It was such a pleasure to photograph the Missouri Headwaters Sacajawea Hotel engagement portraits of Jackie and Mike.
Jackie and Mike are travelers at heart. So when the time came for the engagement portrait session, we traveled to two of their favorite local spots, the Missouri Headwaters State Park and the Sacajawea Hotel.
Each of their professions has them traveling all over the state in roles that cater to their love of new places and their curiosity to meet new people. Mike is a sales rep for Kettlehouse Brewery and Jackie is a producer at Montana PBS.
The more they got to know one another, the more their commonalities started stacking up. Mike and Jackie soon discovered they shared a love for the history of national parks. Even more, as their relationship grew, they discovered the shared value of deep conversations and intellect. So when the pandemic quarantine came to Montana, these two decided to keep the conversation going and moved in together. Jackie and Mike both agree the experience made them grow even stronger.
For Jackie, she loves the extroverted, loving, and loyal energy Mike brings not only to their relationship but also to everyone around him. “He’s in awe of his people,” said Jackie. “With heart and soul, he is very thoughtful in planning new experiences for us that I might like. His energy and passion for life is so magnetic. I feel so lucky.”
Tuck, Jackie’s pitbull-Labrador mix (who has now claimed Mike as his, too), agrees. Jackie smiles as she mentions that Mike and Tuck have become soulmates.
Mike loves Jackie’s desire for adventure, whether that be their frequent small-town dates, visiting hot springs, breweries, or canoe racing on the Missouri River. She’s steady and always there for him. They love to play outside together, often adorned in Chacos and Carhartts. Mike would have it no other way.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Missouri-Headwaters-Couples-Portraits-Greener-Visuals-4481-scaled.jpg10011500GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2023-12-05 23:32:592023-12-06 18:10:52Missouri Headwaters Sacajawea Hotel Couples Portraits of Jackie and Mike
I had the pleasure of photographing the Roy’s Barn and Lodge Destination Wedding of Eva and Dillon in Bozeman, Montana.
Eva and Dillon have been dating since 2020 and have made a life together in Austin, Texas with their two dogs.
This couple wanted to celebrate their destination wedding in a place that meant so much to them. Dillon attended college at Montana State University years ago. On a vacation together, he introduced Eva to his favorite mountain state. She found the same wonder and appreciation for the Big Sky State. Under the guidance of their wedding planner Killian Flanagan Payne, of Events by Killian, the wedding couple chose Roy’s Barn and Lodge as the perfect rustic setting for their Montana celebration.
Eva loves how much of a caring, thoughtful person Dillon is. He shows his selflessness through his endless acts of service to her and all around him. She notices the little things. Whether he’s has a great dinner on the table after her busy workday to his attention to detail keeping the house tidy. Eva feels taken care of and loved by him every day.
For Dillon, life alongside Eva has been one filled with laughter. It’s been a relationship that has made him a better man over the years. Her caring, positive energy (with a great southern accent which he loves!) has been infectious for him. It’s made him more productive at work and he has better interactions with others throughout his day. Her belief in him has elevated his life for the better.
I love seeing the excitement of wedding guests that have never experienced the Montana culture before.
Eva and Dillon’s energetic crew of friends and loved ones came from as far as Mississippi (Eva’s home state) to raise a glass to the newlyweds. You could tell from their energy that they were excited to be there.
The bride and groom got ready at separate Bozeman AirBnb’s. Both sought a morning of relaxation and quality time together with their best buddies.
A party bus picked up the groom and groomsmen and then the bride and her bridesmaids taking us to MAP Brewing Company for a midday pre-wedding party. At the edge of Glen Lake, the brewery provided a relaxing setting where microbrew libations and snack food were served overlooking the waterfront and the Bridger mountains.
After a few hours of relaxing and socializing on the outdoor patio, we loaded back onto the bus and headed towards the wedding venue.
Upon our arrival at Roy’s Barn, we had a brief rain delay on our scheduled wedding party portraits before the ceremony. The wedding party was not to be deterred. The rustic backdrop and shelter of the historic red barn worked perfectly for some individual bridal party and family portraits where everyone stayed dry. Once the storm passed, we were able to walk the property and make some fun group photos of their closest friends.
Despite the mid-afternoon weather front, when the wedding ceremony began, we had a clear view of the green-colored Bridger Mountains. After a brief ceremony, we all quickly transitioned to the grand celebration.
