Tag Archive for: destination wedding

The Woodlands Rainy Wedding of Shannon and Liam

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Newlyweds-kiss-in-field-at-Wedding-The-Woodlands-at-Cottonwood-Canyon

A week ago, I photographed The Woodlands rainy wedding day of Shannon and Liam outside Bozeman, Montana.

It has been lovely getting to know this couple and their five-year-old husky/shepherd, Iroh, over the past year.

Shannon and Liam met in Monterey Bay, California in the Fall of 2014. What started off as a friendship, quickly blossomed into a strong relationship. Together, they have been exploring the world together ever since. As an introvert, Liam loves Shannon’s extrovert energy. She cares so much about her relationships with others. She is loving and fits perfectly into his family dynamics. He admires her moral compass and how it constantly helps him navigate toward the right decisions.

Shannon loves how Liam truly understands her. He has helped her grow as a person and gives endless support to her. He keeps her accountable and showers her with love and patience.

Last summer I photographed their Mount Ellis trailhead engagement portraits in Bozeman. If one thing was clear, this couple was head over heels for one another and they were so excited for their approaching wedding day.

With friends and family traveling in from California and New Jersey, this engaged couple wanted a venue that could accommodate all of the fun.

They choose to celebrate their wedding day at The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon under the guidance of their wedding planner, Events by Killian.

The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon offered plenty of space for the wedding party to get ready – girls upstairs, gentlemen downstairs. The venue also offered plenty of space for the wedding guests to take shelter in a pinch.

Right before the wedding ceremony was to begin, a rainstorm came through that forced everyone to leave their ceremony seats.

As it turned out no amount of water could dampen the spirits of this group. Forward-thinking from the talented wedding vendors provided guests with clear umbrellas before the ceremony, just in case. The Woodlands Rainy Wedding didn’t phase anyone in attendance. After a brief delay, everyone returned to the outdoor lawn ceremony site for a heartfelt exchange of Shannon and Liam’s wedding vows under sunny skies.

Smiling ear to ear, Shannon and Liam welcomed their guests for a reception evening filled with great BBQ from Just a Taste Catering and the good tunes from Catered Rhythms DJ coaxed the wedding guests into dancing all night long. It was a really fun evening with everyone. Here are some of my favorite moments from Shannon and Liam’s wedding day.

I’m excited for these two and wish them a lifetime of happiness! -M

Wedding Vendors for Liam and Shannon’s Wedding Day

Venue: The Woodlands at Cottonwood Canyon

Wedding Planner: Events by Killian

Photography: Greener Visuals Photography

Catering: Just A Taste Catering

Rentals: Montana Party Rentals

Bartender: Jade Pierce Bartending Services

Dessert: Sweet Pea Bakery

Entertainment: Catered Rhythms

Florals: Bouquets and More

Videography: Cosmic Cine

V

/by

Lone Mountain Ranch Winter Wedding of Diane and William

, , , , , , , , , ,

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

/by

Murrieta California Destination Wedding of Tandy and Rex

, , , , , , , , , , ,
Destination_Wedding_Photographer_California_wedding_portrait

  • Murrieta-California-Destination-Wedding-Photographer-California-wedding-couple-portrait

About a month ago, this Montana destination wedding photographer photographed the Murrieta California Destination Wedding day of my two artistic friends Rex and Tandy.

There are few things in life that bring me more joy than being able to photograph the wedding celebrations of dear friends.

This wedding was particularly special for me to document.

Rex and I have been close childhood friends since elementary school. What started as a shared love of artistic endeavors growing up, went on to foster countless visual creative collaborations in our formal middle school and high school years.

It was with Rex at my side that I first discovered the possibilities of what a camera could create. Together we explored our surroundings and even went as far as to build a darkroom in my mom’s spare closet. Soon we were off to the races chasing this new creative rabbit hole. Little did I know then that those times with him would be the beginning of my life-long pursuit of exploring the photographic medium. I wouldn’t be the same person without knowing him in my life.

Rex also followed his creative muses through life. He graduated from art school and now makes his living in Missoula, Montana working as a remote video game designer. I heard he had found himself an equally talented creative partner in Tandy, a successful illustrator, I knew he had found his person.

When Rex and Tandy asked me to photograph their wedding celebration on her family’s property in Murrieta, California, I could not have been more honored.

