I swear, it feels like just yesterday that I was hanging out with Amber and Woody and making their engagement photos. And then bam! before you know it, July’s here and these two are looking super spiffy and having their Ronan Montana wedding at the Silver Knot! It’s sometimes difficult to believe just how quickly time flies, but that’s no surprise with these two as time truly does fly when you’re having fun.

And we sure did have fun during their wedding day! It all started out with documenting the ladies and gents getting ready. Amber held her vows close by, and Woody and the guys shared some good laughs as they pondered the intricacies of perfecting pocket squares.

Before we knew it (see, time flies, I tell you!), it was time for Amber and Woody’s first look. Amber wanted their first look to be down by the creek on the property (which also happened to be populated by a herd of cows), so we zipped on down there to document this special moment between the soon-to-be-newlyweds. They got a little teary through their shared smiles, but a nearby bull (yes, you read that right – a GIGANTIC BULL), began to get anxious and bellowed at us to get the heck out of there. (Which we did – no bull charges on the wedding party please and thank you!).

It wasn’t long before friends and family began to arrive and it was time for Amber and Woody’s ceremony to begin. They shared an incredibly touching and emotional set of vows, enjoyed plenty of laughs and kissed for the first time as husband and wife as their friends and family beamed at them and cheered.

Enjoying the backdrop of a perfect Montana evening, everyone was treated to delicious appetizers, a tasty dinner peppered with thoughtful and moving toasts, and delicious cake and huckleberry macarons.

Things moved outside again and onto the dance floor where Amber and Woody danced for the first time as a married couple. As Amber began to dance with her father, I don’t think there was a single dry eye in the house, and folks became misty-eyed all over again as Woody shared a dance with his mother, too.

Tears soon gave way to lively and energetic dancing and lots and lots of laughter. (What a fun crew you’ve got, Amber and Woody!) As the evening progressed, people continued to kick up their heels, and as the sun shifted to a golden glow, Amber, Woody and I took a moment to create a few more images and make the most of the Mission Mountains in the background – a perfect way to wrap up a fantastic day for these two.

Amber and Woody! I know I’m a word nerd, but words just can’t do justice to how truly wonderful it was to capture such a special day in your lives for you! I adore you both, and have loved every second of getting to work with you. You two have such a bright and happy future ahead of you, and I hope it will always involve plenty of visits to Montana, too. :) Here’s to you, and congrats, congrats, congrats again!!!

Vendor Information for Amber and Woody’s Ronan Montana Wedding at the Silver Knot:

Venue: The Silver Knot, Ronana, Montana
Officiant: Bride’s family friend, Rob Rowe
Florist: Bev’s Bloomers, Ronan, Montana
Cake Artist: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Brandon Johnson, Ronan, Montana
Makeup and Hair Artist: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Catering and Bar: A Catered Affair, Spokane, Washington
Transportation: Three Dog Adventure Tours, Molly Trolley, Polson, Montana
Paper Goods: Wedding Paper Divas
Wedding Dress: A Ti Adora design from The White Flower Bridal Boutique, San Diego, California
Bridesmaid Dresses: I Do Bridal, Seattle, Washington
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

On the Docket:

Weddings, Elopements, and Portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Brandon and Natalie had one heckuva happy wedding day for their Ronan Montana Sky Ridge Ranch wedding. Even though it was nearing (if not actually) 100 degrees, these two just went with it and had an absolute blast during their wedding day.

The afternoon started out with prepping for the big walk down the aisle. The girls got ready at a VRBO in St. Ignatius, and there were all sorts of laughs, hugs and a few tears as Natalie got ready to head to the ranch. Brandon and the guys prepped themselves for the day at the ranch, laughing and joking as they pinned boutonnieres on one another in between shots of Fireball enthusiastically passed around by the group.

Guests began to arrive and seat themselves facing the gorgeous Mission Mountains, and soon it was time for things to get rolling. Brandon was all smiles and excitement as he saw Natalie for the first time walking down the aisle on her father’s arm, a mixture of emotions flitting across her face. The two grinned and smiled at one another (and shed a few tears too) as they shared their heartfelt and touching vows in front of their friends and family, and were treated to a chorus of cheers as they were pronounced husband and wife for the first time.

