Backyard weddings are quite literally a breath of fresh air. Family is the main focus of the day, and everything unfolds in its own special way.

Do you think anyone would notice if Jessie walked on to a movie set in place of Jennifer Lopez?

The sun was playing peekaboo behind the clouds most of the afternoon, making portraits really tricky but also really great because soft, romantic light is my jam!!

If J-Lo, I mean Jessie, hadn’t been getting married, I could have followed these kids around with my camera all day!!

Wedding time!!!

JUST MARRIED!!!

Jessie with her mom and sister watching a video that Evan’s sister put together. *Cue the waterworks!!*

Dancing under twinkle lights!!!!! Backyard weddings are officially my new favorite!!!

You know how I know Evan is going to be a great husband? Because of the how he makes his mom and sister smile. :-)

Thanks, Evan + Jessie for a fantastic day! Best wishes to you both – I will be thinking of you these next two years as you navigate the ins and outs of long-distance marriage!

Every time I say “this wedding was so much fun” I feel like you probably don’t believe me because I say it so often (what can I say, I work with the best couples!!). But guys, this wedding was seriously SO MUCH FUN!! Walkie-talkie code names, matching custom Converse, and FUNNEL CAKES!!! This was one day that I didn’t want to end, but thank goodness for photos to take us back in time, amiright?! :-)

This next one is my FAVORITE!!!! Excuse me while I take my family here to re-create this photo so I can hang it on my wall at home!!!

Post-ceremony portraits are some of my favorites! While these two are naturally smiley, there’s something about that ‘just married’ feeling that seems to radiate excitement from a newly minted husband and wife. Plus, any concerns about climbing/sitting on boulders in the middle of a lake seem to disappear. ;-)

I feel like this is a good representation of Niel + Kayla’s relationship… Niel being silly yet strong, sweeping Kayla off her feet and laughing all the way. :-) And yes, that is a game cam strapped to the corner, which I’m sure contains a plethora of shenanigans from the dance floor!

FUNNEL CAKES!!!!!

Niel + Kayla – Thanks for being so fun and goofy and chill and gorgeous. Thanks for scrambling up that giant rock after your ceremony!!! Thanks for having awesome style and amazing friends. Thanks for loving funnel cakes enough to have them at your wedding. Thanks for trusting me to be your photographer – I hope you enjoy looking at these photos for a long, long time, and please let me know when you’re ready for another session (anniversary/vow renewal/anytime you’re in the hills) because I would love an excuse to hang out with you again! :-)

Jake + Megan were happy, goofy, cuddly and chill on their wedding day, even with a sunburn, busted dress, nearly un-lightable candles, and a temporary downpour. They handled their first day of marriage like champions – soaking in the good memories and shrugging off the tiny hiccups. Everyone says rain on your wedding day is good luck, but I don’t think these two will need it! They’ve got each other and awesome friends + family on their side :-)

Jake + Megan were so kind to take some time out of their wedding week to walk around downtown Rapid City with me for a few engagement photos. Pretty sure they’re both glowing with excitement! :-D

It’s official – both spring and wedding season are *finally* here!! Travis + Cherie had an unbelievably beautiful day for their Sylvan Lake wedding, but it would have been amazing even without the gorgeous weather. Probably because Cherie is super organized and Travis is super creative and their friends and family are super fun and sweet. :-)

Above: Cherie’s father + sister watching her get ready. Below: Cherie’s mother making sure the earrings she wore on her wedding day are looking just right on her daughter. *excuse me while I get all emotional behind my camera*

This ring pillow was also used at her parents wedding, and it worked perfectly with all the floral details!

Guess who snuck out for sunset photos!? WE DID!!! :-D

Travis + Cherie – I still can’t believe how lucky we got with the weather!!! And the photo-bombing deer!! :-D Your wedding was the most fun I’ve had in a long time. Thank you so much for getting married here in the Black Hills and also for having me there. Biggest of hugs to you both!!