katie and ryan: married

Although wedding season 2013 has officially kicked off, I have two more beautiful weddings to share with you from last September . . . the first being the most beautiful Katie and Ryan. Their wedding day was absolutely perfect - the weather, the couple, their families, a fabulous wedding party, and a gorgeous venue. The Rockin' TJ Ranch has all sorts of darling spots for photos. I will let the photos speak for themselves. I hope life is finding you nothing but happiness and adventure, Katie and Ryan!

whitney and nick

I feel like it's been forever since I've shared a wedding on here, and I have a handful of 2012 nuptials to share still with you, one of them being the beautiful ceremony of Whitney and Nick. I truly enjoyed spending the day with these two . . . they are definitely very well loved, based on how long the food line was. ;) They were a treasure to photograph, completely enamored with one another, and so gentle, kind and loving. I processed a few of these photographs different from my normal post-production, but the ambiance simply called for old-school. The wedding was held at the bride's mother's home on the river in Columbus, Montana, and Whitney has a very powerful relationship with horses. It just felt right to set the scene for a few photographs to match her love affair. ;) One of my favorite elements of the day was that Nick's grandfather stood as his best man. It was such a meaningful gesture! I love it when people step away from a typical wedding tradition and make it their own . . .

favorite finds

Every wedding season, I typically shoot anywhere between 15 and 20 weddings . . . and I always fall in love with ideas, creations and tiny little details that my couples are incorporating into their big day. Now because of the wonderful world of Pinterest, we have an even broader place to seek out for inspiration. I'm a sucker for bringing in some unique little touches that separate your wedding out from others, whether it's in a fashion statement or reception detail. Here are a few from recent weddings that jump out at me for your inspirational pleasure! 1. The Blusher Veil. I know I've oohed and ahhed over Kate's blusher veil a hundred times on this blog, but here it is again for emphasis on just how darling it was. It was so fun to play around with during portraits! I adore a beautiful fashion veil or headpiece when the wedding is celebrated outside of a church . . . 2. Succulents Bouquets. Angela of Fresh Designs created these stunning bouquets, and adorned a couple dozen reception tables with different succulent arrangements for a fresh, delightful spin on traditional wedding flowers. Although many couples are stepping outside the box and allowing their floral designers to use their creativity, these were such a refreshing spin on a bridal bouquet. 3. To Go Boxes. I'll admit, up until this past summer, you'd really never find me indulging in wedding cake or dessert. I didn't have much of a sweet tooth, and it was a plate of calories I was happy to pass up. Not so much anymore, my friends. This baby has instilled in me a sweet tooth like no other, and I was more than delighted when Rachel and Paul included this adorable message on their dessert table for those who wanted or needed to leave after the cake was cut. You can bet your you-know-what I made my way home with one filled a bit too full. ;) 4. The Hell With It! A Change of Plans. Nisha and Matt had originally planned their wedding in our hometown in Plattsburgh, NY, on a date that I'd already be in town to shoot another wedding, so it worked out perfectly for me to be a part of this beautiful couple's big day. A few months later, I got an email from Nisha that enough was enough - wedding plans were too much, it was too stressful, and they were heading to Charleston, South Carolina in April with their nearest and dearest for an intimate wedding in one of their favorite places. I happily packed my bags and hit the road, and had one of my most memorable weekends ever in such a beautiful place! 5. Hydrangeas. I know these may not be that magical to you, but I am in love with hydrangeas. I grew up in a teeny, tiny house in a crappy part of town, but smack dab alongside our driveway was a ginormous, beautiful hydrangea bush that made it feel quaint and lovely. I don't see them as often as I thought I would in wedding flowers, but with all of the other amazing details Mikey and Heath incorporated into their August wedding, it was natural to see something so breathtaking to me included in her bouquet. There are so many more lovely things to share with you, and I promise to do so while I'm spending the next few weeks in my archives, updating websites, working on marketing materials, and waiting for the little man's arrival. Happy Tuesday, everyone!

rachel and paul: married!

The beautiful Rachel and Paul are such a wonderful couple who I got to work with last September . . . they got married on the most perfect late-summer day you could ask for. It was warm, but there was that feeling in the air that gave a bit way to the early chill of fall. Rachel and Paul came to Montana, where Rachel's parents live, from England to celebrate their nuptials, and the party was an absolute blast. I hadn't worked with the couple before because of their location, and they were as natural as could be in front of the camera, alternating between fits of laughter and meaningful connections. Angela with Fresh Designs designed the entire event, bringing her effortless touch to every table, nook and cranny that was part of the day. Rachel and Paul, thank you for including me in your beautiful day!

mikey and heath: august 11, 2012

Mikey and Heath . . . what is not to love? This beautiful couple became one of my favorites and most memorable in all of my years as a wedding photographer, and in all of my years on earth. Mikey is a beautiful person, inside and out, with the kindest heart and soul you ever did know. I have not been able to spend as much time with Heath, but I know that if he chose Mikey for his wife, he's very, very smart. In addition to a couple who can totally work the camera, this wedding was adorned with some of the most gorgeous details I've seen . . . and I can't wait to send them out to publications so the rest of the wedding world can enjoy them, too! The ceremony was in a park in Fort Peck, and this was the seating. So fun! A collection of some of the centerpieces - sooo beautiful! Mikey and Heath, I wish you all of the love and happiness there ever is in this world! I can't wait to see what the future holds for both of you, and hopefully be a part of it. Much love!