Back when we thought we were going to have three kids at home this year, I purposefully chose not to schedule any weddings before June, or further than an hour away from our home – I wanted to cherish as much time as possible with our new baby. Turning down these weddings greatly reduced the number of work I took on for the year, but I trusted that God’s plan was greater.

Our sweet daughter arrived early, and she didn’t stay with us for long, giving us a lot more ‘free time’ than we had originally planned for. Lots of that time was spent grieving, but also cherishing the gift of our first two children even more. We viewed each day as an adventure, and we were very intentional with our evenings and weekends together.

Being immersed in this lifestyle and mindset, the ‘work’ that I did accept was simply more rewarding, and I savored the in-between moments even more than I have before.

I wasn’t focused on getting Instagram-worthy photos that would gain a lot of likes or comments, or even sharing any photos on the blog – my focus was on the people in front of my camera, and as soon as their images were handed over, my attention turned back to our family.

I simply witnessed the beautiful lives interacting in front of my camera. What I saw was so much love. I saw a grandfather snuggling his only grandchild while his cancer drained the life right out of him. I watched a wife welcome her husband back home after a year-long deployment, and wait for his belongings at baggage claim together (such a simple act filled with so much joy). I’ve gotten time to catch up with past brides and grooms, hearing where life has taken them, and for a couple of those couples, I also got to meet their growing babies. And for the people who were in front of my camera for the first time, instead of telling them how to pose, I let a lot more natural moments unfold, which were far better than anything I could have imagined for them.

Some of these stories might get some more attention in my yearly ‘best of MOMENTS’ blog post coming up, but for now, I just want to say a simple ‘thank you’ to everyone who has invited me to document their lives this year. You are such a gift.

If I could describe Fabian + Alysse’s wedding in three words, they would be: colorful, heartfelt, and dancy (like fancy, only full of dance). While it’s been one of the greenest Septembers around here, their details were full on fall – we basically had the whole rainbow represented in their decor, plus the Big Horn backdrop!

These two also wore their hearts on their sleeves. No poker faces here! Fabian beamed as Alysse walked up the aisle towards him, while Alysse tried to hold back some tears, and they both sneaked a few smiles at each other during the ceremony.

Still wondering about ‘dancy?’ Everyone danced in to the ceremony. The wedding party had their own song, Fabian had his own song, his daughter had his, and they all showed their best moves as they made their way up the aisle! So, so fun!

Check out those sweet moves!! Like father like daughter. ;-)

Fabian said he was most excited to have all his close friends and family in one room, Alysse wanted photos to go fast… so all the portraits of just the two of them were all taken within seven minutes!!!

Then, as soon as we got back to the reception, the dancing continued, and I’m not sure it ever stopped!

Ok I guess it did stop for a moment while everyone gave their speeches. The highlight of the night was Fabian’s daughter’s speech – talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve!! This girl is clearly so strong and loved, to give such a beautiful, honest speech straight from the heart!

And more dancing. This time a bit more romantic. I love how couples just melt into each other during their first dance – every movement is all natural, all them, and it’s such a beautiful thing to witness.

Fabian + Alysse, thank you so much for bringing me all the way to Montana for your beautiful wedding! I hope your first week of marriage has been wonderful!

A couple months ago, I asked Dustin and Cahri what they were most looking forward to on their wedding day. They said, “Not thinking about anything else besides how much we love each other, and celebrating that with all our favorite people.” And that’s exactly what happened on the first day of their marriage.

Witnessing a couple see each other for the first time on their wedding day is always a treasure. Their biggest smiles, sometimes tears in their eyes, the tightest hugs, and the stepping back to really get a good look at each other – all of it is so genuinely beautiful!

Just before the ceremony, Cahri’s nephew shared a goldfish cracker with Dustin – he thought he might need a little snack. :-)

Dustin and Cahri were able to have their pastor from Bismarck come down to Custer State Park for their wedding, and him being there to officiate made their ceremony the most memorable part of the day.

Dustin + Cahri’s pastor invited them to turn and look out at everyone gathered for their wedding, and I could see the feelings of love and gratitude wash over them.

Another wonderful thing their pastor did was paint this painting for them. He explained how when he paints, he starts with the darkest darks and the brightest lights, which resembles their lives in the most beautiful way. Having been through some of the darkest darks, we are able to appreciate the brightness of the light in our lives. There was not a dry eye in the crowd.

One moment I love to wait for and watch unfold is the ‘just married’ hugs after walking back down the aisle. And of course, the hugs from loved ones.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it agin – photographing sisters’ weddings is one of the greatest honors for me as a photographer! These two beautiful ladies had the most perfect-for-them wedding days, and they, along with their husbands and family hold a very special place in my heart.

Dear Cahri + Dustin – Thank you for sharing your beautiful relationship for all of us to witness. You, my friends, are a light for all of us to follow.

“Real but also silly.” My favorite kind of people, and those are exactly the words Chanda used to describe herself and Dan! They brought their parents and their daughter to the Black Hills to witness the first moments of their marriage, then they all went out for some old-timey photos. A pretty great blend of ‘real and silly’ if you ask me! :-)

They started off their elopement with a first look, giving them a chance to soak it all in and enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills (and each other). ;-)

Since their little girl was all smiles, she joined in on the little love fest for a few family photos before the ceremony.

Mary Maisey-Ireland of Your Joyful Wedding does a fantastic job organizing and creating the most personal ceremonies!

Dan + Chanda’s heartfelt vows had us all a little misty-eyed!

After exchanging vows and rings, their little girl joined in for a feather ceremony, which Mary put together the most beautiful words for:

“Feathers have been used in our homes and on our bodies since we first caught birds. They decorated our hair, our garments, our hats. They warm our bodies in the form of down jackets and soften our beds as pillows, mattress toppers and comforters. Some of the world’s greatest literary works were penned using feather quills.

“For some cultures, feathers represent our connection to the spirit world. Native American tribes believe that hawks and eagles carry our prayers to the Great Spirit. The Iroquois used feathers to express gratitude for the bounty of the earth. Christians imagine that angels’ wings are made of feathers.

“Feathers can be about inspiration, about surpassing our limits, taking flight as it were. They can be used to tickle, and they can even remind us to take ourselves lightly.

“All of this symbolism is so fitting for a family. May you use your love to warm and comfort one another, to inspire each other, to give thanks to each other and for the gifts in your life, to exceed any self-limiting beliefs you may have about yourselves, and to remember to always find something to laugh about.”

All of the beautiful-ness you see here was put together by Sarah from The Vintage Lease – she brought the food, arranged the table, and put together the bouquets (and even had extra raspberries just for Dan + Chanda’s little girl while they enjoyed their breakfast/scenery).

*clink!*

Soaking in that Black Hills view!

Cody + Justine had planned to go on a hiking adventure while they were here in the Black Hills to celebrate their second anniversary. Mother Nature had other plans. Just days before they arrived, we had 24+ inches of slushy snow, and the trails were still covered in ice by the time we had planned photos. Since we didn’t have any ice cleats with us, we opted for an adventure with less hiking, but we still had a great time!

Since Cody + Justine were nearing their second anniversary, I asked them to dance and asked what their ‘first dance’ song was. It took them a beat to remember, but it all came back to them and Cody even sang part of it to Justine.

We wanted to get some glow-y sunset photos (at the top of the hike that didn’t happen), and the sun was already much further North than I had expected, so we literally chased the light and scrambled up a hill to catch as much glow as we could!

Lastly, Justine brought this balloon ALL THE WAY FROM MINNESOTA for some special photos. Turns out even the slightest breeze makes photos with a balloon pretty tricky. And hilarious. ;-)

Cody + Justine – I hope the rest of your time here in the Hills was wonderful and that you got to do a bit more adventuring despite all the weather-related issues! I had a wonderful time getting to know you, and my husband and I have already adopted your mozzarella cheese analogy.

ALSO, thanks for being kind enough to entertain my trials as a videographer.