Lucas + Lindsey are big fans of animals, nature, and each other – which I think is a pretty fabulous combination! :-)

Can you believe this southern beauty moved all the way from Mississippi to Nebraska to be with the man of her dreams? Lucas, you are one lucky guy. :-)

Congrats to you both on your engagement! I had such a nice time getting to know you, and I am so excited for your wedding in a few months!! :-)

Dave + Janice and their families are the very definition of southern charm. I can’t tell you how many times I was called ‘darlin’ – and I loved it every time!

Not only were they incredibly sweet, they had the best taste! Dresses from BHLDN, flowers from Bent Willow Designs, and tiny pecan pies brought all the way from Texas. What more could you ask for a lakeside wedding? Not much. Although, the Texans were hoping for a few more degrees of warmth – we South Dakotans were just glad it wasn’t raining like it had been all week. ;-)

Janice was brought down the aisle at Sylvan Lake by her two beautiful daughters.

Their first look – don’t you love Dave’s smirk?

A true southern gentleman, that Dave… ;-)

Immediately after the ceremony – who doesn’t want to hug?! ;-)

Janice with all her girls now!

Dave + Janice – It was such a pleasure to finally meet you and your families! Y’all are so kind and welcoming, and you make me wish I was southern (so I could have the drawl and the tiny pies.) ;-)

Since the moment I received Andrew + Tremaine’s hand-drawn save-the-date card in the mail, I was giddy to photograph all the lovely details they had planned for their wedding.

When I learned about their long-distance relationship and their affection towards car games, I couldn’t wait to get them out of the car and into Custer State Park to photograph the beginning of their marriage.

As soon as the forecast full of rain showers came out for their wedding weekend, we all said a little prayer for good weather and I was so excited to have nothing but sunshine for their big day!

Tremaine’s veil is the one her mother wore on her wedding day – how lovely is that!!

Here’s an example of the lovely details that Tremaine’s sister drew – in their wedding program! Sidenote.. if you’re looking for someone to do something like this for your wedding… I know a girl. ;-)

The newly-constructed Lover’s Leap Deck is my new favorite ceremony location in Custer State Park. Sweet sunlight filtering through leafy green trees? Works for me!!

The reception at the Game Lodge Pavilion was full of lovely details, but my favorite was the ‘head table’ – set up in the middle of the crowd, surrounded by their loved ones.

Even their cakes had the sweetest toppers!

Andrew + Tremaine – Thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding! I am so happy the weather cooperated for us, and I hope you had a great mini-honeymoon road trip. Who am I kidding, I’m sure you had a blast, knowing how well you enjoy spending time together in the car!!

Spring is here!!! Nice weather, weddings, and season finales. :-)

1. I’ll be the first to admit that I enjoy going for a walk, but only when the weather is just right. Too hot? No way. Too windy? Uh-uh. Mid 60’s with a light breeze and lots of sunshine? Perfecto!

2. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City just celebrated it’s 50th anniversary. We attended the dinner and re-dedication ceremony, and I was recognized for “risking my life and limbs to take the photos” for the new booklet and prayer book. I really wasn’t that concerned for my life nor my limbs… but I don’t think I’ll be climbing up five levels of scaffolding anytime soon.

3. I watch all my shows on Hulu during the day, because when my husband gets home from work in the evening, I like to spend time with him instead of watching tv. Last night was a different story. There was no way I was missing the series finale of The Office. It didn’t disappoint. I don’t want to post any spoilers, but I am so happy with how it all turned out – especially all of Jim’s pranks. :-D

4. My best friend’s wedding!!!!! I got to be her matron of honor, but it was so hard not to have my camera in hand!! My dearest Jill – I had a wonderful day being by your side and I hope you are having a wonderful honeymoon! I can’t wait until you get back so we can have another coffee date to catch up, because last weekend went by too fast. :-)

Here it is, the moment you’ve been waiting all winter for… the beginning of wedding season! This season started off better than ever – with a vow renewal!! Aaron + Beth will have been married for ten years next month, but they decided to celebrate early with their friends + family at the cozy Reunion Cabin in Custer State Park.

It’s no secret that I love being such an exciting part of a wedding, but being part of Aaron + Beth’s vow renewal had my heart overflowing. This is exactly what I hope and pray all of my couples get to experience. Ten years of love for each other. Ten years of hard work. Ten years of growing a family. Plus many more years and many more shared life experiences. :-)

Beth’s father led the ceremony as he did ten years ago. I enjoyed watching the interactions between Beth, her husband, and her father – SO much love!!

Aaron + Beth snuggling during one of the songs – with four of their five kiddos in the background. :-) Heart. MELTING.

Baby #5 joined the ceremony for the final blessing, while two little ones took advantage of the warmth of this loving huddle. (seriously – I couldn’t find an angle where I could see the whole family!!)

Naturally, I was so excited to start wedding season that I forgot to take my favorite photo – me with the couple!! Good thing it isn’t one of those photos that my couples *need* to have. :-) Just know that I hold Aaron + Beth and their family close to my heart, along with all my other couples. Hugs to you all and I hope you enjoyed my favorites!!