I’ve been SO excited to photograph Breanna and Branden’s Corvallis Montana Bitterroot Barn wedding ever since we first started talking about their wedding day. Especially so, after having the pleasure of capturing their engagement photos for them. Breanna and Branden are the sweetest people, so I knew their wedding would be filled with joy, love and laughter, and lots of personal touches – and oh, was it ever!

It was a damp, October day, the trees had just begun to turn golden, and the deep blue backdrop of the Bitterroots contrasted perfectly with the brilliant yellows and oranges in the valley, all wrapped in low-hanging, misty clouds. Despite it being a little rainy, it didn’t bother Breanna and Branden one bit, and as a little bonus, they were able to have their wedding ceremony outside.

Branden had nothing but smiles for his bride as she walked down the aisle on her parents’ arms, beaming, beatific, and excited to see her love at the altar. Their ceremony was filled with heartfelt words, plenty of laughter and deep connection. As Breanna and Branden promised their forevers to one another, various flocks of geese flew by, migrating their way south for the winter.

The two literally tied the knot (which was made up of multiple strands of yarn that had been knotted by everyone in attendance), sealed it all with a kiss, and walked back down the aisle again as newlyweds, grinning to beat the band.

After their ceremony, we took a few moments to make photos together before the rain really started coming down, and had a great time traipsing about, finding fun little spots off the beaten path, and overall just being super excited about all things wedding day!

Breanna and Branden rejoined their family and friends in the barn, and were treated to some fantastic toasts and laughs that had everyone chuckling. They kicked off the rest of the evening by sharing a slice of wedding pie together, and it wasn’t long before everyone packed the dance floor and had that old barn shaking. Folks got their groove thang on, sang their hearts out, and had a great time spending time with family and friends as the rain poured down outside.

Breanna and Branden! It totally goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway – what an absolutely beautiful day! Thank you again for inviting me into such a special, joy-filled day in your lives. It truly has been an honor to get to capture such important moments for you, and I just adored every second of your wedding. You are a lucky couple to be surrounded by such caring family and friends, many of whom I had the pleasure of getting to talk with here and there throughout your wedding day. You two are already so great together, so here’s to an even more splendid future as husband and wife and partners in life! And last, but certainly not least, from the bottom of my heart, congrats, congrats, congrats again!

Vendor Information for Breanna + Branden’s Corvallis Montana Bitterroot Barn Wedding:

Venue: Bitterroot Barn at Teller Wildlife Refuge, Corvallis, Montana
Coordinator: Chelsea Maroney, 406 Events, Missoula, Montana
Videographer: Jared Iler, friend of the groom, Missoula, Montana
Photo Booth: Mark Cluney, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral, Missoula, Montana
Feathers & Bottle Centerpieces: The bride’s creation
Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Dinner Musicians: Two Cats & A Fiddle, Missoula, Montana
Reception Band: Shodown, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Meraki Rose, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: Hilary Aller (cousin’s wife)
Officiant: Lawrence Moran (friend)
Caterer: Crave Catering & Cakes, Missoula, Montana
Table Rentals: Oh-So-Chic Boutique, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Invites by Noteworthy, Missoula, Montana, and programs by the bride
Wedding Dress: a Maggie Sottero design
Maid of Honor Dress: from Miusol
Menswear: from The Western Company

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits, and editorial work – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Everything about John and Lisa’s wedding at the Slack House homestead, which is owned by The Teller (a nonprofit wildlife conservation organization that owns 1,200 acres of wildlife preserve in the Bitterroot Valley), shouted their personalities – fun, beautiful and full of charm.

From their hand-painted signs to the chalkboard menus to the strings of engagement photos posted around the property, John and Lisa’s joy was ever-present. Their gorgeous, sun-dappled ceremony under two gigantic willows was filled with personal touches, heartfelt vows they wrote themselves, and a very moving reading by Lisa’s sister Caroline. (It’s ok Caroline, I don’t think there was a dry eye present, mine included!)

Family and friends took in a delicious dinner, followed by an amazing rainbow and an even more stunning sunset. The party moved into the hayloft of the barn and people danced so hard and with such gusto to the tunes of the Whiskey Rebellion band, that the floor bounced!

John stole the show with a surprise Elvis song for Lisa, and rocked the mic to the cheers of everyone present. Dancing continued into the night, the barn bathed in the light of a full moon, music streaming out into the night air.

John and Lisa – I can’t say enough about you two. You are amazing people, such a fabulous couple, with THE most awesome family and friends, and I sincerely wish you all the best in your lives together. It’s been an absolute honor to get to know you and photograph such a special moment in your lives. Thank you SO much for having me be a part of your day. And, if ever you would like, let’s grab a beer or two some time. :)

Vendor Information:
Venue: The Slack House Homestead owned by The Teller, Corvallis, MT
Hair and Makeup: Megan Buxton
Flowers: Habitat Floral, Missoula, MT
Catering: All Events Catering, Missoula, MT
Cake: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, MT
Band: The Whiskey Rebellion, Missoula, MT
(Lisa, can you fill in the blanks of the vendors whose info I’m unsure of? Also, if I’ve left anyone out, please let me know so I can give them credit. Thanks!)

On the docket: weddings and portraits!

Cheers!

-Kristine