I swear it feels like just yesterday that I was photographing Rachel and Mark’s sweet engagement session at the end of August…but time certainly flies when you’re having fun! Fast forward a few months to the end of June of this year and Rachel and Mark were ready to say their “I do’s” at their Daly Mansion Wedding in Hamilton Montana.

The day started off with the guys and gals getting ready in a beautiful rental house in Hamilton before everyone reconvened at the mansion to begin the ceremony. Rachel and Mark chose to say their vows at the base of the grand staircase on the west lawn of the mansion, and Rachel got to make her grand entrance amidst a pathway of towering trees and historic steps strewn with pink petals.

The two smiled and laughed as they shared their vows with one another, and sealed it all with a kiss, and a hug and another big kiss! Friends and family showered the newlyweds with shiny metallic streamers as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife, beaming and full of joy.

After making portraits on the grounds of the mansion, Rachel and Mark re-joined their reception and were treated to a delicious dinner, rousing toasts from family that had everyone belly-laughing, and some excellent dancing as the sun slid lower in the sky.

I managed to sneak Rachel and Mark away from the party for a few seconds to take advantage of that glow beyond the mountains and make a few images in the waning light and on the beautiful old staircase of the mansion. We had a great time cracking up as we were making these photos (thanks again, you two, for not laughing at me after that wicked little shepherd’s hook took me out!). When we weren’t busy laughing (and I wasn’t busy falling over backwards), we got to soak up the last remnants of light. And if it weren’t already clear just how much these two are perfect for one another (which, of course is abundantly apparent), seeing the two of them in that beautiful light, tenderly bestowing kisses upon the other, truly showcased the love they have together.

Rachel and Mark! Congratulations again to you both! Seeing the two of you together and getting to document your love and laughter and happiness has been such a treat! Here’s to a future FILLED to the brim with even more!

Vendor Information for Rachel + Mark’s Daly Mansion Wedding in Hamilton Montana

Venue: The Daly Mansion, Hamilton, Montana
Florist: Garden City Floral, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Rosauer’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Allison LeProwse
Officiant: Justice Jennifer Ray, Hamilton, Montana
Catering: The Silk Road, Missoula, Montana
Rentals: Hamilton Party Rental and Oh So Chic, Missoula, Montana
Transportation: Beach Transportation, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas
Wedding Dress: a Maggie Sotero “Luna” design from Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Bridesmaid Dresses: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits, more weddings, and more portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

We all had our eyes on the sky as Michelle and Dave’s Stevensville, Montana wedding at the Stone Tower Estates got underway. Rain clouds zipped through, but then skirted around us as clouds gave way to brilliant sunshine highlighting the beauty of the Bitteroot Mountains, and the loveliness of Michelle and Dave’s day.

Everyone was in high spirits as they readied themselves to walk down the aisle, and smiles were abundant as the wedding party made their way down the aisle strewn with rose petals. Michelle was radiant in her dress as well as her mother’s veil, causing Dave to wipe away a tear or two as he looked at his beautiful bride.

Their friends and family cheered as they kissed for the first time as husband and wife, and as Michelle and Dave walked down the aisle again together, they beamed and continued out into a field beyond the ceremony site to read personal, private vows to one another.

Soon they rejoined their friends and family, and had a great time mingling, munching on a tasty dinner, enjoying their cake, and kicking up their heels as the sun sank behind the mountaintops.

Michelle and Dave – thank you again for inviting me to capture such a special time in your lives! It was such a delight to work with you and all your family and friends, and even more fun to see just how much you two are in love with one another. Here’s to a long, happy life together, filled with joy and laughter!

Vendors:

Venue: Stone Tower Estates, Stevensville, Montana
Florist: Bitterroot Floral, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Candace Weeks with Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Mario with Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Dress: A Mori lee design from Bridal Traditions, Omaha, Nebraska
Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Rentals: Eastgate Rental, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: weddings and portraits! Stay tuned!

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

Talk about a perfect Montana day for Megin and Seth’s wedding! Everyone was treated to a bluebird day, the sun shined brilliantly over the mountaintops in the Bitterroot, and didn’t sink behind them again until late in the long June evening.

Megin readied herself in the upstairs of the main house, taking deep breaths to calm her nerves, and pausing here and there to peek out the window as guests arrived.

Family and friends rested on hay bales as they waited for the grand entrance of the bridal party, and were treated to an adorable petal-scattering by the two flower girls. Megin made the long walk to the aisle on the arm of her father, beaming the entire way. The ceremony was short and sweet as the two spoke their vows beneath an arch fashioned by Megin’s grandfather, and guests cheered for the new couple as they walked down the aisle together as husband and wife.

Decorative mason jars served as vessels for cool lemonade, iced tea, beer and wine, and guests mingled over a tasty dinner as the sun crept across the sky. Personal touches punctuated the entire decor – from fun pictures of Seth and Megin to a vintage trunk for gifts.

A lively cake cutting soon followed, as did dancing among twinkle lights as the sun dipped behind the mountain tops.

Megin and Seth – thank you again for inviting me into your day! What a great time being able to document your wedding for you. Here’s to many, many happy years together celebrating sun, fun and lots of love!

Vendors:
Venue: Private residence, Stevensville, Montana
Florist: Pam from Flower Happy, Hamilton, Montana
Makeup Artist: Brittany Brennan from BoHo Boutique, Hamilton, Montana
Hair Artist: Val Wood from Jan’s Salon, Hamilton, Montana
Wedding Dress: A Maggie Sottero design from Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Cake: made by the bride’s aunt
DJ: ?
Men’s Suits: Serendipity Lane, Hamilton, Montana

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

P.S. I’m currently booking 2014 weddings, and I still have even a few openings for 2013 weddings if you’re still looking for a photographer. :)

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

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

Jen and Kyle – what a beautiful pair they are. They are absolutely, hands-down, unequivocally MEANT for each other. There is such a beautiful love – nay – a dazzling love, between them, and it was front and center during their wedding at the Daly Mansion in Hamilton, Montana. From Kyle’s sweet gifts to Jen before the ceremony and the card he wrote to her that nearly caused tears to fall, to Jen’s voice, thick with emotion, as she vowed to Kyle that she’d always love him, for all eternity. It was a beautiful wedding. Emotional, funny, and moving.

Thank you Jen and Kyle for allowing me to witness such a special day for the two of you – I had such a lovely time photographing for you, and I found myself blinking away a tear or two, as well as laughing out loud – you two are wonderful!

Venue: Daly Mansion, Hamilton, MT
Catering: Caffe Firenze, Florence, MT
Cakes: Caffe Firenze, Florence, MT
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, MT
Dress: designed by Maggie Sottero from After 5 and Weddings in Bozeman, MT
Flowers: Flower Happy Floral Design, Hamilton, MT

On the docket: Jen and Kyle’s awesome trash the dress/day after session – you don’t want to miss this!

Cheers!
-Kristine