It has been another wonderfully busy month, but some of my favorite things have been the simplest things. Funny how that works. :-)

1. Playing outside with my nephew, Jonas. We played ‘that one hiding and guessing game’ for a looong time one afternoon, and every time we went outside after that, guess what he wanted to play? He would hide behind the boards of his playground tower and I would guess “What could possibly be so fast and sneaky and stripe-y and hairy? A cheetah? No, cheetah’s don’t have stripes. A snake? No, snakes don’t have hair. Hmm, what could it be?” I had to start making up imaginary animals!!

2. Snuggling with my nephew, Isaac. We are two peas in a pod – neither of us like being woken up from a nap, but both of us love to snuggle!! :-)

3. Coffea date with my bride, Terra, and bff, Jill. Oh, how I miss you beautiful girls!!

4. Fruit snacks. I’m trying my best to eat healthier, and my favorite snack is fresh fruit. Sprinkled with just a bit of Truvia. Or sometimes blended with some POM juice. Yummm.

Hello, everybody! I’d like to introduce you to Anthony, Brittany and Tate – they are going to be celebrating a wedding next summer!!

 Tate would have rather been playing ball than taking pictures…

… but we had fun searching for alligators in the nearby river and monkeys in my camera. We have wonderful imaginations. :-)

But soon it was time for little Tate’s date with Grandma. So Anthony, Brittany and I kept exploring. And finding great spots for some some fun and beautiful images!! :-)

 Anthony, Brittany & Tate – I can’t wait to celebrate with you next June!! :-)

Mike and Emily’s wedding day was everything that everyone had been hoping for. Rain for the crops in the morning, a nice breeze to keep everyone cool in the non-air-conditioned church, and a b-e-a-utiful bride for Mike to carry off into the sunset. :-)

 First looks are my absolute favorite part of the wedding day. But my second favorite part of Mike + Emily’s wedding day was during Mike’s speech at the reception when he told everyone about their first look. How he turned around and was absolutely overcome with joy as he saw his gorgeous bride in her wedding gown.

THAT, my friends, is why I love first looks. When time stops and all that matters is each other. When words can’t express how excited you are to be getting married. So all you do is hug and kiss and cry a little bit and say “WOW” over and over and over again. :-D

Oh yeah, and speaking of the day being everything everyone had hoped for… helloooo blue skies!! :-)

Favorite!!! Mike + Emily told me there ‘wasn’t much’ around the church for taking photos, but when I found this little corner and the wind got a hold of Emily’s veil, I squealed with excitement and maybe even jumped up and down (just a little) after capturing this photo. :-)

Emily’s bridesmaids… and sisters… so sweet!!

I’m not sure what was on Mike’s mind during this moment… maybe “gosh, she’s pretty” or “I hope I don’t mess up repeating the vows,” but I LOVE both Emily’s dad’s and Mike’s dad’s expressions. Melts my heart a little. :-)

“The love of my life.”

ceremony | St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Granville, Iowa

hair | His & Hers Salon, Hospers, Iowa

wedding gown + bridesmaid dresses + flowers | vendors from Orange City, Iowa

reception | Hospers Community Center, Hospers, Iowa

caterer | Kelly’s Catering, Hospers, Iowa

limo | Luxury Rides, LLC., Alton, Iowa

Mike + Emily – Aaaaaah, thank you so so much for having me!! I had such a blast photographing your wedding!! I think everyone I talked to was SO shocked that I came all the way from Rapid City just for you guys – but I would do it again in a heartbeat. :-) I hope you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii on your honeymoon – I can’t wait to show you some more images!!

Casey and Marisa’s wedding was the definition of country charm. Everywhere you looked there were cowboy boots, wildflowers, and plenty of laughs as everyone was having a good time. Surprisingly, in 90+ degree weather, no one actually melted – we only came really close. :-) Thank goodness for water and giant barn fans!!

After Marisa’s mom helped her get dressed, they had such a beautiful moment – my favorite moment from the day!!

Helloooo, gorgeous!! :-)

ceremony + reception | Besler’s Cadillac Ranch

Casey + Marisa – Thank you so much for having me at your wedding!!

Oh my, am I excited to share these images with you!!! Everything about Josh and Whitney is so sweet, genuine, and absolutely gorgeous. True story – I was trying all kinds of crazy ideas on them and they made everything look SO easy… and awesome. :-) Enjoy my favorites!