It’s no secret that Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park is one of the most popular places in the Black Hills to get married – and for good reason! It is so picturesque there!! The lake, the trees, the granite spires – so much natural beauty. Then add a smitten couple like Koby + Katie to the scene and you’ve got the perfect wedding. :-) 

Katie brought wheat from her grandfather’s field to have added to the flowers and I love how it turned a beautiful bouquet into something extremely personal!

First look grins!!!

Have I told you how awesome it is when couples choose to do photos both before and after the ceremony? These ‘just married’ images are my favorites from the day!!

Koby + Katie – Thanks a million for having me as your photographer!! I still can’t get over the perfect weather (and cloud timing) we had! I hope these photos bring back all kinds of wonderful memories from this past weekend, and that you enjoy them for years and years to come!!

Out of all the craziness that was September, my most favorite thing was having each of Elodie’s grandparents here!

Never has a month gone by so fast! Between packing up our current house, prepping our new house, and working through our busy season, we found a small window of time to celebrate our anniversary. Plus spoil Elodie with love every chance we can. Obviously.

The morning of our anniversary, I had an OB appointment (can you believe we’re in the third trimester already?!) and picked up coffee & caramel rolls for breakfast after. Elodie was kind enough to sleep in *really* late so we could enjoy a meal together just the two of us!!

Elodie developed a cold a week ago, and has since dropped her morning nap. The one where I used to get work done. Hoping she will go back to two naps (or one nap plus one quiet time), now that she can breathe again, but not counting on it with the upcoming move. Change is hard! But maybe it will be exhausting? Fingers crossed!! :-)

Our parents have been so helpful this month as we transition from one home to the next. Moving, painting, cleaning, and entertaining Elodie, we couldn’t do this without them!

A South Dakota winery wedding with classic white, gray and navy details? Brace yourselves for a whole lotta beautifulness!! :-)

Jessica and her twin sister were so calm and collected while getting ready…

…and then I hopped over to Tyler’s room where his mom was helping everyone get dressed and his dad was entertaining. :-) 

First look excitement!!!

I *love* how excited couples get when they are pronounced husband and wife!!

Tyler + Jessica braved the chilly weather for some just-married photos immediately after the ceremony – I love this because couples get a little extra ‘alone time’ on their wedding day *and* we typically get better lighting for portraits later in the afternoon. Win-win!!

Tyler + Jessica – I love how you are the perfect combination of serious and sweet! Your day was so beautiful and I feel so honored to have been a small part of it. :-)

Gabe + Ellie chose to have a small, mid-week wedding ceremony out here in Custer State Park and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Quiet, calm, and beautiful, much like the two of them and their love for each other.

Gabe + Ellie – I loved being a part of your wedding day – thank you so much for having me and taking the extra time to wander around the park for photos. I hope you had a fun, love-filled reception at home this weekend!

Paul + Amanda’s Custer State Park wedding was the perfect end-of-summer soiree. A sweet ceremony followed by dinner with their closest friends.

I love how the girls are all focused on Amanda’s dress, and she’s just standing there, beaming at her mother like “This is really happening!!”

A dress that allows you to sit down to put your own shoes on is a good dress. Comfort is key!!

Amanda chose to have a first look with her dad and it was the sweetest thing ever!!

Paul + Amanda have the *best* friends on the planet. Their wedding day was so full of fun and laughter  – exactly the way it should be!

I thought about cropping out the ‘squinty faces’ on either end of this photo, but then I decided that it really shows how much Paul loves Amanda. Glaring sunshine or not – he’s only got eyes for her. Plus, outtakes are just as enjoyable as sappy moments. ;-)

That tear on Amanda’s cheek!!! I thanked her later for letting it fall all the way to her chin. :-)

Love notes and a bottle of wine for their fifth wedding anniversary – I love this tradition! A wedding should be all about creating and nurturing a marriage that day.

End-of-the-aisle hugs and kisses = THE BEST!!!

Paul + Amanda allowed for plenty of time to wander around for photos after the ceremony, which allowed us to catch some amazing light between the trees!

Paul + Amanda – Thanks a million times for having me photograph your perfect day! I hope you are having a fantastic honeymoon so far!