OK, so I am going to warn you up front, this post will be a bit longer than most. Bear with me, it will be worth it. As you may have seen from the sneak peek, Kathy and Josh were married at Roy’s Barn down in beautiful Bozeman, Montana. However, we started the day by climbing up Pete’s Hill for some sunrise first look pictures and portraits. Yup, I said sunrise (or darn close enough!) as we were up there at 7am! But, I think the results were more than worth the sleepy hike.
So here is where this is going to take a bit more personal twist. Not only is Josh another great Montana photographer – he is also one of my closest friends. Having one of your best friends choose you to shoot their wedding is nothing short of humbling. Being in that same wedding AND shooting it is nothing short of a bit crazy – but I wouldn’t have traded it. 
Yes, you read that right, I was a groomsman and a photographer. To be 100% honest, it isn’t something I recommend – I wouldn’t do it for anyone else. But, being in Josh is wedding was something I wouldn’t have given up for the world, and being able to photograph them was simply an amazing privilege.
Now, to be fair, I wasn’t the only photographer there by a long shot. My fabulous second shooter Janna was there to help handle the family and formal images (it is kinda hard to shot a group picture when you are in it, ya know?), and I have to also throw out huge thanks to Jeremiah Spray for coming out and really just being a help where ever he could. He was a huge help at the reception (as Janna had to leave after dinner) and I so appreciate the both of them – you guys made this day possible more than you know. Thanks!
And now is where we are going to get really personal… I want to say a few words to Josh and Kathy. I was going to do this at your rehearsal party (yes I said party, not dinner – there were 150+ people there!), but to be completely honest I was too choked up listening to everyone else’s wonderful words about the two of you. So here we go:
Kathy – Josh is one of my best friends, and I think it is safe for me to say you are one of the (if not THE , but God ranks pretty high… ) best things that ever happened to him. You fully complete him, and totally bring out the best in him, all while watching his back on his weaknesses. And, I think that is exactly what a marriage should be, so I think you guys are on the right track. So many times you hear guys complaining about losing their other guy friends to girlfriends/wives… I don’t feel that way at all. I think you’ve given me a better version of one of my closest friends, and Bridget and I have gained a wonderful friend in addition to that. We love ya. Oh, and one quick word about Josh -he is one of the most sincere, well meaning, and hard working men I know. He does nothing half way. Always keep that and mind, and use it for good.
Josh – This will be shorter, I promise. You married up, big time, in every way. Treat her right (I know you will) so I don’t have to thump on you. Seriously. I will. You’ve been an amazing friend and I look forward to all the time we will get to spend together with our wonderful wives. You’ve always looked out for the best for me and my family, and that means a ton. Hope you can always say the same.
OK, so this has gotten truly long winded – time for some pictures now, right? There are LOTS of them, and I would love to hear from you in the comments.
Oh, and random fact of the evening. I love pineapple. I mean, LOVE it. Just finished a can of it off as I was writing this… Not as good as fresh, but it was good nonetheless.
Chris
And, just for fun, a few film scans from my Mamiya RZ 67…
And last, but not least a couple pictures Jeremiah took….
Thanks so much for posting these, we love them, can’t wait to see the rest!
Talk about a beautiful bride and handsome groom… the day was so awesome. Thanks Chris and Jana!