It’s no wonder people love this time of year – the colorful leaves, the crisp air, and that golden sunlight!! Okay, so maybe it’s just us photographers who love the light. :-) I had SO MUCH FUN playing with the light and Matt + Ashley for their engagement photos. I just wish their wedding was sooner so we could hang out again!!
It’s no secret that Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park is one of the most popular places in the Black Hills to get married – and for good reason! It is so picturesque there!! The lake, the trees, the granite spires – so much natural beauty. Then add a smitten couple like Koby + Katie to the scene and you’ve got the perfect wedding. :-) 
Katie brought wheat from her grandfather’s field to have added to the flowers and I love how it turned a beautiful bouquet into something extremely personal!
First look grins!!!
Have I told you how awesome it is when couples choose to do photos both before and after the ceremony? These ‘just married’ images are my favorites from the day!!
Koby + Katie – Thanks a million for having me as your photographer!! I still can’t get over the perfect weather (and cloud timing) we had! I hope these photos bring back all kinds of wonderful memories from this past weekend, and that you enjoy them for years and years to come!!
Gabe + Ellie chose to have a small, mid-week wedding ceremony out here in Custer State Park and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Quiet, calm, and beautiful, much like the two of them and their love for each other.
Gabe + Ellie – I loved being a part of your wedding day – thank you so much for having me and taking the extra time to wander around the park for photos. I hope you had a fun, love-filled reception at home this weekend!
Paul + Amanda’s Custer State Park wedding was the perfect end-of-summer soiree. A sweet ceremony followed by dinner with their closest friends.
I love how the girls are all focused on Amanda’s dress, and she’s just standing there, beaming at her mother like “This is really happening!!”
A dress that allows you to sit down to put your own shoes on is a good dress. Comfort is key!!
Amanda chose to have a first look with her dad and it was the sweetest thing ever!!
Paul + Amanda have the *best* friends on the planet. Their wedding day was so full of fun and laughter – exactly the way it should be!
I thought about cropping out the ‘squinty faces’ on either end of this photo, but then I decided that it really shows how much Paul loves Amanda. Glaring sunshine or not – he’s only got eyes for her. Plus, outtakes are just as enjoyable as sappy moments. ;-)
That tear on Amanda’s cheek!!! I thanked her later for letting it fall all the way to her chin. :-)
Love notes and a bottle of wine for their fifth wedding anniversary – I love this tradition! A wedding should be all about creating and nurturing a marriage that day.
End-of-the-aisle hugs and kisses = THE BEST!!!
Paul + Amanda allowed for plenty of time to wander around for photos after the ceremony, which allowed us to catch some amazing light between the trees!
Paul + Amanda – Thanks a million times for having me photograph your perfect day! I hope you are having a fantastic honeymoon so far!