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

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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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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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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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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