Ashley and Nick celebrated their Missoula Montana brunch wedding with a picturesque autumn ceremony at the Missoula Country Club. It was a bit of a chilly morning, and we laughed together that the cloudy sky matched the sky from their engagement photos!

But the cooler temps didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits, especially since Ashley and Nick’s ceremony was so delightful. It was filled with sweet, funny moments that had everyone grinning and laughing together.

The decision to opt for a brunch wedding is a testament to Ashley and Nick’s shared love for excellent food — especially breakfast and brunch goodies! (Can I get a heck yes?! ) The brunch spread was an absolute feast for the senses.

Laughter echoed through the venue as family and friends started up games the couple had placed at each table. And I’ve got to say, Ashley and Nick have such a wonderful group of friends and family surrounding and supporting them. There were more than a few moments that had everyone cracking up! (But I’ll let you scroll down to find a few of those photos yourself. ) The positive energy was contagious, creating an atmosphere filled with love, joy, and an unmistakable sense of camaraderie.

Ashley and Nick! Thank you again for such a fun-filled day with you and your family and friends. I just adore you both, and I’m so grateful our paths have crossed. Here’s to a brilliant future together, filled with all the best things — good food, great company, a whole lot of laughter, and last, but not least — goats galore!

Vendors for Ashley + Nick’s Missoula Montana Brunch Wedding:

Photographer :: Kristine Paulsen Photography, Missoula, Montana
Venue + Catering :: Missoula Country Club, Missoula, Montana
Cake :: ArtcakeMT, Missoula, Montana
Makeup :: Tres Chic Hair and Nail Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding dress :: from Bliss gown
Bridesmaid dresses :: from Azazie Bridal
Men’s suits :: from Men’s Wearhouse, Missoula, Montana

On the docket:

Portraits and weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

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

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

Though Alena and Dan’s springtime Missoula mountainside wedding was smaller than planned due to Covid-19-related restrictions, it was still such a beautiful day for these two! The mountains and valley provided the perfect backdrop, wildflowers swayed in the breeze, and the clouds upped their drama factor for the day.

They married at Alena’s parents’ home, and started the day off helping each other get ready, with lots of laughs and smiles as they navigated their way through tying Dan’s bowtie.

Before long, it was time to officially say their “I Do’s” (which were being live-streamed for friends and family who couldn’t make it to Montana in person). The smiles and laughter continued as they promised their love to one another, exchanged rings and sealed it all with a kiss!

A small storm headed its way towards us, but we still managed to get in some fun pictures of just the two of them amidst the arrowleaf balsamroot wildflowers that dotted the mountains before the rain really started to come down.

The merriment continued as friends and family toasted the newlyweds. And there were even Zoom toasts, too, from those friends and family who couldn’t be there in person. Thank goodness for technology!

Folks enjoyed a socially-distanced meal and were treated to a schwarzwaeldekirschtorte made by Alena’s mom, which is a traditional German cake from the Black Forest region where Alena’s Opa is from.  After everyone had their fill of this super special (and delicious cake), people mingled and chatted alongside a raging bonfire while the sun skipped across the valley down below.

Alena and Dan! It was such a pleasure to make these images for you and to meet your friends and family! You two have had such a positive, beautiful attitude surrounding all these changes to your original plans, but I’m pretty sure that just solidifies the fact that you were meant to be together through thick and thin. Here’s to your newest set of adventures in Utah, and to continued adventures in your lives together! Congratulations again!

Vendors for Alena and Dan’s Springtime Missoula Mountainside Wedding:

Venue: Private residence
Officiant: Couple’s friend, Alex
Musicians: Couple’s friends, Ally and Joel
Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana
Caterer: Biga Pizza, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Made by Alena’s mother
Rentals: Oh So Chic and Eastgate Rentals, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Noteworthy Paper and Press, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Reformation
Groom’s Attire: J. Crew and Calvin Klein

On the docket:

Portraits – stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Rilee and Nick had to postpone their their original, large wedding due to the pandemic, so instead they downsized in 2020 and embraced their intimate rainy Missoula wedding – mega party to be had in 2021!

And what a gorgeous, magical day it was for them, even in spite of the rain! They had an emotional set of first looks – with each other, and then with Rilee and her dad.

The rain quickly began to move in, so a few of us hung out under a gigantic tree that was perfectly placed right near their ceremony site as their guests began to stroll through a field of spring wildflowers.

Soon it was time to get things started, and Rilee made her way through the flowers up to Nick, on her dad’s arm and sheltered by an umbrella.

Tears mixed with raindrops as Rilee and Nick shared their sweet, emotion-filled vows with one another, and their friends and family erupted in cheers as they kissed for the first time as husband and wife!

The plan had been to make some portraits of everyone in attendance after the ceremony had taken place, but it was downright pouring on us, so folks booked it through the field again and we laughed and decided that could wait until 2021, too.

Rilee and Nick! I’m so glad you got to get hitched in 2020, and I cannot wait for 2021 where we can fully celebrate this wonderful occasion! Here’s to you two, your fantastic outlook on life, and to a grand party in 2021!

On the Docket:

More intimate weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

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

I knew the moment that Danielle and I first started chatting on the phone that we’d have such a wonderful time working together at her intimate Gibson Mansion wedding in Missoula. And that really is such a huge understatement because she and Clay are the sweetest of people with such big hearts.

They both grew up and live in Casper, Wyoming, but knew they wanted more of a destination wedding and the Gibson Mansion fit the bill perfectly for them. They love food so they celebrated their day with both a tasty brunch as well as a scrumptious dinner.

Their wedding ceremony was early that morning, and, as weather this year would have it, it was pouring! But that didn’t thwart Danielle or Clay from thoroughly enjoying their day and they just went with it, getting married beneath the tent outside as the rain came down all around us.

To listen to Danielle and Clay share their vows with one another was so special – I don’t think a single person had a dry eye after we were privy to such true love and heartfelt emotion. But smiles broke out once again as soon as it was time to exchange rings and seal it all with a kiss!

Brunch was on the docket soon after, and, as the day moved along, the weather cleared up and treated everyone to some sun, just in time for dinner and dancing!

Kiddos played in the dappled, golden light, everyone cheered as Danielle and Clay cut their cake, ladies eagerly leaped for the bouquet Danielle tossed off the balcony, and soon everyone was laughing and kicking up their heels on the dance floor.

Danielle and Clay! Thank you again for inviting me to document such a truly beautiful, happy day for you and your families! It was so nice to finally get to meet you both, and I’m just so happy for the two of you and your future together! Getting to document your kind of love is why I love doing what I do. Cheers to you both!

Vendors for Danielle and Clay’s Intimate Gibson Mansion Wedding:

Venue and Brunch: Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Cakes in the Zoo, Missoula, Montana
Catered Dinner: Notorious P.I.G. Catering, Missoula, Montana
Florals: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits and elopements galore! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I was so looking forward to documenting Sammy and James’s Missoula Montana Line Ranch wedding since we had had such a fantastic time during their engagement session – and their wedding was everything I expected it would be and more! The joy and fun that permeated their day was simply intoxicating in the best way possible.

We started out their day by making images of Sammy getting ready at her parents’ house. Once ready to go, Sammy and James had a private first look, and then it was time to start making portraits! We all jumped aboard the bus and made our way downtown to some of Sammy’s favorite spots from her time growing up in Missoula.

We’ve experienced a pretty wet summer in Missoula, and thunderstorms threatened in the distance while we made our images. Soon the raindrops (and lightning!), made their way over to us, and in between little showers, we would dash out of the bus to make our images. Which, not surprisingly, made for some fun images, too. Gotta love some wacky weather!

We then made our way to the ranch, which was beautifully decorated with candles, flowers and chandeliers, not to mention the incredible backdrop of the Missoula valley.

As luck would have it, the thunderstorms rolled in again right around the time of Sammy and James’s ceremony – so we held off a bit, readjusted where the ceremony would take place, and then got things started!

Everyone was so happy to see these two walk down the aisle and there was no shortage of grins. They were just about to start their vows when the sky opened up and sent everyone running for cover. Again, we made some quick adjustments, and it was time for Sammy and James to really and truly share their vows with one another as the rain poured outside.

Side note: Sammy and James’s ability to go with the flow (and really, everyone’s) was so awesome to see, and even better to document. Kudos to Sammy and James for making the very, very most of a bit of a wet situation!

To everyone’s delight it became time for Sammy and James to seal it all with a kiss, and kiss they did! Everyone cheered the two newlyweds and soon they were enveloped in hugs, kisses and the occasional bubble or two.

Because Montana storms are finicky things, the rain passed and treated us all to brilliant views and golden light for the remainder of the evening while folks enjoyed a scrumptious dinner and cookies afterward.

The laughter and joy continued as Sammy and James were treated to some fantastic toasts, and then it was time for everyone to kick up their heels and get their groove on as lightning flickered over the mountains on the outskirts of the valley, and as the moon rose high above us.

Sammy and James! It’s such a huge understatement to say how absolutely wonderful your wedding day was! I just adore your family and friends, and of course, you two! Thank you again for inviting me to document your day (rain showers and all!), and for being such a dream to work with. Here’s to the happiest future together for you both!

Vendors for Sammy and James’s Missoula Montana Line Ranch Wedding:

Venue: The Line Ranch, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Moxie Makeup & Lash Studio, Missoula, Montana
Hair Artist: KaryAnn Newby
Officiant: the bride’s aunt
Caterer: Crave Catering, Missoula, Montana
Groom’s Tuxedo: Bonobos
Men’s tuxedos: Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Decor: Perfect Events, Missoula, Montana
Transportation: Beach Transportation, Missoula, Montana
Paper Goods: Minted
Wedding Dress: the Octavia dress by BHLDN
Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN

On the Docket:

Weddings, portraits and elopements! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine