Montana Weddings

A really Big Sky Wedding with a Texas twist

2009-11-23T16:31:00.002-07:00

Stephanie and Jay

Well, looks like I'm finishing this album just in time to share for Thanksgiving. This wedding will pluck your heart strings. Both the Johnson's and the Turner's are big on FAMILY... and this big family style wedding packed into the Soldier's Chapel and then spread out on the lawn at the Rainbow Ranch.

Me, I'm very grateful for crossing paths with so many wonderful couples this year. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Here's a link to the album. Enjoy!

Jay and Stephanie's Big Sky wedding

A touching Montana Wedding

2009-11-14T19:40:00.005-07:00

Alisia and Patrick's dramatic wedding day

Well, I've been busy this week trying to catch up on the last of the summer weddings of 2009. This one is amazing. Alisia is a photojournalist and Patrick is an writer. They sought me out because of my photojournalistic style of photography and... well... I was a prefect fit for what they wanted in the way of wedding photos. It was a dramatic day of weather and on the way to the ceremony, Alisia got the phone call that things were running late so she needed to take a bit more time before she arrived at the venue. I was in the back seat of a small sedan with Alisia and her maid of honor. Seeing the potential of some breathtaking images I suggested that we take a detour up a county road. The rest is history. Amazing, remarkable, non traditional, electric images were the result of our efforts. See for yourself.

Patrick and Alisia, I love this album. Thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding!!!

Patrick and Alisia's wedding album

Brian and Anne

2009-11-04T16:39:00.002-07:00

marry at Bohart Ranch in the Bridger Mountains

It was a warm summer day in the Bridger mountains on the Bohart Ranch. Brian, Anne and all their friends and family traveled by horse drawn buckboard high into the cross country ski resort. This intimate event was full of deep feelings and love of family.

Check out the Album Showcase via the link below.

Anne and Brian's wedding in the Bridgers

Brian, thanks for seeking me out for your wedding. It was an honor to be present.

Stephanie and Jay's

2009-10-31T16:53:00.003-06:00

Love of family stops me in my tracks.

Ok, so... I'm sitting here on Saturday afternoon trying to catch up on the wonderful weddings of this last summer. Color correcting and just trying to be productive when I should be out hunting or playing golf. And, these images just start to sink into my heart.

I see the moment that a proud father releases his daughter at the altar.

I see Stephanie's kiss on the face of her pappa and his blissful response.

I see Stephanie getting the same love back from her big brother.

This stuff just stops me in my tracks and makes me realize what a lucky guy I am, to do what I do; to witness and share what I see. Can I get a witness here?!

Ok, back to work.

Jay and Stephanie are still jumping for joy!!!

Ahhhh yes, The Bahamas!

2009-10-23T12:45:00.005-06:00

Jen and Scott's destination wedding

Wow! Just finished Jen and Scott's wedding album. It was a hot August day in the Bahamas. What a great occasion. Stop what you're doing and take a trip to the Bahamas for a warm wedding on the white sand.

View their first draft album here.
JEN AND SCOTT

Jen and Scott, thanks so much for allowing Heather and I to attend your wedding week in such a luscious place. Cheers!

Jen and Scott take the plunge

2009-10-15T14:42:00.004-06:00

in the Bahamas

Last August I traveled with Jennifer and Scott to the Grand Bahama Island to photograph their wedding. I've been working on their album and I rediscovered the images I made on the snorkel trip the day before the wedding. My water housing finally got put to the test and we had a blast underwater. More coming soon.

Did you know that Vin Diesel is a stage name... hmmm.

A kiss before they took the leap from the second level of our dive boat aka... party boat!

Exploring the reef below.

Susan and Patrick's

2009-10-01T15:06:00.003-06:00

wedding in Ringling, Montana

Well, it was a remarkable day in Ringling at the Higgins Ranch on August 1st. Susan and Patrick got married in fine Montana style! The sky was as blue and as big as it gets anywhere in these United States.

Jennie Lynn and I had a fabulous time with all the folks and made some new friends. Most notably Patrick, Susan and their families. We were right at home. Thanks to the Doig's for hosting such a memorable event.

