Surrounded by a stunning autumn landscape, Jasmin and Conn celebrated their Philipsburg Montana ranch wedding with their friends and family — a unique blend of Montana charm and Texas warmth.

Their ceremony was filled with pure, beautiful emotions. Jasmin sang to Conn at the altar, her melodic voice filling the air, and I spied a few misty eyes in attendance. Conn wrote his vows in poem form, and read them to Jasmin, choking up at points, which again had people reaching for their tissues. Their dog, Santino (who goes by Sunny), also joined them at the altar. His presence was fitting, since he’s their best bud and travels with them everywhere. Jasmin and Conn sealed their vows with a kiss, and soon everyone was enjoying a delicious meal, toasts and all sorts of great dancing.

Jasmin and Conn brought their love for nature into every detail of their wedding. They embraced the chilly weather and the beauty of golden leaves, reflecting their passion for the great outdoors. Some rain moved in, but that didn’t dampen spirits; instead, it became an unexpected delight for the kiddos, who had an absolute blast playing with umbrellas, or directly in the rivulets streaming down from the tent.

As the rain died down a bit and the sky turned a deep indigo, friends and family got a bonfire roaring. The kids had a great time roasting both sticks and s’mores, and laughter and joy mingled with the light rain, turning the bonfire gathering into another highlight of the day.

Folks kept the celebration going, moving in between the bonfire and dancing. Even the dogs made the dance floor their own, too, as they reveled in the joyful atmosphere.

What a beautiful, fun day, Jasmin and Conn! Thank you again for inviting me to document your love for each other, your family and friends, and the beautiful Montana landscape. Here’s to you two, and a wonderful married life together!

Vendors for Jasmin + Conn’s Philipsburg Montana Ranch Wedding:

Photographer :: Kristine Paulsen Photography, Missoula, Montana
Venue :: Private ranch, Philipsburg, Montana
Coordinator :: Epic Events, Missoula, Montana
Catering :: Crave Catering, Missoula, Montana
Florals :: Sāj Floral Design Studio, Philipsburg, Montana
Hair + Makeup :: Glacier Beauty Co., Kalispell, Montana
Cake :: ArtcakeMT, Missoula, Montana
Spirits :: Montana Mobile Bar, East Helena, Montana
DJ :: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Restrooms :: Montana Pretty Potty, Missoula, Montana
Officiant :: Jessica Leslie

On the docket:

Portraits and weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Cassie and Drew’s Caras Park wedding in Missoula unfolded under a brilliant blue September sky and surprisingly warm temps (it was 82 degrees!). But the heat didn’t keep anyone’s joy or smiles away as they celebrated such a happy occasion.

Cassie was radiant in her custom-made cloak as she and Drew walked hand-in-hand into their ceremony. They exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family members. As the ceremony progressed, Cassie and Drew were unexpectedly treated to individual bags of popcorn, a nod to how they first crossed paths. Their love story had its origins in a movie outing with friends. Drew, stepping out of the theater for a moment, entrusted Cassie with his popcorn. In his absence, Cassie (a big popcorn lover) couldn’t resist the temptation to indulge in a little (or maybe a lot ). Fast forward about 8 years, and there they were at Caras Park, smiling and laughing with each other as they pledged their love to each other…with a little popcorn on the side.

Amidst the warm glow of the sun, heartfelt toasts from friends and family filled the air, a delectable array of desserts satisfied those with a sweet tooth, and the dance floor beckoned, promising a night of lively celebration.

Speaking of dancing, Cassie and Drew wowed everyone with their first dance — a beautiful tango that left everyone smiling and clapping for them as the song ended and they took their bows.

As the day gracefully transitioned into night, Cassie, Drew, and I skipped over to the river to catch the most perfect evening light, a few more dance moves, and some epic dips.

Soon, the warm glow deepened to a lovely rich blue of the night sky, and everyone lit sparklers amidst laughter, music, and cheers to celebrate the newlyweds.

Cassie and Drew! What a beautiful day of celebration! Thank you again for inviting me to capture these memories for you — I absolutely loved getting to hang out with you two, and your sweet family and friends. Here’s to a wonderful marriage, and all the popcorn you could ever want!

