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!!

Weddings like Aubrey + Mary’s completely blow me away with the perfect combination of love, silliness, and sunshine peeking out just in time for photos. :-)

Mary and I met a few years ago, and we instantly hit it off (and judging by the speeches I heard on Saturday, this is a pretty common occurrence). She’s a great friend, and everyone lucky enough to be in her life is truly blessed. She also has a great circle of family and friends, but when she met Aubrey she hit the jackpot. He is her perfect gentleman with a hilarious sense of humor.

Seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day! :-)

Aubrey + Mary got engaged on the top of Harney Peak, and since Sylvan Lake was sort-of on the way to their reception at the Game Lodge from their wedding at the Chapel in the Hills, we prayed for no rain, few tourists, and headed up!

WORTH IT!!!

Wall Drug donuts!!!!! They were a hit. Especially with Grandpa. ;-)

Don’t worry, Aubrey, I’m sure that some day someone will believe you met on Farmers Only.

Gosh, how do I begin to thank you guys for having me photograph your wedding? It really was the perfect day, which I truly believe is a preview of what your marriage will be. I am honored you asked, and I can’t wait to watch your happily ever after play out!! :-)

Also, there were two studio lb brides at this wedding!!! Remember Megan? She had similar storm clouds threatening her big day. :-)

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! :-)

James + Katie traveled all the way from Aberdeen with their dog and their bikes for some fabulous engagement photos in the Black Hills. And, of course, we spent half the time laughing and bonding over Disney movies and fruit snacks. A pretty perfect evening, if you ask me! :-)

Okay, so I’ve been a little bit in love with the sky lately…

James + Katie wanted these photos to shout ‘Black Hills’ – I think this photo pretty much sums it up. p.s. Check out those legs!!! On Katie, I mean… ;-)

Dave + Janice and their families are the very definition of southern charm. I can’t tell you how many times I was called ‘darlin’ – and I loved it every time!

Not only were they incredibly sweet, they had the best taste! Dresses from BHLDN, flowers from Bent Willow Designs, and tiny pecan pies brought all the way from Texas. What more could you ask for a lakeside wedding? Not much. Although, the Texans were hoping for a few more degrees of warmth – we South Dakotans were just glad it wasn’t raining like it had been all week. ;-)

Janice was brought down the aisle at Sylvan Lake by her two beautiful daughters.

Their first look – don’t you love Dave’s smirk?

A true southern gentleman, that Dave… ;-)

Immediately after the ceremony – who doesn’t want to hug?! ;-)

Janice with all her girls now!

Dave + Janice – It was such a pleasure to finally meet you and your families! Y’all are so kind and welcoming, and you make me wish I was southern (so I could have the drawl and the tiny pies.) ;-)