mery donald photographics

Nummy's Little Luvs

2011-12-02T18:13:00.001-07:00

Three beautiful cousins + helpful parents + a grandma who adores them and a determined photographer...

Thanksgiving weekend = smiles, a few tears, silly faces, games and dancing!

Beautiful, beautiful blessings!

visit merydonald.com

Little Bitty Clayton

2011-10-30T22:28:00.000-06:00

This super-smiley guy was feeling a bit serious in front of the camera, at first...

But after a short nap...

he started to bring out his bag of tricks!

Trick or Treat Clayton!

I'm sure you will be filling Mommy and Daddy's Halloween with treats!

Melville School at Rocky Creek Farm

2011-10-23T19:38:00.005-06:00

A beautiful morning at Rocky Creek Farm...

View all photos from the field trip

Nikki and Burke

2011-07-28T12:56:00.000-06:00

Nikki and Burke had been great friends since high school. A couple of years ago they both realized the person they had been looking for was right there all along (sounds like a song, doesn't it?)!

Last weekend they made it forever at the Double Arrow Resort near Seeley Lake in the Swan Valley. They couldn't have scripted a more beautiful day... everything was perfect. They were even surprised by their friends with a scavenger hunt to find the rings, during the ceremony!

visit merydonald.com

view all Nikki and Burke's wedding images

Jennie and Nathan tie the knot!

2011-07-08T14:21:00.000-06:00

Jennie and Nathan were married last weekend in a fairytale beautiful wedding. It looked to be straight from Hollywood with the beautiful grasses, grazing horses and the Crazy Mountains as a dramatic backdrop. After the ceremony the party began back at the Anderson family ranch with a scrumptious dinner by Zac's Montana Kitchen of Livingston. Guests enjoyed great wines in the golden evening light and fireworks after dark.

Congratulations Jennie and Nathan!

view more images from the wedding day here

visit merydonald.com

Ella Louise

2011-06-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

Another favorite from my session with The Girls....

The Girls

2011-06-29T16:28:00.000-06:00

Emily and Mike get married!

2011-05-30T17:24:00.184-06:00

Against all odds Emily and Mike had a beautiful, mostly sunny day for their wedding at Chico Hot Springs. A few raindrops fell but certainly didn't dampen anyone's spirits! Mike and Emily exchanged personal vows in a beautiful ceremony that featured Clifford as the super-handsome ring bearer. (See this post for more of Clifford.)

Emily wore the same dress that her grandmother wore on her wedding day!

The ladies in the wedding party wore custom jewelry made from vintage pieces, designed by a friend of the bride.

Home-made cookies... all baked by the groom!

Emily and Mike are truly one of the nicest couples I have ever had the pleasure to work with... and so in love!

Congratulations you two! I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

view more images from the wedding

visit merydonald.com

Emily and Mike

2011-05-10T20:53:00.056-06:00

I'm back in the swing of things!

After a lovely couple of months hiatus, focusing more time on home and family, I am refreshed and inspired. I jumped back into the wedding season, photographing Emily and Mike (with special guest "Clifford") for their engagement. The wedding is in just a couple of weeks... I'm glad Mother Nature is saving up the NICE weather for them!

In all seriousness they are a wonderful couple and I think we all enjoyed the time outside. Mmmm, except maybe Clifford, he wasn't allowed to get muddy!

Chan Chen Mexico

2011-04-07T13:38:00.053-06:00

Earlier this winter Josh and I visited the small village of Chan Chen. It is located in the jungles of the Mexican Yucatan in the “Mayan Zone”. We did a simple Google search for mission work in the area we were visiting. The search put us in touch with Doug Millar an American pastor who has been working in the Yucatan for the past 14 years. Doug’s group is working with the people of Chan Chen to come up with sustainable income opportunities for the villagers. Many men have to move to the cities, leaving behind their families, in search of income. Currently they are working on a small “hotel” to house tourists interested in the area, and assisting the local Mayans to market their honey to tourists. Both will create jobs that can make it possible for families to stay together. Doug and his wife, Darla along with others from their church, are also teaching ESL classes and bring 5 church services, both Spanish and English, to the Playa del Carmen area.

Doug was kind enough to take the time to give us a quick tour of the village introducing us to some of the people. We also met an up-and–coming rancher who is working hard to get a herd of cattle going on his small ranchero. I had about two hours to shoot… not nearly enough, of course! Below is a synopsis in photos…

links to Doug's church and mission group...

mission

church

Icy

2011-01-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when winter is getting me down all I have to do is take my camera along with me on a walk and I have a whole new perspective...

Charlie!

2010-11-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just a few of the images from my TURBO session with Charlie last week. A beautiful, high-speed two year-old!

And now for the ~~bribe~~, I mean reward!

Thanks Charlie!

dogs and their girls

2010-11-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

I have to disagree with the old adage that "a dog is man's best friend"... well maybe sometimes, but I know from experience that a dog is often a woman's best friend.