Vendors for Cassie + Drew’s Caras Park wedding in Missoula:

Photographer :: Kristine Paulsen Photography, Missoula, Montana
Venue :: Caras Park, Missoula, Montana
Catering :: Burns St. Bistro, Missoula, Montana
Florals :: a Patty Malloy design with flowers from Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana
Linens :: Missoula Textile Services, Missoula, Montana
Glassware :: Montana Party Time, Missoula, Montana
Bartender :: Penny Farmer from the Moose Lodge, Missoula, Montana
Wedding dress :: a Madi Lane design from Velvet Bride, Missoula, Montana
Wedding cloak :: CostureroReal, Barcelona, Spain
Menswear :: Indochino (and others)

On the docket:

Portraits and weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Hailey and Nate’s Seattle Washington wedding at The Lodge at St Edward Park took place on a late August day, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature. And it was a truly perfect day for them! One might say, a “Goldilocks” kind of day — not too hot, not too cold…juuuust right.

Hailey and Nate, a couple whose connection is rooted in the great outdoors, welcomed friends and family from all corners of the globe to witness their union. Against a backdrop of blue skies, tall trees, and the majestic expanse of St. Edward Park, their wedding day unfolded like a dream.

The ceremony was a symphony of joy and elegance, with flower girls scattering petals along the aisle and a charming ring bearer stealing the hearts of all in attendance. Laughter flowed freely as heartfelt toasts were raised to celebrate the newlyweds. The air was filled with the aroma of delectable cuisine, and their cake cutting was a moment of shared delight. It was soon followed by a lively dance floor and gales of laughter as everyone kicked up their heels to celebrate Hailey and Nate.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festivities were far from over. Guests savored late-night desserts, gathered around the outdoor bonfires, and exchanged stories under a starlit sky.

What makes Hailey and Nate’s journey even more enchanting is their history – a connection that dates back to a camping trip in 2018, orchestrated by a mutual friend. From that moment, Hailey and Nate’s bond flourished, nurtured by their shared love for the outdoors. Hiking, skiing, camping – they embraced every adventure, creating a bond that eventually blossomed into love. Their story of connection is a testament to timing, patience, and destiny.

As I clicked away, capturing so many sweet moments, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beautiful full-circle experience their wedding was for me. You see, I used to babysit Hailey and her brothers when she was just a tiny girl, and our families were neighbors. To witness her transformation from a precocious child to a radiant bride was an absolute honor. (I was grateful to have my camera in front of my face, because, I *cough cough* got a little choked up a few times!)

Their Seattle Washington wedding at The Lodge at St Edward Park wasn’t just a celebration of Hailey and Nate’s love; it was a celebration of nature’s beauty, shared connections, and the awesome journey that is life. Hailey and Nate! Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for inviting me to document such a special day in your lives. I absolutely loved getting to reconnect, and had such a wonderful time meeting those you hold dearly. Here’s to you, your marriage, and your bright future ahead!

Vendors for Hailey + Nate’s Seattle Washington wedding at The Lodge at St Edward Park:

Photographer: Kristine Paulsen Photography, Missoula, Montana
Venue + Catering: The Lodge at St. Edward Park, Kenmore, Washington
Planning + Florals: Kevin Bradford Design, Seattle, Washington
Cake: Honey Crumb Cake Studio, Seattle, Washington
Videographer: Bogle Productions, Seattle, Washington
DJ: Seattle Parties, Seattle, Washington
Officiant: Gavin Brand, Trinity Church Seattle, Seattle, Washington
Hair + Makeup: Sweet P Beauty, Renton, Washington
Wedding dress: a Maddie Lane design from Bellevue Bridal, Bellevue, Washington
Bridesmaid dresses: from Azazie Bridal
Men’s suits: from Suitsupply

On the docket:

Portraits and weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Matthew + Amanda’s wedding at the Nest on Swan River in Bigfork Montana was truly the perfect day. Amidst a very wet spring season, the raindrops only came out here and there, but otherwise left us alone, and Mother Nature treated the couple to a stunning wedding day.

We started off with some getting ready images. Everyone was so relaxed and chill (I’m always a big fan of that!), and people just truly seemed to be embracing the day and enjoying themselves. Laughter flowed freely, and I had such a blast getting to photograph Matthew, Amanda, their family, and friends.

Flowering trees and lilacs were just at the tail end of their blooms, but it made for a magical feeling around the Nest, with petals lazily floating on the breeze. And it made for a gorgeous photo backdrop, too! Matthew and Amanda’s first look was absolute perfection, and Matthew’s expression as he saw his bride for the first time was priceless.

