Mike and Emily’s wedding day was everything that everyone had been hoping for. Rain for the crops in the morning, a nice breeze to keep everyone cool in the non-air-conditioned church, and a b-e-a-utiful bride for Mike to carry off into the sunset. :-)

 First looks are my absolute favorite part of the wedding day. But my second favorite part of Mike + Emily’s wedding day was during Mike’s speech at the reception when he told everyone about their first look. How he turned around and was absolutely overcome with joy as he saw his gorgeous bride in her wedding gown.

THAT, my friends, is why I love first looks. When time stops and all that matters is each other. When words can’t express how excited you are to be getting married. So all you do is hug and kiss and cry a little bit and say “WOW” over and over and over again. :-D

Oh yeah, and speaking of the day being everything everyone had hoped for… helloooo blue skies!! :-)

Favorite!!! Mike + Emily told me there ‘wasn’t much’ around the church for taking photos, but when I found this little corner and the wind got a hold of Emily’s veil, I squealed with excitement and maybe even jumped up and down (just a little) after capturing this photo. :-)

Emily’s bridesmaids… and sisters… so sweet!!

I’m not sure what was on Mike’s mind during this moment… maybe “gosh, she’s pretty” or “I hope I don’t mess up repeating the vows,” but I LOVE both Emily’s dad’s and Mike’s dad’s expressions. Melts my heart a little. :-)

“The love of my life.”

ceremony | St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Granville, Iowa

hair | His & Hers Salon, Hospers, Iowa

wedding gown + bridesmaid dresses + flowers | vendors from Orange City, Iowa

reception | Hospers Community Center, Hospers, Iowa

caterer | Kelly’s Catering, Hospers, Iowa

limo | Luxury Rides, LLC., Alton, Iowa

Mike + Emily – Aaaaaah, thank you so so much for having me!! I had such a blast photographing your wedding!! I think everyone I talked to was SO shocked that I came all the way from Rapid City just for you guys – but I would do it again in a heartbeat. :-) I hope you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii on your honeymoon – I can’t wait to show you some more images!!

Casey and Marisa’s wedding was the definition of country charm. Everywhere you looked there were cowboy boots, wildflowers, and plenty of laughs as everyone was having a good time. Surprisingly, in 90+ degree weather, no one actually melted – we only came really close. :-) Thank goodness for water and giant barn fans!!

After Marisa’s mom helped her get dressed, they had such a beautiful moment – my favorite moment from the day!!

Helloooo, gorgeous!! :-)

ceremony + reception | Besler’s Cadillac Ranch

Casey + Marisa – Thank you so much for having me at your wedding!!

Oh my, am I excited to share these images with you!!! Everything about Josh and Whitney is so sweet, genuine, and absolutely gorgeous. True story – I was trying all kinds of crazy ideas on them and they made everything look SO easy… and awesome. :-) Enjoy my favorites!

The past month has been SO MUCH FUN!!!! From launching the new website to photographing a handful of fabulous weddings to finishing up wedding details to hanging out with friends and family – this month has been beyond wonderful!! Here’s what made my ‘top favorites’ for the month!

1. Chubby Chipmunk truffles – They are the best thing to come out of Deadwood! Who cares about going to the casinos, I’d rather spend all my money on chocolate!! Don’t mind the strange, run-down-gas-station-looking exterior of the building…. pure chocolate bliss is inside. And SO worth the drive from Rapid. My parents were out visiting for a week and we took the convertible out for a drive through the hills and Spearfish Canyon. We couldn’t NOT stop for truffles. :-)

2. Lake Angostura – It has been a super busy summer for me and Lance, and every time we’ve had time to take the boat out it has either rained or been too windy to go out on the water. So FINALLY this weekend we had time off AND perfect weather. I am happy to announce that my legs no longer blind people when I wear shorts in public. :-D

3. AIR CONDITIONING!!!!!!!! It has been SO HOT here for the past couple weeks and I am SO thankful to have air conditioning at my apartment. And a pool. That helps, too, when I don’t have work to do.

4. Alaska – It’s crazy that a month ago I was just getting back from photographing Patrick + Kimberly’s wedding in Whittier, Alaska. We had such wonderful weather (none of these 100+ degree days…) and everywhere you looked was so pretty. I only took a handful of mountain pictures because I was warned that it is possible to take too many mountain pictures – they all end up looking the same. And they’ll still be there when I go back to visit… someday…

Jesse + Elizabeth are some of the sweetest, most laid-back, super fun people I have ever met and I had SO much fun photographing their wedding!! A lot of the planning was done spontaneously, which was so fitting for them. I know I say this a lot, but I really do have the best couples and the most important+exciting thing to them is the fact that they are getting married. And wearing fun shoes while doing so. :-)

 A lucky coin from Elizabeth’s grandma was her ‘something old.’

 Even their first look was both sweet and funny. They couldn’t help but hug and kiss right away, but the INSTANT after they kissed, thought out loud “Oops!! Are we supposed to wait until we’re married to kiss each other??”

 They had the cutest little fan girls and ring bearer!!! (The girls handed out colorful fans before the ceremony for guests to cool down with, but we were fortunate to have clouds to keep us from over-heating :-)

 Jesse’s brother and his friends played some live jazz music at the reception – so fun!!

bride’s dress + shoes | BHLDN

groom’s suit | J.Crew

 ceremony | Chapel in the Hills, Rapid City, South Dakota

reception | The Dahl

cake | Jerry’s Cakes & Donuts

caterer | Angel’s Catering

 Jesse + Elizabeth – thank you SO much for having me!! Minus my allergies and raspy voice that day, I had a wonderful time at your wedding!! I am so excited for you two and your marriage-ment, and I hope you find a reason to come back to Rapid City!! :-) Sincerely, your photographista, Laura. ;-)