I was so excited to see Melisa and Zack again for their Dutton Montana farm wedding since we’d had such a great time making their engagement photos there just about a year prior. Melisa was beaming as she got ready for the day, and Zack was eager to see his bride for their first look. As they both caught a glimpse of each other for the first time, their happiness and grins were so sweet to witness. Not to be outdone, Gyspy (one of their dogs) decided to join in on the fun, too!

It wasn’t long before it was time for the ceremony to start. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, puffy clouds breaking up the uninterrupted blue, birds flitted here and there and everyone waited in anticipation to witness Melisa and Zack say their “I do’s.” Zack smiled as Melisa made her grand entrance on their horse, Song, who was also decked out in wedding regalia for such a special occasion.

After speaking their vows to one another and exchanging rings it was time to seal it all with a kiss! Friends and family tossed confetti into the air (which the wind sprinkled everywhere throughout the property), and Zack and Melisa smiled and laughed as they made their way down the aisle as official newlyweds.

They met up with Song at the end of the aisle, and walked with him to another part of the farm, though he was a little surprised by all the confetti floating around in the air! (What a sweet horse!)

Friends and family had a great time chatting, munching on BBQ and a huge variety of the most darling little cupcakes, kicked up their heels to some tunes, engaged in some rollicking good games of corn hole and volleyball, all of which was punctuated by the regular chatter of the resident geese, chickens, ducks, peacocks and turkeys.

Before the evening wound down, I also sneaked into the nearby wheat fields with Melisa and Zack to make some sweet images of the two of them as the sun began to drop towards the horizon. What a beautiful evening!

Melisa and Zack! What a truly wonderful day for you both! As I knew it would be, it was such a treat to get to spend the afternoon with you, your friends, and your family – and, of course, your critters, too. :) Here’s to you two, your fabulous farm, and to many years of joy ahead!

Vendor Information for Melisa and Zack’s Dutton Montana Farm Wedding:

Venue: Bride and groom’s family farm in Dutton, Montana
Coordinator: Kayla McAnally, Rustique Montana, Great Falls, Montana
Cake Artist: Lisa Michael
Hair Artist: Celeste with Studio Montage, Great Falls, Montana
Officiant: David Gutting
Caterer: Big Mouth BBQ, Great Falls, Montana
Wedding Dress: an Allure Bridal design from Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Menswear: from North 40 and Murdoch’s

On the Docket:

Weddings and portraits galore! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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

It couldn’t have been a more perfect day for Ellen and Jeff’s wedding day celebration – after days and days of rain, the sun decided to grace us with its presence and showcase Missoula in all its sunny splendor. Smiles, laughter and hugs abounded as everyone readied themselves for the big day.

Ellen and Jeff’s first look was incredibly sweet and full of emotion, and their ceremony treated everyone to some “scene stealers” by their dog, McKinley, and their adorable daughter, Audrey, as they walked down the aisle. Laughter, tears and many, many smiles were highlights, and afterwards guests were treated to delicious appetizers as well as a tasty meal.

Ellen surprised Jeff with a Seahawks design on their cake, and Jeff surprised Ellen with a last minute cake smash to the face after initially leading everyone into thinking he’d play nice. :)

Spirited dancing continued into the evening as the sun sneaked behind the mountain tops, and punctuated the end to a perfect day.

Ellen and Jeff – thank you SO much for inviting me into such a special day in your lives – I was so honored to be your photographer and had an absolute blast working with you, your families and friends. Here’s to many happy years together and lots of visits to Montana, too. :)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Keep, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Flowers: Monaco Flowers, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Zootown DJ, Missoula, Montana
Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses: from house of Brides; wedding dress Allure style 8862
Men’s Suits: My Sister’s Closet, Missoula, Montana
Archway, Tulle, Candleholders and Linen Overlays: from Oh So Chic Boutique, Missoula, Montana
Ceremony Chairs: Eastgate Rental, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: weddings and portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine