John + Rachel are such a wonderful, genuine and happy couple and they compliment each other perfectly. Even though the storm clouds were threatening their beautiful day, they had no concerns. They must have been to excited to get the party started. Or dreaming about leaving the very next day for Aruba. Because really, I don’t think anything could dampen a girl’s mood if she was going to Aruba with the love of her life!!

Who could forget that beautiful custom ring?!

Such a sweet moment between Rachel and her mom as she helps Rachel get ready.

She could be a princess – with superpowers. See that beautiful bouquet she’s holding? She made it. That, my friend, is talent. I can only make flowers look good through my lens!!

John + Rachel were married at the beautiful Chapel in the Hills.

John seeing his bride for the first time!!

Such big, happy smiles!!

One of the most-traveled wedding parties I’ve ever met! These guys (and guests of the wedding) traveled from literally all over the country to be there for John + Rachel!!

To add a bit of personality to the decorations, they added rocks as a nod to John’s geologic profession.

The girls sharing a few giggles as they worked to bustle Rachel’s dress. :-)

I love how John + Rachel can be across the dance floor and still share a special glance! :-)

ceremony | Chapel in the Hills

reception | Canyon Lake Resort

hair | Wicked

cake + cupcakes | ??

Me and the wonderful couple!!

And my fabulous assistant, Hannah (timed self-portrait style)!!

For the past three weeks, I have been on three almost back-to-back staycations. First, my bff Jill was here for a long weekend. We ate, we hiked, we laughed. Then, Lance’s family came to camp in Custer State Park for a long weekend. We shopped, we grilled, we walked. And for the past five days my parents have been staying at my apartment. We drove, we cooked, we baked. Kuchen. correction – kuchens. One recipe made six ‘pies.’ We made two strawberry-rhubarb, two apple, one raisin and one craisin. And now I only have one strawberry-rhubarb (saving the best for last) and parts of one apple and the raisin. I might have had three slices for breakfast today, but it’s okay because “I’m on staycation!!”

Now, back to ‘work’ and regularly scheduled programming. Coming up next – John + Rachel‘s wedding at the Chapel in the Hills!!!

She’s from South Dakota. He’s from Georgia. They met at a country bar in Japan.

She was transferred to New Mexico while he stayed in Japan. Longest long-distance relationship EVER.

Now they’re both stationed in the Black Hills which makes me one happy girl!!

And doesn’t Tawni look just like Angelina Jolie in this photo?? This is probably my favorite image from the session – I was SO excited when the light decided to be perfect for this location! :-)

No wonder they’re in love – who couldn’t resist looking into THOSE eyes every day?!

Showin’ off their dancing skills – Tawni told me they are going to teach their wedding party a line dance. I can’t wait to see it in October!

The BLING!!

Just chillin’ in the Black Hills National Forest…

…being all beautiful and such. :-)

Mitch + Tawni – I can not wait for your wedding!! I am so excited for you to get married… and to have some of this famous sweet tea you’ve been telling me about. :-)

My nephew Isaac is officially nine months old!! Obviously this called for a trip to see him and take a few photos of his cuteness. :-)

I LOVE his big, blue eyes!!!

And his perfectly cute little lips!!

And of course I got to play with Jonas while I was there.

He’s so good at playing cards – I held all the cards in my hand and I picked one, then he picked one (or two or three) until all the cards were on the table. :-)

And yes, he’s wearing his train outfit I got him for Christmas. Over his Thomas the Train pajamas. :-)

Just chillin’ with my nephews!!

Y’all ready for this?

1. Bertolli Frozen Meals – I try to be domestic. Honestly. I do try. Sometimes. It was even one of my goals to ‘try a new recipe once a week for a month.’ But recently I picked up this bad boy and let me tell you – one pan and ten minutes is my kind of cooking!!

2. Ice packs – I smacked my forehead on the edge of my apartment door the other day. I look like a unicorn (no, not the cute, oh-so-FLUFFY one from Despicable Me) and now I’m just praying my entire forehead doesn’t turn black and blue. Because that’d be soooo attractive. :-)

3. Walking trails – I’m training myself (kindof) in preparation to hike Harney Peak in a couple of weeks. There’s not much elevation change on this particular trail, but at least I’m trying. Right?

4. Scentsy – I got this from the Easter Bunny this year. My favorite scent so far is ‘Welcome Home.’ It reminds me of candied almonds. Yum.

5. Coffea – Probably the best coffee house I’ve ever been to. All of their lattes are rosetta lattes. I stop every time I’m in Sioux Falls.