Rilee and Nick had to postpone their their original, large wedding due to the pandemic, so instead they downsized in 2020 and embraced their intimate rainy Missoula wedding – mega party to be had in 2021!

And what a gorgeous, magical day it was for them, even in spite of the rain! They had an emotional set of first looks – with each other, and then with Rilee and her dad.

The rain quickly began to move in, so a few of us hung out under a gigantic tree that was perfectly placed right near their ceremony site as their guests began to stroll through a field of spring wildflowers.

Soon it was time to get things started, and Rilee made her way through the flowers up to Nick, on her dad’s arm and sheltered by an umbrella.

Tears mixed with raindrops as Rilee and Nick shared their sweet, emotion-filled vows with one another, and their friends and family erupted in cheers as they kissed for the first time as husband and wife!

The plan had been to make some portraits of everyone in attendance after the ceremony had taken place, but it was downright pouring on us, so folks booked it through the field again and we laughed and decided that could wait until 2021, too.

Rilee and Nick! I’m so glad you got to get hitched in 2020, and I cannot wait for 2021 where we can fully celebrate this wonderful occasion! Here’s to you two, your fantastic outlook on life, and to a grand party in 2021!

On the Docket:

More intimate weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

When Michele and I talked on the phone about her Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort wedding to her love, Philip, I knew we’d have a wonderful time working together and capturing all the excitement and happiness of their wedding day. (Fun fact: they actually met five years ago to the day they decided to get married!)

Michele and Philip currently live in Nevada, but chose Montana as their place to tie the know because Philip’s family is from Superior. And it couldn’t have been a a more gorgeous Montana day for them!

After some final last touches during the getting ready process, it was time for their ceremony to start!

Michele walked down the aisle with their 4-year-old son, while her daughters (who were their bridesmaids) and Philip smiled in the sunshine.

Michele and Philip shared smiles and laughter, as well as vows, and before long it was time to make it official with a kiss in front of the nearby mountains and river.

Everyone cheered for the two newlyweds, doled out hugs, and then it was time to make some portraits of everyone involved. We had a great time meandering by the river, finding a fun porch swing for them to relax on, and even discovered an apple tree, too!

After portraits we rejoined everyone for a scrumptious dinner, some really moving first dances, and a memorable and hilarious strawberry shortcake cutting, too!

To top off the evening, folks mingled and laughed with one another, enjoyed their strawberry shortcake and got some good games of corn hole going!

Michele and Philip! Thank you again for inviting me to document this day in your lives – I just loved getting to meet you both (as well as your friends and family), and am so excited that Montana gave you such a beautiful evening to say your “I do’s.” Here’s to many joyful years ahead, filled with many a Montana visit as well! Congratulations again!

On the Docket:

Weddings, elopements, portraits and more! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I knew the moment that Danielle and I first started chatting on the phone that we’d have such a wonderful time working together at her intimate Gibson Mansion wedding in Missoula. And that really is such a huge understatement because she and Clay are the sweetest of people with such big hearts.

They both grew up and live in Casper, Wyoming, but knew they wanted more of a destination wedding and the Gibson Mansion fit the bill perfectly for them. They love food so they celebrated their day with both a tasty brunch as well as a scrumptious dinner.

Their wedding ceremony was early that morning, and, as weather this year would have it, it was pouring! But that didn’t thwart Danielle or Clay from thoroughly enjoying their day and they just went with it, getting married beneath the tent outside as the rain came down all around us.

To listen to Danielle and Clay share their vows with one another was so special – I don’t think a single person had a dry eye after we were privy to such true love and heartfelt emotion. But smiles broke out once again as soon as it was time to exchange rings and seal it all with a kiss!

Brunch was on the docket soon after, and, as the day moved along, the weather cleared up and treated everyone to some sun, just in time for dinner and dancing!

Kiddos played in the dappled, golden light, everyone cheered as Danielle and Clay cut their cake, ladies eagerly leaped for the bouquet Danielle tossed off the balcony, and soon everyone was laughing and kicking up their heels on the dance floor.

Danielle and Clay! Thank you again for inviting me to document such a truly beautiful, happy day for you and your families! It was so nice to finally get to meet you both, and I’m just so happy for the two of you and your future together! Getting to document your kind of love is why I love doing what I do. Cheers to you both!

Vendors for Danielle and Clay’s Intimate Gibson Mansion Wedding:

Venue and Brunch: Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Cakes in the Zoo, Missoula, Montana
Catered Dinner: Notorious P.I.G. Catering, Missoula, Montana
Florals: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits and elopements galore! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Frankie and Matt’s intimate springtime Missoula Courthouse wedding was the epitome of beautiful simplicity, and chock-full of joy, happiness and love.

