When people ask me to photograph them with their pets, I admittedly always get a little excited (ok, a LOT excited), because pets and their people are seriously the Best. Thing. Ever. And when I’m told that the session will include a puppy and an older dog too…well then. It’s no surprise that my heart completely melted during Kristy’s Victor Montana pet and family pictures.

I met up with Kristy, Dug, her 10-year-old golden retriever, and Sven, her 12-week-old golden retriever puppy at Kristy’s friend’s ranch in Victor. It seriously couldn’t have been a more idyllic setting – the ranch land is rugged and beautiful, and full of areas perfect for two curious dogs. Plus, that little dusting of snow on the mountaintops is always a nice bonus. We had a great time wandering the land and chatting, and as it turns out, Kristy also has Wisconsin connections, which is always fun to discover. (woot woot!)

A small creek runs through the ranch, and Dug took the initiative to jump in and go snorkeling for a variety of rocks that passed his strict rockhound test. Kristy and I couldn’t help but laugh ourselves silly at Sven’s antics, doing his best to imitate his big brother, Dug. As only a puppy can do, he barked and jumped alongside the creek, waggly puppy tail waving in the air, wanting to jump in, but being a little cautious as it was pretty deep for his currently short stature (which he had discovered earlier).

Kristy – what a pleasure it was to be able to make these images of you and your happy furry family! It was so fun to document this time in your life, and so cool to see how much your pups love you and how much you love them too. They’re lucky lads for sure!

On the docket: portraits and more portraits! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

I have a huge soft spot for animals and love capturing them doing what they love, so when Pam contacted me to ask about making some portraits of her two dogs, Trapper and Lolo, I was more than a little excited.

And we had SO much fun! Trapper and Lolo were thrilled to be out running in Missoula’s snow and the sun, though I think they thought our walk was a little strange (why do you silly humans keep stopping to make clicking noises with that boxy contraption?), but they were so good and I think we all left with perma-grins plastered to our faces. We’ve also come to the conclusion that Trapper had better start working on L.L. Bean to get his modeling contract in motion – he struck some of the best poses I’ve ever seen a dog make! Gold star for Trapper!

With no further ado, I’ll let you take a glimpse at the blast we had during our shoot! Thanks again, Pam, for inviting me to document your two sweethearts! What a wonderful time with you all!

On the docket: behind the scenes updates for a business refresh!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Julie and Dave, both big fans of fly fishing, chose the Stillwater River Outpost in Absarokee as their ideal place to tie the knot. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it’s got personal significance to them as well since they have spent quite a bit of time there enjoying all the river and the location have to offer.

True to form, Montana decided to wow everyone with some pretty epic rainstorms, but then pulled out all the stops right as wedding day activities started getting underway, and showed off blue skies, fluffy clouds and brilliant sunlight to highlight Julie and Dave’s beautiful riverside wedding.

Their dog Quill walked down the aisle with their rings, and Julie and her father made their grand entrance down the pebble pathway, serenaded by violin music.

The two spoke their vows to one another and embraced in a happy kiss for the first time as husband and wife.

As the wedding ceremony came to a close, little sprinkles began to fall from the sky, and we all got another taste of a torrential downpour, which soon turned into a gorgeous, sunny evening, full of long shadows and golden clouds.

Guests snacked on mini grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup (perfect for that initial rainstorm!), samplings from an antipasto platter, and other delicious offerings, just to name a few. Dinner and some fun toasts soon followed, and not long after, folks were cutting a rug on the dance floor (along with the many dogs who joined in too!).

Julie and Dave – what an absolutely beautiful, heartfelt wedding you had! Thank you again for having me document such a special day in your lives – may you have many years of love, adventure, and fly fishing ahead of you! :)

Stillwater River Outpost Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Stillwater River Outpost, Absarokee, Montana
Hair and Makeup Artist: Shannon Christensen, bride’s sister-in-law
Caterer:
Band: The Nye Express
Cupcakes: Shelly’s Cakes, Billings, Montana
Dress: a Vera Wang design
Florist: Mac’s Floral, Billings, Montana
Rentals: Party Time Rentals, Billings, Montana

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

It was a brisk autumn day when I met up with Chelsey, Marc and their two sweet dogs, Hara and Qull. And it couldn’t have been a prettier day to make some engagement photos of everyone together. We had a great time traipsing through the woods, watching “the girls” bound through fields, wade through streams, and perk their ears up at the mention of the ever-elusive squirrels. Marc and Chelsey were in their element, too – they love tall trees and trails since they are both runners and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. And their love for one another is pretty beautiful too.

Congrats again, Chelsey and Marc! It was so great to meet you and walk and talk together as we photographed. And Hara and Qull are just downright awesome. :) What lucky girls to have you as their guardians!

On the docket: lotsa lotsa portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine