Have I ever told you about my senior pictures? I did not have any sense of fashion, my eyebrows were overwhelming to my face, and all but one outfit were photographed inside.

These girls I’m photographing now have the cutest outfits (that I always wish I could borrow without it being creepy…), the best hair, and such fun personalities that tend to shine in an outdoor setting. Like these golden trees and cozy fall sunlight – so beautiful!!

I loved photographing Bailee, her sweet smile, and her fun outfits – I’m so glad we were able to catch some fall colors for her!!

She’s even adorable when she’s serious!! I just looked downright sad in my non-smiling senior pictures!!

How many times did I tell you September was going to be a great month?? Joe and Becky wrapped up September with a fun, DIY-filled wedding with perfect fall colors and a dance that almost made ME want to party all night! (And that’s saying a lot – when I’m not at weddings, I’m normally in my pajamas by 8pm!)

It takes a lot of time, patience and craftiness to pull off a DIY wedding – and let me tell you, Joe and Becky did it right. From the flowers to the chalkboard signs, to the twine-wrapped mason jar centerpieces and the cupcakes – EVERYTHING was well done. I wish I could photograph their wedding again this weekend, and the weekend after that. Of course, it helps that they are both SO in love with each other that photographing them is not even work – it’s pure delight. :-)

Okay, okay, I’m a big sap, I know. Let’s look at their pretty pictures!!! :-)

Only teeny tiny women with itty bitty feet will tell you that four-inch sparkly peep-toe heels are ‘comfortable.’ Oh, Becky, I am still so jealous of your wedding shoes!!

This was as close to serious as these guys could get – and it only lasted for a split second!!

Did I mention the ribbon wands and lace+string balloon backdrop? SO MUCH DIY FUN!!!

I just LOVE the way you two look at each other!!!

I think the key to a perfect DIY wedding is to start with an already beautiful location. Case in point: Hotel Alex Johnson.

ceremony | Ruby’s Garden, Spearfish, South Dakota

reception | Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City, South Dakota

wedding gown | David’s Bridal

groom’s suit | Halberstadt’s

hair + makeup | SpaMeD

cake | Jerry’s Cakes & Donuts

cake topper | Etsy – sweet reverie

dj | Tiki Man Entertainment – Mike Malone

Joe + Becky – Thank you, thank you, thank you for having me as your wedding photographer!! You guys had SUCH a perfect day and I was so honored to be a part of it!!

When I first met Jenny for coffee earlier this summer, we talked about her life – her daughter, her pets, her fiance, her wedding. And there was SO much smiling. It was obvious how much of her heart goes out to others – especially those closest to her.

Then I met Jerry at their engagement session, and all the love that Jenny felt for Jerry, I could easily see that he had even more love for her. The way he smiled at her, the way held out his hand for her to hold as we hiked around Jenney Gulch, and how he made her eyes sparkle. I actually put my camera down once during the session and said “Jenny – your eyes are SPARKLING!!”

Because that’s what happens when a girl like Jenny has loved so much and finally meets the man that fills her heart – it makes her eyes sparkle. :-)

Jerry + Jenny – thank you so much for inviting me into your lives and sharing your story with me. I am so excited for your wedding this November!!

This past Saturday was my favorite day this month year ever

1. The excitement started on Wednesday when we picked up our marriage license. Who knew the courthouse could be so much fun??

2. The morning of the wedding, I set my alarm early in case I would hit snooze. My alarm went off, I tried to get a couple more minutes of sleep, but I was TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP!!

3. Me with Jill, Bobbi and Halley – my favorite girls from the day! They made me look good. Real good.

4. Our first iPhone photo as husband and wife!!!!!!!! :-D

To recap… my favorite thing this month: getting married. We had a perfect day and are now living our ‘happily ever after.’

THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the day and all the events surrounding it. I thought I would have every single detail planned, but as time got close and life got busy, all those little details got pushed aside. Thankfully we have amazing families and friends who stepped up and got everything taken care of – with only one noticeable hiccup (sorry, Lance, for making you wait at the altar for me!!)

THANK YOU to everyone who came to celebrate with us as well as those who couldn’t be there in person but thought about us that day. We feel SO BLESSED to have so many loving people in our lives!!

THANK YOU to all my ‘studio lb brides’ for showing me how it’s done – I am so lucky to have been part of your weddings to know how quickly the day flies by (believe me, it goes by a LOT faster when you’re the bride instead of the photographer!!). We didn’t get to talk to every guest (who were we kidding thinking that would happen??), but we enjoyed the day to it’s fullest and I have you to thank for showing me the most important thing: to sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. :-)

It really can’t be said enough… I LOVE my clients!! Kris and Ashley’s intimate Black Hills wedding was full of charm, thoughtfulness, and so much love that I simply did not want to stop photographing and leave at the end of the night!!

First, let’s talk about these gorgeous flowers. SO lovely. Those creams and pinks set the tone perfectly for the romantic ceremony I’m about to show you. :-)

 Kris, you look way sharper than Kevin Costner. :-)

 Ashley, you are so adorable. :-)

 Even the moment when Kris was seating parents before the ceremony was sweet – mom hugs are the best!!

 All smiles… and a few happy tears… :-)

 Perfect Black Hills wedding location. Right there.

 I don’t think these two took their eyes off each other for more than a minute during the ceremony!!

 Husband and wife!!!!! :-D

 Simply stunning!!

 Before we headed to Deadwood for dinner, Kris + Ashley’s family had a little slideshow surprise for them. :-)

And finally off to supper at Jake’s where they all sat together, soaking in the events of the day and enjoying their time together.

wedding gown + flower girl dress | David’s Bridal

groom’s suit | Men’s Wearhouse

hair | Maddison’s Too Salon & Spa, Spearfish, SD

flowers | Bent Willow Designs, Spearfish, SD

 ceremony | family cabin near Lead, SD

dinner | Jake’s at The Midnight Star, Deadwood, SD

 Kris + Ashley – I had SUCH a wonderful time getting to know you two!! I am so excited for what your future holds. You have such a special love for each other and it it s so apparent even in the way you look at one another that it warms everyone’s hearts around you – especially mine. I truly enjoyed photographing your love and I hope this isn’t the last time you are in front of my lens!! :-)