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

Millie and JD’s wedding in Great Falls was full of personal touches that made their day extremely special and even more meaningful. Millie’s dress was made by her mother, using the skirt from Millie’s grandmother’s own wedding dress. (Millie’s mother used the skirt for her wedding, too!) The groomsmen added a bit of playfulness to what would have been traditional pocket squares, instead opting for fun “fair ribbons” saying: first place, second place, third place and participant. Hilarious! The amazing cupcake sculpture (it can only be called a sculpture because it was truly a work of art) was created by Millie’s father, and the cupcakes were made by Millie’s mother. Absolutely stunning!

Such a special day, full of so much love, put forth by wonderful friends, family and the couple themselves.

Thanks so much for having me photograph your day, Millie and JD!

Vendor Information:
Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist Church, Great Falls, MT
Dress: Made by the bride’s mother
Flowers: Arranged by Bryan Buckridge
Reception Venue: Great Falls Civic Center, Great Falls, MT
Catering: Baked potato bar by the Golden Corral, with salads made by family and friends
Cupcakes: Made by the bride’s mother
DJ: Steve Keller DJ Services, Great Falls, MT

On the docket: weddings, kiddo’s portraits, and a creative bridal session! Don’t miss ‘em!

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The sun winked through the fluffy white clouds, the waters of Flathead Lake shimmered, and a baby hummingbird watched from his nest of moss and twigs as Cassie and Cameron spoke their vows in the presence of their friends and family during their wedding ceremony on Flathead Lake’s Polson side.

It couldn’t have been more gorgeous – the grounds, the lake, the happiness of everyone present – all helped make this wedding incredibly beautiful and sweet, made even more so by Cassie and Cameron’s smiles as they walked down the aisle, husband and wife, laughing under a shower of fragrant lavender flowers tossed by their guests.

Thank you so much for letting me share your day with you! What a perfect evening for a wedding and a great way to start a long life of happiness together!

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: Private residence, Polson, MT
Beauty: Amber Keziah, Missoula, MT
Apparel: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, MT
Rentals: St-Char-Ro Floral and Event Rentals, Ronan, MT
Florist: Garden City Floral, Missoula, MT
Cake: The Groom’s Mother
Reception Venue: The East Shore Smokehouse, Polson, MT
DJ: Zootown DJ, Missoula, MT

On the docket: A website design announcement, more weddings, and a sweet newborn baby boy! Stay posted!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Three words to describe James and Kristina’s wedding: heartfelt. gorgeous. party!

There were tears and smiles, laughter and hugs – Kristina and James’s wedding had it all. The rain even held off for their gorgeous outdoor ceremony on the lawn of the Tarkio River Lodge in Tarkio, MT. Everyone’s crossed fingers must have helped!

Kristina’s dog, Huckleberry, even joined in the ceremony and had a great time watching James dip Kristina in their first kiss as newlyweds.

The couple’s friends and family had a blast celebrating with Kristina and James, and tore it up on the dance floor, courtesy of some rockin’ tunes by the Whiskey Rebellion. (Seriously – these folks know how to get down! The barn floor was bouncing!)

And James, to top off the night, performed a garter toss performance that is one for the ages – he danced, he teased, he became a ninja (those tux ties can really come in handy), and he stealthily pulled the garter off with just his teeth before making the day of a young man in the group of single guys.

Seriously, you two – I had such a wonderful time photographing your wedding, and I don’t think I stopped smiling ’til the next morning. Thank you so much for the opportunity to document such joy!

Here’s to a long life together full of happiness, love and your wonderful sense of humor!

Vendor Information:

Venue: Tarkio River Lodge, Tarkio, MT
Hair: Studio Metro, Missoula, MT
Bouquets: Habitat Floral, Missoula, MT
Catering: Bravo Catering, Missoula, MT
Cake: Made by the groom’s sister (am I correct?)
Ceremony Music: The Cat and the Fiddle, Missoula, MT
Reception Music: The Whiskey Rebellion, Missoula, MT

If I left anyone out, please let me know – thank you!