Their Murrieta California Destination Wedding day was a lovely, intimate DIY wedding staged at Tandy’s mother’s large home. Their friends and family worked together to transform the newly renovated yard into a special and memorable wedding atmosphere. Cute, homemade gray and yellow decorations added a lovely pop of color to the green surrounding landscape.

As the sun set over the valley, the wedding couple said their vows witnessed by their close loved ones. They cheered as the newlyweds kissed to seal the deal. The rest of the night we laughed, told stories, ate homemade pies, and danced the night away.

Here is a selection of favorite photographs I made throughout their day.

I could not be more excited for these two. I wish them a lifetime of happiness! -M

/by

Yellowstone National Park Wedding Day Photography of Judy and Butch

, , , , , , , ,
Yellowstone National Park Wedding Day

  • Yellowstone National Park Wedding Day portrait

This summer I had the privilege of making the Yellowstone National Park Wedding Day Photography of Judy and Butch.

These two traveled from Beavercreek, Ohio to get married in our nation’s most popular national park. We had their small ceremony in the Mammoth Chapel then celebrated with a post-ceremony picnic where we ate lunch and had a small wedding cake. Because it was just them and their enthusiastic photographer in attendance, we took the afternoon to explore the park and make some fun outdoor wedding portraits on their special day.

It was a great way to celebrate the 4th of July this year! I wish these two years of happiness! Congrats! -M

 

/by

Yellowstone Lower Falls Wedding of Zachary and Elizabeth

, , , , , , , , , , ,

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of photographing the destination Yellowstone Lower Falls Wedding of Zachary and Elizabeth in Yellowstone National Park.

These two lovebirds traveled from their home in Kansas City to Montana with their relatives to celebrate their destination wedding day celebration in America’s largest national park. It’s a place they absolutely love to visit.

It was important to the newlyweds that we make time to explore Yellowstone for their wedding couples portraits. After getting ready in West Yellowstone, we drove into the park. We spent an hour or so exploring the landscape. We were lucky. The tourism traffic wasn’t bad that day and it allowed us to see quite a bit. After driving around YNP and stopping to make portraits of the wedding couple, we arrived at our destination. Their afternoon wedding ceremony at Artist Point overlooking the Yellowstone Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone National Park. It was a perfectly beautiful setting to say their vows.

For their wedding reception, we left the park and drove to their parent’s house in West Yellowstone. Their small collection of family and friends came together to make their wedding day special.

It was a classic DIY wedding complete with 1,000 paper cranes, paper flower bouquets, and a small festive reception at their parent’s place in West Yellowstone.

What a special day it turned out to be. It’s always so inspiring to be around a couple so completely in love with each other. I was so glad I could be a part of it. Here are some of my favorite wedding photographs from their day. Wishing the newlyweds all the best. -M

/by

Whitefish Mountain Resort Wedding Day of Tim and Jill

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
wedding-couple-on-Whitefish-Mountain-Resort-Wedding-summit

  • wedding-couple-on-Whitefish-Mountain-Resort-Wedding-summit
    Over the 4th of July weekend, I was up at the Whitefish Mountain Resort in Whitefish, Montana photographing the summer wedding day of Tim and Jill. These two Bozeman locals wanted a destination feel for their wedding celebration without leaving the Big Sky state. Northwest Montana was the perfect answer.

Over the 4th of July weekend, I photographed the summer Whitefish Mountain Resort wedding day of Tim and Jill in Whitefish, Montana.

Whitefish Mountain Resort is a ski resort located at Big Mountain in northwestern Montana. It is west of Glacier National Park in the Flathead National Forest, four miles from the town of Whitefish.

These two Bozeman locals wanted a destination wedding celebration feeling to their special day without leaving the Big Sky state. This couple loves to explore the outdoors together and also enjoy skiing in the wintertime together. Northwest Montana was the perfect answer for their wedding plans.

When their wedding day arrived, this Bozeman wedding photographer traveled north to Whitefish, Montana where I was able to join up with Tim and Jill’s Whitefish Mountain Resort wedding entourage as they were getting ready.

Tim and Jill planned to say their vows on the summit of the ski mountain at sunset. To get there, everyone hopped onto a chairlift to get a ride up the mountain. The view up on the mountaintop was gorgeous and was a 360-degree view of the surrounding valley. On a clear summer evening, it was a lovely sight to behold.

After a sunset wedding ceremony at the summit, we took the chairlifts down to the reception where we all dined and danced while celebrating the union of the newlyweds. You could not have asked for a nicer summer day. It was a true pleasure for me to be present and to document their wedding day festivities.