Before long, it was time for the ceremony to start. Everyone was in good spirits, and the laughter trend continued. Matthew dipped Amanda for their first kiss, and everyone cheered for the newlyweds as they walked back down the aisle, beaming together as husband and wife.

Guests were treated to delicious food and drink, a rollicking good photo booth, and lawn games. Matthew and Amanda shared their mother-son and father-daughter dances with Matthew’s sister and father, since she and her husband had to cancel their wedding in 2020 and elope instead. There were more than a few tears that sprang up with this kind gesture, and the emotion was beautiful, sweet, and tangible.

Folks shared in more good natured laughter and fun during the toasts, and then it was time to cut the cake, distribute the desserts, and kick off some fantastic dancing as daylight shifted to night.

Matthew and Amanda! What an absolute pleasure it was to be invited to document your day and make these images for you! I just loved every second of getting to work with you, your friends, and family (you seriously have the sweetest people in your lives!), and I’m just so very happy for you both. Here’s to a joyful married life ahead! Big hugs and congrats to you again!

Vendors for Matthew + Amanda’s Wedding at The Nest on Swan River in Bigfork Montana

Photographer: Kristine Paulsen Photography, Missoula, Montana
Venue: The Nest on Swan River, Bigfork, Montana
Planner: Kayla Conners with Epic Events, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Blume Hill Studios, Flathead Valley, Montana
DJ: Collin, with Ryan Bradshaw Media, Missoula, Montana
Makeup and hair artist: Glow Salon, Kalispell, Montana
Officiant: Don Strine
Caterer: Oso’s Catering, Columbia Falls, Montana
Rentals: Celebrate Rentals, Kalispell, Montana
Wedding dress: an Essence of Australia design from Plume Bridal, Bozeman, Montana
Bridesmaid dresses: from Birdy Grey
Men’s suits: from Friar Tux, San Diego

On the docket:

Oodles of portraits and weddings — stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Emily and Andy’s White Raven wedding in Montana was filled with beauty, love, and plenty of laughter as they celebrated with their family and friends. A few dark clouds rolled through right as their day was getting started, but Mother Nature knew to treat these two well, and the clouds hung off to the side as everyone finished getting ready.

Emily and Andy were eager to see each other, and enjoyed a super sweet first look among some late-blooming lupine and lush green grass on the property. Andy was all smiles as soon as Emily tapped him on the shoulder to greet him, and they shared a long embrace as they admired each other in their wedding finery.

Soon it was time for their ceremony. Their friends and family enjoyed spots of shade in the dappled afternoon light as the wedding party made their way to the aisle amongst the evergreens. Emily was glowing and Andy completely lit up as he watched his bride walking down the aisle towards him.

They shared their vows against a brilliant mountain backdrop as a light breeze blew, and a few happy tears might have sneaked their way in, too, as they exchanged rings and promised their love to each other. Not long after, they sealed it all with a kiss, and walked back down the aisle as newlyweds, showered with rose petals and well-wishes and smiles from their loved ones.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner and tasty drinks, punctuated by moving, emotional toasts that got people both a little teary and laughing. Emily and Andy cut their cake, shared a slice together, and then launched into their first dance as everyone cheered them on, craggy, beautiful mountains acting as their dance hall.

We took a few moments to steal away and make some sweet images of the two of them, and catch a spot of golden evening light alongside the river and the nearby bridge. Emily and Andy rejoined their guests, and everyone had a blast dancing, chatting, and playing lawn games on the venue grounds.

Emily and Andy! What an honor to get to capture such a beautiful, special day for you both! I can’t even begin to express just how much I love seeing the love you two have for each other, and how much I adored getting to document both you and your wonderful family and friends. Your day was pure perfection — you two have been such a delight to work with, and I’m so excited for your future together. Thank you again for inviting me to document these memories for you — cheers to you both, and a giant congratulations again to you!

Vendors for Emily + Andy’s White Raven wedding in Montana

Venue: White Raven Venue & Retreat, Alberton, Montana
Florist: Agile Goat Flower Farm, Florence, Montana
DJ: Ryan Bradshaw, Missoula, Montana
Makeup and hair artist: MVP Beauty, Missoula, Montana
Caterer: The Silk Road, Missoula, Montana
Transportation: Hellgate Transportation, Missoula, Montana
Bar and spirits: Big Sky Mobile Bartending, Missoula, Montana
Wedding dress: a Made with Love design from Honest in Ivory, Spokane, Washington
Bridesmaid dresses: from Lulu’s
Men’s suits: from Tuxedo Gallery, Missoula, Montana

On the docket:

Oodles of portraits — stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Dimitri and Jenn, along with their immediate family, traveled up to Montana from California for their September Triple Creek Ranch elopement. And boy, was it ever a perfect day for these two to promise their love to each other!