Just finished the first draft of their album. Check it out below.

Susan and Patrick's wedding album.

Next week it will be Esther and Eric's wedding from August 2nd in the Field of Dreams at Chico Hot Springs Resort.

Montana wedding in Ringling

2009-09-30T18:03:00.002-06:00

Susan and Patrick's album

I've been working away on a new album today. And... although I'm not finished I just had to share these images with someone. The photo with Grandma holding and being held by her daughters and grandchildren just rocked me. So much love, emotion and experience in her beautiful face. The album should be finished tomorrow so check back to see this album. Don't miss this one!

Amber and Jesse

2009-09-28T23:02:00.003-06:00

Marry in Lolo, Montana

What would you expect on the day of the marriage of a smoke jumper and a ballerina/school teacher???... just about anything I guess. It was a forest fire that broke out south of the wedding site. The fire created quite a stir of the elements and extremely dramatic wind and sunset light. Here are a few photos I took on the family bridge. Whoa! It was amazing. Holy smoke! ha ha ha

Keep an eye out for 2 new albums by the end of the week!!!

Claire and Steve

2009-09-23T13:08:00.004-06:00

take the BIG DIP - literally.

My dear friend Claire Langran is marrying Steve on Saturday and although I'm not shooting her wedding, I had the pleasure of shooting with them yesterday on the Yellowstone River.It was one of those perfect days in the Paradise Valley; actually, a rare day with no wind.

Claire assisted me with weddings one summer while in her pre-med years at MSU. Claire is like another daughter to me. After I finish my wedding in Big Sky on Saturday, I'm going straight to Claire and Steve's reception to celebrate. Happy day!

Of course... I can never stay out of the river. It turns me into a little boy and makes me so happy.

Susan and Jeff

2009-09-22T14:50:00.006-06:00

Glacier Wedding at the Belton Chalet

Ok, so... I just finished another wedding album. This one took place at the Belton Chalet in West Glacier. It was an amazing day as you will see from the photos on the lake.

So take a seat and enjoy the views of this joyous occasion in one of the most spectacular places on earth!

View Susan and Jeff's wedding here.

Next album is Susan and Patrick in Ringling Montana, followed by Esther and Eric at Chico in Paradise Valley. And the list goes on!

Happy days of Indian Summer!

Wedding Photojournalist

2009-09-15T21:27:00.005-06:00

Big Sky Wedding

Hey there. I'm in Great Falls this week shooting ads for Benefis Hospital (in between amazing weddings!). Last Saturday I shot for Heather and Stephen. This wedding reminded me of my love of for photojournalism. I knew this was going to be a special occasion and all the stars aligned to make it so.

Some folks have scoffed at the idea that a wedding photojournalist is any different than any other 'wedding photographer'. Well in support of the difference I submit to you a few of the many images I made last Saturday. I also suggest you take a visit to the WPJA website. It is a relative small group of wedding photographers that focus on perfecting their intuition and their craft as photojournalists. I'm proud to be a member of this elite association.

In any case... however you see it, just see it and enjoy the view!

Here's a cool image of my friend Catalin Green putting the finishing touches on her art... the bouquets. Another fabulous wedding by Catalin Green of Avant.

Prelude to a beautiful Montana Wedding

2009-09-09T16:45:00.003-06:00

at the Rainbow Ranch

Here's a great prelude to a gorgeous wedding at the Rainbow Ranch. Stephanie and Jay flew in last week and took a few hours with me for photos, and for us to get to know each other before their Big Sky Wedding. We went to an amazing ranch that is being developed as a new wedding venue in the Gallatin Gateway area by the folks at the Baxter Hotel.

I always like to shoot with the couple before the wedding day. It really breaks the ice and they get used to being photographed by me. This is such an advantage to us both that I offer the engagement session without charge. It's such a blast!
Now... the photos.

I've got so many fun weddings that I'm working on that I'd like to share. So I'm trying to fit one into the blog every week. Happy sunny days!

Erica and Jake Rinker

2009-08-27T15:23:00.007-06:00

Wedding album of their nationally televised story.

Ok, so... here it is: the wedding album of the young med students/newly weds that stopped on the way to their reception to assist an injured young girl. The story hit ABC and CBS early news shows a few weeks back, as well as many local and national newspapers.

So I dedicate this album to this fine couple, as well as all of the numberless unsung hero's out there that take time to help others, in big ways and small.

Erica and Jake's Wedding Album

But wait... that's not all!
Those of us in the business of weddings would recognize the telling importance of the image below. Let me explain. It seems every church has a person, usually a woman, that is put in charge to see that all rules are known and obeyed. Often it is a difficult position to be put in. Trying to tell an entire congregation that flash photography is not allowed when dozens of guests have cameras in hand. Or worse yet, telling the likes of me that I can't do the job that my client has paid me very well to do.

So this photo is dedicated to the dear Church Lady. I love you. I love what you do. I understand and I am really sorry that I always avoid you on the wedding day.

A dramatically beautiful wedding day.

2009-08-25T21:00:00.007-06:00

moral of the story is: never shrink from adversity

Ok, so... here's one single photo that tells you how wonderfully bold and lively Alisia and Patrick's wedding was last Sunday in Anaconda, Montana. I've got loads more but time is short at the moment. Look for more as time allows.

By the way, I loved their wedding. It reminded me to never shrink from adversity, always look for the beauty in every moment.

Cheers to my creative friends, Alisia and Patrick

No reservations: Anthony Bourdain

2009-08-24T22:51:00.004-06:00

Covers my home town, Livingston, Montana on the Travel Channel

A fine job of showing our local secret... how we eat and live in Livingston Montana. My neighbor Russell Chatham, my friend Dan Lahren and the great Jim Harrison, not to mention my female lab, Yeshe's boy friend Jacques. All this on the Travel Channel. Check it out!

Now you know why I live and love, love, love my home town here in Big Sky Country, the Paradise Valley and home sweet home, Livingston, Montana.

Here are some links to the show. Hope you can catch it on Travel Channel.

Anthony Bourdain Blog

Also a link to the Travel Channel where you can find a video link.

check it out soon before the daily links change.

Did I say that I love Montana? yeah!

Montana weddings

2009-08-21T16:09:00.004-06:00

Ocean, Mountains and Plains

Well, I just couldn't wait any longer to blog. Life has been a blur of photos and fun, from the Bahamas to the beautiful mountains and plains of our gorgeous Big Sky Country. Here's a very quick glimpse of three weddings. This is just a start, I have 5 or 6 more weddings to share as soon as I can find the time.

Enjoy the photos from Patrick and Susan, Jen and Scott and the last one was from yesterday at the Bohart Ranch, Anne and Brian.

whirrrrrrrr phtttttt. I'm gone again.

And just a note to folks that are shopping for next year: If you like what I do and you'd like for me to do this for you... it's a good idea to book your photographer a year in advance. Saturdays in June, July, August and September fill up quickly.

Jake and Erica Rinker

2009-08-12T01:10:00.005-06:00

on the CBS Early Show

Wednesday, today... August 12th, the CBS Early Show will run the story of the couple I photographed in July along with my photos from their roadside assistance to an accident victim. See earlier posts on my blog for further notes on the story.

Watch the Video!

Just got in from a fabulous wedding in the Bahamas. Jen and Scott had a gorgeous and dramatic day on the beach. Photos will be upcoming in a week.

Jen and Scott, blue sky, white sand... Island style.

2009-08-07T19:26:00.005-06:00

Sunday wedding in the Bahamas

Ok, so... here's a report from Freeport in the Grand Bahama.

Temperature: hot.
Sky: very blue.
Sandy beach: very white!!!

It glorious here and today Heather and I followed Jen and Scott into Lucaya to get all their papers in order for there wedding on Sunday. We are having such a great time hanging out with this couple and all their family and friends. Excitement is building for their Sunday afternoon wedding on the beach here at the Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort.

And now some photos. Enjoy the heat!

We were working hard! Here's Heather having a fresh Pina colada at 10:30 in the morning. Oh yeah!

The bride and groom were are on cloud nine. I caught them floating along the beach in mid air!

Then a kiss brought them gently down upon the sand.

Many thanks to Jen and Scott for bringing us to this wonderful place. I can't wait until the wedding.

Esther and Eric

2009-08-04T23:55:00.003-06:00

Marry in Paradise Valley, Montana

Esther and Eric married last Sunday and it was a glorious day in the spectacular Paradise Valley. But first...on Friday... we ran around Livingston and had a blast making some crazy fun photos. Esther was handed an antique dress from her Mother and Eric dressed in the style of a similar era. We hailed down Brad Bunker and grabbed his cool bike for a few images. We basically owned the streets of Livingston. Folks were honking and well wishers shouted as they drove by!

In the end the brave couple donned something less formal and jumped headlong into a very brisk Yellowstone river.

Wedding Couple's story on ABC

2009-07-29T12:44:00.006-06:00

Good Morning America

ABC's Good Morning America ran the story about Erica and Jake Rinker this morning. The piece was called "Bride and Groom to the rescue" (click the link to see it! You'll need to scroll down on the video spots to find it.)

Montana Wedding couple/ med students

2009-07-20T15:49:00.011-06:00

come to the aid of downed cyclist.

Well here's an amazing story for you. I really never know what to expect at weddings, but this was a first!

Erica and Jake are third year medical students. They got married Saturday afternoon at a church in Columbus, Montana. It was a very hot day by Montana standards (98 F!). Shortly after the ceremony everyone took off for a 30 minute drive to the reception site in Fishtail Montana. I was following the bride and groom in their getaway "truck" when we came upon a motorcycle accident. The Highway Patrol was on site but it was obvious that medical help had yet to arrive. Jake stopped his truck briefly in the road to assess the situation. The next thing I knew, Jake whipped the Bronco off to the side of the road and they both hit the road running, wedding dress, tuxedo and all.

And of course, I followed, camera in hand, tossing the keys to my assistant to get the car off the road. Here's some images that tell the story.

A happy kiss after giving their assistance.

A big "thank you" from the injured girl's granddad.

Hat's off to an amazing young couple that took an hour from their wedding day to come to the aid of an anonymous young lady on the side of the road. The beauty and emotion of their wedding day was punctuated by this selfless act. It was an honor to photograph for them!

Pack'n my bags

2009-07-16T15:59:00.005-06:00

for the Bahamas!!!

Yeap! We're packing our bags for a gorgeous wedding on the beach of the Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort in the Bahamas. Jennifer and Scott are marrying on the beach on August 9th. Montana is so amazing this year.... so green and lush, but I am very excited to shoot in another type of Paradise. I'll be out of town for a bit during August, mixing business with pleasure. Check back for photos mid August. I've got an underwater housing for my camera and we're going to make some magical underwater portraits.

Tigerlily and David

2009-07-14T14:52:00.004-06:00

June 27, a day to remember in Big Sky.

Tigerlily and David

OK, here you go. I just finished my first wedding album of the summer, and I love it. This was a spectacular day full of emotion, tears, laughter and joy. Don't miss the couple's first dance!

Tigerlily and David... what can I say. Thanks for having me as a witness to this event in your lives. Love and Joy, Larry

ps... I've been keeping this photo for a very special use!

Jennifer and Brandon frolic

2009-07-13T11:15:00.003-06:00

in Paradise Valley Montana

Oh yeah, summer time along the Yellowstone River. What a fabulous place to live and play. I got out Saturday evening with my latest couple, Jennifer and Brandon, and not to mention Tess. Tess... caretaker of her humans Jennifer and Brandon. So my first shot is my fave portrait of the three of them. They're all getting married in September in Big Sky.

I had loads of fun with this couple and I'm thrilled to be shooting for them. Enjoy the photos, and the summer days!

And then, at the end of the evening, Brandon was saved from a blood thirsty mosquito by his loving companion... smack!