Getting to meet and photograph my brides + grooms ahead of time for their engagement session makes wedding season so much sweeter! I met up with Tyler + Jessica the other night in Deadwood for some photos and some back-story. For example, can you believe they grew up only a half hour away from each other but didn’t meet until they were both working in DC? Small world, right?! Another fun fact: they make walking look good. :-)

And snuggling… okay pretty much the whole time we were taking photos, I was getting warm fuzzy feelings from these two. :-)

It only took a year of motherhood for me to realize that morning’s aren’t all that bad, and that sunrises are pretty darn beautiful. So when Aubrey + Mary agreed to meet me at sunrise for their engagement session, I was thrilled to see a familiar location in a brand new way. And even more thrilled to hang out with Aubrey + Mary for a little bit. Obviously. These two are so sweet and SO in love and only have a few months left until their wedding day!!!

Aubrey + Mary – thanks again for meeting me at dawn for photos!! I can’t wait for your wedding day – May can’t get here soon enough!! :-)

The best couples are ones that have fun and laugh together. If you know these two at all, you know they’re one of the ‘good ones.’ :-)

First date spot!!!

See? Fun people right there. :-)

Thanks, you guys, for sharing your story with me! I am *so* looking forward to your wedding (and the cake). ;-)

Are you ready for the awesomeness that is Trevor + Kerry’s love? These two met at SDSU (Go Jacks!), so you know they’re destined for greatness. ;-)

Awww, you guys!! I love how you love each other. :-)

Love, love love this photo!!! (If you follow @studiolb on Instagram, you’ve seen this one already. :-))

The tippy toes!!! :-D

Weddings in the Black Hills are beautiful, but Sylvan Lake really does have it all – mountains, water, and that seasonal splash of fall color.

Erin and her girls. :-)

There’s something about the way brides and grooms look at each other during their wedding ceremony – it’s the most perfect combination of love and excitement and it makes my heart flutter every time!

Just married!!! :-)

Pete + Erin – Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your big day! I hope you have enjoyed your first few days being married! :-)