Reason number 5 million and one why I think Lauren and Thad are the bee’s knees: they are avid rock climbers AND they wanted me to document, quite literally, a rock the dress session for them the day after their wedding.

When they first told me this, in my head I was all giddy and yelping and saying (in my head, mind you), “Can I get a heck YEAH!?!!!” (Though now that I think about it, maybe that wasn’t all in my head.)

Because 1. How completely, totally awesome.

And 2. I’m a rock climber as well. Albeit a bit rusty after not having had a partner for a couple years, but I GET rock climbing. I get it. I love it. I understand it. I know the thrill of it, and the mental hurdles you’ve got to tackle. And the pure exhilaration of being on top of the world. So, this made me pretty darn excited, if that wasn’t already apparent. Plus, they wanted to climb near Lake Koocanusa, which is one of my favorite spots to climb, and also a place where I did a little write-up and photo story for the Daily Inter Lake (when I was working there), about my own climbing adventures.

And 3. How completely, TOTALLY AWESOME. (Yes, I had to reiterate that.)

Anywho….the day came, it was early and a wee bit on the chilly side, but holy moly. SO worth it. We all giggled and shivered a bit as Lauren and Thad slipped their rings onto necklaces, got their harnesses situated, the rope flaked, knots tied and wedding dress and suit adjusted. But as soon as they hit the wall to climb “Road Kill” and “To TNT or Not to Be” (the names of their routes), it was game time. And oh….how unbelievably beautiful!

I love climbing. I also adore watching climbers do their thing. There is something so amazing and truly incredible about witnessing the human body defying gravity, and seeing muscles come to life, fluid and beautiful in the light.

Add wedding day finery to the mix and a touch of a breeze – holy HECK. I was practically beside myself with pure excitement. (There may have been some leaping around involved.)

Have I mentioned how much I adore Lauren and Thad? :)

And now, I’ve gone on far too long with my words….I’m going to let the photos speak for themselves. Prepare to be awed by these two. They. Are. Amazing.

On the docket: portraits and weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Lauren and Thad – I just loved these two from the moment I met them. Not only are they awesome people, but they love to rock climb AND they were planning their wedding in Troy, Montana – just a hop and a skip from Libby, where I was born – one of Montana’s little gems, tucked away in the northwestern corner of the state. Did I mention that they also told me they wanted to do a truly unique “rock the dress” session too? (You can see those photos here!)

So it’s no surprise that their wedding day was just downright awesome.

The day was sunny and brilliant, and Bull Lake sparkled in the background. Lauren and her friends readied themselves in the house, laughter bouncing off the walls the entire time, and Thad hung out with his groomsmen a level below the girls.

The ceremony started not long after, and Lauren walked down the aisle alongside her grandfather, doing her best to keep her tears from sneaking out. The two spoke their beautiful, personal vows to one another, exchanged rings, and literally “tied the knot” with climbing rope. Friends and family smiled and clapped as Lauren and Thad sealed it all with a kiss. The two newlyweds walked down the aisle, and immediately joined in a dance on the lawn as friends and family admired them.

Soon, Montana beers were freely flowing, everyone was laughing and mingling, and enjoying the lakeside atmosphere. As the evening wound down, a few of Thad’s friends decided to “refresh” him and launched him into the lake (along with a helping hand from Lauren, too!), and had everyone cracking up.

A bonfire roared to life as the sun sank behind the mountains, signaling the end to a perfect day, and the start of Lauren and Thad’s life together.

Lauren and Thad – you guys are incredible. Hands down, incredible! Thank you again for having me share such a special, happy day with you both – what an absolute blast! :) Here’s to many, many years together full of laughter, climbing, and lots of mountain time!

Vendors:
Venue: the house on Bull Lake, Troy, Montana
Florist: Cassandra with Libby Floral and Gift, Libby, Montana
Cake Artist: Rosauers, Libby, Montana
Hair Artist: Teez’n Hair Studio, Libby, Montana
Wedding Dress: by Camille La Vie
Bridesmaid Dresses: from The Perfect Dress, Salt Lake City, Utah
Men’s Suits: from Libby Floral and Gift, Libby, Montana
Tent: from Troy Chamber of Commerce, Troy, Montana
Tables, Chairs and Speakers/Mic: from Lynn Malmberg

On the docket: portraits and weddings – stay tuned!

Cheers!

-Kristine