Our anniversary + our baby’s new tricks. September was pretty special. :-)

Three years of marriage! Gosh, that seems like such a small number. Nonetheless, it’s been a great three years and we hope it continues to get even better! We celebrated by staying in. So often we spend our free time running errands or working on projects around the house that our precious time together is limited. So instead of making plans, we sat and enjoyed each others’ company and marveled at how cute and amazing and smart our daughter is.

Speaking of which, it took her a day to master sitting herself up from laying on her tummy. We can no longer contain her! She loves to spin and roll and sit up and scoot. Peek-a-boo is still her favorite game, but she has now learned to put her hands up over her head when we ask how big she is. She also grew two new teeth this month and her hair is just barely long enough for bows, which totally adds to her cute factor.

Matt + Kayla’s wedding was the definition of classic elegance. Add in the beauty of the Black Hills and you’ve got yourself some gorgeously timeless photos! :-)

First look grins are the best. :-D

You guys…. this image on the right is making my knees weak!  I LOVE your love, Matt + Kayla!!!

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – that walk up the aisle is an exciting moment, and a first look isn’t going to ruin it in any way. I promise!!

Matt + Kayla – I cannot thank you enough for having me photograph your wedding! It was the perfect day, and I am so excited for you two to enjoy married life (in the same city)!!! Hugs to you both!

When two small-town high school sweethearts get married where they grew up, you know it’s going to be a love-filled day with a great turnout. :-)

Conner, just in case no one has told you this, you’re gorgeous!! 

And Garret, your smile is killer! Especially when you look at Conner. :-)

After the ceremony, the wedding party headed over to With The Wind Vineyard & Winery for a few shenanigans. (It was either this or the Whip/Nae Nae dance… tough call, but I feel like this sums up your group perfectly. :-))

Darn rain had us cooped up inside for a few photos, but I didn’t mind too much. :-)

First dances are sweet and all, but I have a feeling these two were more excited about the dance party to follow! :-)

Garret + Conner – it was such an honor to photograph your wedding! Thanks so much for seeing past any silly high school rivalries and finding true love. You guys are perfect for each other and I’m fairly certain all of Northeast South Dakota is cheering for you. :-)

Welcome to Custer State Park as you’ve never seen it before! Ok, so technically Camp Bob Marshall isn’t part of the park, but it is surrounded by it, which makes this location a perfect little hidden gem! Plus, when the bride’s godmother is a fantastic florist, you know everything will look amazing. :-)

Caution: happy-dance-inducing photo coming up! And yes, I do want to photoshop my husband and myself into this photo so we can hang it on our wall at home. :-)

What did I tell you? AMAZING.

Not only is the bride’s godmother talented with flowers, she’s also great with words. She prepared a reading about how marriage is like camping and it was *so* stinkin’ perfect. (p.s. Jenny, if you’re reading this, I’d love a copy of it. Thanks!)

Guests enjoyed a picnic style steak dinner with Bismark Lake in the background.

And then the sun was starting to set so beautifully so I stole Corey + Jackie away for a few moments and created THIS. Worth it. :-)

Up the hill at their dance, they had homemade cake, cookies and bars inside, plus picnic tables, blankets and a camp fire outside. It was like camping with all your friends and family and it was perfect!

Corey + Jackie – Thank you for being the absolute best. Thanks for traipsing all over camp just for photos, and thanks for having golf carts to make said traipsing a bit easier. :-) Thanks for finding such a beautiful spot to get married and making it even more beautiful with your marriage. Big hugs to you both as you start this new adventure together!!