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!!

August, you are so hot. And not in a good way. This month I’ve been enjoying air conditioning and ice cream and coconut flavored coffee syrup (for both iced coffees and in Diet Coke – yumm!!) Oh, and our baby girl turning seven months old. Duh.Little girl is loving her new view of the world as she now prefers to sit up most of the time. She also enjoys pool time and rolling away from mommy and daddy. She’s now saying “mama” but only when she’s fussy/tired and wants attention (by the way, it totally works), and has started to whisper “dada” and “th.” No sign of her wanting to use her legs yet, which I am just fine with because look at those chubby thighs!!! I don’t want them to go anywhere!!!

Hope you are all staying cool and enjoying the little things in life!

When Fr. Michel said during James & Caitlin’s ceremony, “You guys have to stay just like this, always,” laughter swept through the crowd, and I almost jumped out of my seat and shouted “YES, PLEASE!!” Almost.

And then he went on to say how everyone there at the wedding is looking to them to not only make their marriage work, but to make it beautiful because that’s what we all want most for them – a beautiful, lasting marriage. I could have gone up there and hugged him! He said some other lovely things, but my mind is foggy these days (still adjusting to motherhood) plus words were never my strong suit, but his message had me feeling all the feels.

Up-and-over dresses are simply the best.:-)

James + Caitlin – Where do I begin? Thanks for snuggling in 100 degree heat and looking flawless while doing so. Thanks for having fantastic taste (in choosing each other, and also in all of your wedding details). Thanks for having me – I was so, so honored!

I really do hope every day of your marriage is a little bit like your wedding. Maybe skip the sweltering heat, but keep at least the good humor, those infectious smiles of yours, and the love and support of close friends and family. Big hugs to you both!