The days are getting cooler and shorter and the leaves are already starting to turn colors. Although we’re almost 3/4 through 2011 I am just now half-way through my 2011 weddings. The next two months are going to be CRAZY busy for me, traveling for weddings, engagements and holidays. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Here’s what I’ve been enjoying THIS month:

1. Chubby Chipmunk truffles from Deadwood, SD – a nice little surprise from Lance. :-)

2. Manolo Blahnik wedding shoes – I have been waiting TWO YEARS for Alan + Paige to get married so I could photograph her sheos. :-)

3. Peppermint Hot Cocoa – I had my first hot chocolate of the season last week. Bring on the colder weather, I’ve got a stockpile of hot cocoa mix!!

4. prints – I’m usually a solid color kind of girl, but lately I’ve been enjoying some new printed dresses and scarves from Target. With some solid colored cardigans, of course!!

“If you want my number, you’ll have to find it on your own.” Terra was playing ‘hard to get’ because Oprah said you shouldn’t just give a guy your number – if they really want to call you, they’ll figure out how to get your digits.

Except it turns out her number wasn’t that hard for Ryan to get. Especially since their friends (who happen to be married to each other) set them up on the date. Ryan called his friend and asked his wife (Terra’s friend) for her number.

After six years of hunting, fishing, and moving to different cities together, they’re finally tying the knot this October here in the beautiful Black Hills!!

p.s. If you’re a hunter and you go to Cabela’s often, you might recognize Ryan – his friend does product photography for different equipment and Ryan is oftentimes his model! Plus, Terra is such a natural in front of the camera. So it’s official, folks – my clients are professional models! ;-)

Mike + Emily are one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. It’s obvious how in love they are. Photographing them was such a treat, and I can’t wait for their wedding next year!!

They met in the dorms at SDSU when Mike was helping a friend move in. He didn’t know he would meet a new friend – one that he would spend the rest of his life with. They dated through college and talked about marriage – but it wouldn’t be until Emily graduated – and dreamed about their futures together.

Just a few days after Emily’s college graduation, Mike had a present for her. One that he had been hiding for a few months in the box spring under his mattress. Her birthday was the perfect opportunity for the special gift he was giving. A beautiful jewelry box with an even more beautiful and important piece of jewelry inside. A ring to symbolize the rest of their life together. :-)

Mike + Emily – you are such a wonderful couple, both inside and out! I had a great evening with you this weekend in Sioux Falls and you can believe I’ll be counting down the weekends until your wedding in Iowa!! :-)

They’ve been together for five years. They’ve talked about getting married. They’ve known they’ll spend the rest of their forevers together.

On one special ice cream date this spring, Darin handed Michelle hers with some special ‘icing’ on top, and without looking, Michelle started stirring. “What, I always stir my ice cream before I eat it!!” Michelle interrupts the story. Darin asks her how it is. If there’s anything special about this ice cream. She hits a hard piece of metal with her spoon, thinking her spoon is broken she pulls it out and the spoon is just fine. Darin isn’t as concerned about the hard chunk in her ice cream as she is. So she digs some more to find the (unintentionally) hidden treasure and Darin asks the question he’s been waiting so long (and now, even longer) to ask.

 And so it’s official – they’ll be tying the knot this November!!

It was so great seeing you guys the other night! I can’t wait for November!!

Ryan + Sarah met while volunteering for an event at the Humane Society, and from that day on they realized their lives would be so much better together. They both spend a lot of time on computers at work, so in their free time they love doing anything outdoors. A few months ago, they took a trip to Palisades State Park – a trip that marked the beginning of the rest of their lives.

Since awesome scenery is their favorite, what better place to get married than the Black Hills?? :-)

They chose the gazebo at Canyon Lake Resort to exchange their vows:

Mr. and Mrs.!!!

You guys could SO be models for a magazine… and you thought you wouldn’t be good at taking pictures. ;-)

This seems to always be one of my favorite shots of the day!

Ryan + Sarah – CONGRATS!!! It was such an honor to be part of your wedding – I hope you had a wonderful rest of the weekend in the hills!