It’s been over a year since Karly and Justin first contacted me, and I can’t believe their special day has come and gone.  This beautiful August wedding took place at the Copper K Barn in Whitehall, MT.  It was full of many laughs, some tears, a happy (and wet) golden retriever, games and dancing.

So much “coincidence” had to happen to get to this day, but the short story is Karly and Justin met in high school on the cheer squad, one thing led to another, and through snapchat, Justin discovered that Karly was single! The rest is history, and here they are on their wedding day.  I first met Karly, Justin, and Lily through zoom in February of 2020, just after they became engaged.   Their excitement, love for each other, and joyful personalities radiated off my screen.  When we met in person for their engagement session, and the entire time was filled with laughter, smiles, and our joy.

Karly and Justin live with their very special golden retriever, Lily in the Gallatin Valley.  Who was not only at their wedding, but also at their engagement session!

August 7th, 2021 started off with a smokey haze, and lot of wind.  Which made it a bit difficult to get detail shots outside where we needed them. But with some creative thinking and great help from my second shooter and a couple groomsmen, the job got done!  The wind ended up being an incredible blessing, because by the evening and golden hour portraits, it had all blown away and allowed for the first real sunset in over a week!

The copper K barn was a beautiful setting for this wedding – the windows let in just enough light and this rustic venue was topped off with twinkle lights and and a chandelier over the dance floor.

Karly did THREE first looks on her wedding day! After her mother helping her into her dress, Karly invited her father in to see her for the first time, and also surprised her bridesmaids with the final look.

 

Justin seems to always have a smile on his face, but his smile was extra big when he turned around to see his bride for the first time.

Because of the wind, we had very limited locations for a first look, and in order to get to the best option, Karly had to walk down a hill in her six inch heels. Talk about adventurous and trusting!  Lily kept Karly and Justin company during their first look (while reminding them that one of the camera’s seemed fishy to her) and also took a swim in the pond in a perfect Golden Retriever fashion.

Karly and Justin played the shoe game!  And answered MANY of them the same, but the couple they didn’t had everyone laughing.

 

And now for the portraits you have all been waiting for!!

 

 

Congratulations Karly and Justin!  Here’s to many years of a strong and joyful relationship.