This past month has been busy with weddings, engagement sessions, and one, giant snowstorm. So this month I was more ‘thankful for everyday blessings’ than ‘loving the latest chocolate bar or nail polish I found.’ Although, I am super excited for all my favorite TV shows that are back on the air – Parenthood, Modern Family, New Girl, The Mindy Project… :-)

– Electricity. During the snowstorm, we lost power for a little over 24 hours and were snowed in for almost 4 days. I never realized how warmth and hot food makes me a happier person. But it was fun to ‘camp’ in our house – heating soup over a propane space heater, spending time together talking (and shoveling snow), and going to bed when the sun went down.

– Sunsets. With the change of seasons, the sun no longer sets behind our neighbor’s house. Instead, we get to see it set over Rapid City. The above photo is the view from our front porch.

– Fall. And everything that comes with it – the cozy clothes, baking to warm up the house, and especially the beautiful colors of the changing leaves.

In the midst of our cold + wet fall we’re having here in the Black Hills, clouds parted and the sun shone down on James + Katie for their wedding day in Deadwood… and it made for the most b-e-a-utiful images. Pinterest, eat your heart out. ;-)

Look at these two – so excited to see each other and get married!!! :-)

Can you say *major hotties!?*

For the past few months, these two bikes have taken over James + Katie’s lives, and I think Nahla may have gotten a little bit jealous. :-)

But don’t worry, sweetie – mommy loves you!

I love me a sweet father-daughter moment!

James + Katie – I was so honored to be your wedding photographer! What a wonderfu/gorgeous/happy day it was!!

Matt + Kate were one of those brave couples last weekend who wouldn’t let a snowstorm/blizzard/snowpocalypse stop them from getting married! (For those of you unfamiliar with the outrageous storm we had in the Black Hills last weekend – 2-5 feet of snow blew in to the hills on 50+mph wind gusts and left many people stranded and without power for days. Not the kind of weather anyone plans to get married in.)

But no amount of snow + wind + power outages was going to keep Matt + Kate from exchanging vows and having a small reception with their friends + family who had gotten to town well before the storm started. I imagine it was a beautifully intimate ceremony and fun evening all around!

However, with most roads being closed in the hills, Matt’s parents and I, among many other guests, were unable to attend Matt + Kate’s ‘winter wonderland wedding.’ So on Monday, as soon as I was plowed out of my neighborhood, I called these two lovebirds and we set up a ‘just married’ session up in Deadwood. And what a treat that Matt’s parents stayed an extra day to be a part of the ‘reenactment.’ :-)

I wanted to re-create a part of their ceremony, so I had them face each other as if they were exchanging vows and I told them to think back on that special night they got married. Just then, Matt pulls his vows out of the pocket of his jacket. :-)

Matt + Kate – Thanks again for allowing me to come photograph you in your wedding attire! I think it is so beautiful that after two years of planning your wedding, the most important detail of the day was that you two became husband and wife!! Congratulations again, and hugs to you both! I know you will have the happiest of ever afters!

I *love* photographing people from the South. Mainly, because half-way through getting ready photos I start talking with a drawl and no one calls me out. Secondly, they truly are the sweetest. :-)

Lucas + Lindsey’s two french bulldogs couldn’t be a part of the wedding day, so Lindsey had two blue frenchies added to her manicure that day. :-)

Lindsey’s mother putting Lindsey’s veil on. *love it!!*

Over to Ruby’s Garden for their first look!! Pure perfection. :-)

I love that Lindsey couldn’t stop swishing her dress. :-)

GORGEOUS flowers by Bent Willow Designs in Spearfish!!

Favorite image of the day, right here!! Lindsey, you are truly stunning and you made a beautiful bride!

Instead of a unity candle or unity sand, or any other ‘unity trend,’ Lucas + Lindsey made the ceremony a bit more personal by tying a knot. You see, Lucas likes to rock-climb and so they tied two pieces of hiking cord (presented by each of their mothers) together with a common hiking knot. Hooray for personal/meaningful twists on traditions!! :-)

I always love seeing the excitement as the newly pronounced Mr. & Mrs. exit the ceremony!

Stunning setup by Table 4 Decor, cake by Piece of Cake, and dance by JD Productions – it was a beautiful evening!

I think Lucas was glad Lindsey was using her tennis shoes for the ‘shoe game’ instead of her wedding heels. ;-)

Dancing with her father. :-)

I am not one bit sorry I took Lucas + Lindsey from their reception to capture this sunset image for them. :-)

Lucas + Lindsey – Thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding! It was such a treat getting to know you this summer and I hope you have a fabulous time being married! :-)

Brad + Jordin are those kinds of people that make me feel cooler just by being around them. I mean really, how many people do you know get engaged at a concert? I love the fact that whenever they hear a song by The Lumineers, they will always be reminded of the night Brad proposed.

I was so thrilled that they came all the way from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills to have me take their engagement photos!! Okay, so they came for other reasons (p.s. happy belated birthday, Jordin’s mom!!), but this sure was a nice bonus, don’t you think? :-) Enjoy a few of my favorites!

Let me just take a moment to nerd out. This next photo happened as we were walking back to our cars – you know, one of my ‘oh wait, just one more’ shots. Because, you see, had we been walking along this path a month ago, the sun would have been too far north to shine through these trees. I may complain that the sun is setting *so* much earlier these days, but I really need to appreciate all the new places I can photograph in the fall!! :-)

Aww, forest snuggles!

Jordin, you have the most beautiful brown eyes. And enviably voluminous hair. ;-)

Brad + Jordin – I had a wonderful evening spending time with you both and I am SO looking forward to photographing your wedding this spring!!