Erin and Eric are big golfers – so much so, that Eric proposed to Erin on the golf course he worked at in Hawaii, and then had their Ranch Club Wedding in Missoula, another great golf course. While we may not have had Hawaiian temperatures for their wedding day, the warmth of love and happiness surrounded everyone, despite the fact that it was a little breezy.

Erin rode up to the aisle in a golf cart with her father, where she was then joined by her mother. There were a few tears, plenty of smiles, and a lot of happy celebration after Erin and Eric spoke their vows to one another and sealed it all with a kiss.

We took advantage of the scenic views around the course, and had a great time making images of the two newlyweds. I’m always a fan of a little wind, especially when long veils are involved, and Erin’s veil (originally her mother’s) floated in the breezes against a beautiful blue sky, dotted with puffy clouds.

Friends and family enjoyed a tasty dinner, fun toasts and delicious cake before kicking up their heels on the dance floor, both inside and out of the barn. Kids and adults alike had a blast making s’mores over an open fire, and were treated to a pink-hued sky as the sun dipped down behind the mountains.

Erin and Eric! I just want to congratulate you again! Your wedding day was so sweet and so full of happiness – what a treat to get to document it all for you! Here’s to many happy years ahead for you – filled with love, laughter and happy golf outings!

VENDORS FOR ERIN + ERIC’S RANCH CLUB WEDDING IN MISSOULA

Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Groom’s Uncle
Wedding Coordinator: Nikki Lane with The Ranch Club, Missoula
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cake: by Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, Montana
DJ: Zootown DJ, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Rentals: Oh So Chic Boutique, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: from Anna’s Bridal, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Bridesmaid Dresses: from aliexpress.com
Menswear: from Men’s Wearhouse

On the docket: weddings and portraits galore! Stay tuned!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Autumn weddings are my absolute favorite, and Hannah and Laura’s Missoula Montana Ranch Club Wedding was no exception to this. The sun was shining, the blue sky was filled with beautiful, textural clouds, and these ladies were bursting with happiness and beyond excited to get married (their megawatt smiles *might* have given them away a little). That’s pure perfection in my book.

Before their ceremony they had a super sweet first look – (see above comment about megawatt smiles). We had a great time making some portraits, and then it was time to hide them both away for their big reveal.

Family and friends smiled and teared up as Hannah and Laura walked down the aisle. Their ceremony was framed by a gorgeous mountain backdrop, punctuated with lots of laughter, and topped off with exceptionally heartfelt vows. Everyone cheered as Hannah and Laura sealed their vows with a kiss for the first time as wife and wife.

This happy energy continued throughout their reception as friends and family mingled, laughed and kicked up their heels as the dance music started. Soon the bright sun of the day tapered off into a stunning sunset, and Hannah, Laura and I went running pel-mel to catch the last rays of the day, and oh what beautiful light it was!

We rejoined everyone so Hannah and Laura could toss their bouquets simultaneously (both caught by their sisters!), and the dancing and fun continued inside as the sky turned a deep blue, a little half moon glinting in the night.

Hannah and Laura – what an absolutely beautiful, beyond happy, wonderful day for you two! It was such an honor to document your wedding and your love for one another, and I swear, I’m STILL smiling my face off just thinking about it. I am so happy for you both, and I wish you a lifetime of happiness, which I know you’ll accomplish easily. Cheers to you two!

Vendors:

Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Brides’ Bouquets: Habitat Floral, Missoula, Montana
Cake and Cookies: Rosauers, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Hair: The Total Look Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: one more 2015 wedding and portraits, portraits, portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

From the moment Riki and I chatted on the phone about her wedding day, I knew it was going to be beautiful and full of emotion (we may or may not have teared up on the phone together – it was a very sweet moment!).

And their wedding day absolutely was – everyone readied themselves inside the church, and Riki and Paul were eager to see each other for the first time. Their first look was exceptionally sweet, and included some very happy tears.

Soon family and friends began to arrive, smiling and hugging as they greeted one another.

As Riki walked down the aisle to her groom, Paul beamed at his beautiful bride. Throughout their ceremony they gazed deeply upon one another, Paul occasionally gently wiping tears from Riki’s smiling eyes. As they kissed for the first time, they grinned and laughed, happiness brimming as they walked down the aisle together.

Friends and family lined the stairway outside the church to send the couple off with a flurry of bubbles and cheers.

