Upon first chatting with Kristina and Ben about their upcoming Darby Montana elopement at the Triple Creek Ranch, I knew that we’d have such a fabulous time making images for the two of them. They love the outdoors, are beyond sweet, and were really excited about visiting Montana for the first time. It also didn’t hurt that Kristina’s a fellow redhead, and we even share the same initials! I tell you, Meant. To. Be! (And as Kristina would say, “Kismet!”)

The day of their elopement arrived, and I think we were all a little nervous about how the weather would behave (or misbehave). It had been raining for days and days (which, in Montana, you must be grateful for, even if it might hamper photos), but mother nature decided to give us all a break, and let us off with a few sprinkles here and there, and some super lush landscapes.

And truly – it couldn’t have been a more beautiful, perfect day for Kristina and Ben. Partly because of our location, but really because of how happy and joyful and in love these two are. The scenery was just the icing on the cake. Kristina and Ben beamed at each other as they spoke their vows amidst a few softly falling raindrops (and the splash of a fish in the pond behind them!). Kristina became a little choked up, but her tears were happy ones, and soon she and Ben were pronounced husband and wife, and we (officiant, ranch hand, photographer and Kristina and Ben) all cheered together for the two happy newlyweds.

One of my favorite things about elopements is how much freedom we have to just play, explore and have an absolute blast making images. And we did all of that and then some. Dodging the raindrops, we dashed around the ranch, laughing all the way, zipped on down to the water, waved at some elk, went in search of some cool rocks, said hello to some bighorn sheep, and got ourselves up close and personal to the rapidly running river once again. Words don’t do it justice to say that this was a completely wonderful day!

Kristina and Ben – I know I’ve said it before, probably about a bazillion times – but thank you so much for inviting me to document this truly special, beautiful day in your lives. It was such a pleasure to get to meet you both, and I loved every single second of the time we got to run around making images for you two. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and many, many more Montana visits in the future! :)

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

It was a hot one for Sarah and Justin’s July 4th Montana Sky Ridge Ranch Wedding – 98 degrees hot! But these two didn’t let the heat faze them a bit. They tackled it with fans, parasols, happiness and smiles.

Sarah walked down the aisle in a grove of aspens, smiling radiantly at her equally-as-happy groom, Justin. These two had such heartfelt, touching and humorous vows – so personal and so perfect for each other – that they had everyone laughing and thoroughly moved by the words being spoken amidst the soft rustle of the aspen leaves.

As Sarah and Justin walked down the aisle together for the first time as husband and wife, guests cheered as the newlyweds beamed and stole a few kisses amongst the trees.

Friends and family were treated to a tasty meal, memorable, sweet toasts, and a smorgasboard of pies and brownies. Soon the hot sun gave way to twilight and guests began kicking up their heels under the beautiful Montana sky as the tunes played into the night.

As the evening wound down, Sarah and Justin bid their farewells to friends and family while dashing through sparklers and into their awaiting Mustang.

You two! What a wonderful, happy day for you both! Thank you so much for inviting me to document such a special time in your lives, with so many wonderful people by your side. It was an absolute treat to get to share in such happiness! Here’s to many delightful years together – with plenty of bacon, too. ;)

Vendors:

Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Florist: Janet with St-Char-Ro Floral and Event Rentals, Ronan, Montana
Cake: Rosauer’s, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Nick Ferrington with Big Mountain DJs, Whitefish, Montana
Makeup Artist: Jenny with Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Dana with Shear Art Salon, Missoula, Montana
Dress: from I Do, I Do Wedding Gowns
Menswear: from Men’s Wearhouse
Videographer: Sure Shot Video, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Caterer: Bravo Catering, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: more portraits and weddings – stay posted!

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

If I had to pick just one word to describe Micah and Dave’s wedding at the Lakeside Ranch in Helena it would be : HAPPY. That was the overwhelmingly wonderful feeling I had their entire wedding day. Everyone was simply happy, smiling and thoroughly enjoying themselves. From joking around and laughing while getting ready, to their sweet smiles during their wedding vows, to the energetic dancing and everything in between…light and love and pure happiness just radiated.

Guests had a great time mingling with one another, playing lawn games, and popping into the “polaroid” booth to make faces for friends. Dave and Micah stole kisses here and there, and in between chatting with their friends and family, found moments to cuddle their sweet 4-month-old son, Emerson.

Helena also treated us to to a big sky full of fluffy clouds, and later, some deliciously golden light, which we definitely made the most of for some sun-kissed portraits of the newlyweds.

Micah and Dave – thank you again for inviting me into such a special moment of your lives. It was truly an honor to document your beautiful wedding day and get to meet all your amazing friends and family. You have absolutely hit life’s jackpot, and I wish you many years of delight and smiles and love in your marriage. :)

On to the photos!

Helena Lakeside Ranch Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Lakeside Ranch, Helena, Montana
Florist: Bride and Groom’s Family and Friends
Cake Artist: Romona Jackson with Van’s Thriftway Bakery, Helena, Montana
Band: Ten Years Gone, Helena, Montana
Hair Artist: Marissa Taylor with Sugar Salon, Helena, Montana
Wedding Dress: A Mori Lee design from Mestad’s Bridal, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jjshouse.com
Chairs and Linens: A1 Rentals, Helena, Montana
Officiant: Justice of the Peace, Gary Olsen

On the docket: lots and lots more weddings!

Cheers,

-Kristine