Merging histories, cultures, and their love story, Leah and K brought their friends and family from across the US and the world to their their Billings Historic Depot wedding in Billings, Montana. It was a beautiful October day (and unexpectedly warm for October, too!). The trees outside the depot were just starting to sport the changing colors of the season, and it truly couldn’t have been a more perfect day for Leah and K to vow their love to one another.

Their journey began in college at Yale, where they shared an internship at the Yale Art Gallery. Fast forward a few years to their wedding, and they had the most amazing blend of Armenian and Native American traditions. They pulled from Leah’s Armenian and Arab heritage, and K’s Native American Little Shell and Crow roots to easily and joyfully merge the two cultures, creating a space where love and happiness were center stage.

Leah’s uncle in his judge robes, adorned with a stole beaded by K’s mother, officiated their ceremony. And what a ceremony it was! There were happy tears, raw emotions, and so much laughter — especially when Leah tried to steal an early kiss, which K ducked! Everyone in attendance absolutely howled with laughter, as did Leah and K! Soon it was time to officially, OFFICIALLY seal it all with a kiss, and everyone cheered as the newly married couple walked down the aisle together, hand-in-hand and beaming.

Their grand entrance into the dining and dance hall was nothing short of spectacular. Leah, K, and their entire wedding party danced and wound their way through the tables to the dance floor as they performed a line dance to a traditional Armenian wedding song. Soon everyone joined in, held hands, and the dance floor was rocking! Boots stomped, people laughed, and it wasn’t long before K led everyone in a traditional Native dance, too. As someone who loves all sorts of music and dance, I was absolutely blown away by how incredibly beautiful this was to witness.

Continuing the blending of cultures, beaded bolo ties and earrings (crafted by K’s mother), adorned each member of the wedding party, including Leah’s father. The rugs, a gift from Leah’s parents and a family heirloom from Leah’s great-grandmother Leila, added layers of personal history to the celebration. Incorporating Native American traditions, a prayer was offered for Leah and K, followed by a giveaway where the couple bestowed blankets, fabric, tobacco, and money to their loved ones. The favor bags for guests were adorned with a flower designed by K’s mom and the words “thank you” in Ojibwe, Armenian, and Arabic.

Leah and K’s family shared so many beautiful, emotional toasts that had everyone laughing, and perhaps with a tear or two in their eye. The shoe game, masterfully orchestrated by Leah’s aunt Susan, added a healthy dose of extra fun to the evening, and everyone continued to kick up their heels on the dance floor as the tunes spilled out from the open doors into the indigo evening.

Leah and K! Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for inviting me to document your wedding. What a truly incredible day it was for two incredible people! Your friends and family are *chef’s kiss* stellar, and I loved every second of your day. Here’s to you and what I know will be a fabulous future together!

Vendors for Leah + K’s Billings Historic Depot Wedding:

Photographer :: Kristine Paulsen Photography, Missoula, Montana
Venue :: Billings Depot, Billings, Montana
Catering :: Mas Taco, Red Lodge, Montana
Florals :: Mac’s Floral, Billings, Montana
Coordinator :: Planning Everyday Events, Billings, Montana
Videographer :: Elevate Media, Belgrade, Montana
Cake :: Sweets by Sam, Billings, Montana
Spirits :: Magic City Casino Catering, Billings, Montana
Decorator :: Better to Gather, Billings, Montana
Hair :: Samantha Law, Billings, Montana
Makeup :: Makeup by Alexa Elise, Billings, Montana
DJ :: Magic City Productions, Billings, Montana
Officiant :: Thomas Barbar (Leah’s uncle)
Leah’s dress :: a Mikaella by Paloma Blanca design from Vows Bridal, Watertown, Massachusetts
Wedding party dresses :: from Azazie Bridal
K’s attire :: from Bindle & Keep, Brooklyn, New York
Wedding party suits :: from Suitshop

On the docket:

Portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Julie and Dave, both big fans of fly fishing, chose the Stillwater River Outpost in Absarokee as their ideal place to tie the knot. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it’s got personal significance to them as well since they have spent quite a bit of time there enjoying all the river and the location have to offer.

True to form, Montana decided to wow everyone with some pretty epic rainstorms, but then pulled out all the stops right as wedding day activities started getting underway, and showed off blue skies, fluffy clouds and brilliant sunlight to highlight Julie and Dave’s beautiful riverside wedding.

Their dog Quill walked down the aisle with their rings, and Julie and her father made their grand entrance down the pebble pathway, serenaded by violin music.

The two spoke their vows to one another and embraced in a happy kiss for the first time as husband and wife.

As the wedding ceremony came to a close, little sprinkles began to fall from the sky, and we all got another taste of a torrential downpour, which soon turned into a gorgeous, sunny evening, full of long shadows and golden clouds.

Guests snacked on mini grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (perfect for that initial rainstorm!), samplings from an antipasto platter, and other delicious offerings, just to name a few. Dinner and some fun toasts soon followed, and not long after, folks were cutting a rug on the dance floor (along with the many dogs who joined in too!).

Julie and Dave – what an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt wedding you had! Thank you again for having me document such a special day in your lives – may you have many years of love, adventure, and fly fishing ahead of you! :)

Stillwater River Outpost Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Stillwater River Outpost, Absarokee, Montana
Hair and Makeup Artist: Shannon Christensen, bride’s sister-in-law
Caterer:
Band: The Nye Express
Cupcakes: Shelly’s Cakes, Billings, Montana
Dress: a Vera Wang design
Florist: Mac’s Floral, Billings, Montana
Rentals: Party Time Rentals, Billings, Montana

On the docket: portraits and more weddings! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine