Internet, meet James + Caitlin. They are fun, silly, engaged, and super adorable. :-)

This was unintentionally focused on the tall grass instead of James + Caitlin, but I prefer to call it a happy little accident. :-)

I try to ask each of my couples if there are any photos they’d like to do, and this next one was Caitlin’s request – I’m so glad she did, because I think it’s my favorite from the whole session! :-)

Thanks, you two for being so giggly and cuddly – I am very much looking forward to your wedding next year!! :-) Also, thanks for the bug lesson, although I may have already forgot what the ‘gnats’ were called.

Seven years of doing what I love (photographing people in love) and it just keeps getting better!! I’m so happy that Rod + Angie found me and hired me for their intimate Fourth of July wedding in Custer State Park!

We met a few days before the wedding for ice cream and they told me they would be the most laid back, easy-going couple to work with. I thought ‘yeah, sure, okay, we’ll see how the day goes.’ You see, most of my couples are laid back and easy-going couples… and here they are challenging to top that list?! But man, oh man, not only were they super relaxed, they were SO stinkin’ adorable in front of my camera!! :-)

Their first look:

I imagine Rod was whispering sweet nothings into Angie’s ear. *This* is is exactly why I keep my distance during first looks – so couples can feel free to be themselves and tell each other exactly what they’re thinking and feeling. :-)

Rod, I love how you look at Angie. :-)

These two have a lot of fun together. You know how I know? This next photo sums it up perfectly.

This blog post showcases my favorites of the day, but this next photo? My favorite of favorites.

Rod and Angie didn’t have any attendants, so instead of having a big, long, procession, they walked with each other up the aisle – how fun is that?!

A guest came up to me during the reception and asked if I noticed Rod’s secret service posture during the ceremony – I did, but I also caught this little smirk. You’re welcome. :-) Angie, on the other hand – well, I’m pretty sure she smiled through the whole thing!

Gosh, I can’t get over how cute you two are!! Angie, your beaming smile, and Rod – do I see something in your eyes? Don’t worry – you can always blame it on ‘allergies’ if you need to maintain your tough guy persona. ;-)

The beautiful thing about small weddings is that couples get to visit with their guests – just imagine all the wonderful memories Rod + Angie gathered that evening!!

Another fun memory for them? The huge rain shower and pea-sized hail that came down during dinner. Then, the sun pushed the clouds away and I selfishly stole Rod + Angie away from their guests. 

Thanks, again, you guys for having me photograph your wedding! You really did top the list of laid back, easy-going couples I’ve worked with and I will be forever grateful for having met you both!!

You guys, it’s July and I forgot to do my monthly favorites for June!! Is three days past June too late? I sure hope not. :-)

All in all, June was a fairly quiet month. My husband and I tried to get our back yard (aka dirt pile) planted with grass seed, but it has been raining far too much for us to be able to work out there and not get stuck in the mud. So instead, on our days off, we had bagels with friends, played tourist in Custer and Hill City, and took a trip to North Dakota for a family reunion!

Therefore, my favorite things this month (in no particular order) are:

1) Rain – causing my husband and I to postpone yard work and instead spend some quality fun time together!

2) Rain – for making the Black Hills so beautifully GREEN!!! I remember two years ago when we got married, it was so dry and there were so many fires in the area. For our wedding photos, grass everywhere was brown. As ‘Sara’ from Jimmy Fallon would say… “Ew!”

3) Family reunion – I haven’t seen relatives from my mom’s side of the family since our wedding, so getting to catch up with so many aunts, uncles and cousins was such a treat! Also, getting to spend a little extra time with my nephews by staying at their house made the trip extra special. :-)

Mark + Katie traveled all the way from Washington state to have a beautiful backyard wedding at Mark’s parents’ house in Rapid City on the first day of summer. And. Then. It. RAINED. But it couldn’t have happened to a more laid back, carefree couple. They had their first look under the cover of the back patio, then went to the front of the house when the rain started coming down sideways, then relaxed inside with their family + friends while waiting for the storm to pass.

Finally the sky cleared and everyone came outside for the ceremony and a few portraits – in the most beautiful light! (I may have been jumping up and down with excitement)

We weren’t outside for long before another storm pushed its way in – but I didn’t mind, because LOOK AT THESE TWO!! They make threatening clouds look gooooood! :-)

Back inside for supper, cupcakes, and more relaxing. The perfect ending to a perfectly imperfect day. :-)

Thanks, Mark + Katie, for being so happy and relaxed and letting me steal you away for some photos down the road! This was probably my favorite first day of summer ever! :-) Best wishes to you both and have a safe trip back to WA!

In between days of threatening thunderstorms, the clouds parted and the sun shone on Kris + Gretchen’s wedding day! I was so happy to work with blue skies and green grass, and of course these two lovebirds!! :-)

We had to take a few breaks in between photos to free flies that became trapped in the layers of tulle on Gretchen’s dress, but my-oh-my did move beautifully in the wind and when she walked! Wedding gowns are so magical like that. :-)

If you remember from their engagement session, we did a bit of ‘exploring’ (aka climbing around fallen trees) to get to a beautiful location. Since I knew they were troopers and up for anything, we ventured down a barely-used pathway for a scenic change.

Can I just say something? WORTH IT. :-)

Kris + Gretchen – Thanks again for being up for anything! I had a wonderful time with you on your wedding day and I hope these photos help you remember just how beautiful your day was! :-)