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

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

It’s kind of hard to believe that August is already here after photographing Kim and Randy’s engagement session way back in February – how time flies!

Fast forward to August, the warmth of the summer sun, and long, languid evenings and you’ve got yourself a perfect recipe for an absolutely stunning wedding day. Kim and Randy tailored their day to really showcase their love for Montana, and classy western style. Kim even made her grand entrance to the ceremony by riding side-saddle on her mother-in-law’s horse!

Guests sipped on lemonade as Kim and Randy vowed their love to one another under the big sky. The two ceremonially braided ropes together to signify their intertwined lives.

Children played in the sun, taking turns rolling down the soft hillsides of Rye Creek Lodge, as their parents enjoyed appetizers and cocktails before dinner. Friends and family were summoned to dinner by a dinner bell, and everyone enjoyed the delicious food and stunningly beautiful atmosphere.

Not long after, everyone kicked up their heels and danced into the night, every now and then taking a turn at the microphone, singing into the star-studded evening sky.

Kim and Randy – thank you again for inviting me into such a special moment of your lives together! I had such a wonderful time documenting your wedding and meeting your amazing friends and family. Here’s to many, many years together, punctuated by plenty of dancing and roping! :)

Vendor Information:
Venue: Rye Creek Lodge, Darby, Montana
Wedding Coordinator and Florist: Philip Rice and Scott of East Sac Florist, Sacramento, California
Cake Arist: Gretchen
Band: Sho Down, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Boomswagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress and Men’s Suits: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jasmine B2
Catering: Blue Canyon Catering, Missoula, Montana
Pastor: Matt Woodward
Ceremony Musicians: Samuel Davidson & Ken LaGrande, cousins of the bride

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

Cheers,

-Kristine