Wishing Tim and Jill all the best and many years of happiness! -M

/by

Big Yellow Barn Destination Wedding Day of Kim and Preston

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

  • Had a blast photographing the fun at the destination wedding celebration of Kim and Preston a few weeks back at the Big Yellow Barn in Belgrade, Montana.

I recently photographed the Big Yellow Barn destination wedding day of Kim and Preston in Bozeman, Montana.

These two lovebirds hail from Washington D.C. and wanted to make their Big Yellow Barn Destination Wedding day special for their out-of-town guests with an authentic Montana rustic barn wedding in Bozeman.

I’ve photographed a few weddings at the Big Yellow Barn over the years and it’s a great Bozeman barn wedding venue option for hosting your celebration.

Situated 10 miles north of Bozeman, the big yellow barn looks out to a prominent unobstructed view of Ross Peak and the surrounding Bridger Mountains. Take some time with your wedding photographer during the “golden hour” to walk the grassy property. It’s a perfect, clean mountain backdrop for wedding portraits.

The barn itself has plenty of space for them and their guests. Kim and Preston set up the catering downstairs which created a good flow to feed their guests via buffet. It worked really well to get everyone through and fed.

The upstairs barn loft is massive. There’s lots of room for seating your guests for dinner and it can double as a spacious epicenter for your wedding dance floor. In between songs, you and your guests can mingle out on the elevated deck and down on the lawn. Overall, it serves as a really great layout for a wedding.

Kim and Preston wanted their special day captured in a documentary photography style so they reached out to me. The Big Yellow Barn offered the perfect setting for them. Warm weather, a couple in love, great people, excellent Montana barbeque, cupcakes, and an assortment of epic dance moves made the day not only memorable but one heck of a party.

I love the energy they and their guests brought to the celebration. I was so glad I could be a part of it. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day. Wishing these two all the best and many years of happiness. Congrats to the newlyweds Kim and Preston! -M

/by

Salvage One Wedding Day of Matt & Liz in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

, , , , , ,

  • wedding-couple-kiss-under-Chicago-Salvage-One-Wedding
    At the tail end of April this year I had the honor of flying back to my old stomping grounds of Chicago, Illinois to photograph the wedding day celebration of my old family friend Matt and his lovely bride Liz.

I recently photographed the Salvage One Wedding of Matt & Liz in downtown Chicago, Illinois.

One of the best perks of documenting the love at weddings is that every once and a while, I get an opportunity to travel to photograph the wedding of friends. This past April, I had the honor of flying back to the old stomping grounds of my youth.

Growing up together in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Matt and his family grew close to mine over the years through our local church and the family social circle. A few years ago I photographed the wedding of his brother Nick in California. When I learned that Matt and Liz were to be married, I was completely honored when they asked me to photograph it. It is such a treat for me to be able to document the weddings of old friends, especially the same family twice.

These two lovebirds decided to marry in style in the heart of the windy city. We started the day getting ready at The Godfrey Hotel. From there, the bridal party and I took a trolley around the city taking in the sights, dodging the spring rain showers, and making creative portraits along the way.

Their wedding ceremony took place at Church of the Holy Family, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the city. It is a beautiful gothic-looking building.

As the wedding ceremony transitioned into the celebratory reception, we finally landed at Salvage One.

Salvage One a 60,000-square-foot vintage Chicago warehouse covered in fantastic antiques. Matt is a professional chef so creating a celebration that emphasized great food experience was essential. Laughter and some epic dancing made the night truly one to remember.

I was so grateful to be a part of it. Here are some of the highlights from their wedding day. What a fun weekend! Wishing Matt and Liz a lifetime of happiness. -M

/by

Big Yellow Barn Bozeman Wedding Day of Kim and Preston Photo Preview

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Had a blast photographing the fun at the destination wedding celebration of Kim and Preston this past Saturday at the Big Yellow Barn in Belgrade, Montana. Warm weather, a couple in love, great people, excellent Montana barbeque, and cupcakes and an assortment of epic dance moves made the day not only memorable but one heck of a good time. I’m hard at work editing through all the wedding photos of the day but wanted to share a few that have stood out so far. Congrats to the newlyweds Kim and Preston! So many more fun photos to show you all. Stay tuned…M

  • Had a blast photographing the fun at the destination wedding celebration of Kim and Preston this past Saturday at the Big Yellow Barn in Belgrade, Montana.

/by

Chico Hot Springs Wedding Day of Heather and Andrew

, , , , , , , , , , , ,
newlyweds-walk-mountain-landscape-at-chico-hot-springs-wedding

metaslider id=10751]

I photographed the Chico Hot Springs wedding day of Heather and Andrew in Pray, Montana a few weeks back.

When Heather and Andrew booked me to photograph their outdoor Montana destination Chico Hot Springs wedding day last September, I was half expecting their early Spring event to be in the snow or rain. I’ve lived in Montana for a combined twelve years now. Some assumptions regarding annual Montana weather patterns tend to hold true. Planning a wedding in April can be a bit of a gamble.

When their wedding day arrived, Heather and Andrew along with their guests were blessed with the first sunny 70-degree day of the year in Montana. Chico Hot Springs wedding day was the perfect setting to welcome all of their out-of-town guests.

Photographing their wedding day was an absolute pleasure. Over the past year, I got to know the newlyweds during our phone conversations that culminated in their winter engagement photo session. These two are great humans. I knew their wedding day would be a wonderful joyful celebration and it did not disappoint. Despite a bit of wind, the warm weather added to the already lifted spirits of the wedding attendants. They had their wedding ceremony on the steps to the lodge and then guests moved into the convention center for the reception to dine and dance. Laughter smiles, and stories were present everywhere you looked. It made for a really fun time making photographs.

Heather and Andrew are an amazing couple and their family and friends welcomed me with open arms. It was such a fun day. Wishing these newlyweds all the best! -M

/by

Chico Hot Springs Wedding Day Preview of Heather & Andrew

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing the destination wedding celebration of Heather and Andrew at Chico Hot Springs in the small town Pony, Montana.

Such is the case with early spring weddings in Montana, I was expecting to photograph this wedding in the snow or rain. Alas, when the big day came, we were blessed (by some miracle) with the first sunny 70-degree day of the year. You could not have asked for better weather…well perhaps a little less wind. That’s always a fun challenge. Spirits were held high by all in attendance at their Chico Hot Springs Wedding Day.

Heather and Andrew are amazing people and their family and friends welcomed me with open arms. Such a fun day. Here is a preview of some photo favorites that have stood out in my editing thus far. Many more photos to come. Wishing these newlyweds all the best! Stay tuned for more photos. -M

/by

Hope Alaska Wedding Photos of Eric & Brandy

, , , , , , , , ,
Eric & Brandy Wedding Day Photos in Hope, Alaska - Greener Visuals Wedding Photography

  • Eric & Brandy Wedding Day Photos in Hope, Alaska - Greener Visuals Wedding Photography

It is with much love and pride that I present the Hope Alaska Wedding Photos of Eric & Brandy I photographed a few weeks back.

Earlier this summer, my younger pilot brother Eric tied the knot with his long-time flight attendant girlfriend Brandy in a lush, mountainous wild Alaskan setting in the small town of Hope, Alaska. She is an incredible lady and I’m so grateful to now call her sister.

After a very public Alaskan Airlines in-flight wedding proposal that went viral on YouTube, the excitement of the first sibling to be married in the Greener clan was felt by all and plans soon sprang into action to create their special day. This was going to be one hell of a wedding celebration.

I wore many hats that day. I was the best man, wedding photographer, and wedding planning advisor for the day. It proved to be a tricky, fun challenge.

After purchasing their first home in Anchorage together earlier this year, Eric and Brandy were looking to be frugal when planning their wedding. Without being over the top, they wanted a place to gather the two family clans, eat some good food, and dance to a live band without breaking the bank. With the help of their loved ones, we discovered that wouldn’t be a problem.

The families and friends all came together to create a DIY rustic-themed Hope Alaska Wedding day. I think some of the best wedding successes are when wedding couples think outside the box while staying within a budget.

We got creative.

We found reclaimed weathered barn wood to make their wedding arbor. After decorating it with mason jars filled with flowers purchased at the grocery stores that morning, it looked pro. Rather than make the bridesmaids and groomsmen buy matching outfits, the wedding couple instructed them to choose a personal outfit in a navy color palette. This wardrobe decision would work with whatever color flowers were available the day of. Their friend’s unfinished new house was a staging ground for the bride and her ladies to get ready. It all worked out well.

With the application of white paint, recycled scrap corrugated steel siding became cool sign decorations for the reception area. In the background, the elder Greener gentlemen roasted a pig. The other guests all brought a dish to pass and local friends helped with location needs. Everyone in attendance contributed to making their wedding day special.  Paying for the live funk band was worth every cent.

