It’s a huge understatement to say just how excited I was to hear that Becka and Stephan had gotten engaged, and even happier (and super flattered!) when they asked me to photograph their snowy wedding at the Barn on Mullan. Earlier this spring I had the pleasure of getting to make family photos for them and we just had an absolute blast, so I knew getting to photograph their wedding would be a total delight. And, no surprise, it was!

We were treated to a fresh dusting of snow, and had a few snowflakes softly floating down throughout their entire wedding day – talk about dreamy! Becka and Stephan both began their day getting ready with friends and family nearby. They were both all smiles, but I could tell they were eager to see each other for the first time in all their wedding finery.

Becka walked out to see Stephan for their first look, snowflakes dotting the air like party confetti, and Stephan broke into a huge grin as he saw his beautiful bride for the first time. The two hugged, kissed and laughed together before we all zipped on inside again to warm up. (It was super chilly!)

Soon it was time for their ceremony to begin. Friends and family were troopers and bundled up in the cold so Becka and Stephan could be married outside (with a small bonfire burning behind them – how cool!). As Becka walked down the aisle with her parents, both she and Stephan had smiles a mile wide as they saw each other again (and I think everyone else did too – the happiness these two enjoy is quite contagious, in the best way possible!).

They spoke their vows to one another, laughed as they exchanged rings and sealed it all with a kiss (actually a couple!) before walking down the aisle again, amidst cheers and high-fives all around, this time together as newlyweds.

Folks enjoyed mingling, munching on tasty appetizers, and were treated to a delicious meal, cake and cupcakes, and touching toasts that got everyone laughing, smiling, and maybe wiping away a tear or two as well.

It wasn’t long before everyone was out on the dance floor cutting a rug, laughing their heads off and just having a great old time. Kiddos dashed in and out of the barn as they filled themselves to the brim with s’mores over the bonfire, the moon behind them glowing in the clouds.

As the evening wound down, it became time to send off Becka and Stephan in style – and everyone did so with sparklers, cheers and plenty of love for the newly married couple.

Becka and Stephan! I don’t even know where to begin! I’m just so beyond happy for you both, and was so honored to be able to capture such a wonderful, wonderful day in your lives for you! You are so much fun to work with and to photograph, and I’m so excited to see you start this new chapter in your lives together. Here’s to smiles, laughter, and lots of love for years and years to come – congratulations again!

Vendors for Becka and Stephan’s Snowy Wedding at the Barn on Mullan:

Venue and Catering: The Barn on Mullan, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Meraki Rose Makeup, The Bitterroot Valley, Montana
Hair: Burton’s Classic Hair Co., Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Joan E. Cook, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Etsy and Minted
Bar and Spirits: The Ranch Club in partnership with The Barn on Mullan, Missoula, Montana
Dress: A Galina design from David’s Bridal, Charleston, S.C.
Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Missoula, Montana

On the Docket:

Portraits and editorial work!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It was such a picturesque Montana day for Christine and Anders’ autumn wedding at The Barn on Mullan – albeit a bit chilly and mega windy (pretty different from their engagement session this past spring!), but these two handled the conditions with grace and smiles – which is just one of the many reasons I adore them so much.

Christine and Anders started off the day getting primped and prepped and lovely – laughing and excited to see each other as their first look approached. As Anders got ready with the guys, Christine sent over some words she’d written for him, which easily had him smiling.

Soon it was time for their first look, and I’ve got to give props to Christine for braving that insane wind. (Thankfully, their good friend Taylor accompanied her to keep her and her dress from totally blowing away!) As Anders turned to see Christine for the first time, a huge grin spread across his face, and the two embraced in a hug as they got their wedding day started together.

We took a little time after to make portraits of the two (and tried our best to find non-windy pockets around the grounds). And again, Christine and Anders were just so fun to work with. Clearly, these two are just absolutely meant to be – I love seeing how easily they make each other laugh and smile, and how perfectly they fit together in such genuine, happy embraces.

Before long, it was time to get ready for their ceremony to start. Originally they had wanted to get married outside, but the wind was so strong (it was blowing over the chairs!) and so chilly, they decided to move their ceremony indoors. As I suspected, their vows to one another were full of love and emotion and so special to witness. As the two newlyweds kissed for the first time as husband and wife, their friends and family cheered and clapped as they walked beaming down the aisle together.

The light was spectacular that evening (and Mother Nature was sure putting on a good show with an amazingly blue sky and the most perfect puffy clouds), and again – I’ve got to give a shout to these two for being willing to take a moment to take advantage of our surroundings. They climbed a small hill, braced themselves against that wind again, and hooooo boy, was it ever worth it!

We zipped back inside to warm up where everyone enjoyed a scrumptious dinner, toasts that had everyone cracking up, and delicious cake. Christine and Anders kicked off the merriment that evening with their first dance, and soon everyone was out on the dance floor getting their groove on.

Christine and Anders! Where do I even begin?! I’ve said this to you approximately a zillion and one times already (this is now a zillion and TWO ;) ), but what a pleasure it has been to get to work with you both! I absolutely loved getting to capture such a special, happy day in your lives, and it’s no surprise at all to me just how wonderful your friends and family are too. Thank you again for being such great people and here’s to a lifetime filled with joy, laughter, and most of all, love – which I know will be second nature to you both. :) Congrats congrats congrats again!

Vendor Information for Christine and Ander’s Autumn Wedding at the Barn on Mullan:

Venue: The Barn on Mullan, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Marcy Halvorson, JC Penney Salon, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Carl Poeschl, Friend of the Bride and Groom
Photobooth: Pixelated Gigs, Lakeside, Montana
Wedding Dress: Lorelei by Leanne Marshall, Velvet Bride, Missoula, Montana
Menswear: The Black Tux

On the Docket:

Wedding and portraits! Don’t miss out!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Erin and Eric are big golfers – so much so, that Eric proposed to Erin on the golf course he worked at in Hawaii, and then had their Ranch Club Wedding in Missoula, another great golf course. While we may not have had Hawaiian temperatures for their wedding day, the warmth of love and happiness surrounded everyone, despite the fact that it was a little breezy.

Erin rode up to the aisle in a golf cart with her father, where she was then joined by her mother. There were a few tears, plenty of smiles, and a lot of happy celebration after Erin and Eric spoke their vows to one another and sealed it all with a kiss.

We took advantage of the scenic views around the course, and had a great time making images of the two newlyweds. I’m always a fan of a little wind, especially when long veils are involved, and Erin’s veil (originally her mother’s) floated in the breezes against a beautiful blue sky, dotted with puffy clouds.

Friends and family enjoyed a tasty dinner, fun toasts and delicious cake before kicking up their heels on the dance floor, both inside and out of the barn. Kids and adults alike had a blast making s’mores over an open fire, and were treated to a pink-hued sky as the sun dipped down behind the mountains.

Erin and Eric! I just want to congratulate you again! Your wedding day was so sweet and so full of happiness – what a treat to get to document it all for you! Here’s to many happy years ahead for you – filled with love, laughter and happy golf outings!

VENDORS FOR ERIN + ERIC’S RANCH CLUB WEDDING IN MISSOULA

Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Groom’s Uncle
Wedding Coordinator: Nikki Lane with The Ranch Club, Missoula
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cake: by Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Zootown DJ, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Rentals: Oh So Chic Boutique, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: from Anna’s Bridal, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Bridesmaid Dresses: from aliexpress.com
Menswear: from Men’s Wearhouse

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

Autumn weddings are my absolute favorite, and Hannah and Laura’s Missoula Montana Ranch Club Wedding was no exception to this. The sun was shining, the blue sky was filled with beautiful, textural clouds, and these ladies were bursting with happiness and beyond excited to get married (their megawatt smiles *might* have given them away a little). That’s pure perfection in my book.

Before their ceremony they had a super sweet first look – (see above comment about megawatt smiles). We had a great time making some portraits, and then it was time to hide them both away for their big reveal.

Family and friends smiled and teared up as Hannah and Laura walked down the aisle. Their ceremony was framed by a gorgeous mountain backdrop, punctuated with lots of laughter, and topped off with exceptionally heartfelt vows. Everyone cheered as Hannah and Laura sealed their vows with a kiss for the first time as wife and wife.

This happy energy continued throughout their reception as friends and family mingled, laughed and kicked up their heels as the dance music started. Soon the bright sun of the day tapered off into a stunning sunset, and Hannah, Laura and I went running pel-mel to catch the last rays of the day, and oh what beautiful light it was!

We rejoined everyone so Hannah and Laura could toss their bouquets simultaneously (both caught by their sisters!), and the dancing and fun continued inside as the sky turned a deep blue, a little half moon glinting in the night.

Hannah and Laura – what an absolutely beautiful, beyond happy, wonderful day for you two! It was such an honor to document your wedding and your love for one another, and I swear, I’m STILL smiling my face off just thinking about it. I am so happy for you both, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness, which I know you’ll accomplish easily. Cheers to you two!

Vendors:

Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Brides’ Bouquets: Habitat Floral, Missoula, Montana
Cake and Cookies: Rosauers, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair: The Total Look Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: one more 2015 wedding and portraits, portraits, portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

From the moment Riki and I chatted on the phone about her wedding day, I knew it was going to be beautiful and full of emotion (we may or may not have teared up on the phone together – it was a very sweet moment!).

And their wedding day absolutely was – everyone readied themselves inside the church, and Riki and Paul were eager to see each other for the first time. Their first look was exceptionally sweet, and included some very happy tears.

Soon family and friends began to arrive, smiling and hugging as they greeted one another.

As Riki walked down the aisle to her groom, Paul beamed at his beautiful bride. Throughout their ceremony they gazed deeply upon one another, Paul occasionally gently wiping tears from Riki’s smiling eyes. As they kissed for the first time, they grinned and laughed, happiness brimming as they walked down the aisle together.

Friends and family lined the stairway outside the church to send the couple off with a flurry of bubbles and cheers.

We all took a little detour on our way to the reception and stopped over at the University of Montana campus, where Riki went to school. It was such a beautiful day – the M was glinting in the sun, the sky was blue overhead and I heard passing students whisper, “You don’t see this every day!” and “Oh look! They’re so beautiful!!!” We had a blast making images at this special spot, and then continued on to the Ranch Club where Riki and Paul had their reception.

Friends and family showered Riki and Paul with heartfelt toasts, the sweetest little song from Riki’s niece, and a special welcome-to-the-family Scottish ceremony toast from Paul’s parents to Riki.

It wasn’t long before everyone began dancing, enjoying the bonfire outside, and having a grand time. The evening ended with a special song, and everyone gathered in close, singing, swaying and laughing together. It was a fun moment, so I decided to catch a little video of that, too. :)

Riki and Paul! Congratulations again! You two are so sweet, and so beautiful to watch as a couple. It was such an honor to photograph such a gorgeous, emotional, happy day for you both, and I wish you all the best in the world! Here’s to fantastic adventures in Germany, plentiful, tasty beer always, and happy tears forever!

Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church, Missoula, Montana
Reception Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Chaplain MacGregor, father of the groom
Florist: Monaco Flowers and Gift Baskets, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Crave Catering & Cakes, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Belle en Blanc, Billings, Montana
String Players: from the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: one more wedding and portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Betsy, Cameron and I have had so much fun together since the moment we met – their engagement session was a blast and I knew their Missoula wedding at the Ranch Club wouldn’t be any different. They absolutely lived up to their fun-loving, sweet nature, and the moment I saw Betsy and Cameron, they were beaming, excited and ready to get married!

They planned their wedding to take place a little later in the evening, so we definitely took advantage of that yummy late-evening golden hour and traipsed around the Ranch Club’s grounds to soak up the sun. (And Betsy gets kudos for navigating that hillside!) Their wedding party was a great group of folks, too, and we definitely made sure to have our share of laughs together as well.

Soon it was time for their ceremony – the sun cast its golden rays on their smiles as they said their vows to one another. A few tears may have made an appearance, but they were the happiest of tears, and didn’t stick around long as they made way for grins and Betsy and Cameron’s first kiss as newlyweds.

Guests dined on appetizers, enjoyed the cake, and listened to some sweet toasts. The sun was sinking quickly, and Betsy, Cameron and I raced to catch an absolutely brilliant sunset. As the light faded everyone hit the dance floor, and wow – what a great crowd! Friends and family tore up the dance floor, laughed, and enjoyed a bonfire as the sky darkened and the stars appeared.

Betsy and Cameron – you are such an amazing example of why I adore what I do. Your smiles, your happiness, your love, your sweet friends and family – every single thing about your wedding was beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you SO much for inviting me into such a special day in your lives! Here’s to you two!! :)

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Monaco Flowers and Gift Baskets, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Robin Evans (friend of the bride)
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: bride, with help from Quincy Kosena, bridesmaid
Hair Artist: The Do Crew Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Storybook Bridal, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

Gretchen and Shawn both live in New York City, but Gretchen grew up in Missoula and knew she wanted to be married in the big sky state and honor some of her favorite Montana things on their wedding day. They couldn’t have paid homage to this great place any better.

From their first look that took place near her childhood home, to the Montana beers, to the band they had playing, to the sage in her bouquet, it was truly a day full of fond memories – both old and new.

Montana certainly was up to the challenge as well and presented everyone with a brilliantly sunny day, not a cloud in that expanse of blue, and later transformed itself with a blazing sunset and bright stars in the inky blue sky.

Gretchen and Shawn also wrote some of the most touching vows to each other. As their friend and officiant told me before the ceremony: “Get ready; they’re both wordsmiths, so these vows are going to be good.” And they absolutely were. Friends and family cheered the two as they sealed their vows with a kiss and walked, beaming, down the aisle as newlyweds.

The sun sparkled on the surface of wine glasses as guests enjoyed tunes from Tom Catmull and the Clerics, mingled with one another, and dined. Soon the laughter came in waves as friends and family toasted to Gretchen and Shawn, and not long after, folks hit the dance floor to kick up their heels.

Gretchen, Shawn and I sneaked away, past the blazing bonfire outside, and hightailed it to catch the beautiful sunset over the mountains. I’ve got to give major kudos to these two for scaling the hills and wading through the grass – but it was worth it…so very worth it.

Thank you again, Gretchen and Shawn, for inviting me into such a truly beautiful and happy day in your lives! It was been such a treat to work with you both and I’m so glad Montana pulled out all the stops for you! Here’s to many, many years of heartfelt words, brilliant sunsets, and smiles for one another! Congrats again!

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, Montana
Band: Tom Catmull & the Clerics, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Cowgirls Salon & Spa, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani from The White Gown, New  York, New York
Bridesmaid Dresses: from the Dessy Collection
Menswear: Jim’s Formalwear from Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Brian Tormey, friend of the bride and groom

On the docket: weddings, portraits and more weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Missoula in the summertime is truly a magical place, and it was no different for Sonia and Derek’s Missoula wedding at the Ranch Club – blue skies, a smattering of wispy clouds, and lots of beautiful sunshine to kiss the landscape.

A gentle breeze blew as Sonia and Derek shared readings, spoke their vows and exchanged rings in front of their family and friends. As the two kissed for the first time as husband and wife everyone cheered, their smiles wide and eyes bright.

As folks finished their dinner, toasts started up and were filled with emotion, fond memories and punctuated with laughter and perhaps a few misty eyes.