I know these two young ladies and their canine companions agree...

Whitney and Señior Tres ...

Tres and his lady-friend Sophie

Miss Sophie

Bekah and Mr. Teddy...

Seniors || Brigit and Sterling

2010-11-02T17:37:00.002-06:00

With summer all wrapped up I'm playing catch-up on the blog...

I don't photograph very many seniors but I had the chance to work with a couple of great kids lately. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you both! I'm sure you will be great success in the next chapter of your life!

Ladies first...

and Sterling...

In the words of the great Dr. Seuss, "Oh the places you'll go!"

Jennie and Nathan

2010-10-16T09:36:00.000-06:00

We have been so blessed with an amazing fall here in southern Montana. Last year at this time we had 2 feet of snow on the ground! So I've been loving every minute of it. Last week I spent another of those beautiful golden evenings with Jennie and Nathan. We had so much fun playing around in the evening sun. They made my job so easy!

Thanks Jennie and Nathan! I can't wait to capture your wedding day next summer!

Angela and Andrew

2010-09-22T14:00:00.000-06:00

Big Fork, Montana

Their story began when they met at a Fed Ex store in Big Fork several years ago, the knot was tied for good last Saturday! The day started out a little gloomy but ended with the warm sun setting on Flathead Lake.

Such a romantic location!

The handsome groom

A beautiful backdrop... the mountains peeking through the mist

Angela looked positively stunning in an ivory lace gown with a white sash.

Near Angela's childhood home on the Swan River

Super yummy red velvet cupcakes (I ate 2!)

Congratulations Andrew and Angela!

view more wedding photos

visit merydonald.com

Devin and Samantha Sampler

2010-09-16T14:11:00.000-06:00

Samantha and Devin are a beautiful young Montana couple. They were married in a lovely ceremony at the Melville Lutheran Church under the amazing Crazy Mountains. They were blessed with a perfect, clear and surprisingly wind-free day! They left the church and mounted a team drawn wagon in Big Timber, clopped down McLeod Street and joined their families and friends for a tasty dinner and dancing.

Congratulations Samantha and Devin! May God bless your marriage.

view all wedding pictures
visit merydonald.com

Rylee

2010-08-29T13:51:00.000-06:00

Little Rylee's eyes sparkle!

I love it when I have the opportunity to meet and photograph the babies of my past wedding clients. It is awesome to see the mix of Mommy and Daddy in these beautiful little people. I met Rylee for the first time last week. She was visiting Grandpa and Grandma (or maybe it was BAMA?) with her mom who was one of my gorgeous brides from 2008.

I bet Daddy is missing them badly so here's a little preview of your beautiful girls Jesse...

Penny and Andy's Wedding Day

2010-08-17T17:17:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday was a beautiful day. Despite the rain and cold a beautiful, radient bride walked down the aisle to marry her prince charming. Their connection lit up the rest of the day. They had an elegant reception at Moonlight Lodge with warm touches of yellow, gold and beeswax designed by Katlin Green and gorgeous flowers by Avant. The bride celebrated her Greek heritage with a crowning ceremony during the wedding and Greek dancing at the reception.

I first worked with Penny and Andy when I photographed their engagement session in Florida. Click here to see the photos.

Congratulations to a wonderful couple!

visit event website

visit merydonald.com

Andi and Charlton

2010-08-05T11:19:00.001-06:00

Elegant || Beautiful || Romantic ||

That was Andi and Charlton 's wedding celebration last weekend at the 320 Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. They exchanged very personal vows, with readings from "The Irrational Season" by Madeleine L'Engle and "Pategonia" by Kate Clanchy, against a dramatic and threatening sky along the Gallatin River. Somehow the storm skirted the canyon and they walked down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. in the glowing evening sunshine. The beautiful flowers by Avant Floral added a colorful punch and the groomsmen sported custom ties with the bride and groom's logo.

Thanks so much Andi and Charlton... and here's to a beautiful future!

visit wedding website

visit merydonald.com

Caleb and Brooke tie the knot

2010-08-02T21:02:00.000-06:00

I had the privledge to capture Brooke and Caleb's wedding day at the beautiful Lazy B Farm last week. What an amazing couple! They have a depth of maturity and connection that is rare to find in young couples.

A sample of the images...

The first look...

Just like a fairy tale...

I love this! This is one of my favorite images.

these baby cupcakes were as delicious as they are cute!

Brooke and Caleb, thank you for choosing me to photograph your wedding and have a wonderful happy ever after!

visit wedding website

visit mery donald.com

Marlene and Adam

2010-06-28T16:00:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday I had the privledge to photograph a beautiful couple... Marlene and Adam. They made my job so easy. They are both lovely people and absolutely gorgeous! Not only that but they made me feel like family.

I'm really blessed to get to work with so many amazing people.