When Frankie first got in touch with me about photographing their wedding, she told me that she’s originally from Missoula and grew up on a 21-acre apple farm. The farm has since been developed, but apple trees and the Rattlesnake area of Missoula in particular, are still incredibly important to her. So it was absolutely fitting that she and Matt decided to have their first look beside a blossoming apple tree in the Rattlesnake.

And it really couldn’t have been more magical. They were both so excited to see one another, and the total elation on their faces had me grinning from ear to ear behind the camera. Even Frankie’s family dog, Jazzy (a 12-year-old black lab and collie mix), joined them for their first look!

As the thunder started rumbling and we could see wispy sheets of rain falling in the distance, we decided to zip down to the creek to make a few more images before heading our way to the courthouse. I’m so thankful to Frankie’s friend (who joined us as we made images) brought along an umbrella. Which, as it turns out, was very much needed as the storm moved in and absolutely downpoured on us! As we made our way back to our cars, Frankie got everyone giggling as she looked at Matt who was thoughtfully holding the umbrella for her, “You’re my umbrella-holder for life!”

After everyone dried off a bit it was time for Frankie and Matt to say their “I Do’s” in front of their friends and family who met up with them in the courthouse. The excitement in the air was tangible and before long everyone was ushered into one of the courtrooms to get Frankie and Matt officially married!

There was laughter, a few tears, and absolute happiness as Frankie and Matt were pronounced married, and their family cheered for them.

We finished the afternoon off by making some super fun family photos with everyone involved, as well as a few more images of the newly-minted married couple before they headed off to enjoy a lovely meal with their family and friends to celebrate their nuptials.

Frankie and Matt! My goodness, what an absolute pleasure it was to make these photos for you and document these memories! I loved every single second of the time I got to spend with you, and I’m just so darn happy for you both. Here’s to a many more magical springtimes for you, filled with apple blossoms along the way! Congrats, congrats, congrats again!

On the docket:

Weddings and portraits galore! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Kelly and Harmen’s intimate wedding in Ronan Montana was an absolutely splendid day for these two to celebrate their nuptials with family and friends. The blue sky framed the Mission Mountains perfectly, fluffy white clouds dotted the horizon, and everyone was ready to celebrate Kelly and Harmen vowing their love to one another.

To get things started, folks meandered down the pathway behind the Air BnB Kelly and Harmen had rented for the weekend, and stood together as the two smiled at one another while their creekside ceremony began.

As Kelly and Harmen spoke their vows to one another, there were definitely a few tears, lots of laughter, and pure joy as they sealed it all with a kiss – with Harmen’s son grinning between them.

Afterwards, the kiddos in attendance surprised everyone with a variety of paper boats and hats they had made – both to wear and to float on the creek – so everyone donned a hat, had a great time laughing with one another, grabbed a boat, and created a spontaneous flotilla that meandered down the creek.

After the flotilla excitement, soon it was time to head up to the house again and greet the guests who were arriving to join the party and potluck.

Everyone was all smiles as they munched on all the tasty dishes folks had brought, people had a great time playing the various lawn games provided, and soaked in the view straight out the back door of the house.

Before long it was time for some sincere, hilarious and heartfelt toasts that had everyone feeling all the feels, while simultaneously laughing to beat the band. And they topped it all off with a great group cake-cutting that got everyone smiling.

Kelly and Harmen! What a joyful, beautiful day for you two! I loved everything about you both and how you made this day exactly what you wanted it to be – thank you so much for inviting me to document your love and happiness, and leaving me with such a gigantic smile for the drive home (and while editing your images!). Cheers to you two and finding that purple unicorn! :)

On the Docket:

More intimate weddings, portraits and elopements! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Getting to meet Courtney and Daniel for their autumn Triple Creek Ranch wedding in Darby Montana was such a treat, and despite it being a fairly rainy day, these two didn’t let it faze them one bit. They just smiled and laughed and said it added to the charm of their day, and I couldn’t agree more!

Because it was raining, they chose to get married on a balcony overlooking the valley – and it was such a perfect ceremony. Courtney and Daniel had so much love in their eyes for one another, and were happier than happy after they got to seal it all with a kiss.

Courtney and Daniel both grew up on opposite coasts, but met online about four and a half years ago, and now both live in South Carolina. When I asked them what had drawn them to get married in Montana, Courtney told me that she really wanted an autumn wedding, and after seeing my fall images from the ranch online, it sealed the deal for them.

We all had such a great time going on a tour of the ranch, finding fantastic little pockets of that autumn color Courtney and Daniel love so much, and dodging a few raindrops here and there. (Courtney joked that her dress was getting heavier and heavier as we got rained on more and more throughout our shoot! To her credit, though, you’d never know it – she didn’t let the rain bother her at all!)

I think one of my most favorite things about documenting their day was just how lovingly Daniel looked at Courtney – even when she didn’t notice. That always says so much to me, and to see these two so in love was the icing on the proverbial cake!

At one point we decided to stop over by a horse pasture and say hi to all the horses and foals who were hanging out watching our antics. A mama and a baby became pretty curious about what we were up to, so they began to meander our direction. One little foal had us all cracking up as he refused to eat the treat he’d been given, and instead decided to play with it, and give us a great show, with his teeth and treat as the main attraction. What a hoot!

Courtney and Daniel! Thank you again for such a lovely afternoon with you both! I absolutely adored getting to meet you and had a blast with you as we got to make these images for you! Here’s to you two, an incredibly happy lifetime ahead, and perhaps more Montana visits in the future! :) Congratulations again to you both!

Vendor Information for Courtney and Daniel’s Autumn Triple Creek Ranch Wedding:

Venue: Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, Montana
Florist: Flower Happy Floral, Hamilton, Montana

On the Docket:

Weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I’m pretty sure I’ve got the best job in the world. When Ashley contacted me way back when about photographing her and Wayne’s elopement in Glacier National Park, I swear, we were just giddy and happy and giggling on the phone to one another the entire call. So I knew we’d have such a wonderful time making images together on their wedding day.

She and Wayne, their dog, Noose, and her sister and her sister’s husband all made the trek out to Montana together to check out Glacier for the first time, and to get hitched while they were out here. Not only did they get to say their “I Do’s” in Montana, they also got to celebrate Ashley’s pregnancy with baby Beau, too!

Their day couldn’t have been more gorgeous – blue skies, clear water, and oh-so-much laughter and fun and smiles! (And a few happy tears here and there, too.)

We had such a great time zipping around the Going-to-the-Sun Road and stopping off to make fun photos along the way. As we drove along, we had a great time chatting, and one of our conversations led us to determine that Brad Pitt has got *nothing* on Wayne, and that Wayne could start up a second career as an actor if he wanted to.

And I’ve got to say – Ashley certainly wins the award for most kick-butt, gung-ho, rockin’-mama-to-be. She was all about climbing around on rocks, and, as the sun started to dip below the mountaintops and the light was just about to disappear completely, she even flat out RAN to chase the light with me! Color me impressed!

As our evening wound down, we found ourselves laughing our heads off, grinning to beat the band, and doling out giant hugs and well-wishes after a day exceptionally well spent.

Ashely and Wayne! It completely goes without saying, but here I am going to say it again anyway ;) – what a truly fantastic day! I loved getting to meet you and make these images, and I’ll never forget running around the lake and creek with you both! You two are just fabulous, and baby Beau is lucky to have you both as parents! Congratulations again on your nuptials, and an early congratulations on little mister Beau! Come back and visit soon. :)

Vendors:

Venue: Glacier National Park, Montana
Officiant: Reid Copeland – 406-261-2220

On the Docket:

Portraits, weddings and elopements! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I’ve got to admit, I wish more people got married in the wintertime. I’ve got a huge soft spot for winter weddings – especially when everything is snowy and beautiful and all the lights are warm and glowing and everything is beyond magical. Suffice it to say, Mariah and Caleb were definitely treated to a winter wedding, and their snowy Victor Montana wedding was so Montana, and so wonderful, and left me with the biggest, fullest heart and the hugest of smiles.

I’m not entirely sure how many inches of snow we were treated to that evening, but I swear, it was dumping and dumping and dumping! When I drove down the Bitterroot that evening it was near whiteout conditions, and it didn’t let up one bit until late that night. Mariah and Caleb got married a few days after Christmas on their brand new deck (built by Caleb), and I bet they shoveled it at least 5 times before their actual ceremony got underway.

Their wedding was a surprise to everyone but their parents, so it was small, intimate, and infinitely perfect in my opinion. Caleb’s best friend officiated, Louis and Colton (Mariah and Caleb’s boys) participated as well, and even their golden retriever sat down to watch these two say their “I do’s.”

Mariah was radiant in a red velvet dress she made (yes, folks, she made her dress – so impressive!!!), and all the guys were dapper in their suits. They were such sports to have their ceremony outside as the snow piled up, and despite being literally covered in snow, everyone was so happy, so excited and just entirely full of joy. Colton, at one point, took it upon himself to shovel a new pathway for us through all the fluffy snowflakes, which had us all grinning.

We moved things inside where we all dried off a bit, shared in an exuberant toast, and Colton reminded us about “CAKE!” (after *maybe* doing a little taste-testing of the frosting first). To top off their happy evening, and despite all the snow, a local restaurant stayed open just so everyone could swing by and enjoy their wedding dinner – talk about perfect!

Mariah and Caleb – thank you so much for inviting me to document such a truly wonderful day in your lives! I just adored meeting your family and am so very happy for the two of you. Here’s to you two and your wonderful, wintry wedding! Congratulations again!

On the Docket:

Portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine