Melisa + Zach

Wedding│ Casper, Wyoming│ 09.28.2019

Melisa & Zach are two of the coolest humans I’ve ever met, and their laid back, chill af wedding proved that point. From wearing sneakers to say eh to a traditional cake and serving up an assortment of cupcakes, these two and their extra outgoing friends & family partied hard on the dance floor. It was a blast capturing y’all’s love!

Click here to view Melisa + Zach’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints


VENDORS

Photography: Kayleigh Rust

Venue: The Hangar

Catering: Energy Catering

Makeup: Kori Taylor

Flowers: Pink Lion Design Company

Music: Rocky Mountain Sound and Light

Rings: Enso Rings

Invitations: Ann's Bridal Bargains


M+Z_Wedding_1644.jpg

Kristin + Drew

Elopement│ Jackson, Wyoming│ 09.23.2019

Kristin & Drew had a sweet and simple fall intimate wedding/elopement outside of Jackson, Wyoming. These two brought their blended families together and Kristin officially became a stepmom to Drew’s daughter. You could tell these two were meant to be together because they would finish each other’s sentence and could tell inside jokes with just a quick glance. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness and loved being able to capture y’all’s day!

Click here to view Kristin + Drew’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints



K+D_Elopement_2401.jpg

Ruhiyyih + Pete

Wedding │ Dillon, Montana │ 07.06.2019

Ruhiyyih and Pete had the most beautifully simple wedding I have ever seen. Held at Pete’s grandparent’s ranch outside of Dillon, Montana, it was a no frills day that was filled to the brim with friendship, love, and lots of laughter. All of the family contributed to make their day come together including Pete’s dad leading a family style Mexican BBQ + Pete’s sister making their delicious cake. I’ve never laughed and cried during toasts as much as I did at their wedding. You two have a beautiful group of humans surrounding you, and I want to thank you for letting me be a part of your lovely family for the day!

Click here to view Ruhiyyih + Pete’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints


VENDORS

Photography: Kayleigh Rust

Venue: Tolton Family Ranch outside of Dillon, Montana

Catering: Tolton Family

Rentals and Decor: Montana Party Rentals

Flowers: Wildwood Floral Creations

Band: Jessica Eve Music

Rings + Cuff Links + Tie Clip + Other Jewelry: Ari O Jewelry

Dress: Belle en Blanc


R%2BP_Wedding_2904.jpg

Ashley + Jack

Styled Elopement │ Red Lodge, Montana │ 02.09.2019

I wanted to do a styled shoot to show couples that winter is a beautiful time to get married. Whether you want to elope or have a traditional wedding, the snow makes for a beautiful backdrop and you don’t have to deal with crowds outside or struggling to find the vendors you want like you probably will during wedding season. Ashley and Jack were the perfect models, and actually got married 3 weeks later (congrats y’all!), so this was wonderful practice for their big day. If you love the look of crisp white snow and you know you’re ok with the cold, I highly recommend getting married in the winter!



A+J_Elopement_1364.jpg

McKenzie + Shawn

Engagement Session │ Cody, WY │ 06.05.2019

I went out to the ranch where McKenzie & Shawn are caretakers along the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway between Cody, Wyoming the the Cooke City, Montana entrance to Yellowstone National Park. I always like getting to shoot in new locations and getting the full service tour of the working ranch that they help to take care of was amazing. Y’all are so lucky to get to live in such a beautiful location and I hope to see more of you both soon!

Click here to view McKenzie + Shawn’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints


M+S_Engagement_0087.jpg

Maria + Aaron - Part I

Engagement Session │ Red Lodge, Montana │ 06.03.2019

I met up with Maria & Aaron last Monday in Red Lodge, Montana for a quick engagement session. The genuine young love between these two was adorable and I can’t wait to see you guys again next April for your wedding in Billings!!

Click here to view Maria + Aaron’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints


M+A_Engagement_0767.jpg

Ruhiyyih + Pete - Part I

Engagement Session │ Red Lodge, Montana │ 05.30.2019

I met up with Ruhiyyih & Pete this past Thursday in Red Lodge, Montana for a quick engagement session. These two had such cute & quirky personalities, I definitely laughed a whole lot while hanging out with them! Super excited to see you two again this July out at Pete’s family ranch in Dillon, Montana!

Click here to view Ruhiyyih + Pete’s full gallery, download full resolution images, & purchase prints


R+P_Engagement_0446.jpg

Brandi + Clint - Part I

Engagement Session │ Boulder, Colorado │ 04.07.2019

I met Brandi + Clint this past Sunday down in Boulder, Colorado for a quick engagement session. These two had such cute chemistry and getting photos of them being genuine and adorable was a piece of cake. and finally getting to meet these two face to face made me even more excited for their wedding in Vail this summer! See you both in August!