After the ceremony guests gathered at The Pine Creek Cafe' to celebrate with Marlene and Adam's signature beer.

A friend of the bride made the luscious caramel filled cake. Mmmmm!

Cheers, Marlene and Adam!

visit the event website

visit merydonald.com

Penny and Andy

2010-06-09T12:10:00.000-06:00

They met in business school... their paths crossed in only one class but that's all it took. Penny and Andy were on each other's radar. After graduation they started seeing each other. A long distance relationship Chicago - Florida... and the rest is history!

Penny and Andy invited me to Florida for an engagement shoot and treated me like family. I was more than happy to oblige, especially since summer has not yet arrived in Montana. It was nice to soak up some heat and sun.

Thanks so much I had a wonderful time. Can't wait to see you again for the main event in July!

Lisa and Glenn

2010-06-05T11:16:00.007-06:00

Lisa and Glenn tied the knot on the pier at Marsh's lighthouse on Roanoke Island, Manteo, North Carolina. A wonderful little town on the outer banks.

One word... amazing! Anyway, a picture is worth a thousand words, right??

Lisa and Glenn... Have a happily ever after!

visit gallery of selected images

visit event website

visit merydonald.com

Puppy Dog Eyes

2010-05-29T18:04:00.000-06:00

Look who I met today!

Sasha is so beautiful and she has the most perfect 'puppy dog eyes' I have ever seen... and I've seen my share of canines!

Samantha and Devin

2010-05-28T14:34:00.000-06:00

Samantha and Devin are getting married this fall and were traveling through yesterday. We had a few hours scheduled for an engagement shoot. The weather wasn't what we hoped it would be but there was no chance to reschedule so we gave it a try... I LOVE the result! It looks like the Scottish Highlands to me. It's not very often that I get the opportunity to shoot in warm fog here in Melville.

Enjoy!!

Marie || montana children's photographer

2010-05-18T15:10:00.000-06:00

Introducing Marie...

and her loving big sis...

visit my website

Early Spring

2010-04-30T10:41:00.002-06:00

Another recent favorite to share with you...

It's been awhile!

2010-04-28T10:38:00.001-06:00

Please forgive the blog silence... sometimes life gets in the way of blogging! (As it well should).

I have been busy mothering, wifing (is that a word??) and working on fine art projects. Not to mention that my dog got sprayed by a skunk and it takes a lot or work to get rid of that nostril burning stench! Any suggestions?

This spring I started something new. It is called the 365 project. The idea is to post a photo a day to the site thereby creating a pictorial journal. It's been great! I love the freedom of shooting and it's really gotten me 'out there' with my camera. You can view my work here.

Let me know if you start your own project. I'd love to check it out.

visit my website

We can do better

2010-02-21T20:45:00.002-07:00

Medical Ward room at Provincial Hospital, Tagbilaran.

We can do better. Near the end of my Philippine trip I had the opportunity to visit and photograph 2 hospitals and 1 clinic in Bohol. One hospital was privately owned, the other a government hospital and a government clinic. It was quite an experience! The hallways were dark and stifling, their equipment, where it existed was antiquated and crumbling. Rooms and hallways were crowded with patients, beyond what we would ever consider acceptable. In places patients shared a crusty and torn old hospital bed.

Hallway crowded with patients and family.

We were allowed to enter the "ICU" in one facility, which consisted of a lit room with two beds. Each bed had only one patient and it was by far the nicest room I saw that day. In one bed was a man who appeared to have been in a serious accident of some kind. In the other was a man, probably between the ages of 50 and 60, that had undergone some type of surgery, presumably open-heart, judging from his incision. This man was surrounded by a few family members that were there to monitor his progress and deliver oxygen to his lungs. Can you imagine? They were responsible for "bagging" him around the clock for as long as it might take! These family members were not trained medical professionals, but it was up to them to keep pumping away at 20 breaths per minute. If they didn't? Their father would certainly die. The bag valve mask they had to use was cracking and taped to minimize the leaks. I was stunned! I had never imagined anything like that taking place. It is unbelievable that in this world filled with all kinds of technology and amazing medical advancements that these types of things occur and are the norm in some areas.

Family members bag a patient at Provincial Hospital

Montana on a Mission has developed a relationship with the privately owned hospital in Tagbilaran where in exchange for donated equipment and supplies the hospital will in turn discount services for the citizens of the barrios that MOM works with, up to the total value of the items donated. This results in a win-win situation... all patients at the hospital benefit from the donations and the barrio residents additionally benefit in receiving medical care at a discount, which they could not otherwise afford. To date, medical equipment and supplies have been donated by St. Vincent's (Billings, MT) and Billings Clinic and several other hospitals in Montana and Washington and distributed to hospitals and clinics in Bohol.

The Emergency Room at Provincial Hospital

Hospital maintainance workers "freshen up" hospital beds with a coat of paint

Operating Room

If this moves you, tugs at your heart, makes you think, "what if that were me?" please consider helping through prayer, a monetary donation or if you know of medical equipment that a facility may be willing to donate please leave a comment or contact me directly through my website.

We can do better, they deserve better.

The sights of Loboc

2010-02-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

On our last evening in Bohol we took a trip down the road about 20 minutes to the town of Loboc. We spent about an hour looking around taking in the sights.

Of course, photo ops abound!

Loboc River

The tiny Tarsier Monkey, native to Bohol

,
Fresh food market

A favorite mode of transportation

street food

the squiggly ones... mmm hmmm, yep they're chicken intestines

The Church of San Pedro Apostol origanlly built by the Spanish 400 over years ago

Clock tower in town center

Loboc sunset

Home Blessed Home

2010-02-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

Woman from barrio "concepcion" collecting fresh water to haul back to her home

After two amazing weeks in Thailand and The Philippines we are back home in Montana. We all know in our heads how lucky we are to live here in the U.S. We have a standard of living that is unmatched, limitless opportunities and freedoms that just don't exist in many other countries around the world, blah, blah, blah, right? But do we really hold this knowledge in our hearts? I know I will hold these truths closer now that I have not only seen but really gotten to know people who are not so lucky. Today I am so appreciative of hot showers, clean water, electricity, my bed, nutritious food choices, my car, a great school for my children, my church, premium health care... the list goes on and on. I know it will be easy to slip back into taking these things for granted so I pledge to look over the stories and photographs in my journal each time I need a reminder of how I have been blessed.

I have also come to the realization that these blessings weren't given to me merely for my enjoyment and comfort but as a gift for me to use to bring blessings and the knowledge of God's love to others. I challenge you to think about how you can use your gifts to benefit others. Don't be overwhelmed, small changes can make a huge difference. Just come up with one thing you can start with today.

Books!

2010-01-26T18:03:00.002-07:00

Monday we delivered the teacher resource books and textbooks to the school. It looked like it might rain so we unloaded the books on the covered ampitheater area. Immediately the kids came running from the playground to see what we were doing. They helped unload the boxes full of books and proceeded to choose one and sit down to read! The sound of each child sitting quietly reading their own book aloud was amazing... just a hum.

Montana on a Mission || Day 4 - a day of rest

2010-01-25T06:02:00.004-07:00

Sunday was a day I had really been looking forward to... sharing worship time with the people of Calunasan Sur. The morning fellowship was held at Singalan Balay at 9:30 as usual (9:00 Filipino Time) only with the addition of 12 "visitors" from Montana, Oregon and Florida, the Montana on a Mission team.

Little Beboy ran to meet me and did his usual palm-tree style climb up my legs and into my arms... looking at me with those luminous brown eyes. The service began with hymns, both in Vasayn and English, The Holy Spirit was without a doubt in the room. The feelings that washed over me were undeniable. It was so wonderful to share His presence with these people who are clearly so close to God.

Montana on a Mission || Day 3

2010-01-25T05:18:00.007-07:00

Yikes! I am getting behind! So much is happening here, it's wonderful!

Saturday Singalan Balay hosted a free medical/ dental clinic available to the people of Calunasan Sur and the neighboring barrios. Scheduled to start at 9:00 am people started hiking up the driveway and lined up before the doctors, dentists and pharmacists arrived. 242 patients were seen and treated by 5:00 that evening. Eyeglasses that were donated by Dr. McBride's office in Billings, Montana were available and the people that came to the clinic took home what they could use. By late morning the rain started pouring down but it didn't deter a soul! Some people literally waited all day for their turn to be seen... probably their only chance at medical attention for quite awhile.

and don't forget to check out the new video by Jay Pravecek... on the right side of the blog.

Montana on a Mission || Day 2

2010-01-22T22:56:00.016-07:00

Yesterday, our first full day here in the Philippines the team got to work on their designated tasks.
Josh - went to work painting the playground equipment at the elementary school.

Jay - videotaped some of the teachers and classes as well as working on the internet installation at the school.

Justin and Tom - began working on getting all of the donated computer equipment up to date and running.

Jeanne - began working with the ladies at the production center (CPC) on evaluation of current products as well as brainstorming and designing prototypes of new products.

Jane, Deb and Cheryl - went to work sorting and categorizing the donated library books and text books.

Roy - helped tear out the floor in Bebe's house and supervised digging holes for cornerposts.

Denny and Ellen worked on managing the logistics and educating us newbies.

Whew!

I have met some amazing people that I will never forget. I have never seen so many beautiful smiles and peaceful souls. Nearly everyone I photographed seemed completely comfortable in their own skin, which is a rare thing in the United States. The people of the barrio have a serene presence that really comes through in the photographs. It almost reaches out of the images.
Take a look....

