Springtime weddings in Montana mean you never know what you’re going to get weather-wise. You might find yourself experiencing rain, snow, sleet, hail, chilly temperatures, or warm sunlight. And wouldn’t you know it, Jessica and Ryan’s Alta Ranch wedding in Darby Montana gave us a little bit of all of those things!

As both Jessica and Ryan got ready for their ceremony, folks kept checking the sky to see what it was up to. Sun gave way to clouds, but despite that, we hoped that the rain would hold off. Soon ceremony time was just around the corner, and everyone began to make their way down the hill and towards the creek – all with umbrellas in tow. But the rain changed from drizzle to an all out downpour (sleeting and hailing at moments), and the radar wasn’t showing any break in the near future.

So, Jessica and Ryan went with it and quickly made a change in plans to hold their ceremony under an old airplane hangar on the ranch. The wedding party walked through the raindrops, but even though the wind whipped and the rain continued to fall, it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits in the least.

Ryan smiled at his bride as Jessica made her way up the aisle beaming with happiness, while her father held an umbrella for her. Jessica and Ryan’s mothers officiated their ceremony, and the couple’s dog of honor, Tsuga, even had a speaking role in their wedding, too. (He barked on command!)

The two spoke their touching and oftentimes hilarious vows to one another, and soon it was time to seal it all with a kiss. Friends and family cheered for the new couple as they made their way down the aisle and out of the hangar, and not long after everyone began to hug and a few tears flowed too as friends and family congratulated the newlyweds.

Thankfully Montana got the rain out of its system and we were treated to a blue sky, fluffy clouds and even some warm sunlight. (A welcome change from the 40-ish degrees it had been earlier!) Jessica, Ryan, Tsuga and I had a great time wandering the ranch and making fun portraits along a creek, a pond and an old bridge. We were even treated to sightings of multiple Western Tanagers and a pair of nesting bald eagles!

The festivities continued as people enjoyed dinner from the BBQ and eventually cakes and pie a bit later. Lively toasts to Jessica and Ryan elicited some big laughs, and afterwards people began to meander outside and into the sun again for a fantastic bouquet toss.

Jessica and Ryan! Thank you again for inviting me to document your wedding day! It was such a pleasure to get to make these images for you, and I had such a wonderful time meeting your family and friends, too. (You’ve got a truly kind crew in your lives!) Here’s to the happiest of years ahead of you, filled with laughter, successful fishing trips, and lots of time in the mountains together! Congratulations again!

Vendor for Jessica and Ryan’s Alta Ranch Wedding in Darby Montana:

Venue: Alta Ranch, Darby, Montana

On the docket: weddings, weddings and more weddings!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Upon first chatting with Kristina and Ben about their upcoming Darby Montana elopement at the Triple Creek Ranch, I knew that we’d have such a fabulous time making images for the two of them. They love the outdoors, are beyond sweet, and were really excited about visiting Montana for the first time. It also didn’t hurt that Kristina’s a fellow redhead, and we even share the same initials! I tell you, Meant. To. Be! (And as Kristina would say, “Kismet!”)

The day of their elopement arrived, and I think we were all a little nervous about how the weather would behave (or misbehave). It had been raining for days and days (which, in Montana, you must be grateful for, even if it might hamper photos), but mother nature decided to give us all a break, and let us off with a few sprinkles here and there, and some super lush landscapes.

And truly – it couldn’t have been a more beautiful, perfect day for Kristina and Ben. Partly because of our location, but really because of how happy and joyful and in love these two are. The scenery was just the icing on the cake. Kristina and Ben beamed at each other as they spoke their vows amidst a few softly falling raindrops (and the splash of a fish in the pond behind them!). Kristina became a little choked up, but her tears were happy ones, and soon she and Ben were pronounced husband and wife, and we (officiant, ranch hand, photographer and Kristina and Ben) all cheered together for the two happy newlyweds.

One of my favorite things about elopements is how much freedom we have to just play, explore and have an absolute blast making images. And we did all of that and then some. Dodging the raindrops, we dashed around the ranch, laughing all the way, zipped on down to the water, waved at some elk, went in search of some cool rocks, said hello to some bighorn sheep, and got ourselves up close and personal to the rapidly running river once again. Words don’t do it justice to say that this was a completely wonderful day!

