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

Missoula sure hasn’t gotten much of a winter this year (minus that one monster dump of snow), but Dalton, Eleisha and I lucked out the other day during their engagement session as we marveled at the beauty of the fat, falling snowflakes. Seriously – we are so lucky to live in such a stunning place. And Dalton and Eleisha wanted to take advantage of our natural surroundings for their very sweet engagement session.

Thank you so much for tromping around in the snow with me, you two! So much fun – made even more so by how happy you are together! I can’t wait to photograph your wedding this summer! Happy Valentine’s Day!

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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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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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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And there was lots of both at Chris and Kelcy’s wedding at The Keep in Missoula, Montana. From their absolutely sweet first look (I think Chris had his breath taken away when he first saw Kelcy) to the moving toasts given by family – it was a day to remember. The day started out sunny, but a little Montana microburst decided to sneak its way into things right when the ceremony was supposed to begin. This might have derailed things and jangled the nerves of many couples, but Chris and Kelcy took it in stride and instead shook up the schedule a bit, starting with toasts and champagne. When the sun came out, everyone gathered outside again and Kelcy walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, only the brightness of her smile rivaling that of the sun peeking through the clouds.

Thank you SO much Chris and Kelcy for having me photograph your absolutely beautiful and emotion-filled wedding day – such a treat! Here’s to a long life together filled with happiness and laughter!

Vendor Information:
Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Keep, Missoula, MT
Dress:
Hair:
Flowers: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, MT
Catering:
Cake:
Live Music:
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, MT

(Kelcy, can you please help me fill in the blanks and if I’ve left out anybody, will you let me know? Thanks!)

On the docket: a super fun trash the dress creative bridal session and weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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From the cowboy boots on Emily’s feet to the cowboy hat on George’s head, theirs was a wedding that truly spoke to who they are as a couple (remember their awesome e-session from a bit ago?). Every bit of their wedding was simply beautiful and simply THEM. A friend married them, their siblings stood up with them, and they looked to the mountains as they pledged their vows to one another.

Even as the wind whipped and rain threatened, George and Emily took it all in stride and had a blast sharing their wedding day with their friends and family. Big Sky beers flowed (gotta love Summer Honey and Scapegoat), the conversation and toasts were both merry and touching, and the dancing was punctuated by quite a lot of comedy (I’m still smiling!).

Thank you so much, George and Emily, for inviting me to document your wedding day and for being such kind, caring people – what an absolutely wonderful and moving celebration of the two of you getting to spend the rest of your lives together. Congratulations and all the best to you both!

Vendor Information:
Venue: The Double Arrow Lodge, Seeley Lake, MT
Catering: The Double Arrow Lodge
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, MT
Flowers: Habitat Floral, Missoula, MT
DJ: Friend of the groom
(If I’ve left anyone out, will you please let me know so I can give them credit? Thanks!)

On the docket: weddings, a fun trash the dress session, portraits and more weddings!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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The skies were blue, the sun warmly kissed the rolling hills of the Two Feathers Ranch in Darby, MT, and smiles graced everyone’s faces as Lauren and Jeff promised their love and devotion to one another. It really was a magical day – Lauren and Jeff enjoyed a sweet “first look” before their ceremony, then bid each other adieu until Lauren made her grand entrance by horse drawn carriage. The ranch’s other horses even decided to add their own element of beauty and surprise by galloping alongside Lauren’s carriage as she drew closer to the ceremony location. Cheering greeted Lauren and Jeff’s first kiss as newlyweds, and guests merrily rode wagons to the ranch’s barn to enjoy dinner and dancing and a lovely, soft sunset.

What a gorgeous day, and a beautiful wedding, Lauren and Jeff! Thank you so much for having me share your day with you and document such a special occasion!

Vendor Information: (Lauren, if I left anyone out, will you please let me know so I can give them credit? Thanks!)
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Two Feathers Ranch, Darby, MT
Dress: ?
Flowers: Flower Barn, Victor, MT
Catering: Caffe Firenze, Florence, MT
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, MT

On the docket: a super cute two-year-old triplets portrait session, a beautiful creative bridal session and more weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers!

-Kristine

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