We all took a little detour on our way to the reception and stopped over at the University of Montana campus, where Riki went to school. It was such a beautiful day – the M was glinting in the sun, the sky was blue overhead and I heard passing students whisper, “You don’t see this every day!” and “Oh look! They’re so beautiful!!!” We had a blast making images at this special spot, and then continued on to the Ranch Club where Riki and Paul had their reception.

Friends and family showered Riki and Paul with heartfelt toasts, the sweetest little song from Riki’s niece, and a special welcome-to-the-family Scottish ceremony toast from Paul’s parents to Riki.

It wasn’t long before everyone began dancing, enjoying the bonfire outside, and having a grand time. The evening ended with a special song, and everyone gathered in close, singing, swaying and laughing together. It was a fun moment, so I decided to catch a little video of that, too. :)

Riki and Paul! Congratulations again! You two are so sweet, and so beautiful to watch as a couple. It was such an honor to photograph such a gorgeous, emotional, happy day for you both, and I wish you all the best in the world! Here’s to fantastic adventures in Germany, plentiful, tasty beer always, and happy tears forever!

Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: First Presbyterian Church, Missoula, Montana
Reception Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Chaplain MacGregor, father of the groom
Florist: Monaco Flowers and Gift Baskets, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Cake: Crave Catering & Cakes, Missoula, Montana
Makeup Artist: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Belle en Blanc, Billings, Montana
String Players: from the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: one more wedding and portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Betsy, Cameron and I have had so much fun together since the moment we met – their engagement session was a blast and I knew their Missoula wedding at the Ranch Club wouldn’t be any different. They absolutely lived up to their fun-loving, sweet nature, and the moment I saw Betsy and Cameron, they were beaming, excited and ready to get married!

They planned their wedding to take place a little later in the evening, so we definitely took advantage of that yummy late-evening golden hour and traipsed around the Ranch Club’s grounds to soak up the sun. (And Betsy gets kudos for navigating that hillside!) Their wedding party was a great group of folks, too, and we definitely made sure to have our share of laughs together as well.

Soon it was time for their ceremony – the sun cast its golden rays on their smiles as they said their vows to one another. A few tears may have made an appearance, but they were the happiest of tears, and didn’t stick around long as they made way for grins and Betsy and Cameron’s first kiss as newlyweds.

Guests dined on appetizers, enjoyed the cake, and listened to some sweet toasts. The sun was sinking quickly, and Betsy, Cameron and I raced to catch an absolutely brilliant sunset. As the light faded everyone hit the dance floor, and wow – what a great crowd! Friends and family tore up the dance floor, laughed, and enjoyed a bonfire as the sky darkened and the stars appeared.

Betsy and Cameron – you are such an amazing example of why I adore what I do. Your smiles, your happiness, your love, your sweet friends and family – every single thing about your wedding was beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you SO much for inviting me into such a special day in your lives! Here’s to you two!! :)

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Monaco Flowers and Gift Baskets, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Robin Evans (friend of the bride)
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: bride, with help from Quincy Kosena, bridesmaid
Hair Artist: The Do Crew Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Storybook Bridal, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

Gretchen and Shawn both live in New York City, but Gretchen grew up in Missoula and knew she wanted to be married in the big sky state and honor some of her favorite Montana things on their wedding day. They couldn’t have paid homage to this great place any better.

From their first look that took place near her childhood home, to the Montana beers, to the band they had playing, to the sage in her bouquet, it was truly a day full of fond memories – both old and new.

Montana certainly was up to the challenge as well and presented everyone with a brilliantly sunny day, not a cloud in that expanse of blue, and later transformed itself with a blazing sunset and bright stars in the inky blue sky.

Gretchen and Shawn also wrote some of the most touching vows to each other. As their friend and officiant told me before the ceremony: “Get ready; they’re both wordsmiths, so these vows are going to be good.” And they absolutely were. Friends and family cheered the two as they sealed their vows with a kiss and walked, beaming, down the aisle as newlyweds.

The sun sparkled on the surface of wine glasses as guests enjoyed tunes from Tom Catmull and the Clerics, mingled with one another, and dined. Soon the laughter came in waves as friends and family toasted to Gretchen and Shawn, and not long after, folks hit the dance floor to kick up their heels.

Gretchen, Shawn and I sneaked away, past the blazing bonfire outside, and hightailed it to catch the beautiful sunset over the mountains. I’ve got to give major kudos to these two for scaling the hills and wading through the grass – but it was worth it…so very worth it.

Thank you again, Gretchen and Shawn, for inviting me into such a truly beautiful and happy day in your lives! It was been such a treat to work with you both and I’m so glad Montana pulled out all the stops for you! Here’s to many, many years of heartfelt words, brilliant sunsets, and smiles for one another! Congrats again!

