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

The other day, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Kim and Randy in Stevensville, Montana, to trek around Randy’s family’s ranch and make some engagement photos of Kim, Randy and their horses, P, Q and Dinero.

We had so much fun despite the deceptively chilly weather (yet no snow!). And I swear, these two are so perfect for one another – they goofed around with each other, showed off some sweet dance moves, made me (and themselves) laugh a lot!, and just plain had a good time.

Not only were they radiant in their photos just on their own, but holy moly – our backdrop for the day wasn’t too shabby either (oh Bitterroot valley, you make me swoon). Thank you SO much, Kim and Randy, for inviting me out to your place to make these images. I seriously cannot WAIT for your wedding – we’re going to have a blast!

On the docket: engagement sessions!

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 sunny, hot Arkansas day – perfect for Bernadette and Jeremy’s lovely autumn wedding (and a bit different weather than we had for their Bob Dylan-inspired engagement session!).

Guests strolled through the dappled sunlight streaming through the oak trees in Park on the River in Maumelle, Arkansas. Cicadas hummed, a soft breeze blew, and guitar notes floated through the air as the wedding party walked down the aisle, smiles on their faces as they greeted Jeremy and waited for Bernadette to make her grand entrance.

And grand it was! She sailed down a hill on her cruiser bike to the tune of “Home” by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, bouquet in the front basket, waving at cheering friends and family as she slowed down to meet up with her mother who walked her down the aisle.

There was so much joy in Bernadette and Jeremy’s wedding – their vows were wonderfully unique and full of love, their joining of the wine ceremony was sweet and touching, and the pure love in their eyes as they gazed at one another and pledged to be husband and wife was definitely worthy of a few happy tears.

Guests continued the celebration by signing stickers and affixing them to a vintage suitcase, enjoying home-brewed beer (brought from Montana by Jeremy’s good friend, Nick), dining on a delicious dinner and tasty cakes, and imbibing in a bit of bubbly. And they danced to beat the band (funny props included)!

Such a wonderful, wonderful day – thank you, Bern and Jeremy, for inviting me to photograph such a special day in your lives. I am STILL smiling and will be for quite a while. I wish you two the very, very best in life together – and who knows, perhaps I’ll see you in Arkansas again. :) And, if not Arkansas, you know where to find me in good ol’ Montana. Love to you both!

Vendor Information:
Venue: Park on the River, Maumelle, Arkansas
Hair: Katherine Grant Salon, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Makeup and Guitar Music: Alicia Baylor, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Nick Burk, Boulder, Colorado
Florist: Fairytale Florals, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Caterer: Shay Richardson, Little Rock, Arkansas
Cakes: Mickey’s Special Affairs, Little Rock, Arkansas (bride’s), Cakes by Catie, Conway, Arkansas (groom’s)
Home-Brewed Beer: Nick McClure, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: portraits!

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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And so they were married in Helena, too, at the Kleffner Ranch, a beautiful, historic site nestled amongst golden fields and blue sky. Chris and Shaine’s wedding was so sweet and so stunning, and so much love was poured into making it just perfect. A team of family and friends helped decorate, plan, cook, bake, you name it! But most importantly, they were there to offer their hearts up to Shaine and Chris, as they in turn pledged their hearts and love to one another.

The day couldn’t have been more amazing – the sun cast down its warm rays, twinkling through the leaves of the tall trees as Shaine and Chris spoke their truly incredible vows to one another. Senator Jon Tester officiated, Shaine’s sister and aunt played fiddle music, and family members spoke words so meaningful and full of love that I don’t think there was a dry eye present (mine included!).

In the historic barn, guests dined on a delicious dinner, topped off by a variety of tasty, homemade pies. Friends and family had a blast goofing around in the photobooth using a vintage backdrop provided by friends of the couple, and Chris and Shaine’s friends danced so hard and so happily, the barn floor bounced!

Shaine and Chris – it was an absolute honor to be a part of your incredibly amazing and beautiful wedding day. You two are such a great pair (with such awesome family and friends), and I wish you all the best in your lives together! (And thank you again for your surprise shout out during toasts! You rock!)

Vendor Information:
Venue: Kleffner Ranch, Helena, MT
Flowers and Decorations: Jessie Bunning
Officiant: Senator Jon Tester
Caterer: Chili O’Briens, Helena, MT
Transportation: Helena Area Transit (HATS) rental Trolley, Helena, MT
DJ: Brother of the groom
Photographer’s Photo Booth Assistant: Becky Brockie, Billings, MT

On the docket: more weddings and portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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Jean and Nick share a mutual love for each other, and a mutual love of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In fact, they got to know one another over a pb & j sandwich at a camp at which they both worked, and they made sure to incorporate all of their favorite things during their beautiful wedding day at the Double Arrow Lodge in Seeley Lake, Montana. From personalized dice for guests to a unique cake topper (made by Nick!) celebrating their fondness for the character Cthulhu from one of their favorite books, their wedding day was uniquely them.

There were a few tears, lots of laughter and plenty of fun to be had. Guests enjoyed a scrumptious dinner, games in the golden sunlight, and lively camp dances late into the evening. Such a fun day filled with many great memories!

Thank you so much, Jean and Nick, for inviting me into your most special of days! Here’s to peanut butter and jelly forever! :)

Vendor Information:
Venue and Catering: Double Arrow Lodge, Seeley Lake, MT
Flowers: Habitat Floral and Events, Missoula, MT
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, MT

On the docket: weddings galore and portraits galore! Stay posted!

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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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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