I love having things planned. I have different calendars within my Google account to keep track of personal projects, business meetings, things to do, and birthdays+anniversaries. I map out my route for running errands so that I make the least amount of left turns possible. I categorize my grocery list by where the items are in the store.

But it’s nice when things happen unexpectedly. Like when a friend needs a ride and we end up spending the day chatting and walking together. Or when a client comes over to pick up photos and stays for ice cream. Or when flowers are delivered to my apartment ‘just because someone loves me.’ :-)

1. I hiked a mountain. F’real. From what I gather on summitpost.org, it’s a 3.5 mile (one way) hike with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. I couldn’t have done it without my best friend, Jill!! Thanks for not letting me quit!! :-)

2. Staycations. I enjoy playing tourist AND tour guide. :-) Here’s me with Lance’s family in Custer State Park.

3. Party Rock Anthem. I don’t know about you, but I’m shufflin every day.

4. The Gilmore Girls. I just finished season five, and if you’ve ever watched the Gilmore Girls, you know how crazy-exciting the season five finale is. Season six is the only one I don’t have, and I’m hanging on a cliff!!

5. Armadillo’s Ice Cream Shoppe. This past weekend their flavor of sherbet was raspberry cheesecake. And now I have a half-gallon container of it in my freezer. :-)

6. Bagel Thins. They’re the perfect snack size!

John + Rachel are such a wonderful, genuine and happy couple and they compliment each other perfectly. Even though the storm clouds were threatening their beautiful day, they had no concerns. They must have been to excited to get the party started. Or dreaming about leaving the very next day for Aruba. Because really, I don’t think anything could dampen a girl’s mood if she was going to Aruba with the love of her life!!

Who could forget that beautiful custom ring?!

Such a sweet moment between Rachel and her mom as she helps Rachel get ready.

She could be a princess – with superpowers. See that beautiful bouquet she’s holding? She made it. That, my friend, is talent. I can only make flowers look good through my lens!!

John + Rachel were married at the beautiful Chapel in the Hills.

John seeing his bride for the first time!!

Such big, happy smiles!!

One of the most-traveled wedding parties I’ve ever met! These guys (and guests of the wedding) traveled from literally all over the country to be there for John + Rachel!!

To add a bit of personality to the decorations, they added rocks as a nod to John’s geologic profession.

The girls sharing a few giggles as they worked to bustle Rachel’s dress. :-)

I love how John + Rachel can be across the dance floor and still share a special glance! :-)

ceremony | Chapel in the Hills

reception | Canyon Lake Resort

hair | Wicked

cake + cupcakes | ??

Me and the wonderful couple!!

And my fabulous assistant, Hannah (timed self-portrait style)!!

For the past three weeks, I have been on three almost back-to-back staycations. First, my bff Jill was here for a long weekend. We ate, we hiked, we laughed. Then, Lance’s family came to camp in Custer State Park for a long weekend. We shopped, we grilled, we walked. And for the past five days my parents have been staying at my apartment. We drove, we cooked, we baked. Kuchen. correction – kuchens. One recipe made six ‘pies.’ We made two strawberry-rhubarb, two apple, one raisin and one craisin. And now I only have one strawberry-rhubarb (saving the best for last) and parts of one apple and the raisin. I might have had three slices for breakfast today, but it’s okay because “I’m on staycation!!”

Now, back to ‘work’ and regularly scheduled programming. Coming up next – John + Rachel‘s wedding at the Chapel in the Hills!!!

She’s from South Dakota. He’s from Georgia. They met at a country bar in Japan.

She was transferred to New Mexico while he stayed in Japan. Longest long-distance relationship EVER.

Now they’re both stationed in the Black Hills which makes me one happy girl!!

And doesn’t Tawni look just like Angelina Jolie in this photo?? This is probably my favorite image from the session – I was SO excited when the light decided to be perfect for this location! :-)

No wonder they’re in love – who couldn’t resist looking into THOSE eyes every day?!

Showin’ off their dancing skills – Tawni told me they are going to teach their wedding party a line dance. I can’t wait to see it in October!

The BLING!!

Just chillin’ in the Black Hills National Forest…

…being all beautiful and such. :-)

Mitch + Tawni – I can not wait for your wedding!! I am so excited for you to get married… and to have some of this famous sweet tea you’ve been telling me about. :-)