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

I was so looking forward to documenting Sammy and James’s Missoula Montana Line Ranch wedding since we had had such a fantastic time during their engagement session – and their wedding was everything I expected it would be and more! The joy and fun that permeated their day was simply intoxicating in the best way possible.

We started out their day by making images of Sammy getting ready at her parents’ house. Once ready to go, Sammy and James had a private first look, and then it was time to start making portraits! We all jumped aboard the bus and made our way downtown to some of Sammy’s favorite spots from her time growing up in Missoula.

We’ve experienced a pretty wet summer in Missoula, and thunderstorms threatened in the distance while we made our images. Soon the raindrops (and lightning!), made their way over to us, and in between little showers, we would dash out of the bus to make our images. Which, not surprisingly, made for some fun images, too. Gotta love some wacky weather!

We then made our way to the ranch, which was beautifully decorated with candles, flowers and chandeliers, not to mention the incredible backdrop of the Missoula valley.

As luck would have it, the thunderstorms rolled in again right around the time of Sammy and James’s ceremony – so we held off a bit, readjusted where the ceremony would take place, and then got things started!

Everyone was so happy to see these two walk down the aisle and there was no shortage of grins. They were just about to start their vows when the sky opened up and sent everyone running for cover. Again, we made some quick adjustments, and it was time for Sammy and James to really and truly share their vows with one another as the rain poured outside.

Side note: Sammy and James’s ability to go with the flow (and really, everyone’s) was so awesome to see, and even better to document. Kudos to Sammy and James for making the very, very most of a bit of a wet situation!

To everyone’s delight it became time for Sammy and James to seal it all with a kiss, and kiss they did! Everyone cheered the two newlyweds and soon they were enveloped in hugs, kisses and the occasional bubble or two.

Because Montana storms are finicky things, the rain passed and treated us all to brilliant views and golden light for the remainder of the evening while folks enjoyed a scrumptious dinner and cookies afterward.

The laughter and joy continued as Sammy and James were treated to some fantastic toasts, and then it was time for everyone to kick up their heels and get their groove on as lightning flickered over the mountains on the outskirts of the valley, and as the moon rose high above us.

Sammy and James! It’s such a huge understatement to say how absolutely wonderful your wedding day was! I just adore your family and friends, and of course, you two! Thank you again for inviting me to document your day (rain showers and all!), and for being such a dream to work with. Here’s to the happiest future together for you both!

Vendors for Sammy and James’s Missoula Montana Line Ranch Wedding:

Venue: The Line Ranch, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Moxie Makeup & Lash Studio, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: KaryAnn Newby
Officiant: the bride’s aunt
Caterer: Crave Catering, Missoula, Montana
Groom’s Tuxedo: Bonobos
Men’s tuxedos: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Decor: Perfect Events, Missoula, Montana
Transportation: Beach Transportation, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Minted
Wedding Dress: the Octavia dress by BHLDN
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits and elopements! Stay posted!

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

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’ve got to tell you, there’s nothing quite like witnessing true love between a couple. But equally as amazing is getting to see just how much love their friends and family have for them and vice versa. And this was absolutely paramount during Haley and Kevin’s Sacajawea Hotel wedding in Three Forks Montana.

Their day was a surprisingly cold one for mid-September. Driving to Three Forks from Missoula, I encountered quite a bit of snow on the pass, and it was raining when I arrived in Three Forks. But the early cold snap, wintry temperatures and raindrops didn’t dampen Haley and Kevin’s day in the least. Not one iota!

Haley was all smiles and laughter as she got ready for her big day in the hotel with some of her best friends and mom, but there may have been a few teary eyes, too, as she surprised her mom and dad with gifts. Not long after, it was time for Haley and Kevin’s first look. We stuck to the hotel’s porch so we could keep Haley’s dress dry, and Kevin’s happy grin as he saw Haley for the first time was perfection.

Friends and family streamed into the hotel lobby, and soon Haley and Kevin’s ceremony began. Initially they were going to be married in the grassy backyard of the hotel, but the rain pushed folks inside. However, I don’t think there was an ounce of consternation over the change in plans. First and foremost, everyone was just so beyond happy for Haley and Kevin, and secondly, after the terribly smoky summer Montana experienced, we were all beyond grateful for some moisture to finally head our direction!

