“How would you like to begin class today?” Dr. Nicastro asked as a few dozen college students shot awkward, nervous glances around the room as if to say “WTF? Is she for real?! What does THAT mean?” And she just stood there confidently, mysteriously almost. And  she waited. She waited patiently for that one person who was loud and bold enough to speak up and begin a conversation and what would be one of the most transformative semesters of my life. I’m not entirely sure if I was the first to speak that day or not, but I would not be surprised if I was because, well, I was THAT person in college. You know the type…the one who always asks lots of questions, who always did the reading, who always had something to say. I was the kid who’d remind the professor about the assignment she forgot about and who’d volunteer to go first. Yes, I was that bad. No one ever had to beg me to participate because I was voted Mr. Participatory! Charming right? And for some reason some people found me annoying. Particularly, the people who were a bit less vocal, or who didn’t read every page two weeks before they had to, or who didn’t stay after to discuss their paper grades. Leslie feel into that category. Eye roll. :-p So needless to say, our dynamic was often wrought with tension and to be frank, we did NOT like each other for quite some time. Believe it or not we caused some drama in the class which Dr. Niscastro then turned into a cass study which was aptly deemed “The Conflict” and we hashed out our differences in class for all to see. I’m sure I cried a time or two. It wasn’t pretty. DRAMA.

And then something changed, and we began to realize that while we approached our studies and life in very different ways, we had a lot in common and were quite passionate about many of the same things. We soon developed one of my most cherished friendships. I can’t tell you how many three hour conversations we had on the phone since college. We talked about leadership, gender roles, ministry, faith, and relationships, dreams and heartbreaks, successes and failures. And every time I hung up the phone, I’d felt enriched, cared for and that she had helped me become a better version of myself. And I’d thankthesweetbabyjesus that I have her in my life. You see Leslie is one of the most passionate, bold, courageous, caring people I know. She’s constantly pouring 110% percent of herself into every project, every person and every conversations she has. But it’s not in that overachiever kind of way. It’s in that raw, authentic way as if she can’t help it. Because to her, people and helping bring out the best in them is important work. It’s her passion and her calling. It’s who she is. And well, she does it quite well. I’m Jeffrey Shipley, and I approve of this message! Ha.

So naturally when Kevin met her at a dinner party at a friend’s house just under a year ago, he was taken aback. And he quickly began to fall in love with “her patient heart, passionate personality, and selfless attitude.” Between adventures in the mountains, countless conversations, and moments of spontaneity, Leslie fell in love with “his character, his depth, his passion and of course, the way that he loves, cherishes and helps [her] to become the best version of [her]self.” I remember when I got the call from Leslie back in October. She told she’d met a wonderful man that was perfect for her and that he’d proposed! Eeeee! She was gushing and was all sorts of giddy. I was pleased as punch. And then she asked if I would venture out to Big Sky, Montana to photograph her wedding day. And of course, I happily obliged because 1) it was Leslie and I just had to be there and 2) it was in December in Montana and 3) it was in December in MONTANA!!!!! I’d been dying to shoot a winter wedding, and this my friends was a dream come true.

When I got to Big Sky and saw the ranch, I first died. Because it was GORGEOUS. And then I had a chit-chat with God about the weather. It sounded like this. “Hey God. So listen, I’m hoping you can help a brother out with the weather today. I’d like it to to be warm enough to shoot outside without getting frostbite. I’d like it be overcast so that the light was soft and romantic and for it snow ever so lightly on occasion. And then I’d like to sun to break through at some point. K?Thanks.” And what do you know, my prayers were answered. Sigh. It was absolutely perfect. With the rustic, mountain vibe, snow-covered trees, perfect light and gorgeous couple, I was weak in the knees. So without an further blah-blah-blah, here’s Leslie + Kevin’s Big Sky wedding editorial…

For more images from their day, be sure to check out their wedding website HERE. Special thanks to the awesome people who helped make it all happen…

Venue & Catering // The 320 Ranch & Resort
Chapel // Big Sky Chapel
Kevin’s Suit // Men’s Warehouse
Florist // Julio Freitas
Dessert // Joanie Swords
Hair // Lynde Johnson
Make-up // Kristin Carroll
Invitations // Kristin Carroll

The 320 Ranch in all it’s splendor…

The log cabins had this charming rustic feel that I just loved…

Leslie wore her mother’s gown which was incredibly meaningful to both of them and she looked stunning in it.

I thought I would be outside for a whole of 5 mins photographing the bridal details so I left the cabin sans my winter garb. But alas, I got a bit carried away and before I knew it I could hardly feel my fingers. Leslie’s mom was so sweet to help me with the dress since it kept spinning around in the wind and I love her for it. The image on the right is the moment Leslie’s dad saw her all dolled up.

Leslie, you are STUNNING. Wow.

My favorite bridal portrait of the year. See I told you. God answered my weather prayers and that sunlight poured in through the clouds. Oh happy day.

Leslie’s bro in law came out to hold coats in between because the Carroll girls are hardcore and braved the chilling temperatures.  But they all looked so cute in their pea coats that we had to snap a few portraits with them.

And yes, they laughed a lot. It’s what sisters do.

I told them to channel their inner Tyra and think Vanity Fair. Not bad eh?

I scored the ranch for icicles, and well, I found one. Backlit. With a snow-covered cabin the the background. And a window to shot through? Hello cute little ‘cicle.

And finally the man of the hour, Kevin! looking all sorts of dapper.

Hey GQ!

The first look…in a grove of pine trees all sorts of covered in snow.

And they told me they can’t do serious, romantic stuff. Oh pahlease. They worked it. All day long.

Leslie thought I was totally cheesy when I asked Kevin to kiss her forehand. And so she laughed. And I loved it. And then now I say “seeeeee. Told you so!!” It’s all about the reaction to the invite people. :-p

And here’s when it snowed everso lightly. Just like I asked.

My favorite portrait from the day…

It was fra-eezing at this point, so were all chilled to the bone, and of course, as we were about to hop in the car, I begged them to walked past it a bit so I could get this shot. And don’t you just love it?

Time to get married at the cutest chapel you ever did see: Big Sky Chapel.

The ceremony was intimate, heartfelt and emotional. I’m not sure how I kept it pretty. They handwrote their vows and they were beautiful.

We then made our way back to the Ranch for the dinner reception. Luckily, I was able to get some shots of the space before the ceremony….

And what’s a best man toast without inappropriate humor?!

Sparklers make for the best exit. Let me tell you. And somehow, I never catch on fire. PTL.

Leslie + Kevin I adore you, and I’m so honored to have shared in your special day in this capacity. Thank you for inviting me. Xoxo, – j.

You can see more from their wedding editorial, here.