Sonia and Derek shared cupcakes, and soon after hit the dance floor – a gorgeous big sky sunset acting as the backdrop. Folks kicked up their heels as the pinks and purples in the sky shifted to deep indigo, and they danced amidst the twinkle lights as the sun set on the day.

Sonia and Derek – thank you again for inviting me to document such a happy, beautiful day in your lives! I wish you many years of happiness together, filled with thriving rosemary plants, great poetry, good reads, and many, many smiles. Congrats again!

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Benita Jacobsen’s farmers market flowers, Missoula, Montana
Cupcakes: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Cicada Bridal, Seattle, Washington
Groomsmen Attire: J. Crew
Altar Trees: Caras Nursery, Missoula, Montana

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

When you get to work with a couple whose engagement request includes being photographed with mini donkeys…you just KNOW their wedding day is going to be equally as awesome. And it totally was.

Abby and Jeff had such a gorgeous wedding. The day couldn’t have been more perfect – blue skies, fluffy clouds, sweet light, and heckuva lot of smiles, laughter and love. These two had some of the most hilarious and sweet wedding vows I’ve heard, which had everyone in stitches.

And that was the theme of the day – pure happiness and joy, surrounded by friends and family (many of whom traveled all the way from Chile to join the festivities!)

We definitely soaked up that sweet light, too, and I’ve got to thank Abby and Jeff for being game enough to hike the hillside for me so we could get some photos with the tall grasses and bright little flowers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, folks began to dance – and dance they did! The hora dance was particularly spectacular, and that amazing energy continued on throughout the evening.

Thank you again, Abby and Jeff, for inviting me into such a special day in your lives! My face hurt from smiling (always a good thing!), and Jeff, you seriously do give the best bear hugs. :) Here’s to many, many happy years together, full of zoo visits, laughter, bear hugs, excellent food, and lots and lots of love.

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Bella Sauvage, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: a Mikaella design from Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Maid of Honor Dress: from ModCloth
Menswear: J. Crew
Invitations: Noteworthy, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: lots more weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It seems like only a few days ago that Raina, Danny and I were admiring Missoula’s beautiful autumn colors and traipsing around Missoula having fun making their engagement photos. Fast forward to July, and suddenly it’s their wedding day! The sky was blue, the temps were hot, and the grass was green.

Though Raina and Danny had their ceremony at the Ranch Club, we also dashed downtown for a bit to hit up some of Missoula’s unique buildings, and we may have stopped at a local watering hole to cool off and refresh everyone’s drink as well. :)

Lots of laughter and lots of smiling were definitely themes throughout the day – and anyone who attended the wedding got to witness how wonderfully Danny’s awesome laugh pairs with Raina’s bright smile. Their ceremony was a testament to this fact, and as the two kissed for the first time as newlyweds, they cheered, as did all of their friends and family too.

As the party started, guests enjoyed mingling with one another, dining on tasty appetizers and a delicious meal, and soon tossed off their shoes to really be able to let loose and dance! As the sun slowly sank behind the mountaintops, the glorious sunset colors and clouds gave way to a huge, bright full moon – and a super moon at that!

Raina and Danny – thank you so much for inviting me into such a special moment of your lives! It was truly a treat to be able to document such a happy day with such a great group of people. Here’s to many, many more stunning sunsets and super moons in your future! Congratulations again you two!

Vendors:

Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana

Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana

Brooch Bouquet: Created by Jessica Saisbury

Cake Artist: Ali Halland of the Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana

DJ: Brett Klaassen of Zootown DJ, Missoula, Montana

Makeup Artist: Dana Wheeler of Shear Art Salon, Missoula, Montana

Wedding Dress: a Robert Bullock design from Plume Bridal, Bozeman, Montana

Bridesmaid Dresses: from Weddington Way

Men’s Suits: Tuxedo Gallery, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: weddings and portraits and weddings galore! Don’t miss them!

Cheers,

-Kristine