We started the day out by zipping around to some pretty sweet vistas overlooking the Bitterroot mountains, and were treated to a blue sky day — a bit of a rarity during a fairly smoky summer! Autumn colors had even started to pop in amongst the greenery, which made the most stunning backdrop for some fun portraits of the soon-to-be-married couple.

After making our images (and kudos to Dimitri and Jenn for navigating some seriously steep rocks in slippery dress shoes!), we all headed back to the ranch where Dimitri and Jenn got ready to say their “I do’s.”

Against a backdrop of evergreens, a pond, and a lush floral arch, and in front of their beloved family, Dimitri and Jenn shared their vows, some laughs, and some tears with each other. As Jenn’s father officiated, and while Dimitri’s mother and grandmother shared readings and words of wisdom with the couple, dragonflies flitted about, adding even more magic to a very special day. Dimitri and Jenn sealed it all with a joyous kiss, and celebrated with champagne toasts that had everyone laughing, smiling, and hugging one another.

Dimitri and Jenn! It was so nice to meet you both, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness together — and many more Montana visits! Here’s to you two and your bright and brilliant future! Congratulations!

On the docket:

Portraits and brand sessions! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It was one heckuva gorgeous Montana day for Alexis and Joe’s Bowman Lake elopement in Glacier National Park. We had a bluebird sky above, pristine reflections on the lake in front of us, and oh so much sun! Suffice it to say, Montana really pulled out all the stops for Alexis and Joe’s special day!

These two originally met in Denver at a bluegrass show and moved to Missoula a little over two years ago. Because they love their time in the outdoors (camping and hiking especially), Joe proposed to Alexis in Glacier. So it was particularly fitting that they tied the knot there, too!

We started out the day by meeting up at their Air BnB just outside of the park, and then hopped in the car to make the trek to Bowman Lake. Along the way we made a quick pitstop in Polebridge so Alexis could change into her dress, and so we could make some fun images. (Because one must always stop in Polebridge if passing through, amiright?)

Eventually, after driving the winding, bumpy roads, we arrived at the lake and, honestly, couldn’t have had a more spectacular view. We immediately began making portraits to take advantage of our light (and also dry eyes, just in case tears started up during their ceremony!). And I swear, our faces hurt from sharing so much laughter and giggles together.

Soon it was time for Alexis and Joe to say their “I do’s.” Their dogs, Bodhi and Copper (who are great pyrenees mixes) were their “best people,” Alexis’s sister, Izzie, officiated, and their friends Hannah and TJ stood up with them as well. As Izzie got the ceremony started, there was plenty of laughter, a few tears, and so much excitement as Alexis and Joe made it all official with kiss!

Even the nearby bystanders cheered for the newly married couple, and Bodhi and Copper danced about, too, excited for their humans. Everyone signed the marriage license to officially make it official, and then we all meandered back to the vehicles where the last, and essential thing to do, was to toast and share a few shots together (and of course, more laughter).

On our way back to the AirBnB, we passed through Polebridge again, and this time, everyone picked up a few of the Merc’s legendary huckleberry bear claws as a celebratory sweet. (Who needs cake when you’ve got huckleberry bear claws?!)

Alexis and Joe! Thank you so much for inviting me to capture these moments for you! I wasn’t kidding when I said I was about to smile my face off, and I truly appreciate our time together and fun conversation on those gravel roads. Here’s to you both! I hope you have a lifetime of Glacier adventures ahead of you, and I cannot wait to document your reception in June, too! Woot woot!

On the Docket:

Portraits and editorial work! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

We were all watching the weather forecast and the skies leading up to Kelsey and Sam’s Moon Randolph Homestead wedding because a winter storm was brewing (in September of all things!), and no one quite knew what Mother Nature would surprise us with. Thankfully we managed to avoid the snow until later in the evening, but Kelsey and Sam’s wedding has got to go down in history as one of the coldest weddings I’ve ever photographed in September! (If I recall correctly, I think the windchill had the temps feeling like the teens to low 20’s! Brrr!)

Despite the chill, Kelsey and Sam absolutely made the most of their day (and the lack of snow!), and decided to brave an outdoor ceremony at the Moon Randolph Homestead.

Kelsey and Sam originally met in Missoula when they lived here while attending the University of Montana (they used to be neighbors!). Kelsey’s cat was very adventuresome and, as Kelsey put it, decided that she and Sam needed to be friends and took an impromptu visit into Sam’s apartment. And the rest is history!

Kelsey shared with me that they’re through-and-through nerds – they both love books, Sam’s a huge agriculture nerd and she’s a huge history nerd – that’s how they decided on Moon Randolph for their venue.

Fast forward to their wedding day, and as Kelsey and Sam enjoyed their first look amidst a stiff, chilly breeze, the homestead’s chickens clucked, and pigs joyfully ran through the nearby fields.

Soon it was time for guests to arrive, and everyone was greeted with warm apple cider, Fireball and plenty of handwarmers to keep fingers toasty during the outdoor ceremony.

They kept their ceremony short and sweet (and even had a hawk swing on by for good measure), shared vows with one another as well as rings made from wood from the Homestead’s apple orchard (how cool!), and then sealed it all with a kiss, which was cheered on by everyone in attendance.

We quickly made some portraits and then off everyone dashed to the Missoula Children’s Theatre, where folks dined on tasty tapas and tacos, and had a great time mingling with one another and playing board games.

Toasts to the newlyweds had everyone laughing and smiling, and before long people decided to kick up their heels on the dance floor, aided by a few celebratory shots as well as some Big Dipper Ice Cream for good measure.

Kelsey and Sam! Thank you so much for inviting me to capture your beautiful, fun wedding day! You two are absolute rockstars for braving that cold and wind, and I loved getting to finally meet you both as well as your sweeter-than-sweet friends and family! Here’s to the two of you and all of your adventures going forward (hopefully with plenty of Montana visits in the future!). Congratulations again!

Vendor Information for Kelsey and Sam’s Moon Randolph Homestead Wedding:

Ceremony Venue: Moon Randolph Homestead, Missoula, Montana
Reception Venue: Missoula Children’s Theatre, Missoula, Montana
Coordinator: Erika with Plum Tree Events, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Agile Goat Flower Farm, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Fabrik Salon, Missoula, Montana
Caterer: Marisa Crerar (acquaintance of the bride and groom), and Two Crows Taco Truck, Missoula, Montana
Ice Cream: Big Dipper Ice Cream Truck, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: a Madi Lane design from LUV Bridal in Phoenix, Arizona
Groom’s Suit: Indochino

On the Docket:

Elopements 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

As seems to be the theme of this year in Montana, it was a little bit of a rainy day for Laura and Melinda’s Holland Lake Lodge wedding. However, Mother Nature played nicely with us and decided to treat us to some sun just as the ceremony was about to start, much to everyone’s excitement!

Despite a few rain showers here and there, it really couldn’t have been a more gorgeous day for Laura and Melinda to celebrate their love for one another. Everyone in attendance sported giant smiles (and a few tears, too) as Laura and Melinda shared their vows, promises, laughter and love with one another, cloud-encircled mountains in the background.

To make it official they decreed it so while waving their wands, and then sealed it all with a kiss as everyone cheered for them while they walked down the aisle, hand-in-hand, with smiles a mile wide.

Folks surrounded them to bestow upon them hugs and well-wishes, and soon it was time to enjoy appetizers, tasty dinner, and some heartfelt toasts. Cake wasn’t far behind, and before long it was time to cut a rug on the dance floor.

We were all treated to an absolutely magnificent sunset on the lake, and to top it off, people enjoyed the warmth of the bonfire and some ultra-tasty s’mores, not to mention guitar music and singing!

Laura and Melinda! Thank you again for inviting me to document your wedding day! I truly love seeing how much you two love one another, as well as all your friends and family, and I adored every single magical second of your day! Thank you again for being such fantastic people (and for the invitation to join you for s’mores, too!). Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for you both, and many Montana visits in the future!

Vendors for Laura + Melinda’s Holland Lake Lodge Wedding:

Venue: Holland Lake Lodge, Condon, Montana

Florist: Habitat Floral, Missoula, Montana

Cake: Margaret Ambrose Barton, Missoula, Montana

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits, elopements and more! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine