Ever since I met Michael + Mellissa for their engagement session last summer, I have been looking forward to their wedding at Black Hills Receptions!

Their first look. :-)

Mellissa’s father was recently ordained a deacon, so after he walked her up the aisle, he changed into his vestments and officiated the ceremony – how special is that?!

You guys, I am *this close* to photoshopping my husband and I into this next photo so I can hang it on our wall at home!! Favorite!!!

Mike + Mellissa – Thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding! I hope these photos are just what you needed to remember your wedding day before you take off on your honeymoon! :-)

James + Katie traveled all the way from Aberdeen with their dog and their bikes for some fabulous engagement photos in the Black Hills. And, of course, we spent half the time laughing and bonding over Disney movies and fruit snacks. A pretty perfect evening, if you ask me! :-)

Okay, so I’ve been a little bit in love with the sky lately…

James + Katie wanted these photos to shout ‘Black Hills’ – I think this photo pretty much sums it up. p.s. Check out those legs!!! On Katie, I mean… ;-)

I forget how big Rapid City is and how many schools there are. It is hard for me to wrap my head around people not knowing all of their classmates, because I grew up in a town of 400, and I knew everyone’s names (and their families) at least five grades ahead of and behind me.

Andrew + Meghan are both from Rapid City and they went to different schools, so they didn’t actually meet until they started working together. They got to know each other and become friends before they started dating. Which, I think, is a pretty awesome start to a life-long relationship. :-)

I just wanna say, thanks so much for choosing to frolic in the forest with me! ;-)

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I love a good South Dakota sunset!!

Andrew + Meghan – It was such a pleasure spending time with you the other evening and I am SO looking forward to your wedding *next* month!! :-D

Joshua and Whitney had me falling in love with my job all over again this past weekend. The constant look of love on their faces, the timeline that stayed on time, the pure joy of these two starting their marriage, and the overflowing love and support of SO many friends and family members. It is SUCH a great feeling to love what I do, and to be able to share that wedding day excitement with my couples. :-) I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite images from this beautiful wedding!

Before Whitney had her first look with Joshua, she had a first look with her bridesmaids – and it was *so* sweet

Still, nothing beats seeing your groom for the first time on your wedding day. :-)

I LOVE this next photo of Whit admiring Josh’s ring – simply adorable.

Sometimes couples have a difficult time deciding whether or not to do a first look, because walking up the aisle is such a special moment. But look at Joshua’s face. I think that even after having a first look and doing all their portraits before the ceremony, there’s still a whole lot of magic in that moment… don’t you?

High fives to being married!!! :-)

A pretty fine lookin’ wedding party, wouldn’t you say?

Josh + Whitney – Oh man, my heart is overflowing as I am going through your images, thinking back on your wedding day. You two are so much fun to be around – I had such a great time photographing you and watching your day unfold. I hope you have the happiest of ever afters and enjoy your upcoming honeymoon to the fullest!!

 Anthony + Brittany are such a laid-back, light-hearted, fun-loving couple – and it was such an honor for me to photograph their wedding in their hometown of Beresford, South Dakota. They’ve been dating since high school, they have the cutest little boy, and they now have had their perfect wedding day. A day full of laughter and love. :-)

First looks are still my favorite part of the day… so much love and excitement shining!!

Their little boy did SO WELL for photos and for *most* of the ceremony…

Anthony + Brittany, I love you guys, but my favorite part of your ceremony was Tate clapping along to the music. :-) p.s. Hasn’t he gotten so big since your engagement photos??

Brittany loves a cute pair of shoes, but also understands enough is enough when it comes to comfort, and walking through a wave of bubbles. :-)

I see a lot of lovely centerpieces, but this was pretty AND fun!! Here’s a before and after showing the instruction note “Memories, advice, or best wishes… write a note to the Mr. & Mrs.” and then some sweet responses. :-)

But who cares about centerpieces when you’ve got THIS gorgeousness happening outside!!! :-)

First dance! Good thing I made you guys practice outside… this is perfection!! ;-)

My favorite thing about Anthony + Brittany? They’ll go outside to take photos whenever I ask. :-)

Anthony + Brittany – I had such a wonderful time spending the day with you on your wedding. Thank you for going outside for more (and more) photos. You are so sweet, and Brittany, I miss your giggle already!!