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, Montana
Band: Tom Catmull & the Clerics, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Cowgirls Salon & Spa, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Blue by Enzoani from The White Gown, New  York, New York
Bridesmaid Dresses: from the Dessy Collection
Menswear: Jim’s Formalwear from Rococo Bridal, Missoula, Montana
Officiant: Brian Tormey, friend of the bride and groom

On the docket: weddings, portraits and more weddings! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Missoula in the summertime is truly a magical place, and it was no different for Sonia and Derek’s Missoula wedding at the Ranch Club – blue skies, a smattering of wispy clouds, and lots of beautiful sunshine to kiss the landscape.

A gentle breeze blew as Sonia and Derek shared readings, spoke their vows and exchanged rings in front of their family and friends. As the two kissed for the first time as husband and wife everyone cheered, their smiles wide and eyes bright.

As folks finished their dinner, toasts started up and were filled with emotion, fond memories and punctuated with laughter and perhaps a few misty eyes.

Sonia and Derek shared cupcakes, and soon after hit the dance floor – a gorgeous big sky sunset acting as the backdrop. Folks kicked up their heels as the pinks and purples in the sky shifted to deep indigo, and they danced amidst the twinkle lights as the sun set on the day.

Sonia and Derek – thank you again for inviting me to document such a happy, beautiful day in your lives! I wish you many years of happiness together, filled with thriving rosemary plants, great poetry, good reads, and many, many smiles. Congrats again!

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Benita Jacobsen’s farmers market flowers, Missoula, Montana
Cupcakes: Bernice’s Bakery, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: Cicada Bridal, Seattle, Washington
Groomsmen Attire: J. Crew
Altar Trees: Caras Nursery, Missoula, Montana

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

Cheers,

-Kristine

When you get to work with a couple whose engagement request includes being photographed with mini donkeys…you just KNOW their wedding day is going to be equally as awesome. And it totally was.

Abby and Jeff had such a gorgeous wedding. The day couldn’t have been more perfect – blue skies, fluffy clouds, sweet light, and heckuva lot of smiles, laughter and love. These two had some of the most hilarious and sweet wedding vows I’ve heard, which had everyone in stitches.

And that was the theme of the day – pure happiness and joy, surrounded by friends and family (many of whom traveled all the way from Chile to join the festivities!)

We definitely soaked up that sweet light, too, and I’ve got to thank Abby and Jeff for being game enough to hike the hillside for me so we could get some photos with the tall grasses and bright little flowers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, folks began to dance – and dance they did! The hora dance was particularly spectacular, and that amazing energy continued on throughout the evening.

Thank you again, Abby and Jeff, for inviting me into such a special day in your lives! My face hurt from smiling (always a good thing!), and Jeff, you seriously do give the best bear hugs. :) Here’s to many, many happy years together, full of zoo visits, laughter, bear hugs, excellent food, and lots and lots of love.

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Margaret Ambrose-Barton, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Hair and Makeup: Bella Sauvage, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: a Mikaella design from Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Maid of Honor Dress: from ModCloth
Menswear: J. Crew
Invitations: Noteworthy, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: lots more weddings and portraits! Stay posted!

Cheers,

-Kristine

It seems like only a few days ago that Raina, Danny and I were admiring Missoula’s beautiful autumn colors and traipsing around Missoula having fun making their engagement photos. Fast forward to July, and suddenly it’s their wedding day! The sky was blue, the temps were hot, and the grass was green.

Though Raina and Danny had their ceremony at the Ranch Club, we also dashed downtown for a bit to hit up some of Missoula’s unique buildings, and we may have stopped at a local watering hole to cool off and refresh everyone’s drink as well. :)

Lots of laughter and lots of smiling were definitely themes throughout the day – and anyone who attended the wedding got to witness how wonderfully Danny’s awesome laugh pairs with Raina’s bright smile. Their ceremony was a testament to this fact, and as the two kissed for the first time as newlyweds, they cheered, as did all of their friends and family too.

As the party started, guests enjoyed mingling with one another, dining on tasty appetizers and a delicious meal, and soon tossed off their shoes to really be able to let loose and dance! As the sun slowly sank behind the mountaintops, the glorious sunset colors and clouds gave way to a huge, bright full moon – and a super moon at that!

Raina and Danny – thank you so much for inviting me into such a special moment of your lives! It was truly a treat to be able to document such a happy day with such a great group of people. Here’s to many, many more stunning sunsets and super moons in your future! Congratulations again you two!

Vendors:

Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana

Florist: Bitterroot Flower Shop, Missoula, Montana

Brooch Bouquet: Created by Jessica Saisbury

Cake Artist: Ali Halland of the Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana

DJ: Brett Klaassen of Zootown DJ, Missoula, Montana

Makeup Artist: Dana Wheeler of Shear Art Salon, Missoula, Montana

Wedding Dress: a Robert Bullock design from Plume Bridal, Bozeman, Montana

Bridesmaid Dresses: from Weddington Way

Men’s Suits: Tuxedo Gallery, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: weddings and portraits and weddings galore! Don’t miss them!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Brianne and Colin – these two are just so dang sweet. From the moment I met them, I adored them both. We had a blast during their engagement session waaaay back in the Montana snowy season, so I knew that their wedding would be even more amazing.

And it absolutely was.

Brianne’s vision turned out beautifully. Even though the day started out with a few sprinkles, the clouds parted to reveal a bright blue sky and set the scene for a day full of happiness and love.

Brianne beamed as she walked down the aisle towards Colin, her veil kissing her shoulders as she made her way to her groom. Laughter punctuated their vows and smiles shined forth as Brianne and Colin exchanged rings and finally their first kiss as husband and wife.

We sneaked away for a bit to make portraits of just the two of them, and the wind caught Brianne’s veil in the most perfect way, setting it afloat amongst the clouds and mountaintops as she and Colin looked into one another’s eyes.

Dinner was delicious and soon a series of heartfelt toasts had everyone laughing and dabbing away tears. The new bride and groom cut their cake as the little ones eagerly looked on, and soon dancing moved out onto the patio outside, lights twinkling and sun setting on the most perfect day for Brianne and Colin.

You two – I loved every second of your day, and I am so thankful you found me and invited me to document such a special time in your lives. It has been such an honor working with you, and from the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the happiness the world has to offer and then some. :) Congrats congrats congrats!

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Alchemy Mineral Blends, Jacqueline Kukay/Claws Lounge, Missoula, Montana
Hair: Boom Swagger Salon, Kelly Casey, Missoula, Montana
Florist: Habitat Floral Studio, Missoula, Montana
Cake Artist: Black Cat Bake Shop, Missoula, Montana
DJ: RMF Entertainment, Missoula, Montana
Wedding Dress: D’Anelli Bridal, Lakewood, Colorado
Bridesmaid Dresses: Beautiful Weddings, Missoula, Montana
Tent: Eastgate Rental, Missoula, Montana
Ceremony Chairs: Oh So Chic Boutique, Missoula, Montana

On the docket: weddings, portraits and more portraits!

Cheers,

-Kristine

Love bugs – that’s Jenny and Eddie’s term for one another – and it’s also completely accurate.

These two are so in love. When they look at each other, you can feel their love for one another from the tips of their toes to the tops of their heads. It’s deep, and happy, and lively and romantic and oh-so-present and beautiful and soft…all at the same time.

Their wedding exemplified all of that. They chose to start off their day by seeing each other for the first time amongst tall trees and a rushing creek – a favorite place of theirs. Rain sprinkled on and off, but that didn’t dampen their spirits one iota. After having a great time making portraits of them and the group of Iowa groomsmen all decked out in bow ties, we ventured back to the Ranch Club where Eddie played guitar for his beautiful bride to walk down the aisle to.

Their vows were personally written and spoken to one another, eyes never wavering from the other’s, and their kiss as husband and wife served as punctuation to their sweet words.

Friends and family dined on a scrumptious dinner, and soon folks headed out on the patio to mine for sapphires, with all sorts of little sparkling gems turning up, glinting in the evening light.

As the sun set, people moved inside to start a little bit ‘o’ dancing and to enjoy cake, as the stars let the sun have a rest and took over for the evening above the barn.

Jenny and Eddie – from the bottom of my heart…thank you for having me document your wedding day. Yours was so sweet and touching and I am beyond happy for you both – here’s to mutual weirdness forever for you two! :)

Vendors:
Venue: The Ranch Club, Missoula, Montana
Dress: Beams of Light Dress from BHLDN
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Hair: Boom Swagger Salon, Missoula, Montana
Makeup: Skin Chic, Missoula, Montana
Flowers: Paula Jean’s Garden (local Missoula lavender grower on Etsy.com)
Cake: Jade Torgerson (baker at the Good Food Store)
Groom’s attire:  Collier Clothier of Portland, Oregon

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

Cheers,

-Kristine