It was an awesome gathering of the people that mattered most to Eva and Dillon.
The Southern hospitality runs strong between these two newlyweds. This wedding couple really leaned into the Montana theme of their wedding day. Eva and Dillon’s guests were treated to a wide assortment of treats and entertainment including a taco bar, cigar bar, a mobile horse trailer bar, and a Greener Visuals Photo Booth. Once the guests were well-fed and primed on signature cocktails (named after the newlywed’s two dogs), the wedding blossomed into an epic dance party. The rest of the evening was spent dancing hard and singing to their favorite songs up in the barn loft.
It was a pleasure to be a part of Eva and Dillon’s wedding day celebration. There are some of my favorite photographs from their wedding. Congrats again to the newlyweds! What an awesome day with you two! -Mike Greener
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Newlyweds-kiss-in-wheat-field.jpg9121400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2023-07-28 15:51:102023-11-04 00:16:06Roy’s Barn Montana Wedding Day of Eva and Dillon
A few weeks back, I photographed the Ennis Montana wedding of Riki and Lee overlooking the Madison Mountain range.
Getting to know these two over the past year leading up to their Ennis Montana Wedding day has been wonderful. Right from the start, the shared, rich intellect and loving kindness of Riki and Lee were an apparent, magnetic force.
Lee and Riki met four years ago while pursuing their PhDs at Northwestern University. They are now both budding powerhouse chemists on the East Coast.
In our first conversations, Lee shared what they admire most about Riki. They love how Riki is so good at genuinely seeing people. Riki is kind and doesn’t hesitate to help others. “Whether it be her colleagues, students, friends, or our community of loved ones, Riki shows me how to be a better partner,” Lee said. They also admire Riki’s intellect, “She is extremely smart and was the best in her class. I love how she challenges me.”
Riki feels the same – she loves Lee’s mind. This couple’s roots began first as friends. Riki immediately felt that she could be herself around Lee and with their first conversations, they dove deep. Riki, who describes herself as straight-edged, admires the diversity of Lee’s rich life experiences. Lee’s adventurous approach to life makes it easy for Riki to walk outside her comfort zone, in all the best ways.
We met up last Fall to highlight their relationship and photograph their engagement couples photos in Lee’s hometown of Butte, Montana.
When it came to choosing their wedding location, this couple knew that Montana was the only place they wanted to be.
Riki and Lee gathered an intimate group of close friends and family out at their uncle’s property for their DIY Ennis Montana wedding day. It has been a wet June in Montana this year. Upon arriving at their wedding venue, guests were greeted by the vast mountain landscape covered in a lush pallet of green colors. As far as Montana standards go, you could not have had nicer wedding weather.
Their wedding day was carefree and relaxed. The couple got ready together with their friends while sipping coffee, eating bagels and BBQ, and telling countless funny stories. There were numerous special details of their day on display. Riki wore her grandmother’s wedding dress from the 1950s and a sapphire wedding ring she and Lee found in Phillipsburg, Montana mine.
Everyone in attendance worked together to make Riki and Lee’s wedding day special and uniquely their own.
After a lovely, emotional wedding ceremony, Riki and Lee with their wedding guests took in the sunset during the cocktail hour. Guest dined on a satisfying taco buffet provided by Fork and Spoon catering under the reception tent where many heartfelt toasts were made.
Weather moves fast through the Madison Valley. Throughout the day, we had an assortment of epic clouds roll through that created beautiful pockets of sunlight. The group came together to batten down the reception tent when a strong wind and rainstorm moved through. Thankfully, the rainstorm was a short-lived event. At its conclusion, we were rewarded with a lovely rainbow over the Madison Valley and beautiful golden hour light we were able to photograph.
After everyone was fed, tables were cleared to make room for the epic dance party. Orchestrated by the incomparable DJ Missy O’Malley, Riki, Lee, and their wedding guests went wild dancing late into the evening.
In all, this couple’s warmth, adventurousness, kindness, and focus on each other created such an amazing energy to be around. I love documenting love and had such a great time celebrating and photographing Riki and Lee on their big day.
I could not be happier for these two. Congratulations to the bride and gride! I wish them a lifetime of happiness! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Laughing-newlyweds-in-Madison-valley-Ennis-Montana-Wedding.jpg9331400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2023-07-14 18:19:492023-07-14 18:38:33Ennis Montana Wedding of Riki and Lee
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
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Newlyweds-kiss-in-field-at-Wedding-The-Woodlands-at-Cottonwood-Canyon.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2023-06-29 01:35:122023-06-29 02:12:44The Woodlands Rainy Wedding of Shannon and Liam
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/wedding-couple-climb-for-mountain-view-at-Skyview-at-Fall-River-Village-Resort-Estes-Park-Colorado.jpg9331400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2022-11-17 23:35:002023-05-19 23:38:37Skyview at Fall River Village Resort Wedding of John and May
Last fall, I had the pleasure of photographing THE UNION PACIFIC DINING LODGE wedding of Jackie and Mike in West Yellowstone.
Fate brought Jackie and Mike together two years ago when each were in opposite wedding parties of their mutual friend’s wedding. Laughter and charming wit piqued their curiosity about the other and they instantly hit it off.
Each of their professions have them traveling the state in roles that cater to their love of new places and a curiosity to meet new people. Mike is a sales rep for Kettlehouse Brewery and Jackie is a producer at Montana PBS.
The more they got to know one another, their commonalities started stacking up. Mike and Jackie soon discovered they shared a love for the history of national parks. Even more as their relationship grew, they discovered the shared value of deep conversations and intellect. So when the pandemic quarantine came to Montana, these two decided to keep the conversation going and moved in together. Jackie and Mike both agree the experience made them grow even stronger.
For Jackie, she loves the extroverted, loving, and loyal energy Mike brings not only to their relationship but also to everyone around him. “He’s in awe of his people,” said Jackie. “With heart and soul, he is very thoughtful in his approach to planning new experiences for us that I might like. His energy and passion for life is so magnetic. I feel so lucky.”
Tuck, Jackie’s pitbull-Labrador mix (who has now claimed Mike as his, too), agrees. Jackie smiles as she mentioned that Mike and Tuck have become soulmates.
For Mike, he loves Jackie’s desire for adventure, whether that be their frequent small town dates, visiting hotsprings, breweries or canoe racing on the Missouri River. She’s steady and always there for him. They love to play outside together, often adorned in Chacos and Carhartts. Mike would have it no other way.
Life in each other’s company is quite the adventure.
The massive stone building, built in 1925, was the perfect backdrop to the national parks theme they showcased at their wedding for friends and family. After the ceremony, we snuck away to Quake Lake where Montana’s fall colors of gold, yellows and orange were at their peak. We were able explore and create some beautiful wedding photos of them. Returning to the lodge, the celebration kicked off with a BBQ feast and transitioned into a night of dancing and laughing with their wedding guests.
It warms my heart to witness two people who are so perfectly suited for one another. I had an absolute blast with these two and I wish them all the best! -M
To view all of their wedding day photos, click here.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Union-Pacific-Dining-Lodge-Wedding-5509.jpg8001200GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2022-11-05 17:54:002023-03-08 18:00:59Union Pacific Dining Lodge Wedding of Jackie and Mike
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.
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.
Back In late August, I traveled up to the Flathead Valley in northwest Montana to photograph The Nest on Swan River Wedding Day of Lisa and Thomas.
While Lisa is originally from Montana, this couple resides in Hawaii with their children. They wanted to have their wedding celebration in the culture of her home state.
For these two newlyweds, their shared love of country music quickly fostered a strong bond between them when they met in January of 2019. They’ve been singing and dancing together ever since.
During the build up to their wedding day, I got to know these two and what they cherished about their relationship. Both commented on how perfect they felt for one another and their mutual down to earth approach to life. As Thomas puts it, “God put her in my life for the better.”
Thomas loves how her sparklely personality and great sense of humor is enhanced by her thoughtfulness towards others. Lisa has a charming humility that teases out the best in the people around her. He loves seeing her engage and love his three children from a previous relationship as her own. Lisa smiled as she told me about Thomas’s big, marshmallow heart. “He’s so intelligent and spiritual. I love how we can both express our values and ideals to eachother,” she recounted, “He cares so much about my feelings and is so loyal to me and the kids.”
While the surfable waves of Hawaii were absent, The Nest on Swan River Wedding was the perfect setting for their waterside wedding day.
When it came to their wedding plans, Lisa and Thomas wanted to have a relaxing, peaceful time with their friends and family along the water. The versatility of their The Nest at Swan River provided the perfect backdrop. As the bridal parties got ready, their guests enjoyed walking the lush riverside property. Everyone was enjoying the lovely late summer Montana weather. Some guests even assisted the curious local whitetail deer to forage apples on the property. Their lovely, intimate wedding ceremony was held under the tree canopy shade surrounded by their loved ones.
As the sun set over the Swan River, their focus transitioned into a classic Montana celebration. Wild game appetizers paired with great local microbrew beer enticed their wedding guests. The conversation and laughter flowed. Despite a leg injury that limited the groom’s mobility, he traded his usual dance moves for singing on stage. Backed up great live music tunes from the Band of Drifters, Thomas performed a variety of his songs for his new bride. Soon after dinner the band got people twirling back out on the dance floor.
It was a lovely Montana evening enjoyed by all.
Here are some favorite photographs I made through out Lisa and Thomas’ wedding day. It was such a fun event and I was so excited to be apart of their wedding celebration. -M
To view all of the photos from Lisa and Thomas’ wedding day, click here.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lisa-Thomas-Wedding-Day-Photos-The-Nest-on-Swan-River-Greener-Visuals1651.jpg9331400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-10-07 21:26:302023-03-09 05:40:58The Nest on Swan River Wedding Day Photos of Lisa and Thomas
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.
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
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Lisa-Shawn-Wedding-Day-Photos-The-Ellen-Theatre-Greener-Visuals7461.jpg9881400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-06-29 19:28:152023-03-09 21:57:12The Ellen Theatre Wedding Day of Lisa and Shawn
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.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-Ellen-Theatre-Bozeman-Couples-Portrait-Photography-0112-1.jpg9331400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-06-18 19:35:402023-03-09 22:17:53Ellen Theatre Couples Portrait Experience of Lisa and Shawn
Happy New Year everyone! I’m proud to present my Best of 2020 Wedding and Portrait Photography and storied reflections on a year during great uncertainty.
What a wild ride 2020 has been.
At the beginning of 2020, my year was lining up to be the best ever for my business. I was looking forward to photographing a full schedule of wedding dates and also had a dozen or so portrait sessions already on the books.
As the coronavirus pandemic spread its way across the country and quarantine began, most of my clients, rightfully so, made the difficult decision to postpone their celebrations.
Suddenly, I was forced to pivot.
With the uncertainty of how to move forward weighing heavily on many. I too wondered how I would support my photographic livelihood moving forward. It was also a heavy time for my family with the realization that my grandmother was to be admitted into hospice for her end of life care.
An ironic twist to an already surreal time in our world.
I was at home with my family in Missoula in late March, giving support to my grandmother the week before stay-in-place directives kicked in. During that time, I came across some old, favorite family photos that I had made of her throughout the years.
I kept thinking about the nearing end of her life and all of the great times we’ve had together. I realized those photos had suddenly become priceless to me. Captured memories that brought up so many wonderful emotions of love.
I wanted to make sure that my clients had the same chance to celebrate their own relationships.
It was a reminder that good storytelling photography can be that bridge to tap into all those emotions we hold dear towards our loved ones.
How many of us have made excuses over the years, not making the time to be present with our families? And in doing so, have we missed an opportunity to celebrate them and this time together with photography?
I think we’ve all been guilty of it.
Yet, once those loved ones are gone, we would do anything to be back in their presence once more. Crave just one more time to savor their cherished expressions that encapsulates who they are.
Looking back on 2020, I think as a society, we came away with many gifts from the year. For many families it was a time of heightened awareness that while we were socially distancing from our neighbors, some of us were getting to experience the precious moments of togetherness. A new appreciation of our families, loved ones, and pets during this time of unpredictability.
That was something to celebrate.
Giving Back and supporting local charities
During quarantine, I decided to create the Bozeman Front Porch Project. I was looking for a creative path to give back and use my photography skills to help my community in any way I could. The premise of the project was a brief, socially-distanced mini family photo sessions. I photographed families on their front porches, offering it as a chance for them to refocus and celebrate all the good that surrounds them while raising money for local charities.
It was such a joy and highlight for me to give back to the community that has given me so much.
Best of 2020 Wedding & Portrait photography – Positivity comes to fruition
As the year went on, I was blessed to meet an assortment of new clients. Families that wanted to capture and celebrate this time in their lives. I also helped businesses and professionals put their best selves forward by creating fresh business portraits and engaging photographic content for their business websites.
While most of the weddings in 2020 had been postponed, I was still able to photograph a few wedding with their close immediate families present.
As we’ve seen from 2020 worldwide pandemic, sometimes the best-laid plans don’t always work out. But it’s amazing how we can adapt to life’s changing circumstances.
Harley and Amanda were so excited to have a snowy winter wedding at the Gallatin River Lodge. When their wedding day arrived, unfortunately there wasn’t any snow on the ground, only a frigid cold outside . Making the best of situation, we wandered out to the frozen pond to remedy the problem.
When the pandemic canceled the big wedding plans of Addie and Nate, we changed course and instead rode up a backcountry mountain on horseback to photograph their small, intimate wedding ceremony. It ended up being better than they could ever imagine.
During Jordan and Raven’s elegant wedding in the Bridger Mountain foothills, a fast-approaching wildfire forced an emergency evacuation just hours before their ceremony was set to commence. Thankfully, on short notice, another venue was secured. Despite the hiccup, we rolled with it and celebrated their relationship well into the night.
The year seemed to be full of unexpected challenges but in the end, everything worked out. Each of these unique weddings was wonderfully imperfect in its own way.
Despite the struggles of 2020, I think as a community and country we have realized some of the hidden gifts of this pandemic like cherished time with the people that give our lives meaning.
Looking back on my Best of 2020 Wedding & Portrait photography, it wasn’t the year I expected. But all of it was a blessing and a well-needed time for reflection.
Now, with hope on the horizon for the vaccines being distributed, I look forward to the possibilities of 2021. The love I’ll get to document, the families I’ll get to celebrate and the businesses I’ll be able to make shine even brighter.
I’m optimistic about what the future holds.
I’m so grateful for the clients that supported me this past year. I cannot wait to embrace my friends safely again once this storm fades.
Above are some favorite wedding and portrait photographs I created this past wild year. I hope you enjoy them. And when the time is right, I look forward to helping you celebrate what matters most in your life. Happy New Year everyone! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/2020-Best-of-Photography-Title.jpg8011254GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2021-01-18 23:19:282023-06-06 18:34:20Best of 2020 Wedding & Portrait photography – A Year of Reflection
A few weeks back, I traveled to Missoula to photograph the Missoula Engagement Portrait Photography Experience of Eric and Emily.
Eric and Emily met at the River City Roots Festival in Missoula, Montana a year and a half ago. Their shared love of live music has been a foundation of their budding relationship.
When the pandemic was sweeping across the country these two were just moving in with one another.
Despite the uncertainty of this past year, their relationship has continued to flourish and grow into something really special.
Eric loves how Emily is able to find the fun in any situation. He is so grateful for her encouragement that helps him find the joy and boundless potential within himself.
“She loves me through my worst times,” said Eric, who is finishing up a degree in Resource Conservation at The University of Montana. “It’s been game-changing for me. I can show up as I am and that’s okay with her. She accepts me.”
Both of them commented separately on how incredibly grounding each has been for one another in these challenging times.
By the same token, Emily loves Eric’s compassion and his thoughtfulness toward her.
“During our very first argument, rather than get mad, instead he genuinely wanted to understand me. It was so refreshing to be in a healthy relationship with him. Calmly, we worked it out,” said Emily. “He’s an amazing communicator and is so in tune with my feelings. I feel so lucky to have him.”
For their Missoula engagement portrait photography session, these two wanted to celebrate their relationship in one of their favorite places. Years ago,
Happy to oblige, we walked around and explored the fleeting Fall colors within Greenough Park in the Rattlesnake neighborhood. I attended college at the University of Montana and had a good knowledge of places we could check out along Rattlesnake Creek.
Here are a few favorite Missoula Engagement Portrait photographs from our time together.
I could not be more excited for these two lovebirds. -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Missoula-Engagement-Portrait-Photographer-Eric-Emily-Greener-Visuals-0616-scaled.jpg10001500GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2020-11-11 05:39:032023-03-10 17:55:29Missoula Engagement Portrait Photography of Eric & Emily
I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Green Oaks Creek California Wedding Day of Marit and Samir outside Santa Cruz, California.
These two are dear friends of mine. I was honored when they asked me to document their hybrid Jain and Jewish multicultural wedding weekend celebration.
Samir and Marit wanted their wedding to highlight all the important aspects of their lives – honoring their numerous religious traditions, celebrating their family and friends, and a dedication to ethical green practices.
I think the best weddings are the ones where the couple creates an experience that uniquely reflects their shared interests and values. These two did just that.
Like their Sangeet Celebration the day before, it was a splendid event organized under the careful guidance and care of wedding planner Aimee Newlander, of Weddings by Aimee.
They had numerous food booths offering paella and an assortment of delicious vegetarian options. They had bohemian lounges for their guests to relax in and ofcourse, the dance floor entertained all well into the night.
When it came to the wedding day reception, the bride and groom insisted I set my cameras down so I could completely lose myself dancing. We all had a wonderful time!
The warmest congratulations to the bride and groom Marit and Samir!
Here are a few of my favorites from their wedding day celebration.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Green-Oaks-Creek-California-Wedding-Greener-Visuals-2996.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-09-13 09:30:422023-06-02 19:44:45Green Oaks Creek California Wedding Day of Marit and Samir
A few weeks back, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Green Oaks Creek Wedding Sangeet of Marit and Samir outside Santa Cruz, California.
Marit and Samir are dear friends of mine. It was an honor when they asked me to document their hybrid Jain and Jewish multicultural wedding weekend celebration. The experience was a complete joy to be a part of.
For this couple, they wanted a wedding highlighting all the important aspects of their lives – honoring their numerous religious traditions, celebrating of their family and friends, and a dedication to ethical green practices.
The best weddings are where the wedding couple creates an experience that uniquely reflects their shared interests and values.
Being surrounded by so many of my favorite people, it was bound to be an incredibly fun weekend event.
We started the celebration on Thursday with Marit and her female family members getting their traditional bridal mehndi artwork by the talented Modern Mehndi.
Saturday marked the welcome wedding Sangeet celebration before the actual wedding on Sunday. Marit and Samir hosted their wedding festivities at the peaceful Green Oaks Creek Farm, a beautiful organic farm north of Santa Cruz, California.
The premise of the Sangeet is not only to kick off the wedding festivities but more importantly, to join their two families from Texas and Chicago. The goal was to create a space that they could familiarize themselves with one another prior to the big wedding day.
What better way to do so than through laughter, song, food trucks, and dancing.
Everything with their Green Oaks Creek Wedding Sangeet went off without a hitch due to the careful guidance and care of wedding planner Aimee Newlander, of Weddings by Aimee.
Relatives and friends of the bride and groom performed music, taught line dancing, ate delicious food on compostable dishware, and gave toasts of good wishes. Then we danced and danced some more.
The warmest congratulations to the bride and groom Marit and Samir!
Here are a few of my favorites from the evening.
I’m working hard on finishing up their wedding day photos. Stay tuned for more…-M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Green-Oaks-Creek-Farm-Wedding-Sangeet-1422.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-09-12 19:27:032023-06-02 20:29:25Green Oaks Creek Wedding Sangeet of Marit and Samir
Back in August, I photographed the Seattle Washington couples portrait session of my wedding clients Allie and Chris.
This past year I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to make Seattle Washington Couples Portraits of my wedding clients. As a destination wedding and portrait photographer, it’s always such a joy to take photos of my clients in the places that matter most to them.
These two love their city life together in Seattle.
Allie is coming down the final stretch of obtaining her law degree from Seattle University and Chris works as an aircraft engineer. These two are passionate and driven in what they do. Above all else, they really value the time they have with one another in their relationship.
For their Seattle Washington Couples Portraits, they wanted to explore some of their favorite places in Seattle where they love to spend their free time with one another.
We walked through some of their favorite neighborhoods, explored parks near their home and checked out some of their favorite places for a good drink.
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Seattle-Couples-Portrait-Photographer-Greener-Visuals-9199.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-08-30 08:43:062023-06-02 20:12:26Seattle Washington Couples Portraits of Allie and Chris
This past Saturday, I photographed the Deep Creek Range wedding day celebration of Megan and Ben in Paradise Valley, just south of Livingston, Montana.
These two met in 2015 and from the get-go, they had immediate chemistry.
After just three months of dating, they came up with a bold idea. They decided to quit their jobs, sell all their belongings, and bought a teardrop trailer for an impromptu six-week road trip around Colorado, Utah, and the California coast.
That trip would change everything for them. Their shared love of spontaneity and fun, outdoor adventures blossomed into a powerful bond. It would be the first of many wonderful road trips they would share together. Over time, this couple ultimately realized they were the perfect match for one another and became engaged.
I came to know these two wonderful humans when I moved into the house apartment below them in Bozeman. Friendly neighbors quickly became friends over dinners and great bottles of wine.
I was honored when Megan and Ben chose me to photograph their wedding celebration.
The beautiful Deep Creek Range wedding venue was the perfect setting to host their Montana wedding day with friends and family.
On a lovely cool August afternoon, their wedding day was 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 could not be more happy for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Deep-Creek-Range-Wedding-BenMegan-Greener-Visuals-4519.jpg8011200GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-08-24 16:31:562023-06-02 20:03:00Deep Creek Range Wedding Day of Megan & Ben
A week ago, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Countryside Bozeman Montana Wedding of Courtney and Josh.
On a cool August sunny day, their small intimate Countryside Bozeman Montana Wedding was held at her father’s property here in the Gallatin Valley.
I met Courtney and her family a few years back when I photographed her sister Jenny’s wedding celebration here in Bozeman.
While Courtney and Josh have only been dating for the last two years, they have known each other since they were twelve years old. Josh admitted that he had a life-long crush on her when they were growing up together in Bozeman.
As they were coming of age, he was her first kiss. They stayed friends.
Years later, they reconnected and began cultivating a stronger bond with one another. For her, it was his unconditional support and selflessness. For him, he loves her confidence, intelligence, and nurturing presence.
Over the last six months, it’s been great getting to know these two even more and discovering what they love most about each other and their relationship.
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 at their countryside Bozeman Montana wedding.
Surrounded by family and friends, they spent the evening eating great food and dancing the night away.
Here are some favorite wedding photos from their wedding day. I could not be more happy for these two. Congrats to the newlyweds! -M
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bozeman-Wedding-Photography-Courtney-Josh-GreenerVisuals-3432-2.jpg8011200GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-08-20 04:04:122023-06-02 21:14:49Countryside Bozeman Montana Wedding of Courtney & Josh
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
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bozeman-Wedding-Photography-Courtney-Josh-GreenerVisuals-3432-1.jpg8011200GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-08-13 17:24:402019-08-13 17:36:36Bozeman Wedding Day Photography of Courtney & Josh Preview
Earlier this summer, I went hiking with my wedding clients Courtney and Josh for their Hyalite Canyon Engagement Portraits outside of Bozeman, Montana.
I met Courtney and her family a few years back when I photographed her sister Jenny’s wedding celebration here in Bozeman.
While Courtney and Josh have only been dating for the last two years, they have known each other since they were twelve years old. Josh admitted that he had a life-long crush on her when they were growing up together in Bozeman.
As they were coming of age, he was her first kiss. They stayed friends.
Years later, they reconnected and began cultivating a stronger bond with one another. For her, it was his unconditional support and selflessness. For him, he loves her confidence, intelligence, and nurturing presence.
Hyalite Canyon, in their youth and now in their relationship, has been a special place for them to explore. Nowadays, it’s often with Mia, their 16-month-old blue healer mix pup in tow. Together, we decided it would be the perfect place to photograph their Hyalite Canyon Engagement Portraits.
With their wedding day only a week away, as Josh puts it, “It feels like we are leveling up now in life.”
How appropriate that when we were out hiking in the mountains, we went to one of their favorite trees in the forest and climbed up for a photograph.
It’s exciting to see two people so perfectly matched for one another. This weekend is going to be a fantastic wedding celebration!
A few weeks back, I photographed the Bozeman Holy Rosary Church Wedding of Cassie and Justin and their wedding reception at Bridger Bowl Ski Resort.
After dating for the past eight years, Cassie and Justing wanted to say their vows during their Holy Rosary Church Wedding surrounded by the most important people in their lives. Their celebration after the ceremony would be amongst the mountainous backdrop of Southwest Montana at a place they both love so much, Bridger Bowl Ski Area.
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 the newlyweds have 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 rain 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 by dancing, eating crusted trout and elk tenderloin (delicious!), 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
https://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Bridger-Bowl-Wedding-Photography-Cassie-Justin-0804-1.jpg9341400GreenerVisualshttps://greenervisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Logo-Greener-Visuals-Photography-Horizontal_color_web-1.pngGreenerVisuals2019-07-26 21:31:592023-06-02 23:18:22Bozeman Holy Rosary Church Wedding of Cassie and Justin
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