Haley and Kevin’s ceremony was full of touching words, some teary eyes, lots of laughter, and so much love and happiness. It wasn’t long before the two got to seal it all with a kiss and head into a crowd of friends and family cheering for them and showering them with kisses and hugs.

Festivities continued into the evening with a tasty dinner, delicious cake and plenty of fantastic toasts that brought a few more tears to people’s eyes. But the party really kicked into high gear when the dancing started. Folks packed the dance floor, sang their lungs out, cheered on Haley and her wardrobe change (she had some sweet wedding pants to wear so she could REALLY dance!), and had themselves one heckuva good time. In the middle of all this, Haley and Kevin were sweet enough to indulge me in a quick, romantic photo amidst the raindrops, which I’m still so excited they were gung ho to do. (Thanks again, you two!)

As the lights twinkled outside of the hotel, Haley and Kevin’s party continued on into the evening – loud, and happy and full of love. Such a perfect day for these two.

Haley and Kevin! I know I’ve already said this approximately a bazillion times to you, but holy moly – you two are fantabulous. It was such, such, SUCH a pleasure to be witness to and get to document such a truly beautiful, amazing day in your lives. And your friends and family are second to none – what a great crew you’ve got! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to capture all these amazing moments, and a huge congratulations again to you both! You two deserve all the happiness this world’s got to give you. :) Here’s to years and years full of continued joy, love, and laughter!

Vendor Information for Haley and Kevin’s Sacajawea Hotel Wedding in Three Forks Montana:

Venue, Catering and Bar: Sacajawea Hotel, Three Forks, Montana
Florist: Casey Konen
Cake and Desserts: Park Avenue Bakery, Helena, Montana
DJ: Matt Boyle, Butte, Montana
Makeup Artist: Alex Canavan, Butte, Montana
Hair Artist: Jessica Plum
Invitations: designed by Betty Lu Paperie and printed by Allegra Printing of Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: a Theia design from Velvet Bride, Missoula, Montana
Bridesmaid Dress: Nordstrom
Menswear: JC Penney

On the Docket:

Weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

A major storm loomed on Christine and Pete’s Gibson Mansion Missoula wedding, and folks constantly checked the radar and glanced at the sky as the day progressed. But Christine and Pete are so laid back, and so happy, that it didn’t faze them one bit. This didn’t come as a surprise to me, since we had such a blast during their engagement session – these two are totally in love and I knew that’s all that mattered to them.

And the thing is – it rained – heck – it poured! But it was absolutely beautiful, truly unique and added to the many happy memories of their day.

To start the day off, Christine readied herself in the mansion, smiling and laughing, chilling out to some tunes and enjoying the process. Her sister, niece, and friends helped her into her dress, and she was excited to have a “first look” moment with her dad. Ladies – this is such a sweet thing to do, and the moment with Christine’s dad was no exception.

Before long it was time to start the ceremony in between rain showers. Friends and family smiled out from under their umbrellas as the bridal party made their way down the leaf-and-petal-strewn aisle.

Christine made her grand entrance and Pete had nothing but smiles for his bride as she beamed right back at him. There was a lot of laughter during their vows, touching words, and so many smiles for one another. They were showered with what looked like sparkling gold as the rain fell, the sun shined, and they kissed for the first time as newlyweds. To top it off, as they dashed down the aisle, grins wide and hearts happy, a rainbow suddenly appeared! Talk about serendipitous!

In between raindrops we made some more portraits of the two of them, and soon folks began to enjoy dinner, tasty desserts, and some sweet toasts to the newlyweds.

Pete “tossed” the garter via aid of a football (which the boys loved!), and people soon kicked up their heels to the music as darkness fell and the storm rolled in.

Christine and Pete – what a way to end my wedding season! You two are so sweet and have been such an absolute joy to work with (as have all your awesome friends and family)! I’m so excited for you both as you continue your lives together, and wish you many days full of love, laughter, sunshine through the rain, and surprise rainbows always! Congratulations again!

Vendors:
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Gibson Mansion, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Laura Guay, friend of the bride and groom
Cake Artist: Park Avenue Bakery, Helena, Montana
Catering: Murray Pierce, friend of the bride and groom
Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Allison LeProwse with The Total Look, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Dawn with Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Reception Dress: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Menswear: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Bridal Party Dress: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Music: Hannah Kochel, friend of the bride and groom

On the docket: portraits!

Cheers!

-Kristine