On the docket: more weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Daisy and Erik couldn’t have had better springtime weather for their simple and sweet outdoor wedding at Fort Missoula and their lively reception at both the Loft and Stensrud building in Missoula. Clouds threatened rain, but it held off, giving Daisy and Erik two perfect days to spend with family and friends. (And lots and lots of cake – I like the way they think!)

Cribbage made its way into their vows (remember their engagement session?), as did laughter and a few tears. But mostly there were smiles and excitement and of course, lots and lots of love.

Thanks so much, you two! You are going to have a beautiful life together – I wish you all the best in your move south and I’m serious about treating you to drinks the next time you’re in town. :)

On to the photos!

Vendor Information:

Getting Ready Location: The Wilma, Missoula, MT
Makeup Artist: Melissa Picoli
Bouquet: Created by Daisy
Ceremony Location: Fort Missoula, MT
First Night Reception Location: The Loft, Missoula, MT
First Night Caterer: Posh Chocolat, Missoula, MT
First Night Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, MT
Second Night Reception Venue: The Stensrud Building, Missoula, MT
Second Night Music DJ: Eric Fulton
Second Night Cakes: Two by Jeanne’s Cakes & Sweet Creations, and one by a friend

On the docket: engagement sessions galore!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Warm sun, blowing snow, zippy little breezes, and blue sky! – we got a bit of each of these during Lisa and John’s Missoula engagement photo session the other day. But no matter what Montana’s mother nature wanted to throw at us, Lisa and John rolled with it and had a blast to boot! I’m not sure we really even stopped laughing during our entire session we had such a good time. Lisa and John really are two peas in a pod – they know how to have fun and they aren’t afraid to show it. Thanks again for such an awesome session – I cannot wait to photograph your wedding this summer!

To the photos!

On the docket: engagement sessions and portraits! And don’t forget – I’m still accepting applications to be a senior rep for Kristine Paulsen Photography and get some super fab deals on senior portrait sessions! Check out my new senior site for more info and to apply! Be sure to share with friends!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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‘Twas a perfect day for a wedding,
Such sun in the sky!
Bride and groom were so radiant,
Guests had not a dry eye.

The lights, oh they twinkled,
The wide smiles wouldn’t stop,
As family and friends got to witness,
A love to shout from mountaintops!

Thank you so much, Graham and Jennie, for sharing your beautiful day with me! Congratulations on your married life together!

Venue: Private family residence
Dress: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula
Programs: Designed by couple, printed at Kinkos
Ceremony Music: Andy Huppert
Flowers: Sweet Emotions, Missoula
Reception Venue: The Loft, Missoula
Catering: Bravo Catering
Cake: Made by the groom

Happy Holidays, everyone! Here’s to lots of love, laughter and health!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Tom and Solange. Solange and Tom. A beautiful pair, a couple that is truly meant to be. They were married at St. Francis Xavier Church of Missoula, in a ceremony filled with a variety of emotions – giggles, laughter, tears, and most of all – love, pure love.

I had the honor of capturing their special day, and witnessing the absolute joy between them. Solange and Tom – I wish you all the best in your new life together – thank you for allowing me to document the amazing, heartfelt moments of your wedding!

Ceremony Venue: St. Francis Xavier Church, Missoula
Reception Venue: Marshall Mountain, Missoula
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula
Flowers: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula
Catering: Two Sisters Catering, Missoula
BBQ: Charlie B.’s, Missoula
DJ: Kaleidoscope Entertainment, Missoula
Live Music: The Getouts, Bozeman

On the docket: A rustic wedding along the Clark Fork River!

Cheers!
-Kristine

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Jen and Kyle were married at the Daly Mansion a few days prior to our Trash the Dress/Day After session. (Check out a sneak peek of their wedding photos.) We met up, ready to get a little bit dirty, and boy did we have fun making some beautiful images! The light was to-die-for, the water was pleasantly warm (Jen braved it and got her dress wet – not a requirement, by the way, ladies ;) ), and we just had an all out good time. As Jen said, “I don’t know why everyone doesn’t do this! It’s so FUN and not stressful at all!” (Thanks Jen! I couldn’t have said it better myself!)

Speaking of which, I’ll let the photos do the talking. Check them out! And remember, ladies and gents, a session like this makes for amazing anniversary gifts, especially for your one-year, which is traditionally a paper gift.

On the docket – a super cool photo project announcement that all Montanans can participate in!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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I’ve always got to hand it to a bride who doesn’t break down at the site of raindrops. I’ve got to credit her even more when she LAUGHS in the face of pouring rain as she goes after the photos she really, really wants. Yes – Elizabeth and Odin totally rock. Period.

The day at Boulder Ridge in Great Falls started off sunny, but as the ceremony drew nigh, vows were said, rings were exchanged and alas – the thunder boomed and lightning crackled! Elizabeth really wanted some photos up on a ledge by the waterfall, and I assured her that if she was game, I was too – since, as sweet as I may be ( ;) ), I don’t melt. We dashed up the hill as fast as we could dash, carrying pounds of wedding dress and pounds of camera gear. And just as they climbed the ladder to the ledge (yes, did I mention Elizabeth and Odin totally rock?), the sprinkles turned to a full out downpour! But she laughed, and they kissed, and that, my friends, is just beautiful. True, true beauty.

We all walked into the reception a bit soggy, but our spirits were not dampened. (Oh, excuse the bad pun.) The sun even came out a bit later, and we were able to make some photos with Elizabeth’s dear horse, Rio, who was a real pro with the camera shutter sounds. Elizabeth and Odin have wonderful friends and family and they know how to PARTY! Groomsmen high-kicked, little boys wore Elizabeth’s garter as a hippie headband, folks threw off their shoes to get down and boogie barefoot, and Odin’s grandmother even led a conga line!

I had a wonderful time, and I wish you the very best in your new lives together. You’re a fantastic couple with hearty, happy laughs and I know you’ll spend many a day together sharing your joy with one another. Thank you for allowing me to document these special, unforgettable moments! Onward to the photos!

(P.S. I challenge you to find the woman in blue who is signing “I love you” to the couple.)

Venue: Boulder Ridge, Great Falls, MT
Flowers: Electric City Conservatory, Great Falls, MT
Dress and Vests: The Bride’s Shoppe, Great Falls, MT
DJ: Steve Keller DJ Services, Great Falls, MT
Dinner and Cake: Courtesy of family friends

Cheers!

-Kristine

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Oh, to be married at the very tippy top of a mountain – the blue sky embracing you, the surrounding mountains offering a solid hug, the warm breeze whispering across your face. Panika and Austin had just that experience at their very own mountain top wedding in Corvallis, Montana on her grandfather’s land, and I was lucky enough to be there to document their day!

It was a steep, bumpy drive to the ceremony location, but its remoteness was gorgeous and just perfect for Panika and Austin’s wedding. Panika’s grandfather officiated, the ceremony was short and sweet and lovely, and the party continued on in Missoula at Caras Park.

But now for the photos! Thank you again for having me photograph your day – you are a truly wonderful couple! I wish you the very best and have a great honeymoon!

Ceremony location: Private land in Corvallis, MT
Flowers: by the bride’s aunt
Wedding dress: Rush’s in Minneapolis, MN – alterations by the Dress Doctor in Chicago, IL
Bridesmaid dresses: by Alfred Angelo
Reception venue: Caras Park, Missoula, MT
Cake: K.C. Morrison
DJ: Zootown DJ

On the docket: Elizabeth and Odin’s wedding in Great Falls – we had to deal with a few sprinkles (ok, more than just sprinkles), but there’s nothing like the clear blue sky after some rain. Stay posted!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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