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

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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Laughter and giggles were in abundance during my autumn photo session with the Shepard family. We had such a great time making some family portraits for them, and the kiddos were terrific sports and had a blast in front of the camera.

Thank you for such a fun session – you’ve got an awesome family! :)

On the docket: portraits galore! If you haven’t yet booked your portrait session, please be sure to do so promptly if you’re hoping for an autumn look or would like to use images for Christmas cards.

Cheers!

-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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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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There was an abundance of happiness at Shannon and Shafer’s wedding at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake, Montana – and plenty of luck, too, since Shannon included a lucky sixpence in her shoe, according to her family tradition.

Their bright yellow and gray wedding palette added colorful exclamation points to their smile-filled, and laughter-filled wedding ceremony – made even sweeter by the inclusion of 15 adorable children carrying golden balloons down the aisle. Shannon and Shafer are both early childhood special education teachers, so these little rays of sunshine walking down the aisle were especially meaningful to them as a couple. There were many personal touches throughout their ceremony, including a Celtic hand-fastening ritual, which utilized cloth from both Shannon and Shafer’s childhood blankets, plus a new cloth to carry them into the future together.

Toasts were hilarious and had everybody howling with laughter and this energy carried over into dancing, which was a mixture of beautiful, wild, wacky and fun!

Thank you again, Shannon and Shafer, for sharing such a gorgeous, heartfelt day with me. You two are fantastic people with amazing family and friends, and I’m honored to have captured the start of your life together. Congratulations!

Vendor Information:
Venue: Double Arrow Lodge, Seeley Lake, MT
Catering: Double Arrow Lodge
Flowers: Arranged by the groom’s father
Cake: The Vanilla Bean Bakery and Cafe, Helena, MT
DJ: Hey Mister DJ, Missoula, MT
Videographer: Callisto Studios, Chester, MT

(Shannon, am I leaving anyone out? If so, please let me know so I can give them proper credit. Thanks!)

On the docket: portraits, weddings and more weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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I met up with Chris and Kelcy a day after their gorgeous Missoula wedding for their super fun trash the dress/rock the dress session. It was roasting hot, but we all had a blast making some really fun images of the two of them doing something they mutually dig – jeeping! I hadn’t ever been in a jeep before (I know, I know…I’m a woman of small, deceptively tough cars) and I’ve got to say, it was definitely a good time! We also made some stunning non-jeeping images of the two of them, and Chris definitely won the award for best veil assistant ever. With a veil as long as Kelcy’s, it liked to grab onto twigs and such, and Chris was always there to help her out. :)

Thanks again, you two! What a fun session! You rocked it!

On the docket: weddings and portraits and weddings galore!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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