Paradise Valley Montana Wedding of Brita and John

, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Paradise Valley Montana Wedding bride groom hug
  • Paradise Valley Montana Wedding scenic bride groom

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful Paradise Valley Montana Wedding day of Brita and John along the banks of the Yellowstone River.

Unlike most of the weddings I photograph, these two opted for my two-hour elopement collection where I focused on documenting their wedding ceremony and making portraits of their friends and family.

While perhaps one of the shortest wedding days I’ve ever photographed, Brita and John’s wedding celebration was still just as fun.

These two had all of their wedding guests meet at this really cool VRBO rental south of Livingston, Montana in Paradise Valley right on the river. The long grassy property had room for their hundred guests and had great access to interesting geography the wedding couple and I could explore during their portrait.

As the sunset over the mountains, their family and friends circled around them for their intimate ceremony then the celebration evolved into a riverside pig roast. For a DIY small wedding, this VRBO worked really well.

In my brief time with them, I had so much fun getting to know them and their tribe. Here are a few of my favorite images from their wedding. It was a true pleasure to be able to document their union. Congrats to the newlyweds! -M

/by

Prospera Business Network Prosperity Party Photobooth at Rockin TJ Ranch in Bozeman Montana

, , , , , ,
Rockin TJ Ranch Greener Visuals Photobooth Prospera Business Network
  • Rockin TJ Ranch Greener Visuals Photobooth Prospera Business Network

Last night’s Prospera Business Network Prosperity Party Photobooth at Rockin TJ Ranch in Bozeman Montana was a huge hit!

I had a blast playing in my Greener Visuals Photo Booth with the attendees of this year’s Prospera Business Network Prosperity Party.

Great people having fun and supporting Montana business owners. While all the photos were taken by the people in the photos, here are some of my favorite moments that stood out.

Greener Visuals Photography strives to support local organizations that work towards bettering the community in Montana.

So glad I could be apart of the celebration. Check out the awesome and enjoy! -M

/by

Virginia City Wedding Photo Booth of Marissa and Tyler

, , , , , , , , ,
Virginia City Montana wedding reception photo booth
  • Virginia City Montana wedding reception photo booth

As part of their wedding reception, newlyweds Marissa, and Tyler added my Virginia City Wedding Photo Booth into the celebration for entertaining their guests.

It was a huge hit.

Complete with old-fashioned furniture to match the old-west theme of their wedding, it seemed like everyone had a chance to play in it. The cool thing is that their guests triggered the camera and professional studio light themselves via remote control. The creativity of their wedding guests knew no boundaries.

Here are some of my favorite photos from their Virginia City Wedding Photo Booth.

It was such a fun evening with some amazing people. Congrats again to the bride and groom!

/by

Virginia City Montana Wedding Day Photography of Marissa and Tyler

, , , , , , , , , , , ,
Virginia City Montana wedding day bride and groom train station
  • Virginia City Montana wedding day rustic bride and groom

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of photographing the Virginia City Montana Wedding Day of Marissa and Tyler.

It’s not every day that I get to go photograph a wedding in the historic small town of Virginia City, Montana. This place is special and one of the most authentic, historical sites in Montana.

The old west city and its neighbor Nevada City, lie along Alder Gulch about one mile apart. It 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.

When Marissa and Tyler told me they wanted to have their wedding celebration at the Virginia City Depot standing in the old territorial Capitol of Montana, I could not have been more thrilled.

It was like stepping back in time to the Old West.

Between Nevada City and Virginia City, we took advantage of the fantastic Old West architecture and explored the area making fun photos of the bride, groom, and their bridal party along the way.

To reach the ceremony, we all took a ride on the Virginia City Shortline Railroad. From Nevada City, we traveled one mile over to the wedding ceremony site at the Virginia City Depot. It was a huge hit with all in attendance.

Marissa and Tyler are Helena residents and work in state government. They are also huge history buffs. The couple styled their wedding day with their own nod to history. A combination of their love of politics, and love for each other. Their boss just happens to be State of Montana Gov. Steve Bullock who with humor and charm, officiated the ceremony.

It was a rare cool August day and the perfect venue to celebrate the start of their new journey together.

After these newlyweds tied the knot, we walked the streets of historic downtown Virginia City making couples portraits along the way. Eventually, we steered our procession over to the Virginia City Community Center where we spent the night dancing, playing in a photo booth, and celebrating these two amazing people. It was such a fun day and I felt so grateful to be a part of it. Here are my favorite images from the day. I wish these two all the best! -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

Madison River Couple Portraits of Sky and Tara

, , , ,
Bozeman Portrait Photography Engagement Couple Sunflowers Madison River

The other day I drove out to the Madison River to meet my friends Sky and Tara for their evening Madison River Couple Portraits Experience.

I’ve known this great couple for years. When the news of their engagement was announced, everyone knew it had been a long time coming. It’s so exciting to see them together as their wedding date approaches and their love and excitement grow.

I would be hard-pressed to find a better match of personalities. These two friends graciously modeled for me a while back for a styled wedding photo session at Rocky Creek Farm. I was honored when they approached me to photograph their engagement portrait session.

As avid flyfishing and river people, we decided to photograph their engagement photos in a spot near and dear to them, the Madison River.

Both Sky and Tara love to fly fish and spend their free time being close to the rivers around Montana. As friends, we’ve we have all spent many a day together trying to entice the Montana trout to eat.

When we arrived at the put in, we loaded up Sky’s drift boat and cast off into the current.

As we floated downstream, we stopped to take photos along the way. It was an absolutely fine way to spend an afternoon – floating a blue ribbon trout stream and documenting the love. This couple tie the knot in two weeks! I am so excited for them. Congrats you guys! -Mike

/by

Virginia City Montana Wedding Day Photography Preview of Marissa and Tyler

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

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

/by

Hyalite Canyon Reservoir Family Portraits of the Rigard Family

, , , , ,
Montana Family Photography Hyalite Canyon family portrait

  • Hyalite-Canyon-Family-Portrait-Photographic-Experience
    I had the pleasure of joining the Rigard Family for their Hyalite Canyon Family Portrait Photographic Experience near Bozeman, Montana. Jen and Ryan have been friends of mine in Bozeman for years and I was honored when they hired me to photograph their family reunion.

I had the pleasure of photographing the Hyalite Canyon Reservoir Family Portraits of the Rigard Family.

Jen and Ryan have been friends of mine in Bozeman for years. I was honored when they hired me to photograph their family reunion.

Mindful of Ryan’s need for wheelchair access, we explored the areas around the Hyalite and played around in the evening sunlight photographing their relationships.

I was really pleased with how they turned out. Here are some of my favorites from the day. -M

/by

Bozeman Maternity Family Portraits of Lacey and Rory

, , , ,
expecting-couple-cuddle-in-yellow-flowers-during-their-Bozeman-Maternity-Family-Portraits-session

  • expecting-couple-cuddle-in-yellow-flowers-during-their-Bozeman-Maternity-Family-Portraits-session
    I had the pleasure of photographing some friends Lacey and Rory for their maternity portrait session here in Bozeman, Montana. These two were so excited to have their photos created. We will be doing part two later this year when their little one gets a little bigger. For this part, we decided to hike around the "M" Trail at the edge of the Bridger Mountains just outside of town. The evening light made for not only a lovely walk but also prime light for making some cool photographs. We had a great time. Here are some of my favorite images from the day.

Back in late May, I had the pleasure of photographing Bozeman Maternity Family Portraits of Lacey and Rory on the “M” Trail in Bozeman, Montana.

These two were so excited about their new family and wanted to create some environmental portraits of them in the town they love. For ease of outdoor access, we decided to hike around the “M” Trail at the edge of the Bridger Mountains just outside of downtown Bozeman.

I love the summertime!

The evening light during our photo session made for not only a lovely walk but also prime light for making some sunset photographs amongst the endless hillsides covered in yellow Arrowleaf Balsamroot wildflowers.

A great setting combined with enthusiastic expecting parents made for a great time.

Here are some of my favorite images from their Bozeman Maternity Family Portraits session. I’m excited for you and your new family Lacey and Rory. Congrats again! -M

/by

Greener Family Reunion Portraits in Missoula Montana

, , , ,

Greener Family Reunion Portraits in Missoula Montana

It’s amazing to me how busy we all can get wrapped up in our own lives. We are all guilty of it. While my parents are living close by in Missoula, my brother Eric and his wife Brandy are starting their new family in Anchorage, Alaska with their new daughter Molly. My sister has been busy working to finish her veterinarian school in Colorado. The Greener clan has been spread out over the last couple of years and we only manage to see each other once a year.

So when the opportunity to meet up last week in Missoula with my siblings, their families, my parents and grandma, naturally I wanted to bring my camera to document the rare family gathering. We were more concerned about hanging out and playing with my niece who is turning into a fun little kid.

We kept things casual and I made pictures when the creativity struck. Time flies when you are having fun and living life. Blink and eye and nieces, puppies and the rest of us all grow up. We had a lot of fun spending time together and I will cherish these moments. These are the good times. Here are a few of my favorites. -M

/by

Helena Montana Engagement Portraits of Marissa and Tyler

, , , ,
engaged-couple-on-Mount-Helena-Montana-Engagement-Portraits

  • engaged-couple-on-Mount-Helena-Montana-Engagement-Portraits
    A few weeks back I drove out to create a Helena Montana Couples Portrait Photographic Experience of Marissa and Tyler, my wedding clients. With the building excitement of their fast approaching wedding day in Virginia City, Montana, we wanted to create fun photographs of them and their life in Helena that meant a lot to them.

A few weeks back I photographed the Helena Montana engagement portraits of my wedding clients, Marissa and Tyler.

With their fast-approaching wedding in Virginia City, Montana, this couple’s excitement was growing. We decided to create a fun engagement portraits session for them, highlighting their outdoor lifestyle in their Helena home together.

This couple works hard and plays hard.

In between their busy jobs working at our state capital directly for the governor of Montana, this couple loves to frequently takes walks around the various trail systems around Helena together with their dog during their downtime. For them, the south hills trail system offers a place to decompress and reconnect with each other. Marissa and Tyler wanted to have their Helena Montana Engagement Portraits experience in one of their favorite outdoor settings. We decided to check out the Old Shooting Range Trailhead just outside of town.

We spent a couple of hours exploring the hillside trails, playing fetch with their dog, and making some fun photos of them in the beautiful wooded mountainous scenery in the south hills of Helena.

Here are a few of my favorite photographs from our time together. I can not wait to celebrate these two in August. -M

/by

Missouri Headwaters State Park Portrait Photographic Experience of Dani and John

, , , ,
Missouri Breaks State Park Engagement Photo Session

  • Missouri Breaks State Park Engagement Photo Session

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of heading over to the Three Forks, Montana area to create the Missouri Headwaters State Park Portrait Photographic Experience of Dani and John.

These two were the winning recipients of my Portrait Photographic Experience contest at this year’s 2017 A Montana Wedding Event at The Commons in Bozeman Montana. After learning more about them and their relationship together, we decided to have their portrait experience at one of their favorite places to hike.

It’s a beautiful spot with a mixture of rocky cliffs and grasslands that overlook the confluence of the Jefferson and Madison Rivers where they form the mighty Missouri River.

These two are all set to be married in the summer of 2018 and I couldn’t be more excited for them.

Here are some of my favorites from our time together. -M

 

/by

El Western Resort Wedding of Becky and Kyle

, , , , , , , , , ,
El Western Resort Wedding Photos Becky and Kyle

  • El Western Resort Wedding Photos Becky and Kyle

This past Saturday, I stepped in last minute to photograph the El Western Resort Wedding day of Becky and Kyle in Ennis Montana.

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. When called upon, we 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. By helping each other out, we are able 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

/by

Rocky Creek Farm Styled Wedding Shoot

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Rocky Creek Farm Styled Wedding Photo Session of Tara and Sky

  • Rocky Creek Farm Styled Wedding Photo Session of Tara and Sky

With the help of fellow wedding vendors, I photographed a Rocky Creek Farm Styled Wedding Shoot in under 24 hours’ time.

The idea for a Rocky Creek Farm Styled Wedding Shoot sprouted last Tuesday as I was talking on the phone with my friends Jacy and Matt, owners of Gallatin Valley Botanical. For the last couple of years,  I’ve been photographing and supporting their local Bozeman organic farm here in Gallatin Valley.

They mentioned that they would soon be taking over management of the popular Rocky Creek Farm just down the road from theirs. In addition to farming the increased acreage of land, they would also be pushing to make Rocky Creek Farm a successful new farm wedding venue. While gathering material together for their wedding advertisement for this past weekend’s Bozeman Bridal Walk, they realized they would need some wedding photography to showcase their new venue to prospective wedding clients. They didn’t have much time.

I told them I could help. The answer…

We decided to have a Rocky Creek Farm Styled Wedding Session. The next day.

Our time was short. We set our photo shoot time for 2 pm the following afternoon and let them know I would take care of everything. After hanging up the phone, I sprung into action. First and foremost, we would need models. I decided to get in touch with my engaged friends Sky and Tara and invited them to be my models for the afternoon. Thankfully, they agreed.

If we were going to have a properly styled wedding photo shoot, we would need to make our volunteer wedding models look amazing.

We were in need of a fine suit and beautiful wedding dress for my models to flaunt. I called upon the talents of Persnickety Formal Wear owner Anne Porter. In between all of her fittings for the busy prom season, she happily agreed to help. Sky and Tara were outfitted with some classy wedding attire that looked incredible.

For Tara’s hair and makeup, I stopped into Indulgence. My friend, the lovely owner Deirdre Quinn, saw to it that Tara looked radiant as a bride for our Rocky Creek Farm Styled shoot

It all came together so well. In all, we organized our impromptu wedding photo shoot in under 24 hours.

Our styled wedding photography shoot turned out awesome.

The Wednesday morning rain clouds had subsided by the time our two-hour afternoon photo shoot commenced. We were given a nice, calm weather window to utilize and we made the most of it.

It turns out Rocky Creek Farms has a lot to offer both in capacity and scenery.

I photographed Sky and Tara against various canvases found on the farm. We made good use of Rocky Creek Farm’s old barn wood backdrops, apple orchards, and open farmland under the views of the nearby Bridger Mountains. We even took photo opportunities along the on-property spring creek.

I could have photographed there for hours.

We even utilized a few baby lambs and my new labrador puppy, Tippet, to be featured in our photo shoot.

It was a perfect way to spend a Montana afternoon. The styled wedding shoot could not have happened without the hustle and team effort of my fellow vendors. At a moment’s notice, everyone worked together to make something special happen on such short notice. I’m so grateful for their willingness, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

Congrats to Sky and Tara on their engagement! Well wishes to Matt and Jacy as they grow their new wedding venue out at Rocky Creek Farms! -M

/by

Introducing my New Photography Studio Labrador Puppy “Tippet”

, , , ,

GreenerVisuals_TippetPuppy01

GreenerVisuals_TippetPuppy02

Introducing my New Photography Studio Labrador Puppy “Tippet”.

My new best friend has arrived!

My family grew up raising labrador retriever puppies and every Spring, during my junior and high school years, we would have a litter of labrador puppies in our house.

It was so much fun to come home from school and yell “Hey kids!” from the front door and suddenly a wave of wagging labrador would welcome me at the door. Having labs growing up was such a wonderful part of my childhood.

My folks have since moved from my childhood Chicago suburb home and have settled into their new life in Missoula, Montana. As I grow older, those familiar childhood memories and nostalgia grow more distant and seem harder to hold onto. I don’t get to go home to my old room or old stomping grounds which makes tapping into those old childhood memories a little harder.

Besides having the new companionship, I felt getting my own labrador companion would be one way to have some of those positive childhood experiences enter back into my life. And it would also just be a ton of fun.

Since leaving home to pursue a degree in Photojournalism at the University of Montana seventeen years ago, not having a dog has been a hole in my life that I’ve been waiting patiently to fill. So, two years ago when I made the decision that I would get my first pet and put a deposit down with Lori’s Labradors in Whitehall, Montana, my excitement could barely be contained. It turned out to be almost a two-year wait to get a black female labrador. Turns out it was worth it. Last Monday, I finally got to go pick her up.

It seems I’ve suddenly leveled up in adulthood. Now, my days are filled with puppy training, praising and dodging those puppy needle teeth.

I think Tippet is going to be a fun addition to my life. Keeping me company in my photo studio, accompanying me on my adventures and bringing lots of laughter daily. I’m excited to share our future adventures with you all on here. -M

/by

2017 A Montana Wedding Event at The Commons in Bozeman Montana

, , , , , ,

Greener Visuals Photography participated in the 2017 A Montana Wedding Event at The Commons in Bozeman, Montana this past Saturday.

I’ve been a part of this annual bridal show put on by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle for the past five years. The event was held at The Commons at Baxter & Love just outside of town. The event is a wonderful place for wedding planning brides to gain inspiration, meet a plethora of talented wedding vendors and a chance for me to meet some excited brides-to-be.

After setting up my rustic, reclaimed lumber and metal wedding show display booth, I spent the rest of the day talking, hearing wedding plans and sharing in the excitement of all the participating wedding couples.

If you are a bride that gets overwhelmed with options, this event is a great way simplify your search, to put faces to the names of local wedding businesses, and a chance to check off all the tasks on your booking list.