Click here to view Brandi + Clint’s full gallery & to purchase prints


B%2BC_Engagement_0538.jpg

Kayla + Chase - Part I

Engagement Session │ Bozeman, Montana │ 03.10.2019

I met Kayla and Chase in Hyalite Canyon outside of Bozeman, Montana the other weekend for a fun winter engagement session. We got a little more than we bargained for on a hike to Paradise Falls, but the snow packed trail and coated trees made for some beautiful scenery. Can’t wait to see you guys again in July for your wedding!

Click here to view Kayla + Chase’s full gallery & to purchase prints


K+C_Engagement_0775.jpg

Jessica + Thomas

Wedding │ Cody, Wyoming │ 02.23.2019

Jessica + Thomas tied the knot on a chilly Saturday this past February in Cody, Wyoming with 150 of their closest friends and family. The day was all about being with those that they are closest with, God, and good food. We snuck away for a few minutes after the cake was cut to take some couples photos outside. The wind was brutal, but these two were champs! Thank you both for the honor of shooting your wedding. Your love was so beautiful to capture. I truly hope you enjoy all pictures from your special day!

Click here to access Jessica + Thomas’ full wedding gallery and to purchase prints



J+T_Wedding_3788-2.jpg

Ashlee + Tim

Styled Elopement │ Valley of the Gods, Utah │ 10.20.2018

While I love shooting traditional weddings, I wanted to do a styled elopement shoot to show future couple’s that you don’t have to have a traditional wedding (or break the bank) to have all of the beautiful things that come with a traditional wedding (sans feeding 150+ guests). And hey, if you can’t imagine yourself not saying your “i-do’s” in front of all of your friends and family, then you should 100% have a big wedding — afterall it’s your day! But if you’d rather have a more intimate setting with just the two of you, or just a few family members, then here is some lovely desert inspiration to help you plan your elopement!

Click here to see more inspiration in Ashlee +Tim's full elopement gallery


VENDORS

Couple: Ashlee Ann + Tim

Concept, Bridal Styling, & Photography: Kayleigh Rust

Venue: Valley of the Gods, Utah

Florals: Grand Fete Design

Decor & Styling: Willa Vaughan with Heirlooms Durango

Hair & Make-up: Ashlee Ann

Dress: Lulus, Rose Gold Sequin Maxi & Lulu’s, Olivia White Sequin Dress


A+T_Elopement_Utah_0211.jpg

sarah + lucas - Part I

Adventure Session │ Bisti Badlands, New Mexico │ 09.19.2018

I love every couple that I shoot, but sometimes you end up getting to shoot two people that are just the cream of the crop. Sarah & Lucas are probably the coolest couple that I’ve ever gotten to shoot. Their eclectic style and super amazing personalities totally stood out during their entire adventure session. I definitely got an ab workout laughing with these two while we wandered around the badlands and hoo-doos in this heavenly spot of public land outside of Farmington, New Mexico. See you crazy kids for Part II (your wedding!!) in August!

Click here to view Sarah + Lucas’ full gallery & to purchase prints


VENDORS

Photography // Concept // Couple Styling: Kayleigh Rust

Florals // Prop Styling: Jess Fontaine of Grand Fete Design


Bisti Badlands Adventure Session

mallory + seth

Elopement │ San Juan Mountains, Colorado │ 08.25.2018

Sometimes it is nice to get out and shoot for the fun of it.  As a wedding photographer, you don't get to shoot your visions at weddings, it's the couple's vision that you're capturing -- which is wonderful!  But for me, at every wedding that I attend, I make little mental notes of all the things that I love the most and keep them with for the future. 

This fall I decided that I wanted to try and bring some of those things that I've loved the most from past weddings + creative visions of my own to life by doing a series of stylized shoots during my down time.  I enlisted the help of some lovely couples and other local vendors to help me, and we had the first shoot in the series this past weekend on August 25th. 

Mallory & Seth actually got engaged in real life 2 weeks prior to this shoot, so it was super easy to capture their excitement, happiness, and love.  Mallory purchased her own dress from Lulu's for less than $200, which is a great reminder to any future bride's out there that you don't have to break the bank to buy a gorgeous wedding dress.  Jess with Grand Fete Design donated the flowers, and yours truly did the bride's hair and make-up. 

I picked one of my favorite areas in the San Juan Mountains that had lots of different landscapes to shoot at.  It was a rainy afternoon, but as a photographer there's nothing I love more than shooting in moody flat light because your images are always on point. I'm so happy with how the entire shoot went and hope that you all love these images as much as I do, and that maybe this shoot inspires some future couple's out there to elope in the mountains!

