Anna & Isaac 2022

One of the best benefits of living in a small town is that no matter whom you meet, you can usually trace back a connection to a friend or relative somehow. This is not the first time I have photographed the Slivka family.

I met Anna and her brother Riley at the local fair when they were very young while judging photography for the 4-H kids. Their mom Erin has a background in photography and is a very accomplished writer. I very specifically remember them because their mom passed on her knowledge and skill with a camera to her kids.

Fast forward a few years and I received a phone call from Erin to photograph her oldest son’s senior pictures. I was honored because she was very capable of taking the photos herself, but she felt Riley would do better with someone other than his mom. This trend continued and, in another four years, it was Anna’s turn, and a few years after that it was Matthew. I’m just waiting for her last child, Emma Lou, to graduate.

It is always such an honor to be able to be a part of family milestones and watch kids grow up. It happens regardless because there are so few of us out here, but also because Montana represents a community of people who genuinely care about one another.

I will forever remember during Anna’s senior pictures that she wanted to hop on her horse bareback. I was quick to lend a knee to help boost her up. Her mom grabbed a picture. Looking back on that photo, I feel good remembering how much fun we had that evening.

Fast forward again a few years and I’m taking family pictures and… SURPRISE!…engagement pictures were taken for Anna! That day I got to meet a new member of the Slivka Family–Isaac. I could tell that he immediately fit in and was already part of the family!

When the wedding day rolled around, there was so much of Anna and Isaac in all the little details of the day. The venue they chose was a remodeled dairy barn that represented their strong roots in agriculture. Both Anna and Isaac held the title of State Officer for FFA (Future Farmers of America) and can say that it was FFA that brought them together. Anna works for The Montana Beef Council and Isaac teaches Ag Ed. They not only designed their wedding to celebrate their marriage but also to support agriculture through education. The wedding menu had signs describing each dish, with facts about cattle and farming as a way to educate their guests on the importance of the source of their food.

The couple was rewarded for this tribute by a great rainstorm that showered down right as the ceremony was about to start. Some may have felt the disappointment of not being able to have the beautiful outdoor ceremony they desired, but to this family and their guests, it was a gift and something to celebrate after suffering from one of the most oppressive droughts in the last 50 years. No one complained and the guests rallied together and quickly transported all the chairs to the loft of the barn!

Special touches for Anna and Isaac’s wedding also included the original napkin from Anna’s parent’s wedding, cupcakes frosted to look like succulents, and doughnuts for dessert because it was National Doughnut Day after all!

Later that evening, the rain took a break after blessing us with almost half an inch. The sun peeked through the clouds and we had some of the most beautiful lighting for evening photos. So much hard work and love go into a wedding. It is orchestrated by so many, but things like the weather can be out of anyone’s control. We celebrate no matter what because life is precious and love should always be celebrated…because it is the most important thing of all.

Venue | Montgomery Dairy Barn

Flowers | Hannah Beckett & Emma Lou Slivka

Rings | Alara Jewelry

Dress | Belle en Blanc Sewing | Elite Couture Sewing

Bridesmaids Dresses | BirdyGrey

Hair | Hair by Ajiah

Makeup | Mamie Hertel

DJ | Riley Slivka

Catering | Books Market

Cake | Sugar by Chaley

Doughnuts | Albertsons

Bar | Stockyard Bar