Seven years of doing what I love (photographing people in love) and it just keeps getting better!! I’m so happy that Rod + Angie found me and hired me for their intimate Fourth of July wedding in Custer State Park!

We met a few days before the wedding for ice cream and they told me they would be the most laid back, easy-going couple to work with. I thought ‘yeah, sure, okay, we’ll see how the day goes.’ You see, most of my couples are laid back and easy-going couples… and here they are challenging to top that list?! But man, oh man, not only were they super relaxed, they were SO stinkin’ adorable in front of my camera!! :-)

Their first look:

I imagine Rod was whispering sweet nothings into Angie’s ear. *This* is is exactly why I keep my distance during first looks – so couples can feel free to be themselves and tell each other exactly what they’re thinking and feeling. :-)

Rod, I love how you look at Angie. :-)

These two have a lot of fun together. You know how I know? This next photo sums it up perfectly.

This blog post showcases my favorites of the day, but this next photo? My favorite of favorites.

Rod and Angie didn’t have any attendants, so instead of having a big, long, procession, they walked with each other up the aisle – how fun is that?!

A guest came up to me during the reception and asked if I noticed Rod’s secret service posture during the ceremony – I did, but I also caught this little smirk. You’re welcome. :-) Angie, on the other hand – well, I’m pretty sure she smiled through the whole thing!

Gosh, I can’t get over how cute you two are!! Angie, your beaming smile, and Rod – do I see something in your eyes? Don’t worry – you can always blame it on ‘allergies’ if you need to maintain your tough guy persona. ;-)

The beautiful thing about small weddings is that couples get to visit with their guests – just imagine all the wonderful memories Rod + Angie gathered that evening!!

Another fun memory for them? The huge rain shower and pea-sized hail that came down during dinner. Then, the sun pushed the clouds away and I selfishly stole Rod + Angie away from their guests. 

Thanks, again, you guys for having me photograph your wedding! You really did top the list of laid back, easy-going couples I’ve worked with and I will be forever grateful for having met you both!!

There were so many things about John + Heidi’s wedding that I absolutely loved – I don’t even know where to start! The way Heidi couldn’t stop smiling after she put her dress on. The fact that both John + Heidi’s favorite part about the day was seeing each other for the first time. The mention of Magnus (you remember Magnus) during the ceremony. These flowers…

Love, love, LOVE when dad hands his daughter off to her groom – just look at the love and excitement going on here!! :-)

John + Heidi – Thank you for inviting me into your lives and to document the first day of your marriage! Keep on doing what you do – the way you laugh with and love each other is so beautiful, and it will bring you so many years of happiness. Hugs to you both!! :-)

Since the moment I received Andrew + Tremaine’s hand-drawn save-the-date card in the mail, I was giddy to photograph all the lovely details they had planned for their wedding.

When I learned about their long-distance relationship and their affection towards car games, I couldn’t wait to get them out of the car and into Custer State Park to photograph the beginning of their marriage.

As soon as the forecast full of rain showers came out for their wedding weekend, we all said a little prayer for good weather and I was so excited to have nothing but sunshine for their big day!

Tremaine’s veil is the one her mother wore on her wedding day – how lovely is that!!

Here’s an example of the lovely details that Tremaine’s sister drew – in their wedding program! Sidenote.. if you’re looking for someone to do something like this for your wedding… I know a girl. ;-)

The newly-constructed Lover’s Leap Deck is my new favorite ceremony location in Custer State Park. Sweet sunlight filtering through leafy green trees? Works for me!!

The reception at the Game Lodge Pavilion was full of lovely details, but my favorite was the ‘head table’ – set up in the middle of the crowd, surrounded by their loved ones.

Even their cakes had the sweetest toppers!

Andrew + Tremaine – Thank you so much for having me photograph your wedding! I am so happy the weather cooperated for us, and I hope you had a great mini-honeymoon road trip. Who am I kidding, I’m sure you had a blast, knowing how well you enjoy spending time together in the car!!