, strive to help out one another.

Luckily, I was available and took over the reins for her agreeing to photograph her client’s El Western Resort wedding.

It makes me proud that I live amongst a community of wedding professionals that go the distance for their clients and help each other out to provide the best service possible for wedding couples having their celebrations in southwest Montana.

While it wasn’t ideal news for bride Becky and groom Kyle to find out the morning of their wedding day, they understood and were grateful for the help.

Not having any time to get to know them before their wedding day, I stepped up to make the best wedding photography experience I could for them. The result was a fun, country wedding celebration filled with good people in the heart of horse and fly fishing country.

A great time was had by all. I have a lot of great photos to edit through but I wanted to share a few favorites so far that have stood out to me. I’m excited to show them all the goods from their special day. Stay tuned for more wedding photos! -M