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

You know when the stars align, the weather is perfection, springtime in Montana is just exploding, and you get to work with the sweetest of people? Yeah, that’s what Breanna and Branden’s Corvallis Montana engagement photos in the Bitterroot Valley were like. We lucked into a day that showed off the Bitterroots to their fullest potential, and had an absolute blast together making their images.

When we were talking about their session, Breanna and Branden told me that they really would love to be able to make their images down in the Bitterroot, since when they were first dating, they’d spend many days driving and exploring around the area – so it’s got a super special significance to them, which I loved hearing!

They also told me they wanted to recreate a vintage tintype look for one of their images (which you’ll see below), and hoped to incorporate photos of their parents, grandparents and pups. I always love fun, unique ideas like this, so I was super tickled to help make this happen. We found ourselves an old homestead house, hung their photos on the clapboard behind them, they provided a vintage chair and clothing, and bam! We went to town making these photos – so fun! And what an awesome idea! (Our non-serious outtakes were pretty funny because when we’re having as much fun as we were, being serious is never an easy thing!)

The lilacs were also in bloom during their session, so of course we had to take advantage of that bit of lovely serendipity, too.

After our vintage shots were done, Breanna and Branden had a quick wardrobe change and we headed out to visit another beautiful spot in the Bitteroots – this time with their chiweenie pups along – Bonney and Wally! These two were such adorable little troopers, ready for a hike, eager to explore, and ridiculously photogenic. (Wally’s sweet little face just *kills* me – in the best way possible – in the last shot.)

To top off our absolutely delightful afternoon, Breanna and Branden treated me to a beer and some apps at Lolo Peak Brewery on the way back into Missoula, and it’s an understatement to say just how nice it was to get to hang out, sip on some beers, talk drones, and swap stories. (Thank you again, you two!)

It certainly goes without saying, but I’ll say it again – Breanna and Branden! I just adored your session, and thank you again for such a fantastic afternoon with you and your pups. I am beyond excited to get to photograph your upcoming nuptials and I’m so glad that we all get to work with and get to know one another. Here’s to you two, the beauty of the Bitteroots, and more brews in the near future! :)

On the Docket:

More engagement photos and wedding photos coming your way – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Last year Ethan and Emily, both from Iowa, decided to take a vacation with Yellowstone being one of their stops. They loved their time in Montana so much that, fast forward to their wedding day, lo and behold they decided to have their Flying Horse Ranch wedding in Corvallis, Montana. And I’m so glad they did because what a wonderful day it was.

Their day started off with a super sweet first look between the two. Ethan was so excited to see Emily and the look on his face as he first turned around to behold his beautiful bride was so special. We continued having fun making photos of just the two of them before moving on to more of the family formals.

And we had such a blast. Ethan and Emily’s wedding was small, with only close friends and family partaking, but what a group they had there with them! We laughed so much and so often and just had such a great time making their more formal photos before it was time to get everyone ready to start their ceremony.

Emily was full of emotion as she walked down the aisle towards Ethan, but soon she burst into a huge smile and the two stood together at the altar with the blue of the mountains as their backdrop. There were tears and laughter, and everyone clapped as Ethan and Emily kissed for the first time as husband and wife.

The festivities continued into the evening with hilarious and touching toasts that had folks doubling over in laughter while simultaneously dabbing at tears in the corners of their eyes. And Ethan and Emily probably had one of the most epic cake-cuttings I’ve seen. It started out innocent, but…well, suffice it to say, it got a little messy. Emily was such a good sport, however, and the two easily laughed about their “cake smash” moment afterwards.

The music kicked on and soon everyone was out on the dance floor kicking up their heels and jumping around to the beats. The party moved outside a bit too as people mingled with one another, played some lawn games, and had a great time giggling and chatting as the evening wound down.

That evening we were treated to all sorts of wonderful light, and I’m so thankful Ethan and Emily were willing to “run for the light!” to get the best of the best of the sun as it quickly dipped behind the silhouettes of the mountains.

Ethan and Emily! I’m so glad you found me and invited me into such a wonderful day in your lives. I loved getting to meet you in person and had such a fantastic time getting to hang out with you, your family and friends, and make these images for you. Everyone was so sweet and had so many kind things to say (including you two, of course!) and that meant the world to me. Your love is so real and so beautiful, and the love you have for your friends and family (and they for you) was just such a treat to witness and document. I’m so glad Montana treated you so well! Here’s to a life together filled with joy and happiness, and many more Montana trips, too! :)

Vendor Information for Ethan and Emily’s Flying Horse Ranch Wedding:

Venue: Flying Horse Ranch, Corvallis, Montana
Cake: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
Catering: Famous Dave’s, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Mark Christians
Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Charlotte Russe

On the Docket:

Weddings and portraits! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Though the forecast predicted rain, Jena and Dan’s wedding at the Flying Horse Ranch was picture perfect – blue skies, fluffy white clouds, a golden eagle overhead, brilliant sunshine here and there – Montana certainly pulled out all the stops for them.

And the beauty didn’t stop there. Jena walked down the aisle, beaming, as she looked at Dan. And the two laughed and smiled as they spoke their vows to one another. In an incredibly touching moment, Jena and Dan invited close friends and family to join them at the altar to bless their rings before exchanging them with one another. Soon they enjoyed their first kiss as newlyweds to a chorus of cheers from their smiling friends and family.

Festivities continued into the evening as folks danced, laughed, and chatted with one another while they celebrated Jena and Dan’s day.

Jena and Dan – I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it was to be invited to document such a truly special, beautiful day in your lives. Here’s to many long years of happiness and laughter for you both! And congratulations again!

Vendors:

Venue: Flying Horse Ranch, Corvallis, Montana
Florist: Flower Happy, Hamilton, Montana
Cake: by Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
Gluten-Free Cakes: by Let Them Eat Cake, Bozeman, Montana
DJ: The couple’s friend, Chad, Salt Lake City, Utah
Hair and Makeup: Brittany Roscoe, Salt Lake City, Utah
Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses: from David’s Bridal
Menswear: Serendipity Boutique, Hamilton, Montana
Catering: Caffe Firenze, Florence, Montana
Rentals: Hamilton Party Rentals, Hamilton, Montana
Officiant: Joanna Trainor

On the docket: weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Happy couples are my favorite, and Jordan and Sarah were no exception. It was a perfectly beautiful day for their wedding and part of what made it so beautiful was their visible happiness and easygoing nature throughout their wedding day.

And even though there were tears too, they were happy tears. Tears of a father proud of and happy for his daughter. Tears of a bride moved by her husband’s vows to her and her vows to him. Tears while listening to the most moving of toasts from siblings and friends. And, of course, lots and lots of laughter to accompany the events of the day as well.

As their wedding day progressed, the brilliant blue sky inevitably gave way to a glow over the mountaintops, and friends and family walked out into the cool grass to watch the sun set, play with their children, and reflect on the events of the day.

The newlyweds ventured into the tall grass as well, Jordan swept Sarah off her bare feet, and the two kissed as the sun sank behind the mountains – a perfect end to a beautiful, happy day.

Jordan and Sarah – congratulations again on such a wonderful start to your lives together! It was such an honor to document such a special day in your lives, and I wish you a long, happy life together!

Vendors:
Venue: Flying Horse Ranch, Corvallis, Montana
Cake Artist: Jenna Haven
DJ: Will Deschamps
Men’s Suits: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana

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

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

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