Gallatin River Winter Engagement Photos of Rachel & James

Last weekend I had the pleasure of photographing the Gallatin River Winter Engagement Photo session of Rachel & James.

The three of us along with their excited young labrador puppy, Deacon, headed out to the famous Montana trout stream to make some fun engagement photos for them.

These two lovebirds got engaged this past December and are planning their California Wine Country wedding later this summer from their home in Bozeman, Montana.

While their wedding photos would be in the California sunshine, these two wanted to contrast their engagement photos with the beautiful snowy backdrop of Southwest Montana. They hired me to help.

Engagement Photos in the Winter

Montana is no stranger to the cold. This winter has been an exceptionally chilly one here around Bozeman, often times dropping into the negative double digits.

A good thing if you are a skier, (I am) but it can be a difficult task when you are trying to make pictures of people out in the elements and not have them look like they are freezing. Our photo shoot was scheduled a couple weeks ahead of time. I found myself the day before the shoot looking at a thermometer hover around -10 F and worried thinking my clients will turn into popsicles.

Alas, the weather gods were on our side. As we drove out to the Gallatin River Sunday morning, the sun popped out from behind the clouds to give us a balmy 20 F degrees.

Rachel and James, unfazed and all smiles, bundled up and were ready to go. I love it when my clients embrace the unexpected. I think their enthusiasm shined through in their engagement photographs. We had a great morning adventure exploring the snow covered landscape and making photos. Such a fun day.

Wish these guys all the best! -M