So, you know how you talk with someone and you just click? I totally felt that way when chatting with Melisa initially about her wedding day. We both love words. We both love birds. (Words and birds! See what I did there?!) And her goal was to get married on her wheat farm to the love of her life, surrounded by her family and all of their farm critters (horses and dogs and chickens and turkey included!). Hooo boy, yes please! Therefore it was no surprise at all that when I zipped up north for Melisa and Zack’s Dutton Montana farm engagement, that it was just such a wonderful time.

Dutton treated us to a beautiful sunny, windy day just outside of Great Falls, and we had such a nice time poking around Melisa and Zack’s farm, and getting to meet all of the above-mentioned critters. I can’t tell you how excited I was that they got to be featured in Melisa and Zack’s engagement photos too! As Melisa had told me prior to our session, one of their horses, Song, is a big time photo bomber, and she wasn’t kidding! That horse knows how to work it for the camera!

We also had a few moments to talk more about Melisa’s family’s farm, which has been in operation for five, yes FIVE, generations! How cool is that?! Zack also grew up farming in Minnesota, and eventually made his way out west. And the two met while attending a rodeo where they just happened to be sitting next to one another – kismet, I say!

As we strolled through the pastures that evening, Gypsy and Junebug (Zack and Melisa’s dogs) stuck around close by as well, and we all giggled and laughed as Song stopped to chew his lead rope every now and again, and dole out some big ol’ horsey licks here and there from his soft, velvety nose.

Because several of Melisa and Zack’s chickens had had a chance to star in some images earlier in our session, Carol, the turkey, not to be outdone, made a cameo as well. I’ve got to say, this is the closest I’ve ever been to a turkey, and she was a sweetie! (As were all of Melisa and Zack’s animals.)

But I think the best part of their entire session was watching these two interact with one another. Seeing them look at each other and smile at one another just warmed the cockles of my heart – and getting to capture this in a place that’s so important to them – well, that’s just icing on the proverbial cake.

Melisa and Zack! Thank you so much for such a delightful photo shoot – and it was so good to finally get to meet you, Zack! Additionally, though I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – I cannot thank you ENOUGH for helping me with that crack in the oil pan of my car.

(Context for those not-in-the-know: as I was driving in to their farm, a big ol’ rock kicked up and left a nice gash in my oil pan, effectively releasing ALL of it right as I pulled into their driveway. Egads!) You and your family didn’t need to take the time to help me out, especially as late as it was in the evening, but you did, and I’m just so incredibly grateful. You are good, good folks!

But most importantly, it was a blast to get to work with you two, and I’m just so excited for your wedding day! Please give all your critters big hugs for me in the meantime. :)

On the Docket:

Portraits and weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

When Abby and Jeff, both animal-lovers, asked if they could have their engagement photos done with llamas, horses or cows – I admittedly got a little giddy. My response to that question will always be a resounding, “Heck YES!” We found ourselves some willing participants at a ranch in Lolo (they were: ponies Captain Lewis and Captain Clark, Charger the horse, Maude and Gertie the mini mules, and Vincent the dog), and luckily the weather held out for us while Abby and Jeff were in town visiting from Chicago.

We had SO much fun. SO much. There was laughter, donkey braying, funny dog faces, kissing ponies, gorgeous light – you name it. And a heckuva lot of sweetness and love between Abby and Jeff. These two have a blast together, and I cannot wait for their wedding day, which I’m sure will be just as awesome!

Thank you again, you two, for such a happy, fun session! (And Jeff, if you ever find yourself in need of a different occupation you may have to seriously think about your “pony/donkey/dog whisperer” abilities. They all loved you!) See you both again soon!

On the docket: weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

From the moment I talked to Kristeen on the phone (and we exclaimed over the fact that we’re both “K” Kristines – woot woot! we’re rare, I tell you!), I knew we’d just have a blast working together! So, when Kristeen called to tell me she and Colt were in Missoula, visiting from their home base in Hawaii, and that they had decided they wanted to take advantage of the snow we had here to do some fun portraits, I was completely game.

We all carpooled together up to Sky Ridge Ranch (which is where they’ll be getting married this summer – such a beautiful venue!), and decided to tromp around in the snow and make the most of the white-capped mountain peaks for their portraits. We had some great ranch horse photobombs, experienced a crazy little mini squall with whipping winds, and then some beautiful, bright sun during our shoot. And, of course, a lot of laughs as well.

Thank you again, you two, for braving that cold, cold wind! It was so much fun getting to photograph you and get to know you even more on our drive to and from the ranch. Can’t WAIT for your wedding day!

On the docket: the first wedding of 2014! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It’s been a bit rainy in Montana as you may have noticed. (What is that glowing orb in the sky?) But the sun finally came out, the clouds parted and gave way to a beautiful blue sky and gorgeously sunny evening for George and Emily’s engagement session in Ovando, MT, at the Montana Mountain View ranch that George and Emily adore.

Their dog Billy joined us for the shoot (and kept us cracking up by barking into gopher holes!), and George and Emily’s two horses Linus and Deuce were happy to accompany us into a field of wildflowers (which they gladly ate).

It really couldn’t have been a better evening – we all had a blast – and we finished off the night with burgers and beer and a full moon to knock your socks off. (Thanks for the treat, you two! You seriously rock!)

I am so excited to photograph your wedding, George and Emily! On to the photos – enjoy!

On the docket: weddings, weddings and more weddings!

Cheers!

-Kristine