Click here to see Mallory + seth's full elopement gallery


VENDORS

Photography: Kayleigh Rust

Venue: San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Florals: Grand Fete Design

Planner: Kayleigh Rust

Hair & Make-up: Kayleigh Rust

Dress: Lulu's, Ocean of Elegance in Ivory


M+S_Elopement_0989.jpg

Wedding Day Tips From Professional Photographers

4 Getting Ready Details That You Shouldn't Forget

I know you've put a lot of planning into your wedding day.  You've obsessed over the flowers, the theme, the flavor of your cake, should the guys wear bow ties or not, and of course your dress.  You've gotten everything nailed down and you're ready to tie the knot -- or so you think.  While the getting ready part is not the most important part of your big day, it is a huge part of the story that your pictures will tell after everything is said and done.  And I've seen time and time again that not remembering these 4 simple details for your time getting ready can really ruin the pictures you get from it.

1. Beautiful Location

Just as you would never get married in a hideous location, you should never get ready in one either.  Nothing says "ew" like getting ready in place with furniture from the 80's or that is decorated with animal heads.  So ask to see pictures of your getting ready place beforehand.  If they make you turn up your nose when you see them, consider changing locations to somewhere open, clean, and with good lighting.  I promise you won't regret it!

2. Clean Your Rings

You should have the wedding rings with you when you are getting ready so that your photographer can take some detailed shots of them together before the ceremony.  But nothing ruins a picture of your beautiful rings like having clouded old soap underneath the stone.  So get them cleaned the week before and then put them away in a box so they are super sparkly for your photographer.  I know you love wearing your bling, but you can make do without it for a few days before you get to put it on for forever.

3. Coordinated or Matching Outfits

I know it is one more thing to spend money on, and I know you aren't going to make your bridesmaids spend anymore money since you already made them buy a dress that they will probably never wear again, but consider spending a couple hundred extra dollars on getting you and your bridesmaid matching outfits.  You can also use this as your thank you present to them! 

Matching robes or pajamas are always a great way to go -- plus they are usually loose around the neck so they won't mess up anyone's hair when changing into their dresses. 

Here's some cute ideas that are available on Etsy.

Flower Printed Robes

Solid Colored Robes

Pajama Sets

4. Custom Hanger for Your Dress

One thing any wedding photographer worth their salt will do is to take pictures of your dress before you put it on.  You spent hours of your life trying on different ones until you landed on the perfect one, so why would you want pictures of it hanging on an ugly metal hanger form the alterations place?

Ordering a custom hanger for your dress is an easy and cheap addition to your day, and it will make all the difference in the world when your photographer take pictures of your dress. Plus you can use it again when you get home!

Here's some different styles that I love from Etsy.

Writing on the Hanger

Metal Writing with Accent Flowers

Wood Carved Writing


 

I hope you enjoyed these 4 easy tips for getting ready on you wedding day!

If you're engaged and looking for the perfect wedding photographer, feel free to contact me -- I'd love to make some memories with you!

 
H+L_Wedding_Austin_0220.jpg

haley + luke

Wedding │ Austin, Texas │ 06.02.2018

Haley & Luke are two of my best friends. From Austin to Denver and them back to Austin/me to Durango, they have remained two of my most favorite humans on this planet. And that is what made this wedding so incredibly special for me to shoot. When Haley & I originally talked about me shooting the wedding, she was really concerned that I would regret shooting it because I would want to be out on the dance floor with all of our friends. I assured her that the only way I would truly enjoy the wedding is if I was shooting it -- and if she didn't let me shoot it then I would just mean mug whatever photographer she did pick the entire time.

Getting to be a part of these two's special day in this way was truly the greatest honor that I've had as photographer thus far. So thanks again for letting me be a part of your day! I love you both so very much & truly hope that you love your pictures.

Click here to see Haley + Luke’s full gallery & to purchase prints


VENDORS

Photography: Kayleigh Rust with assistance from Kendall Peters

Catering: Word of Mouth

Decor: Whim Rentals, Birch & Brass

Planner: IOP Weddings

Ceremony: Hyde Park Baptist

Reception: Moody Rooftop at The Contemporary Austin

Band: David Young Presents

Hair & Make-Up: Minnie Little with Mint for Beauty


H+L_Wedding_Austin_2495.jpg

natalie + brandon

Engagement Session │ Austin, Texas │ 05.31.2018

I had the sweetest engagement session with these two this past week! I've known Natalie for about 8 years now and was really honored that she wanted me to take her engagement pictures. I used to live in Austin, so I thought long and hard about where I wanted to take her & her fiance's, Brandon, pictures at.  I landed on Mt. Bonnell, which is a very scenic overlook over Lake Austin in town.  The evening before I remembered about Mayfield Park, which sits at the bottom of the hill of Mt. Bonnell.  I had been there once and remember how beautiful it was and that they had peacocks roaming the ground!  The following morning I scrambled to secure a photography permit for Mayfield Park and was able to get one. It ended up being such a sweet addition to the Mt. Bonnell location.  I hope you love how your engagement pictures turned out!

Click here to see Natalie + Brandon's Full Engagement Gallery & to Purchase Prints


N+B_Engagement_Austin_013.jpg