Miss Agnes' new Pre-K and Kindergarten classroom

an enthusiastic student - "Wilson"

Opening coconuts for snacks.

Everyone removes their "slippers" before entering a room

Miss Enday's first grade class - 38 students!

Class Picture

Mr. Josh and his helpers paint the play tower

A game the girls play called "zero-zero" - a combination of cat's cradle and jumprope.

The library commitee (Deb, Cheryl and Jane) meets with Evelyn the school headmistress.

everyone plants produce in old paint cans

Putting up the internet tower at the school

rice!

A worker in the rice fields

A peaceful spirit is one of God's greatest gifts. May God bless you!

For more information visit the Montana on a Mission website

Montana on a Mission || Day One

2010-01-21T05:31:00.011-07:00

Kumusta,

We are here! After two days (seems like weeks) of traveling we arrived at Tagbilaran airport yesterday morning and made our way to Sunrise House. Jay, Justin and I rode on top of the bus with our luggage. It made for an interesting ride and provided lots of entertainment for the natives! Upon arriving we had lunch and took a tour of the barrio.

Okay, so my brain is still wondering which time zone we are in so I am presenting these images in random order....

Kindergartners in Miss Agnes's new and imroved classroom.

A carabao

Bebe's house

waiting at Sea-Tac

arriving at Tagbilaran

Our bus

a rhinocerous beetle

Bebe at her house

Loboc

rice fields on the road to Loboc

school children

A new building at the school.

working on the school library in the new building

the computer center in the new school building

CPC (Calunasan Sur Production Center) handmade products

The CPC

Bebe in her house

The electrical system in Tagbilaran is unreal!

Jay and Justin on the bus.

On the way to Calunasan Sur from the airport

Hobble-Hobble

at the airport

That's all for now. Headed out today to take pictures at the school and conduct scholarship interviews.

God Bless.

Brides Magazine

2010-01-13T11:11:00.002-07:00

The February issue of Bride's Magazine just came out and I am thrilled to be included in it! With the closure of so many magazines lately, competition for editorial inclusion has become even more fierce. This does translate to higher quality within the publications who have survived.

I love my glossies and hope to continue to be a regular contributor!

Montana on a Mission

2010-01-02T12:00:00.002-07:00

Can you imagine trying to live on $3.00 or less a day? How about having to live with chronic unemployment, inadequate health care, insufficient food for your family, substandard education, and difficult housing conditions? What would life be like if your only form of transportation was your own two feet?
This is a reality for many of the people of Calunasan Sur, Bohol, Philippines. This month my husband, Josh and I are traveling as members of "Montana on a Mission" with a group from Montana. We will be working in the barrio of Calunasan Sur alongside two families to improve their housing, assisting local individuals by training and designing handcrafted items for sale to tourists, and setting up the first of its kind, Learning Center in the local barrio. All of these projects are designed to give this barrio and the families and individuals in it a chance to grow out of poverty.

Here's one story of how this has already worked. This story with some minimal differences is representative of many families in Calunasan Sur. The Acain Family; Ramel, Vicky and their three children had a home that was literally falling down. They had no water and therefore no facilities to wash clothes, shower or for a toilet. Vicky was planning to go to work in Manila leaving her family behind including "Be Boy" who was then two years old. MOM came along side the family. First, they and the other families were provided with two deep wells and several cisterns to supply water by a newly installed distribution system to each home. Vicky and family then had a sink, shower, laundry area and toilet. Vicky was trained to sew by one of our team and today sells her own line of clothing. She has named her business "Vanessa Designs" after her daughter and she is home with her family, not in Manila. Ramel is now employed as a carpenter’s helper and works making small wooden items in a new production center built by MOM. There is now hope in the family and the children have taken a renewed interest in school.

(images courtesy of MOM)

We are inviting you to partner with us by asking you to help finance these efforts in January. Each of us are providing for our own travel expenses and subsistence. Any donations will go entirely to fund the materials for building the computer center, library and pre-school classroom furniture, flooring, electrical etc.
We will also be building two homes for homeless families. Lastly we need to provide start-up materials for women to make clothing, handicrafts and small wooden items to sell in a newly established "River Hut".

Please join me in becoming advocates for these wonderful people. Montana on a Mission is a 501(c)(3) organization so all of your donations are tax-exempt. You can send your check, made out to Montana on a Mission, to me or contribute on the Montana on a Mission website through the Donate button on the front page. Please visit the website for more information. I will keep you informed about how your donation is used. In addition to working alongside the locals I will be documenting our trip and the local culture. Please subscribe to the RSS feed on my blog to keep up with our adventures. Thanks so much for your consideration in sharing what He has first given us.

God Bless.

Happy Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T19:50:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! Thanks so much for you patronage and following for the past year.

Here's to a wonderful 2010 fillled with peace, happiness, love and countless blessings!

One of my resolutions is to include more personal content from here on the ranch. It's an interesting life that we lead... hope you enjoy!

les petit filles || montana children's photographer

2009-12-05T13:58:00.009-07:00

Two little girls, 4 cats and one gorgeous mama makes for a fun photo shoot! (The cats asked for anonimity so they won't be seen here). We never had everyone feeling happy at the same time but that's real life! I love the images we captured and I know they reflect the spirit and personalities of these particular filles!

This little beauty went from demure to....

DONE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! in no time flat!

and sister is a beautiful little snuggle puppy...

and for a little fun... I couldn't resist!

Thanks ladies! Have a Merry Christmas!

Wanna see an album layout?

2009-12-03T15:32:00.002-07:00

Click the link to see a brand spankin' new layout from Jeana and Bob's October wedding...

Jeana and Bob's Dreamy Book

portfolio

Dayla and Jared || montana wedding photographer

2009-12-02T13:52:00.010-07:00

I photographed Dayla and Jared's wedding in Lewistown, Montana last weekend. This was my first trip to Lewistown so I wasn't sure what I would find but Dayla had chosen some amazing locations. She and Jared braved the icy wind without complaint I might add!

They are a gorgeous couple and so much in love. You can see it all over their faces....

The Golden Hour

2009-11-12T11:41:00.007-07:00

One of my favorites from my shoot yesterday...

Gotta love the golden hour! (although I think it's more like 20 minutes)

It makes me feel warm looking at it.

Race at Lost Creek

2009-11-08T19:05:00.007-07:00

A couple weeks ago my husband and I took part in an awesome fundraiser event at Lost Creek Ranch. The event was patterned after "The Amazing Race" on CBS and was to benefit our local grade school. Ten teams competed to be the first to complete 10 challenges and bring home the grand prize package. We were lucky enough to have a beautiful day and I know a good time was had by all. Challenges ranged from agility and strength to fire skills and even wine identification and exotic insect consumption! Bleckk! The after party and dinner was sponsored by our hosts, John, Catherine, Bryan and Sarah. It was definately a good time to schedule an overnight babysitter! Thanks so much to our hosts and all of the participants!

Here's to next year!

View the entire event gallery here.

Tis the season

2009-10-29T14:34:00.026-06:00

Tis the season for... Well, lots of things! But I had my mind on getting ready to send Christmas and holiday cards. Here are a few examples of the awesome custom cards we are offering this year...

They are available in folded 4.5 x 5" or 5x7" on beautiful glossy coated heavy cardstock or pearl cardstock. Contact me for more

info!

Make Way For Ducklings!

2009-10-22T14:46:00.008-06:00

Some memories from our recent family trip to Boston and New England. It was all about autumn...

crispy macintosh apples

apple cider donuts

Vermont white cheddar

rainbow colored leaves

pumpkins

scarves

Boston cream pie
maple syrup
knitting

mmmm!

Montana Masterchefs 2009

2009-10-18T11:14:00.010-06:00

Chalk up one more unforgettable MMC for Paws Up this year! Amazing menus and food prepared by Kent Rathbun of Jasper's and Abacus in Dallas, 2008 Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, 2009 Top Chef winner Hosea Rosenberg and Paws Up's own Wes Coffel. Beautiful wines by Frog's Leap, Stag's Leap and Joseph Phelps and of course, lots of new friends, old friends and fun! Okay, enough talk, let the pictures speak for themselves....

I can't wait for next year!

Our Little School

2009-09-15T15:11:00.002-06:00

School picture day at our little school... and we love it!

Paul and Sara - Helena, MT

2009-09-10T11:42:00.003-06:00

Be Thou My Vision

2009-08-26T09:19:00.008-06:00

Last week I was part of a women's retreat in Bend, Oregon called "Be thou my vision". We explored God's purpose for our life. Pretty huge, and SO important! It was an amazing few days... we all felt that God hand-picked us to be together at this particular time. I think everyone came away from this experience together permanently changed and even more in tune with the Spirit. Early each morning I took a hike with 2 of my new friends Beth and Erin (both amazing photographers!). Of course I brought my camera along one morning and captured these images. I feel more at peace just looking at them!

I want to thank Jane Johnson for putting the retreat together, it was amazing!

I miss you all already!

Sean, Kat and a field full of sun!

2009-08-24T15:02:00.007-06:00

Whew! Have I been rollin'! My latest trip was to over yonder North Dakota to shoot a wedding. Being my first trip to NoDak I wasn't sure what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised. One of my favorite finds was field after field of sunflowers in full bloom! They were amazing! Of course I took full advantage of it! I was able to coax the entire wedding wedding party a few miles down the road after the ceremony to catch the sunflowers as the sun was setting. It was awesome! A funny thing happened while we were there... As everyone is getting set up in front of the field we keep hearing this weird sound. Next thing we know this adorable orange tiger kitten comes out of the field! Of course, between the 6 year-old flower girl, the bride(Kat) and I the kitten wasn't short on kisses, pets and baby talk! We finished up the pictures (albeit a little distracted) and went to load back up on the wagon but the kitten was determined to follow us! What should we do? He wouldn't stay put and seemed really glad to see us so I wondered if he was lost. Well we decided to take him down the road to a house we passed on the way. Maybe they would know something about him. Well, unfortunately they weren't home but we were able to leave him there and hope that they would know where he came from. Anyway.... hope you found your home kitty!

