Timeless Moments

Chelise’s photos capture the beauty of the day, no matter the situation, whether it’s a spring wedding in the shade, a fall wedding in direct sunlight, or inside a church with less-than-perfect lighting. “Throw at me what you want, I’m going to make apples out of oranges,” she says. “I tell all my couples, I want you to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible.” Her calm presence helps ground any situation, taking the stress off her couples’ shoulders. “I take stress very well. I’m like, okay, what do you want done, what can I do for you, let’s get it done,” she explains. “I am very good at problem solving.” Chelise also recognizes the need for the photographer to sometimes take charge and help direct the chaos of the day, describing her management style as “polite bossiness.” She will always be on your side, helping you navigate the pressures of the day, helping you achieve your vision and no one else’s.  

One way Chelise likes to take stress off her couples is by implementing breaks throughout the day. “I don’t want to shove a camera in their face the whole day,” she says. “I tell all my couples, I want you to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible. I coordinate the timeline so you can have those breaks, and I can still capture the big moments and everything like that.”

Getting to know her clients is crucial to Chelise. Once you fill out the inquiry, Chelise likes to schedule a phone call before they sign the contract. Once that’s done and the contract is signed, she arranges a time for an engagement session.“All of my wedding packages include the engagement session because I think it is so vital that we meet each other before the wedding day,” she explains. “I don’t want to be strangers. I want my couples to be comfortable with me.” Then at the wedding, her couples are even more relaxed and excited about photos. “I try to make it as easy as possible for my clients,” she says. 

The two different wedding photos featured here show the range of Chelise’s abilities. The spring wedding’s photos were often in the shade, while the fall wedding’s photos were in direct sunlight, showcasing Chelise’s talent for handling just about any lighting situation.  

They also showcase two completely different styles of weddings, with one being at a venue while the other is located on personal property. However, Chelise’s approach doesn’t change, regardless of the circumstances. “I don’t wear a different face for my different styles of couples,” she explains. “I go about them the same way.” No matter the couple, Chelise can guarantee beautiful photos that perfectly encapsulate their unique love. 

Chelise is based in eastern MT, but photographs in ND, MT, SD, and WY, and beyond. “I love to travel. I’m used to, you have to drive anywhere to get anywhere.” Visit cheliseboysunphotography.com for more information.