Here are a few favorite photos I made during the day’s wedding-themed festivities. I’m so glad I could be apart of this great annual wedding event. -M

I still have a few dates available for booking wedding photography in the 2017 and 2018 wedding season. I travel worldwide. Inquire for details.

/by

Best of 2016 Wedding Photos from Greener Visuals Photography

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

  • 2016 was another great year of documenting the fun memories of my client's wedding day through my photography

I’m proud to present the Best of 2016 wedding photography from Greener Visuals!

Winter has arrived and it’s snowing in Montana now. I’ve been reminiscing about the past year. It’s funny how time flies when you’ve been having so much fun. 2016 was another great year of documenting the fun memories of my client’s wedding day. I kept busy this year photographing over the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Southwest Montana offers up so many beautiful places to get married and I feel thankful that I was able to continue to explore the hidden pockets throughout. It was such an honor to be a part of my client’s wedding celebration.

I feel so grateful to be doing the candid wedding storytelling photography that I do.

My travels this year took me all over Montana. Traveling up to Whitefish down to Yellowstone National Park and as far away as downtown Chicago, Illinois. I even got to witness a wedding in northeast Mongolia.

In addition to having fun documenting the love, one of my favorite highlights of the year was when I moved into my new photography studio inside of Gallatin Event Rentals. It has been a wonderful place to house my wedding and portrait photography business. Having an inviting, comfortable space to host my clients and hear their wedding story has been such a pleasure. If you haven’t stopped by already, I’d be happy to give you the dime tour and geek out on photography with you.

Here are a few of my favorite wedding images that stood out to me from this past year.

I am now booking for the 2017 wedding season and I travel all across the country. I’m looking forward to the new smiles and faces I’ll meet and photograph in the new year.  Wishing you all a fantastic new year ahead! -M

/by

A Montana Wedding magazine 2017 issue features Greener Visuals Photography

, , , , , , , ,

I just picked up some copies of the new A Montana Wedding magazine and was excited to see that the new issue features numerous wedding photos from Greener Visuals Photography inside! The annual publication put out by the Bozeman Daily Chronicle is a helpful guide chocked full of inspiration, tips, and content from local wedding vendors for couples planning their wedding day in and around Southwest Montana. It never gets old seeing one’s labor of love in print. I’m proud to see my photos grace its pages. Check out the goods! Thanks, Bozeman Daily Chronicle! -M

/by

Montana Bridal Tour 2016 Photos at 1915 Barn venue

, , , , , , , ,

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting dozens of new brides-to-be during the annual Montana Bridal Tour event at the 1915 Barn in Bozeman, Montana. Greener Visuals Photography has participated in the Fall bridal event (run by the talent event planner Abby Turner, of Reed & Lee Event Planning) for the past couple of years and really enjoy the face time connection with all of the excited brides as they begin their wedding planning process. As a whole, the Montana Bridal Tour is a chance for the newly engaged couples in the Gallatin Valley to tour multiple wedding venues around the Bozeman area and meet talented wedding vendors at each location. For a fun-filled day, four buses rotate driving participants from place to place where they get to sample the wares, get inspiration for their own wedding day and ask questions to participating wedding vendors. It’s so much fun to see the excitement on their faces.

In between chatting with brides all day long, I made some photos from the event at the 1915 Barn in Bozeman, Montana. For information on attending next year’s tour, you can visit their website here. What a fun day. -M

/by

1915 Barn Bozeman Wedding of Dee and Chris

, , , , , , , , , ,
wedding-couple-in-field-1915-Barn-Bozeman-Wedding

  • wedding-couple-in-field-with-tractor-during-1915-Barn-Bozeman-Wedding
    I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of two incredibly giving and generous Bozeman people this past weekend. Bride and Groom Dee and Chris decided to have their friends and family gather at the beautiful 1915 Barn in Bozeman, Montana for their DIY Montana wedding day.

I had the pleasure of photographing the 1915 Barn Bozeman Wedding of two incredibly giving and generous Bozeman people this past weekend.

I’ve known Dee and Chris for years through volunteering with the adult special needs non-for-profit Reach, Inc. I would be hard-pressed to find such selfless individuals as these two. They both have done so much for the Bozeman community. These two decided to have their friends and family gather at the beautiful 1915 Barn in Bozeman, Montana for their DIY wedding day.

The large remodeled barn was the perfect setting to shelter their indoor wedding festivities. The evening was spent conversing with good people, eating great food, and dancing to the live tunes of Montana Rose. It was a true pleasure to photograph their wedding celebration. Wishing these two newlyweds all the best! -M

/by