Sean and Kat are such an incredible couple! It is so obvious that they were made for each other and have forever together to look forward to.

Thanks so much Kat and Sean for including me in your beautiful celebration. I wish you the best always!

Beautiful!

2009-08-18T16:43:00.005-06:00

Last week I met this beautiful family of four...

Just a sampling from the shoot.

Thanks so much!

And peanuts make four

2009-08-14T14:29:00.006-06:00

Last week I met up with Shane and Maggie (I photographed their wedding 4 years ago) and their beautiful children. We shot at Shane's family ranch and even incorporated the house where Shane's Dad grew up. The DC kids had a great time on the tractor!

Shane and Maggie, it was so good to see you again and to meet the little peanuts! Thanks so much! Be well...

Paul and Sara

2009-08-10T09:14:00.009-06:00

A sneak-peek at Sara and Paul's gorgeous wedding last weekend... slideshow to follow :)

Thanks Sara, Paul and Hogatha!

A family that plays together...

2009-07-22T13:31:00.006-06:00

This beautiful family really knows how to do it right. They work and play as a family and really make it look easy. You really do!

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Big Girl!

2009-07-09T21:38:00.004-06:00

Teeny tiny Emilia is growing up... and what a beauty she is!

Hertha and John ... The Slideshow

2009-07-02T22:58:00.003-06:00

I love, love, love outdoor weddings! Lucky for me it hardly ever rains all day in Montana in the summer. We do have to contend with some wind though! That's okay! The scenery, characters, and light all make up for it.

Here it is... the whole story... what a beautiful day! (and night) ;)

Hertha and John

2009-06-29T16:56:00.002-06:00

Here's a sneak peek at Hertha and John's beautiful ranch wedding last weekend. Full slideshow coming soon...

Rachele and Mark

2009-06-22T16:59:00.002-06:00

Rachele, Mark and a few of their closest friends and family traveled to Montana to enjoy the wide open spaces at the gorgeous Paws Up Resort. It was raining until just before the ceremony when the skies brightened just in time for Rachele and Mark to walk down the aisle on the banks of the Blackfoot River. At the last minute Rachele decided to replace her waiting bouquet with a bunch of fresh lilacs from the property. They were such a beautiful deep purple and so fragrant... good call! After the ceremony everyone loaded up in horse-drawn wagons for a ride in to the wilderness country with champagne of course! Next everyone warmed up by the campfire and made some impromptu smores hor'dourves ... yum chocolate before dinner! I love it! Later we headed over to Pomp for an incredible dinner. It was so much fun getting to know Rachele and Mark and to see them enjoy Montana and incorporate the West into their wedding. They brought cowboy hats for everyone to wear! Thanks so much for including me!

My Girls

2009-06-14T20:50:00.004-06:00

A few more images from my session with my little loves.... We're saving these for father's day shhhh!

Rodeo with David Stoecklein

2009-06-08T21:53:00.004-06:00

Despite the rude weather this weekend (snow!!!) I had a great time photogrpahing the Wilsall Rodeo on Saturday evening. And was I in good company... the amazing photographer David Stoecklein was there with me and a group of other photographers. David was great, so nice, funny and very generous with his knowlege. I know we were all glad we braved the cold.

I haven't had much time to edit but here are a few of my favorites...

Our New Baby!

2009-05-24T21:24:00.004-06:00

Wow! I just realized that another month has flown by (accompanied by a long blogging absence from me)! May was a busy one... field trips, school picnics, new calves, branding and of course photographing this busy busy life. One thing that has taken much of our attention over the past few days (rightfully so!) is our new little Lucy. We took her for a little hike yesterday and her first picnic.

Introducing Lucy...

I must admit she has stirred up the sibling rivalry a bit!

And good old Willie thinks she's a bit much. But he's being very tolerant of his new little sis.

Oh she's fun! I think we'll soon be past the middle of the night potty breaks and the constant "It's MY turn to hold her!" (maybe I'll get a chance) ... afterall we just found out we have a litter of kittens on the way!

horse whisperer

2009-05-04T09:51:00.003-06:00

I was gathering our things yesterdy morning and suddenly realized it was quiet. This always means something is up... Emma is never quiet for long. I wondered where she was. I peaked out the door and this is what I saw...

Thank goodness my camera was right next to me!

Ahh for Spring!

2009-04-03T09:14:00.010-06:00

The calendar says April and I'm dreaming of spring... flowers, sun, green grass, outdoor fun. I know it will come but I must admit I am getting a little impatient!

Images from last spring; this is what I'm waiting for....

Creepy!

2009-03-27T22:57:00.005-06:00

I was driving down an out-of-the-way country road the other day and came across this old abandoned sub-station. I think it has lots of potential don't you???

I just love the bleak, jagged look of it! It belongs on the Big Screen with Jack Nicholson, if you ask me!

Pics of the Day

2009-03-26T12:30:00.003-06:00

A look back at the first day of school...

Cow Stuff: Feeding in the Cold

2009-03-15T17:52:00.003-06:00

I'm so lucky! I recently had a visit from my Mom and Dad and one of the best parts was that Dad was able to stay for over a month! His timing was perfect, not that any time isn't a wonderful time for a visit :) As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are in the middle of a very involved house renovation and it is calving season! Lots to do to say the least. Well we put Mike to work and work he did. His first job of the day was always to go out and feed the 2 year-olds. During his stay he was able to follow most of them through pre-partum, calving and see them as proud new mamas. I followed him out on his last morning here to snap a few shots and it just happened to be one of the coldest mornings of his stay, naturally!

So unfortunately we are short one very good cow hand... any volunteers???

Pics of the Day

2009-03-02T22:42:00.004-07:00

Lately I have been digging back through images I have taken throughout the past year. I'm going to be posting some of my favorites over the next few weeks. Stay tuned... you never know what you may see!

We've been busy!

2009-02-25T18:42:00.008-07:00

We are currently in the middle of a whole-house overhaul. It's so exciting to see the changes but I can't wait 'till it's all done (will it ever be?) and we can relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Here's a few snaps of the entire family pitchin' in...

Stay tuned for the "after" pictures!

Sara and Paul

2009-02-23T21:55:00.006-07:00

Nestled in the mountains south of Helena, Sara and Paul spent some quality time together with a few of their best friends...

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day!

A walk through the park

2009-02-08T21:36:00.008-07:00

Last week we took a drive down to Yellowstone Park to see the wintry landscape. It did not disappoint, everything was breathtaking! If you have never been there in the winter, it is even more surreal.

I even met a new friend...

Enjoy!

Arctic

2009-01-28T08:45:00.004-07:00

Yesterday I was inspired by the artic landscape as I drove my daughter to school. The wind was howling, as you can tell by the 'soft' look of the snow.

The wind here in Montana is one of the things that make the long winters nearly unbearable. I find when I suck it up, bundle up and find a way to look for the beauty that is always there (sometimes well hidden :) ) it really helps me to make it through another windy winter day.

Here's what I found yesterday...

Stay warm!

Prayer Request

2009-01-26T10:34:00.003-07:00

I found out yesterday that our Pastor, Al, had a stroke on Saturday night. He's only in his mid-fifties and still has a daughter in high school. Please send up prayers for his recovery so he can get back to the excellent work he does everyday.

Thanks so much...

Socks from Great Grannie

2009-01-25T16:56:00.003-07:00

Here's my Emma modeling her new favorie socks, hand-knit by Great Grannie...

Ava - Month 6

2009-01-13T23:00:00.003-07:00

I'm so excited! I finally had a visit from my niece and we squeezed in a few pictures.

First some exploring...

Then a smile...

Next, lots of toe chompin'...

Love you Ava!

Today

2009-01-07T16:37:00.005-07:00

I have had this quote on my computer forever. I can't even remember where I first read it, but I love it. I always seem to come across it at just the right time. I hope it speaks to you as well...

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are.

Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart.

Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so.

One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.

- Mary Jean Iron

By the way... this picture was not taken today (I took it at the end of our driveway) but I think it's beautiful... I'm missing the green grass and warm days!

Pre-Jaeda

2009-01-05T14:16:00.006-07:00

Here are a few images from my session with Jaeda's Beautiful Mommy and Daddy....

I love this one!

Enjoy the next few weeks of relative quiet you two!

Merry Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T13:59:00.003-07:00

I had to share this bit of cheer from my daughter's school program last week... enjoy!

Peace, love and happiness to you all.

Merry Christmas!

SO COLD!!!

2008-12-14T13:02:00.005-07:00

Brrrrr! It was nearly 30 below zero this morning! Now that is cold. After piling on the layers I decided to wander out into the frozen world to see what I could see...

I went to check on the horses and this is what I found...

Icicles on their eyelashes! Poor guys!

Okay that was beautiful but it's time to go inside now...

Extra warm wishes to you this Sunday!

Holiday Spirit

2008-12-13T11:57:00.004-07:00

I'm back! I've been too busy to blog lately but I am slowing down now to enjoy the holidays. Focusing on the real gifts of the season... family, love and of course, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here are a few glimpses of my littlest...

More soon...

Merry Christmas!