There were some logistical hurdles to overcome. The first was that Hope, Alaska was a tiny little town located two hours south of Anchorage, Alaska around the Turnagain Arm.

This distance meant that everything including tents, tables, chairs, decorations, camping accommodations, food, etc. would need to be transported by the family and wedding guests. The venue provided the site alone. To pull off this wedding, it took a village. Generous friends, a fleet of trucks, and a used short school bus made it all happen.

It was a day meant to be. Even the rain held out. What a wonderful love to honor and celebrate. In between dancing, chatting and my best man duties, I managed to make a couple of photos throughout the day. Here are some of my favorites.

I’m so happy for Eric and Brandy! Wishing you two a lifetime of happiness. -your brother Mike

/by

Hyalite Winter Engagement Photos Session of Heather & Andrew

, , , , , , ,
Hyalite Canyon Winter Engagement Photo Session of Heather & Andrew

A few weeks back I got to photograph Heather & Andrew for their Hyalite Winter Engagement Photos Session outside Bozeman, Montana.

I’ll be photographing their 2016 wedding day at Chico Hot Springs next April. While they were in town for Thanksgiving with family, we found a window of time to drive to the nearby majestic rocky mountain canyon. The snow had just recently fallen a couple of days before and now cast a white blanket across the surrounding Hyalite Reservoir and Gallatin National Forest. It was a cool ice-covered scene to explore. With the mixed overcast clouds, I was able to play with the cooler winter color palette of the Montana landscape.

These two were a lot of fun during their Hyalite Winter Engagement Photos Session. I appreciate a wedding couple that is up for an adventure. I’m looking forward to documenting their wedding celebration this Spring. Congrats on your engagement you guys! -Mike

  • Hyalite Canyon Winter Engagement Photo Session of Heather & Andrew

/by

Chico Hot Springs Wedding Day of Elizabeth and Ryan

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A few weeks back I photographed the Chico Hot Springs Wedding Day of Elizabeth and Ryan in Pray, Montana.

Chico Hot Springs Pray Montana wedding was a fantastic venue to celebrate their wedding at. When it came to these two New Mexican residents planning their wedding day, Elizabeth and Ryan opted to return to their old college stomping grounds in southwest Montana. They wanted to emphasize the mountainous terrain around Paradise Valley. Their destination wedding brought 150 of their close family and friends to the historical hot spring wedding venue.

It was a fantastic day-long celebration with warm weather mixed with the occasional feisty wind gusts. Just the right amount to kick up a wedding dress in dramatic fashion.

Soon into the reception, the wedding guests took to the dance floor in droves and celebrated with the newlyweds late into the evening. Good times with great people. I had a fun time meeting everyone, hearing the stories, and photographing the festivities. Congrats again to the newlyweds! Wish you guys a lifetime of happiness. -M

/by

Chico Hot Springs Montana Wedding Preview of Elizabeth and Ryan

, , , , , , , , , ,

I’m happy to present the Chico Hot Springs Montana Wedding Preview of Elizabeth & Ryan’s wedding day!

Chico Hot Springs in Pray, Montana is one of my favorite wedding venues to photograph.

When it came to these two New Mexican residents planning their wedding day, Elizabeth and Ryan opted to return to their old stomping grounds of southwest Montana. I’ve picked out a couple of images that caught my eye during my day documenting these two. Good times with great people and a great dance party. So many more great photos to show you all.

Congrats to the newlyweds! Stay tuned for more… -M

Update: Check out all of Elizabeth and Ryan’s wedding day photos on my blog here.

/by

Bobbijean & Chris Wedding Day in Yellowstone National Park

, , , , , ,

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to photograph the wedding of Bobbijean and Chris at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park. The two met while working at the park a few summers back and decided to tie-the-knot in a place that was so special to their hearts. While Chris has moved on to work in the logging industry, Bobbijean still is a proud park employee and with her position, was able to gain some perks for her special day – like a visit up to the historic Crow’s Nest high up in the historic log and limb lobby for some portraits and having their first look atop the Inn roof overlooking the erupting Old Faithful geyser. It was pretty special and a great view to say the least. After an emotional ceremony filled with tears of joy and laughter, the wedding celebration transitioned outside the park boundaries to the town of West Yellowstone where the reception festivities filled the historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge. A fun day throughout. I was so glad to be a part of it. Congrats again to the newlyweds and I wish them all the best. -M