I am always amazed by military couples and their ability to have super long distance relationships. They travel so much just to spend a few days together. Watching Craig + Rebecca spend an evening together for their engagement photos was so wonderful because it was so obvious that all they wanted was to be together. Forever.
His plan was to work in Sioux Falls for four years, not meet anyone, and move on to the next big adventure. His plan worked for over two years. Until he got a roommate… who worked with Alissa. They met a few times, and even went out to Olive Garden together one evening, but she didn’t consider him her boyfriend until she flew back from spring break. And there he was. Waiting for her at the airport. With flowers. :-)
Grad school, new jobs, and six years down the road, their perfect time to get married is now. Well, technically June is the time they’ll be getting married, but you can bet I’ll be counting down the months along with Jeff + Alissa!! I had so much fun taking their engagement pictures at Augustana Campus in Sioux Falls – everything they did was just so easy and natural. And the way they make each other laugh so easily… I caught myself giggling with them a couple times!
Jeff + Alissa – I am so blessed to have met you and I can’t wait to be a part of your wedding day! Tears or no tears. ;-)
If you remember from Mitch + Tawni’s engagement session and video, you’ll know they are country charm all the way. Their wedding day had so many fun details that were so THEM!! From the cowboy boots to the deer antler arch, the camouflage clothing to the personalized vows (for better or worse, during hunting season or active duty…) they had thought of everything. Even the wedding date itself was planned between hunting seasons!
Mitch + Tawni are so perfect together and I was so honored to be a part of the beginning of their ‘happily ever after!’
ceremony | Indian Springs Park, Spearfish, SD
reception | Wilbur Pavilion, Spearfish, SD
wedding gown | Maggie Sottero
bridesmaid dresses | Mori Lee
flowers + cake | mother of the bride
hair + makeup | Elicia from Salon One
caterer | Dickey’s, Rapid City, SD
dj | Riley Cassidy, UpTown Sounds, Rapid City, SD
videographer | Adam Jungemann, AJ Production Co.
It’s that time of year again – the time for my family to get together to take our Christmas card photo… also commonly referred to as Jonas’s birthday. :-) Last weekend he celebrated his FOURTH BIRTHDAY!!! Here are a few facts about Jonas:
He loves shirts with numbers on them.
He believes cheesecake is the best kind of birthday cake.
He loves playing with his train set and anything having to do with Thomas.
He can read Blue Hat, Green Hat all by himself.
He loves the number 4. :-)
Here is his ‘superman’ pose. :-)
His real/laughing smile on the left, his cheesy/picture smile on the right.
With his new sock puppet, Arrrgyle the pirate.
And of COURSE there are photos of Isaac to show you! He turned one a month ago. Here are a few of his favorite things:
He loves his pacifier.
He likes to ‘read’ books, just like his big brother.
He loves playing in the dirt.
Running is his favorite.
Give this boy some rocks to play with and he is one happy camper!!
Isaac loves cake, too. :-)
Me and my nephews in our pjs!
I am so excited to update the picture frames around my apartment!!!
For two years I have been waiting sooo patiently for Alan + Paige to get married. Paige and I used to have coffee dates all the time when I lived in Brookings, and the first coffee date after her left hand was being weighed down by a beautiful diamond ring, she asked me to be her wedding photographer. “Of course!!” I responded with absolutely no hesitation!
Over the next few coffee dates, we talked about her wedding plans, how the colors would be peacock greens and blues, how she really wanted some fancy new shoes, but would have to elope (with their parents and me, of course) to be able to afford them. And then was the coffee date when she had a picture to show me. Of her amazing Manolo Blahniks from Alan.
When I finally got to meet Alan at their engagement session, I knew he was perfect for Paige. Not only does he support her love for shoes, he supports her. From the gifts they exchanged at the beginning of the day, to the glances they shared during the ceremony, the way he carried her across the baseball field, and the way he held her during their first dance as husband and wife, I knew Alan was the perfect one to protect Paige forever. Duane, your daughter is in great hands. :-)
I just love it when mothers are right there helping their daughters get ready. :-)
Paige gave Alan a cross on a chain and a book that she filled in with stories about them. He read a few stories aloud and I had to keep myself busy by taking pictures so I wouldn’t cry!
Alan gave Paige a beautiful bracelet – that her mom had known about for some time. :-)
I know I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again – isn’t my friend BEAUTIFUL?!
I LOVE that Paige wore her veil over her face…
… because it made this moment so spectacular!!
p.s. This is also their first look. :-)
I also love photographing at St. Thomas More in Brookings because I love capturing the parents’ expressions!
Alan – thank you for having wonderful ideas. :-)
How can you be an SDSU couple and NOT take pictures by the Campanile? It simply isn’t possible. :-)
During the typical ‘shoe shot’ I said “okay, now show me happy feet!” Alan couldn’t keep from dancing. :-)
The Old Sanctuary was decorated so beautifully with peacock feathers and lush greens.
Ten points to whoever can guess what song all these ladies are dancing to!!
ceremony | St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD
reception | Old Sanctuary, Brookings, SD
bride’s shoes | Manolo Blahnik
bridesmaid dresses | Bill Levkoff
groom + groomsmen outfits | TIp Top Tux
flowers | HyVee Floral
hair + makeup | friends of the bride
mini pies + caterer | MarketPlace Grille, Inwood, Iowa
dj | Ben Wise, Sound Co., Sioux City, Iowa
Alan + Paige – I love you guys. Thanks SO MUCH for having me be a part of your wedding. And now that you’re not so busy planning your wedding, lets have more coffee dates, okay?! :-)