I had the unique pleasure of doing some updated headshots for actor Cody Craven who took on the role of Carl Perkins in Alpine Theatre Project's production of "Million Dollar Quartet" here in Whitefish.
I'm not sure what it is with so many of my family portrait clients who are vacationing from places I have deep ties to, but the Feckes were no exception. They were visiting from Northern Illinois, which is where my mom is from, and where many of my friends from my time at Eastern Illinois University live. I'm not mad about it, it's always fun to compare and contrast the geography of Western Montana—majestic mountains everywhere—and just about anywhere in Illinois which is decidedly lacking in majestic mountains, though there is often a small hill or two. In addition to getting family portraits, they also used it as an opportunity to snag individuals of each kiddo, as well as some 'senior style' portraits of their oldest.
As with the majority of my extended family portrait sessions, the Cheneys were using their visit to Montana to get together as one big family spending time together and exploring the beautiful Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park regions. They were renting a vacation rental right on the Flathead River heading into Bigfork. I joined them there in the morning as the adults wrapped up their morning coffees and as the kids needed to get some energy out.
A part of how Alpine Theatre Project made its name was bringing Broadway talent to the Flathead Valley to perform Broadway and off-broadway productions. As they've evolved over the years to focus more on youth education opportunities—and the start of the COVID pandemic—that aspect of their mission took a bit of a backseat.
Needless to say, it was such a pleasure to finally get to photograph one of those productions. This summer ATP staged Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux's musical "Million Dollar Quartet" which dramatizes the Million Dollar Quartet recording session of December 4, 1956, at Sun Records which featured Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
I was so excited to finally make it down to Missoula for a wedding this summer. Not that there is any problem at all with the Flathead Valley, but it's always exciting to check out new venues and areas I've not had the opportunity to photograph before.
It was also exciting due to the fact it was a church ceremony followed by an offsite reception, which I don't get to do too often. And what a beautiful church it was. St. Francis Xavier in downtown Missoula is truly impressive as you'll see in the photos below.
After the ceremony, the couple and wedding party made our way to the Blue Mountain Trailhead for some portraits and group photos, and finally made our way to The Barn on Mullan for the reception!
Venues: St Francis Xavier and The Barn on Mullan / Bakery: Bernice's Bakery / DJ: Hey Mr DJ / Florist: Farm Hand Farm
It's always fun to expand one's skill set and try things that are just a little bit outside the normal day-to-day work that I do. So it's been fun this summer to get out a backdrop and do more studio-style headshots portraits. To have a project where Montana's unpredictable weather is not a factor, and have complete control over the lighting being used is so refreshing.
It was also a blast to work with siblings Gabby and Cole, whom I've photographed on stage many times in various Alpine Theatre Project productions.
I've said this before—on social media for sure, if not here on this very blog—but one of the biggest compliments I feel you can give a photographer is inviting them back into your life after you've worked with them before. I had one such honor recently after I received a message from Kate and Benjamin. I photographed their intimate, backyard wedding at Ben's parent's house.
I got to return to that very same location to photograph them as a relatively new family of three, and it was so great to see them again.
Once again I had the opportunity to photograph Alpine Theatre Project's summer Broadway camp. Each year ATP brings in more than ten current and former Broadway performers to work with dozens of middle and high school-aged children from around the Flathead Valley. They work together during an intensive two-plus weeks crafting a show featuring Broadway hits from past and present.
Lauren, the eldest of the Hamilton daughters, was fortunate to be working as a seasonal employee at Glacier Raft Co., and even more fortunate that her family was able to come to visit her here! They spent time traipsing around Glacier National Park, and naturally—since you're seeing this on my website—took the opportunity to get some family photos in the Last Best Place.
It's always such an honor and pleasure photographing these intimate weddings. When the wedding is simply the couple, their families, and their absolute closest friends it's humbling to be included as a relative 'outsider.' Jennifer and Chase at the Lodge were no exception. The vibe of the day was "love and let's party" and that is what everyone did.
It was all the more awesome working with some of my absolute favorite vendors here in the valley kept in line by my friend Katie with Big Day Celebrations.
Venue & Catering: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake / Wedding Design: Big Day Celebrations / Bakery: Montana Wildflour / DJ: Sidecar Audio / Hair & Makeup: Covet Beauty / Florals: Conrad Floral / Rentals & Decor: Empress Tents & Events / Videographer: Treasure State Entertainment