The party continued in the barn and everyone was treated to tasty appetizers (including an oyster bar!), a scrumptious dinner, delicious cake and a series of toasts that got everyone simultaneously laughing and tearing up.

As the sun lazily slid lower in the sky, the celebrations moved outside and people began to dance, enjoy the atmosphere of the evening, and especially the alpenglow on the mountains. Brandon and Natalie were even treated to a full moon rising up behind the mountains, which was especially meaningful to them.

As the sky turned an inky black, friends and family lit sparklers and cheered to send off Brandon and Natalie into the night into their “getaway car.”

Brandon and Natalie! Thank you again for inviting me to capture all the happiness and love of your wedding day! It To see how happy you two make one another was just so special to witness and document, and I’m so glad you got to celebrate such a special day in Montana. Here’s to a life full of adventures and travel together (which should be easy for you two! :)), with many stops to Montana along the way! Congrats again!

Vendor Information for Brandon and Natalie’s Ronan Montana Sky Ridge Ranch Wedding:

Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Officiant: Brian Colgan, brother of the groom
Wedding Coordinator: Amy Deering Events, Kalispell, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Live Music: Blue Belly Junction, Bozeman, Montana
DJ: Brandon Johnson, Ronan, Montana
Caterer: Crave Catering, Missoula, Montana
Transportation: Harlow’s Bus Services, Kalispell, Montana

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits, elopements and more weddings! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Katie and Anthony’s autumn Sky Ridge Ranch Wedding in Ronan Montana was nothing short of magical. The sheer amount of love, happiness and joy that surrounded every moment of their day is something I think everyone aspires to in their lives, and Katie and Anthony have it in spades.

Their wedding day couldn’t have been more perfect – Montana was in rare form this September day, and not only were we treated to perfect weather, but the bright autumn colors were winking at us from within the trees, and we were all privy to a sunset so stunning I’m not quite sure I’ve ever seen the likes of it before – it blew me away and couldn’t have been a better wedding day present for these two.

Indoors and around the ranch was just as beautiful with decorations so lush and so naturally gorgeous that the harvest of the season looked like rich jewels.

Guests sat amidst an aspen grove, its autumn leaves fluttering in the breeze, and dragonflies flitted about. Katie walked down the grassy aisle towards Anthony, and they shared heartfelt, emotional vows with one another. There were tears, but there was also so much laughter, and soon everyone was clapping and cheering for the two as they walked down the aisle as newlyweds.

Friends and family enjoyed a cocktail hour on the lawn, and soon folks made their way inside to be treated to a delicious dinner, punctuated by some fantastic toasts that had everyone in stitches as well as reaching for tissues to dry their eyes. Cake and pie followed, as did dancing beneath the indigo Montana sky, twinkle lights swooping across the mountain view as laughter floated out onto the night air. Folks had a fantastic time getting their groove on as the evening marched along.

As things wound down, it was time to bid farewell to the new couple, and everyone lined up to cheer them on once again with sparklers and smiles. Katie and Anthony dashed through the fireworks and to her 1966 Mustang, which they drove away into the black of night as friends and family cheered and wished them well.

Katie and Anthony – I can’t express enough just how special you two are. Every moment of working with you has been so meaningful and so fun, beautiful and happy (and full of laugher!), and it’s an understatement to say just how much it meant to me to see everyone pour so much of their love into the two of you on such a wonderful day in your lives. You deserve every ounce of happiness and love there is in this world, and to see just a cross-section of that and to get to document it for you was such an honor. Here’s to the two of you! Love you guys!

Vendors for Katie and Anthony’s Autumn Sky Ridge Ranch Wedding in Ronan Montana

Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Coordination and Floral: Habitat Events, Missoula, Montana
Videographer: Mighty Fine Productions, Montana
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
Pies: Break Espresso, Missoula, Montana
Ceremony Musicians: Avalon Trio
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Jacqueline Kukay, Alchemy Mineral Blends, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Bob Romness, friend of the bride’s father
Caterer: Riversong Gourmet Catering, Missoula, Montana
Rentals: Eastgate Rentals, Missoula, Montana
Transportation: Beach Transportation, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Noteworthy Paper and Press, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: a Modern Trousseau design from Hitched Bridal Couture, Washington DC
Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew
Groom’s Suit: from Macy’s
Menswear: Pants from J.Crew; bow ties from Bows N Ties

On the docket: portraits!

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

I think an apt way to describe Amanda and Raker’s Ronan Montana wedding day goes a little something like this: my cheeks literally hurt from smiling after I had finished photographing for them. And I’m betting I wasn’t the only one feeling this way – which is quite decidedly a completely awesome way to feel.

From the moment the day started to the moment things wound down, there was just so much happiness, joy, and laughter from everyone present.

Montana, true to form, pulled out all the stops and showed off beautiful blue skies, butterflies!, perfect temps, warm sun, one heckuva sunset, and a moonrise over the mountaintops! I am still a little “gaga” over that moonrise – what a perfect gift for these two!

Amanda and Raker just glowed as they spoke their vows to one another – there were smiles, there were tears, but most of all there was love.

Family and friends were treated to a delicious meal that was finished with some excellent toasts and a rousing shoe game that had everyone’s sides splitting from laughter and merriment.

Kids (and adults, too!) were treated to a candy bar, full of all sorts of sweets and goodies, and soon, with a little sugar under their belts, everyone was hitting the dance floor, and dance they did! I always love photographing folks as they dance, but I’ve got to hand it to you, Amanda and Raker – your friends and family truly outdid themselves! Just SO many fantastic, sweet and hilarious moments – I had tears in my eyes I was cracking up so much at some of these funnier vignettes!

As people continued to get their dance on, the sky turned a pinkish-purple over the mountaintops, and to everyone’s delight, the moon rose – full and bright and absolutely beautiful. A perfect way to punctuate the day for Amanda and Raker.

You two – what a wonderful, beautiful day! Thank you again for inviting me into such a special moment in your lives! I wish you oodles and oodles of happy years together full of laughter, silliness, pasta, and great adventures! Congratulations again!

Vendors:
Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Florist: The Flower Bed, Missoula, Montana
Catering: Bravo Catering, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
DJ: House of Watts, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Twigs Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: A Terry Fox design from BOA, London, England
Bridesmaid Dresses: from BHLDN
Groomsmen Attire: from Tuxedo Gallery, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: weddings, weddings, and more weddings! And portraits too! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It may have been a bit of a rainy day for Ashley and Adam’s wedding, but I think it only added to the natural beauty of the setting and of their truly heartfelt ceremony. I’m pretty sure everybody felt more in touch with all that makes Montana wonderful as the mountains peeked out amidst the clouds, as the raindrops fell on our shoulders and as we all soaked in and appreciated the notion of place and the people with whom we share it.

Adam stood before friends and family and watched as his daughter, Iris, in a sweet, layered dress, made her grand entrance in a little red wagon, and not long after, her mother, Ashley, followed walking arm-in-arm with her father, a flower crown adorning her hair.

Adam and Ashley laughed and smiled as friends and family lovingly looked on. They gazed deeply into each other’s eyes, took in the view of the mountains in the distance, and spoke their vows to one another as they bound their hands together and exchanged rings.

Soon they were dancing down the aisle amidst a shower of lavender, rose petals and raindrops. Friends and family congratulated them and celebrated to the tunes of live bluegrass music, and soon folks were sitting down to a tasty dinner punctuated by emotion-filled toasts. Not long after, the shoes came off and people began to dance in the cool grass, the mountains highlighted by alpenglow in the background.

Ashley and Adam – what a truly beautiful day for you both! It was such an honor to be invited to photograph such a special moment in your lives together, and I wish you many years ahead of love, laughter and dancing among the mountains. :)

Vendors:
Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Ted Ness & the Rusty Nails, Missoula, Montana
Reception Music: Shakewell, Missoula, Montana
Dress: custom made from Angelica Atelier in Arcata, California
Catering: Badlander Beverage Catering, Missoula, Montana, and John’s Angels Catering, Whitefish, Montana
Rentals: Celebrate Rentals, Bigfork, Montana

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

When you plan your wedding in Montana, there’s always a risk that mountain views might be obscured by wildfire smoke. Unbelievably, this year, we really haven’t had to deal with smoke all that much from our own fires…but smoke doesn’t obey state lines, and it drifted over from Canada, Washington and Oregon and planted itself right in front of the beautiful Mission Mountains – and on Mariah and Erryn’s wedding day. It’s a part of life here, so everyone took it in stride, but we all were secretly wishing and hoping it would dissipate, especially since Erryn’s family came all the way from Chicago, and we all wanted them to see just how amazing these mountains are.

Our wishes must’ve been heard, because the day couldn’t have turned out more perfect. The wind gently came in and pushed the smoke aside to reveal fluffy clouds, blue skies and mountains, mountains, mountains! And many, many smiles as Mariah and Erryn spoke their vows to one another against such a stunning backdrop.

After the two walked down the aisle as newlyweds, everyone gathered to enjoy cocktails and appetizers in the sun, and soon moved inside to dine on a meal put together by one of Erryn’s friends. Toasts began not long after and elicited a few tears and lots of laughs as well. Folks soon kicked off their shoes to dance – and dance they did! as the day made way to dusk.

Congratulations again, Mariah and Erryn! It was such an honor to be a part of such a special and beautiful day in your lives – and SO much fun to meet your great group of friends and family. (My face hurt from smiling – always a good thing!) Here’s to a long life of happiness, excellent food, even better company, and many, many mountains. :)

Vendors:
Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Florist: Bev’s Bloomers, Ronan, Montana
Cake: Creations by Tamah, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Sandra Morris with The Cutting Crew, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: an Allure Bridal design from Weddings 826, Chicago, Illinois
Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo designs
Men’s Suits: J. Toor, Chicago, Illinois
Linens, Plates and Rentals: St. Char Ro Floral and Event Rentals, Ronan, Montana
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Red Onion Purple

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

I’m always a little blown away by how quickly time flies when I’m having fun – one day I’m photographing Kristeen and Colt’s engagement session in February at Sky Ridge Ranch and we’ve got snow up to our knees, and the next, I’m marveling at the gorgeous summer vistas the ranch provided Kristeen and Colt on their wedding day.

It truly was an absolutely beautiful day for these two to be married. The skies were blue, the lemonade was refreshing, and the love was tangible. As Kristeen walked down the aisle with her father, Colt visibly became choked up as he saw his radiant bride smiling at him. There was so much emotion in their sweet ceremony – their vows were truly from the heart, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in attendance as we all listened to their declarations to each other.

They both made it through their ceremony, faces a bit tear-stained, but only from happiness. Soon everyone was cheering as Kristeen and Colt joined their reception, and began to mingle, enjoy the delectable appetizers and cocktails, and delight in the company of their guests who had traveled from many different locations to share in the celebration of their marriage.

Soon everyone moved inside the barn to sit down to a delicious meal, beautiful ambiance, a fun slideshow, and finally, a most epic dessert table.

As the band began to play and as sugar got folks into high gear, people began to kick up their heels in the barn, laughing, and having a great time (don’t miss the little video I put together of this!). Dusk soon fell and Montana wowed everyone with a color-streaked sky. It was only fitting to witness such a natural display of beauty by starting up a bonfire and roasting s’mores as night fell.

Everyone continued to get their groove on, and as the evening wound down, friends and family lit sparklers to send Kristeen and Colt off into the Montana night.

What a wonderful day, you two! I can’t thank you enough for inviting me into such a beautiful celebration of your love, and for allowing me to meet your sweet friends and family. It’s been such a treat getting to know you as we’ve worked together, and I wish you years and years full of love and happiness and plenty of Montana time. Next time you’re in town, the Coldsmoke growler’s on me! ;)

Vendors:
Venue: Sky Ridge Ranch, Ronan, Montana
Florist and Planner: Habitat Events and Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cupcakes: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
Catering: Bravo Catering, Missoula, Montana
Band: The Tiny Band, Bozeman, Montana
Hair Artist: Kelly Casey, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: an Oscar de la Renta design, from Ivory and White Boutique, Birmingham, Alabama
Bridesmaid Dresses: from Two Birds Bridesmaids
Menswear: Nordstrom

On the docket: weddings and portraits and weddings up the wazoo! Don’t miss ’em!

Cheers!

-Kristine

From the moment I talked to Kristeen on the phone (and we exclaimed over the fact that we’re both “K” Kristines – woot woot! we’re rare, I tell you!), I knew we’d just have a blast working together! So, when Kristeen called to tell me she and Colt were in Missoula, visiting from their home base in Hawaii, and that they had decided they wanted to take advantage of the snow we had here to do some fun portraits, I was completely game.

We all carpooled together up to Sky Ridge Ranch (which is where they’ll be getting married this summer – such a beautiful venue!), and decided to tromp around in the snow and make the most of the white-capped mountain peaks for their portraits. We had some great ranch horse photobombs, experienced a crazy little mini squall with whipping winds, and then some beautiful, bright sun during our shoot. And, of course, a lot of laughs as well.

Thank you again, you two, for braving that cold, cold wind! It was so much fun getting to photograph you and get to know you even more on our drive to and from the ranch. Can’t WAIT for your wedding day!

On the docket: the first wedding of 2014! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Laura and Tyson’s wedding – I’m not sure they could have had a prettier day or evening in which to celebrate their love for one another. The day started out with a prediction for thunderstorms, but none came. The sky was blue, the sun was bright, and when it finally came time to call it a day, the sun sank behind the mountaintops in a glow so deliciously brilliant, I swear, I could have eaten it right up.

The theme for the day with Laura and Tyson seemed to be laughter – and LOTS of it – one of my favorite things at weddings. From their moments getting ready, to their sweet mountaintop ceremony, to dancing and karaoke in the barn…laughter and smiles abounded.

The bridal party made their way up the hillside and into a small meadow surrounded by trees. Laura walked past a field of daisies and down the aisle, and the two spoke their vows to one another against the backdrop of towering trees and a stunning mountain peak. Tyson’s sister sang and guests cheered as Laura and Tyson became Mr. and Mrs. for the first time.

After the ceremony, people mingled in the sunshine, sipping on local beers and partaking in a freshly roasted pig and other goodies for dinner.

Hilarious and touching toasts were again punctuated by lots of laughter, and soon it was time to cut the cake that Tyson’s cousin had baked for the couple.

Karaoke is a favorite pastime for Laura and Tyson, so it was natural for them to set it up in the ranch’s barn, which provided ample space for dancing. The kiddos attending the wedding took advantage of the space, and wowed everyone with some pretty epic breakdancing moves!

Dancing and singing continued into the evening as the sun set and turned the mountains shades of blue and purple…to match Laura and Tyson’s wedding colors, I’m sure. ;)

Laura and Tyson – what an absolutely wonderful wedding you two had! Thank you again for inviting me into such a special day. I can’t emphasize enough how much fun I had and how beautiful it was to watch you and your families’ happiness. Here’s to many, many years ahead of you, full of love and lots laughter of course! :)

Vendors:
Venue: Mandorla Ranch, St. Ignatius, Montana
Wedding Coordinator: Mara DelliPriscoli, St. Ignatius, Montana
Florist: Friend of the bride and groom
Cake Artist: Groom’s cousin, Kaycee Hogge
Hair and Makeup: Joel Valenzuela, Colorado
Wedding Dress: from Light in the Box
Bridesmaid Dresses: from Jen Jenn
Rentals: St. Char Ro, Ronan, Montana
Officiant: Groom’s cousin
Ceremony Music: Provided by groom’s sister and cousin

On the docket: portraits, weddings and more portraits!

Cheers!

-Kristine