Kristine Paulsen Photography – Lifestyle Portraits, Editorial and Wedding Photography in Missoula Montana

Maddy and Colin are such a delightful couple, and we had a great time making some super fun images during their wintry Missoula engagement session. Maddy is a big time coffee fan, so we stopped off to grab a few cups before embarking on our walkabout around the University of Montana where they both met. Maddy and Colin are so meant for each other – the way they look at one another, the way their eyes sparkle (yep, Colin, your eyes did sparkle!), and most importantly, how they make each other laugh – even when in the midst of a snowball fight.

Thank you so much, you two, for taking time out of your day to have some fun in the snow with me! I had a blast and seriously can’t wait until your wedding – it’s going to be an amazing day!

On the docket: more engagement sessions!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Ali K. made her annual trek to Montana with her family to meet up with friends and hang out in the wonder that is Montana summer – and she got together with me for her annual “just because” portrait session, which is always such a blast! This year, we went for two distinct styles: sexy librarian, and rocker chic. Ali totally embodied both these looks and I can’t even begin to describe to you just how much laughter was involved. Suffice it to say, our cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

Also, on a more technical nerdy photographer note, I experimented with a slightly different processing style on these pics to really emulate the look of film. (Remember film? Those lovely long strips, developed and printed by hand in a dark room? *wistful sigh*) And we had a little fun painting with light towards the end of our shoot. So, with no further ado, I hope you enjoy these images as much as we had fun making them. :) And here’s to dreams of warm Montana summers….

Cheers!

-Kristine

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It’s an understatement to say 2011 has been an absolutely wonderful year for weddings in so many ways. I don’t have words to express how thankful I am to have met so many amazing people, and to have shared such beautiful, touching moments with you all. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

And now, here’s a little video to showcase the very best of 2011 – your smiling faces, the love in your hearts, and moments that have changed your lives. Thank you for inviting me to document this for you. It’s truly been an honor.

On the docket – portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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It was a bit of a rainy, overcast day for Katherine and Mike’s Missoula “rock the dress” session, but that didn’t dampen anybody’s spirits, least of all their dog, Buck, who was happy to jump into the river, and come bounding towards Katherine and Mike for wet “hello’s!”

Katherine very much rocked her dress – we had a wonderful time strolling through the tall grasses, drinking in the beauty that is autumn in Missoula, and making some fun images in the rain.

We were joking that Katherine and Mike have hit almost all of the seasons during their photography with me – winter/spring for their engagement session, summer for their gorgeous ranch wedding west of Missoula, and now autumn for their rock the dress session.

As always, you two, what a wonderful time! Thank you so much for joining me on a damp day – it really paid off ! :) On to the photos!

On the docket: more portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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I met up with Kathy a bit ago to photograph her doing something she absolutely loves – yoga. She was excited to have me document the poses she’s been working on, and also to document her joy in practicing yoga.

I was so inspired watching her as she practiced in the sunny oasis of her back yard. Her joy and peace are both very present and so beautiful. Kathy teaches yoga, so if you’re interested, you should definitely take one of her classes. I’m hoping I can get myself signed up for one soon!

Kathy, thanks again for inviting me to photograph you doing what you love! What an enjoyable morning!

On the docket: weddings and portraits!

Cheers, and Namaste,

-Kristine

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Leanna and Skyler couldn’t have prescribed a more perfect day for their beautiful Bozeman, Montana wedding at Le Petit Chateau (Leanna is a pharmacist). The sun was shining, it was very warm autumn day (slightly different from their snowy engagement session!), and everyone was all smiles and full of adoration for the two as they vowed to love one another for the rest of their lives.

As an alternative to a guest book, Leanna and Skyler had guests write fun messages on white boards and then have their photo taken with their message – super cute! Everyone enjoyed mingling outside in the dappled sunlight while sipping on wines and beers, and then dined on a tasty dinner inside. Sweet toasts were made, the cake was cut amidst many a smile and lots of giggles, and the dancing got underway, fast and furious! (Leanna, that is some epic swing style you’ve got!)

Leanna and Skyler – you two are so great. What a wonderful day to start off what is most certainly going to be a beautiful marriage. Thank you so much for inviting me to document your wedding – I absolutely loved it! :) Congrats again to you both!

Vendor Information:
Venue: Le Petit Chateau, Bozeman, MT
Wedding Coordinator: Genevieve Burmeister, Bozeman, MT
Florist: Stems Floral, Bozeman, MT
Cake: Anticipated Creations Cakes, Bozeman, MT
Catering: ?
DJ: Joe’s Mobile DJ Service, Bozeman, MT
(Leanna, if I left anyone out will you let me know so I can give them their well-deserved credit? Thanks!)

On the docket: portraits and weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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From what I’ve been told, there is an art to love. And Charity and Matt have certainly created a masterpiece out of their true love for one another.

I had the honor of photographing their jaw-droppingly gorgeous wedding at a private family residence near Rock Creek, Montana. The day was hot, not a cloud in the blue, blue sky (very different from their snowy engagement session!), and the water sparkled with the sun as Charity and Matt gussied themselves up for their unforgettable day.

Their wedding married not only their hearts, but their passions in life. Matt is an artist and Charity is a chef – she made both the huckleberry lemonade AND her own cake!

Their voices quavered with emotion as they spoke their vows to one another, and guests had a blast showering the couple with confetti as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

Matt and Charity’s favorite food was served for dinner, and guests got to indulge their sweet tooth in a delectable dessert bar.

Live music got everyone’s feet tapping and dancing and a full moon shined over the mountaintops, casting a cool glow over the hillside.

It was an amazing wedding, what can only be the start of an amazing marriage. Charity and Matt – thank you from the bottom of my heart for honoring me with the invitation to document such a special day in your lives. You two are, hands-down, fabulous, as are all your family and friends! What a wonderful day, and congrats again! Have a lovely honeymoon, and I’ll see you soon! :)

Vendor Information:
Venue: Private family residence, Rock Creek, MT
Floral and Event Design: The fabulous Habitat Floral and Event Planning, Missoula, MT
Makeup: by Christina DeCoite from Alchemy Mineral Blends, Missoula, MT
Catering: Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events, Kalispell, MT
Cake: Made by the bride!
Desserts: from Posh Chocolate, Goldings Goodies, and Cafe Dolce, all of Missoula, MT
Photo Booth Photographer: friend of the bride, Wynter Krallis
Band: SolBird R&B Motwon Band, Seattle, WA

On the docket: weddings, portraits and more! By the way, seniors, if you haven’t had your senior photos done, now’s the time to be thinking about it. Especially since the cooler weather is here and the leaves are bound to be turning color sooner than we think! Take advantage of nature’s splendor in your senior photos!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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There wasn’t a cloud in Montana’s big sky as Katherine and Mike prepared for their Montana ranch wedding out in Huson. In between having makeup and hair perfected, and donning tuxes just-so, Mike and Katherine stole moments to write each other sweet little love notes, delivered by dear friends.

The day was hot and breezy (very different from their engagement session!), and family and friends buzzed with happiness, much as the bees did around the wildflower bouquets.

Katherine and Mike’s loyal dog, Buck, also made an appearance at their wedding as “ring bearer” and looked mighty content as he sat by his masters on their most important of days.

Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, champagne and cake, and dancing began as the sun turned golden, and continued as the stars twinkled amidst the bright streak of the Milky Way in the night sky.

What a magical day, Katherine and Mike! Thank you again for having me photograph such a very, very special time in your lives – it was an absolute pleasure, and I had a wonderful time getting to know your family and friends. Cheers to you in your new lives together!

Vendor Information:
Venue: Private Ranch, Huson, MT
Designer and Florist: Katalin Green, Bozeman, MT; and the mother of the bride, Connie
Caterer: Two Sisters Catering, Missoula, MT
Rentals: Celebrate Events and Party Rentals, Whitefish, MT
Cake Baker: Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, MT
Officiant: Reverend John S. Byerly
DJ: Joe’s Mobile DJ Service, Bozeman, MT
Transportation: Hellgate Transportation, Missoula, MT

On the docket: portraits, weddings, and more weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Travis and Siobhan were married at Travis’s family ranch on “the back forty,” a place filled with many fond memories for Travis – and now he and Siobhan have just a few more to carry with them as they embark upon their lives together as a married couple.

The sun was shining and hot (quite a difference from the day we photographed their snowy engagement session!), a warm breeze blew, and family and friends’ smiles shined brilliantly as Travis and Siobhan spoke their heartfelt vows to one another.

Everyone was howling with laughter at the many wonderful and hilarious toasts presented to the new couple (Travis, my lips are sealed!) – and even Senator Jon Tester made a special appearance via video to wish Travis and Siobhan well. Dancing continued late into the night, punctuated by a lovely ballad sung to Siobhan by a group of earnest men.

Travis and Siobhan – you two are just such amazing people. And so meant for one another. I know I’ve already said this to you, but you are incredibly special and I am just so honored that you asked me to document such a memorable and important day in your lives. Thank you!

Vendor Information:
Venue: Private Family Ranch, Florence, MT
Flowers: Habitat Floral, Missoula, MT
Caterer: Famous Dave’s, Missoula, MT
Coordinator and DJ: Riverhaus Productions, Missoula, MT
Cupcakes: ?
(Siobhan, if I’ve left out anyone, will you please let me know so I can give them credit? Thanks!)

On the docket: portraits, videos and weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Everything about John and Lisa’s wedding at the Slack House homestead, which is owned by The Teller (a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization that owns 1,200 acres of wildlife preserve in the Bitterroot Valley), shouted their personalities – fun, beautiful and full of charm.

From their hand-painted signs to the chalkboard menus to the strings of engagement photos posted around the property, John and Lisa’s joy was ever-present. Their gorgeous, sun-dappled ceremony under two gigantic willows was filled with personal touches, heartfelt vows they wrote themselves, and a very moving reading by Lisa’s sister Caroline. (It’s ok Caroline, I don’t think there was a dry eye present, mine included!)

Family and friends took in a delicious dinner, followed by an amazing rainbow and an even more stunning sunset. The party moved into the hayloft of the barn and people danced so hard and with such gusto to the tunes of the Whiskey Rebellion band, that the floor bounced!

John stole the show with a surprise Elvis song for Lisa, and rocked the mic to the cheers of everyone present. Dancing continued into the night, the barn bathed in the light of a full moon, music streaming out into the night air.

John and Lisa – I can’t say enough about you two. You are amazing people, such a fabulous couple, with THE most awesome family and friends, and I sincerely wish you all the best in your lives together. It’s been an absolute honor to get to know you and photograph such a special moment in your lives. Thank you SO much for having me be a part of your day. And, if ever you would like, let’s grab a beer or two some time. :)

Vendor Information:
Venue: The Slack House Homestead owned by The Teller, Corvallis, MT
Hair and Makeup: Megan Buxton
Flowers: Habitat Floral, Missoula, MT
Catering: All Events Catering, Missoula, MT
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, MT
Band: The Whiskey Rebellion, Missoula, MT
(Lisa, can you fill in the blanks of the vendors whose info I’m unsure of? Also, if I’ve left anyone out, please let me know so I can give them credit. Thanks!)

On the docket: weddings and portraits!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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