To all my brides and grooms of 2013 – thanks for having fun on your wedding day, and enjoying all those unplanned moments.

Most of what I show on my blog are my favorite, most beautiful photos from my couples’ wedding days. But today, I’d like to take some time and showcase the less-than-beautiful but more-than-entertaining moments that happen on a wedding day. The memories you never planned for. The hilarious mis-haps that you never would have expected. :-)

For starters – once your hair and make up are all ready to go, it is a little un-nerving to have your bridesmaids stick your wedding dress on over your head.

Sometimes getting tied into a dress is also intense.

Sometimes moms feel the urge to document how lovely their daughter is all dressed up in her wedding gown.

Because really… isn’t she lovely?? :-)

In this photo, the groom requested a shot of the custom tie tacks he had had made for his groomsmen – I figured I would have to crop the image later, so I told them they didn’t have to smile for this one. Apparently this is just a smiley group… for the most part. :-)

Speaking of photo requests, during formal bridal party portraits, I usually do one of each attendant with the bride/groom and more often than not, we *must* do a fun one. And I love it every time. :-)

Seriously guys, go crazy. :-)

Sometimes grooms would rather be goofy and do their own thing, and this makes me happy since I have my very own goofy groom. :-)

Sometimes silly comments catch grandparents off guard. Haha!!

Sometimes the wedding party would rather just dance.

Sometimes the officiant will mis-pronounce a name during your ceremony. Whoops!

Sometimes the balloons filling up your getaway car should not be read out loud… :-)

Sometimes you just gotta photobomb.

Amiright or what? :-)

Wedding receptions can be a great time to play “Minute to Win It” games – and you can’t mess around by wearing heels…

Sometimes, grandma’s got moves like Jagger. Or one of Charlie’s Angels… either way all these ladies rocked the dance floor. :-D

And lastly, what fun is a wedding if there aren’t children to provide some unexpected entertainment?! Like not wanting to participate in photos?

Sometimes kids get tired during the ceremony and need to sit down for a while…

…or they have too much energy bottled up that the only cure is to run around and be chased by mom.

Finally, what kid comes to a wedding and doesn’t want a piece of cake? This guy clearly couldn’t wait. :-)

So to sum it all up – please, by all means, plan your perfect wedding. But also plan to be surprised. Have fun and celebrate whatever happens on your big day, because more often than not, the unexpected moments are the ones you’ll cherish the most.

The 2014 issue of Black Hills Bride is out and I am so excited to share a little sneak peek of what’s inside!!

Lucas + Lindsey’s wedding was selected as one of the featured weddings this year (p75) along with a handful of other lovely Black Hills weddings.

For those of you planning your wedding in Rapid City, Custer, Spearfish, or anywhere within the Black Hills of South Dakota, make sure to pick up this magazine for all kinds of planning ideas, as well as a list of some of the best wedding vendors in this area. :-)

Hugs to all my family, friends, and couples who have made 2013 the best year yet!

My favorite things to do when there’s snow on the ground? Sip hot chocolate, hum Christmas carols, and new to my list… take photos of John + Heidi!! :-)

I had an exceptionally fun time photographing these two because their love is so fun and goofy and real! I mean seriously, what fun are snuggles without inside jokes whispered in your ear? Or walking down Main Street, Rapid City, holding hands with your fiancé and not imitating all the presidential statues? What is love without laughter? And “what is life, without love?” (hugs to all my “Friends” fans out there)

I’m sure every girl dreams about the day she’ll get engaged – wondering how the love of her life is going to ask and what the ring will look like. But what happens when you get a ring *and* a puppy? I think that means you win at life. :-) Internet, meet Magnus. He likes to take long walks, play with sticks, and give kisses. Isn’t he dreamy?? :-)

John + Heidi – I am SO glad you braved the cold to do these photos!! I am also praying we won’t be needing any hand warmers in May. :-) See you in five months!!!!!

Ahh, December. The month of hot cocoa, cozy blankets, and CHRISTMAS!! Since my last edition of laura loves, I have celebrated my birthday twice, Thanksgiving and an early Christmas – so guess what my favorite things were… cupcakes and nephews! :-)

1. This year I celebrated my golden birthday! I always get excited when I see 11:27 on the clock. So much so, that I made my husband take a picture of me *being 27* at *11:27* on *November 27* – really, it’s the little things in life that make me happy. That and free birthday coffees from Caribou & Starbucks.  :-)

2. My family spent Thanksgiving weekend at my parents’ home to celebrate our annual ThanksgivingChristmas, and boy oh boy are my nephews growing up so fast!!

3. My younger nephew, Isaac, spent a good fifteen minutes pretending to be a kitten, sitting on my lap, and communicating only in meows. I didn’t mind one bit. Soon, Jonas came to ‘feed’ him some ‘kitty food’ and we all snuggled on the couch for a ‘cat nap.’ That right there, spending time snuggling and meowing, was more precious to me than any Christmas present. :-)

4. We had our first guests over for dinner!! I cooked and made cupcakes and put together a little golden birthday party dessert table. (Hey, I’m a wedding photographer, dessert *has* to be pretty!) It was so much fun to have friends over and stay up late playing dominoes. This might have to become another yearly tradition – you know, since I don’t have a company Christmas party… :-)