Kristina and Ben – I know I’ve said it before, probably about a bazillion times – but thank you so much for inviting me to document this truly special, beautiful day in your lives. It was such a pleasure to get to meet you both, and I loved every single second of the time we got to run around making images for you two. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and many, many more Montana visits in the future! :)

On the docket: portraits and weddings galore! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Time certainly flies when you’re having fun, and it seriously feels like just yesterday that I was hanging out with Annie and Josh making their engagement photos amongst the autumn leaves and night sky. Fast forward a few months (ok, more than a few months!) and their wedding day had arrived!

I love how personalized their wedding was to their tastes and their lifestyle. Their venue was just a hop and a skip away from the B&B they run, Annie chose to wear a custom-made antique lace dress, their food was locally-sourced, the events of the day were casual and fun and centered around friends and family, and Annie even helped make her own wedding cake (much to everyone’s delight, I’m sure, since Annie is well known for her incredible cooking). All in all, it was truly a perfect day for these two.

Trapper Peak reached up towards the clouds, the sun filtered through the aspen trees, friends and family mingled, laughed and chatted, and soon Josh and Annie entered the ceremony together, smiles wide and eyes bright.

Josh’s brother officiated, had everyone smiling, and Annie and Josh had eyes only for each other as they spoke their vows. Friends and family cheered as they walked down the aisle as newlyweds, and smiled as the two hugged and laughed together. Folks congratulated Annie and Josh and began to enjoy some tasty appetizers and partake in lawn games around the winery.

Dinner followed not long after, as did some exceptionally awesome toasts (I think everyone’s sides were splitting), a special hula performance by Josh’s sister to celebrate the importance of Hawaii in their lives, and to top it off – a song sung by Josh’s extended family written specifically for and about Annie and Josh. Truly a wonderful evening.

Festivities continued into the evening with cake that Annie and her friend made, a dessert bar, and dancing. Oh, lots and lots of dancing!

Annie and Josh – what a an absolutely beautiful and happy day to celebrate you both! It has been such a treat getting to know you and to be invited to capture such fantastic memories. You’ve got an incredible group of friends and family, and I’m so happy for you as you continue your lives together. Here’s to a long life full of successful businesses, delicious food, lots of laughter, and plenty of adventure! Congratulations again!

Vendors:
Venue: Trapper Peak Winery, Darby, Montana
Coordinator: Janelle Meyer-Brown of Evenement Planning, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Florist: Habitat Floral, Missoula, Montana
Cake: made by the bride and her friend, Libby
Dessert Bar: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Montana Pro Audio, Missoula, Montana
Makeup and Hair Artist: Miranda Simmons with Electric Beach & Hair Studio, Darby, Montana
Wedding Dress: Custom-made from antique lace from Etsy by seamstress Becky Peelen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Caterer: The Silk Road, Missoula, Montana
Wine: Trapper Peak Winery, Darby, Montana
Furniture Rentals: Oh So Chic Montana, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: brother of the groom, Shannon Levenson

On the docket: weddings, portraits, and more weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

When Annie and I first started talking about me being the photographer for her and Josh’s wedding, it was SO great to find out that she’s from Wisconsin – because, though I was born in Montana and have spent nearly half my life here, I grew up in Wisconsin and have a special fondness for it in my heart. And fellow Wisconsin people are just kind of awesome. Doncha know. (Sorry – couldn’t resist.)

I met up with her and Josh at the bed and breakfast they are caretakers of in Darby (such a sweet place!), and Montana was pulling out all the stops for us – blue skies, colorful autumn leaves, golden light….I could go on and on.

After trekking around for a bit, all the while chatting and laughing as we made their portraits, we went back to their B&B,  and then hung out for a while. Annie’s hummus was super tasty, and we also sipped on some Spotted Cow (shout out to Wisconsin again! – this is a beer for those of you who are unfamiliar) while we waited for the sun to sink.

The temperatures had definitely dropped at that point, so kudos to Annie and Josh for being so patient and awesome as we made starry night portraits! When Annie initially told me she wanted to do this, I was stoked, and even more so after she told me that Josh had proposed to her under a beautiful, starry sky in Tanzania.

Thanks again, you two, for such a great session (and for sharing one of your Spotted Cows with me ;) ). I am SO looking forward to your wedding next year! In the meantime, here’s to many more beautiful Montana starry nights for you both!

On the docket: more portraits! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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