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

I knew that my friends Jennie and Mike had been thinking about a winter Missoula Courthouse wedding, but hadn’t yet determined when they were going to say their “I do’s.” Suffice it to say, I was so tickled when Jennie asked if I’d consider accompanying them and taking a few photos of their nuptials. Count me IN!

We all headed down to the courthouse together, which happened to be a gorgeous, bluebird winter day, and had a good time hanging out, cracking jokes, sharing a few courthouse candy machine M&Ms (which we had thought were going to be Skittles), talking about dogs, skiing, and the massive amount of snow Missoula had just gotten. (We all kind of love the snow – I originally met Jennie when we were in the same For Women Only class at Snowbowl.)

Soon, it was time for Jennie and Mike to get hitched. They stood together and held hands in the rotunda of the courthouse, laughed, grinned and made their promises of forever to one another, signed their license, and tah dah! They were married – just like that!

We had fun making some images inside the courthouse, and because it was too pretty outside, we zipped on out to capture some shots out there as well. The snow beckoned, and, to celebrate their newly-married status, Jennie and Mike leapt into the snow backwards to make some newlywed snow angels. Perfection!

But we couldn’t just end things there – Jennie and Mike’s dog, Sophie, had been patiently waiting in their truck for us, so we went to say hi to her, let her smell Jennie’s bouquet, and get some good nose-time in with my camera.

Jennie and Mike! Thanks so much for asking me to make these images for you – it was so fun to be able to capture these moments and memories for you, and I can’t wait for your big celebration this summer! Cheers to you two! :)

On the Docket:

Portraits, and editorial work – stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I was beyond excited to get my friend Megan’s note a while back asking me if I’d photograph her Valentine’s Day wedding, as there’s nothing better than being able to celebrate and document the love and happiness of others – especially on Valentine’s Day, and especially when it’s the wedding of a friend of mine! And holy moly, Megan and Ben’s Missoula County Courthouse wedding absolutely chock FULL of love and happiness!

The morning began brilliantly – all sunshine and blue skies. Ben and his family waited at the courthouse for Megan to arrive, and his two nieces showed us some excellent dance moves that we should all aspire to.

Soon Ben’s name was being called, and it was Megan at the stairs, asking him to join her on the next level of the courthouse to finalize their paperwork. We rushed up, filled out the necessary details with lots of laughter and smiles, and then it was wedding time.

Ben and Megan spoke their vows to one another as their families watched with smiles and a few tears. Their ceremony was filled with misty eyes, plenty of smiles, and lots of laughter between Megan and Ben, and the room erupted in cheers and love for the new couple as they sealed it all with a kiss. The two newly combined families hugged and cried and hugged some more, and just a short while later we all had a great time making portraits all over the courthouse.

The celebration continued at the Gibson Mansion in Missoula where everyone was treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast. Megan and Ben’s pup, Eeva, even got to pop in to say hi, too!

Megan and Ben – it’s a total understatement to say how honored I was to be invited to capture such a wonderful day in your lives. I loved every. Single. Second. The two of you are so beautiful together and I just adored seeing your two families together as well. What a fabulous Valentine’s Day! Here’s to the two of you, to your love, and to the love all around us!

On the docket: portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I was so happy to hear from Courtney when she called me up to ask me about photographing her Missoula courthouse wedding because 1) she was just so darn excited! And 2) I’d met her originally at Michelle and Dave’s wedding last year where she was a bridesmaid, and I knew that we’d have a wonderful time getting to work with each other again – this time at her own wedding to Branden!

Courtney told me that she really loves the architecture of the courthouse, so we all had a good time making images out front and inside of the building. And I’ve got to say, Courtney’s two kids, Tony and Avery, are just the sweetest!

Soon it was time for Courtney and Branden’s ceremony to take place, so we popped into the judge’s chambers where the two spoke their vows to one another, exchanged rings and sealed it all with a kiss (Avery’s reaction to this was just priceless!).

The celebration of the newlyweds continued as everyone went to Big Dipper and treated themselves to some delicious ice cream.

Courtney and Branden! It was such a pleasure to be invited to document this moment in your lives, and I am so happy for you all! Thank you again, and here’s to a lifetime of happiness together, and always room for ice cream. :)

On the docket: weddings and portraits galore! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine