I’ve been SO excited to photograph Breanna and Branden’s Corvallis Montana Bitterroot Barn wedding ever since we first started talking about their wedding day. Especially so, after having the pleasure of capturing their engagement photos for them. Breanna and Branden are the sweetest people, so I knew their wedding would be filled with joy, love and laughter, and lots of personal touches – and oh, was it ever!

It was a damp, October day, the trees had just begun to turn golden, and the deep blue backdrop of the Bitterroots contrasted perfectly with the brilliant yellows and oranges in the valley, all wrapped in low-hanging, misty clouds. Despite it being a little rainy, it didn’t bother Breanna and Branden one bit, and as a little bonus, they were able to have their wedding ceremony outside.

Branden had nothing but smiles for his bride as she walked down the aisle on her parents’ arms, beaming, beatific, and excited to see her love at the altar. Their ceremony was filled with heartfelt words, plenty of laughter and deep connection. As Breanna and Branden promised their forevers to one another, various flocks of geese flew by, migrating their way south for the winter.

The two literally tied the knot (which was made up of multiple strands of yarn that had been knotted by everyone in attendance), sealed it all with a kiss, and walked back down the aisle again as newlyweds, grinning to beat the band.

After their ceremony, we took a few moments to make photos together before the rain really started coming down, and had a great time traipsing about, finding fun little spots off the beaten path, and overall just being super excited about all things wedding day!

Breanna and Branden rejoined their family and friends in the barn, and were treated to some fantastic toasts and laughs that had everyone chuckling. They kicked off the rest of the evening by sharing a slice of wedding pie together, and it wasn’t long before everyone packed the dance floor and had that old barn shaking. Folks got their groove thang on, sang their hearts out, and had a great time spending time with family and friends as the rain poured down outside.

Breanna and Branden! It totally goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway – what an absolutely beautiful day! Thank you again for inviting me into such a special, joy-filled day in your lives. It truly has been an honor to get to capture such important moments for you, and I just adored every second of your wedding. You are a lucky couple to be surrounded by such caring family and friends, many of whom I had the pleasure of getting to talk with here and there throughout your wedding day. You two are already so great together, so here’s to an even more splendid future as husband and wife and partners in life! And last, but certainly not least, from the bottom of my heart, congrats, congrats, congrats again!

Vendor Information for Breanna + Branden’s Corvallis Montana Bitterroot Barn Wedding:

Venue: Bitterroot Barn at Teller Wildlife Refuge, Corvallis, Montana
Coordinator: Chelsea Maroney, 406 Events, Missoula, Montana
Videographer: Jared Iler, friend of the groom, Missoula, Montana
Photo Booth: Mark Cluney, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral, Missoula, Montana
Feathers & Bottle Centerpieces: The bride’s creation
Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Dinner Musicians: Two Cats & A Fiddle, Missoula, Montana
Reception Band: Shodown, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Meraki Rose, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Hilary Aller (cousin’s wife)
Officiant: Lawrence Moran (friend)
Caterer: Crave Catering & Cakes, Missoula, Montana
Table Rentals: Oh-So-Chic Boutique, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Invites by Noteworthy, Missoula, Montana, and programs by the bride
Wedding Dress: a Maggie Sottero design
Maid of Honor Dress: from Miusol
Menswear: from The Western Company

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits, and editorial work – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Sometimes Montana weather in June can make us all look up at the sky in bewilderment – it was supposed to be a rainy day for Stephanie and Danny’s wedding, but lo and behold, it was drop-dead gorgeous and Mother Nature even decided to go all out and match their wedding colors with bright blue skies and lush green grass.

As the girls and guys readied themselves for the ceremony, there was a lot of laughter and giggling, which is always a great way to start the day in my book. The ladies laughed as Stephanie steadied herself as her maids laced up her dress, and the guys guffawed at their slick-soled shoes, and may have attempted some Michael Jackson-esque moonwalking.

Stephanie and Danny kept themselves hidden away from each other until the big moment when Stephanie’s parents parted a white curtain to reveal to Danny his beautiful, blushing bride. Danny was overcome with emotion, which touched everyone to their very core. (A quick note to all men out there: embrace your emotions! It’s just so perfectly wonderful in every possible way!) Tears of happiness flowed during the ceremony, laughter punctuated their words and soon everyone was cheering as Stephanie and Danny kissed for the first time as newlyweds.

Dinner and dancing soon followed, and boy could these folks, young and old alike, kick up their heels! Everyone enjoyed cake and cupcakes (especially the little ones) and to top off the evening, we were all treated to a most spectacular sunset to ride off into.

Stephanie and Danny – thank you again for inviting me into such a special, beautiful day in your lives. You truly are wonderfully in love, and I wish you many, many more stunning sunsets to punctuate the rest of your lives together. :)

 Vendors:

Venue: Flying Horse Ranch, Corvallis, Montana
Florist: Blooming Blessings, Harrison, Montana
Cake Artist: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Jake McMillan with RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: The Total Look Salon, Missoula, Montana
Dress: “Giovanna” style by Maggie Sottero from After 5 & Weddings, Bozeman, Montana
Bridesmaid Dresses and Men’s Suits: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Pastor Dan Nagel of Missoula Alliance Church, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: lots more weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine