In between days of threatening thunderstorms, the clouds parted and the sun shone on Kris + Gretchen’s wedding day! I was so happy to work with blue skies and green grass, and of course these two lovebirds!! :-)

We had to take a few breaks in between photos to free flies that became trapped in the layers of tulle on Gretchen’s dress, but my-oh-my did move beautifully in the wind and when she walked! Wedding gowns are so magical like that. :-)

If you remember from their engagement session, we did a bit of ‘exploring’ (aka climbing around fallen trees) to get to a beautiful location. Since I knew they were troopers and up for anything, we ventured down a barely-used pathway for a scenic change.

Can I just say something? WORTH IT. :-)

Kris + Gretchen – Thanks again for being up for anything! I had a wonderful time with you on your wedding day and I hope these photos help you remember just how beautiful your day was! :-)

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!! :-)

Welcome to my first wedding of 2014 – it’s a good one. :-)

Brad and Jordin are the most calm, thoughtful, fun, good-hearted people I have had the pleasure of photographing. When I walked into Jordin’s suite as she was having the finishing touches of her makeup applied, I asked how she was doing and she said, “I’m so calm!!!” Maybe not with that many exclamation points, but she seemed surprised that everything was going so smoothly and that she was enjoying the day so far.

Later in the day, after they had welcomed all their guests to their reception, I asked Jordin again how she was and she said, “I’m having so much fun!!!” I was so proud, because that’s *exactly* how couples should feel about their wedding day! Relax, have fun, and enjoy being surrounded by the people who love you! :-)

p.s. If you’re getting married in Sioux Falls and need a hair + makeup artist – get Angelique from Platinum Imagination – she is seriously the best!!

I looove the part of getting ready when a bride puts her earrings on – so calm and beautiful. And can we take a moment to ogle Jordin? Dayum, girl!!

Brad + Jordin’s first look was so sweet – in between hugs and kisses they kept taking a step back from each other and admiring how good they looked! I think they were both very pleased.

Look at these two, being all married and such!! :-)

In between the mother/son and father/daughter dance, Jordin slipped into this little surprise number so she could more easily ‘boogy down’ – have I mentioned how FUN these guys are?!

Brad + Jordin – Thank you so much for being the most wonderful couple!! Thanks for going along with my silly photo ideas (p.s. you totally rocked the Justin + Jessica pose!) and for being so incredibly in love that it shines. You make me love my ‘job’ even more!

Weddings are full of wonderful moments. From the unexpected mishaps to the slow-dance snuggles at the end of the evening. Looking back at the weddings I photographed this past year, I can’t help but feel blessed to have gotten to know all of these couples and provided such pure and honest documentation of the ‘first day of the rest of their lives.’

This is the collection of my most treasured wedding images from 2013 – these are the images that I strive to capture for every couple.

The timeless portraits of a husband and wife who are deeply in love. Images of a bride glowing on her wedding day. The first time a groom sees his bride. Fathers giving their daughter’s hand in marriage. Stolen glances during the wedding ceremony and the excitement of being pronounced husband and wife.

I hope you enjoy!!

To all my brides and grooms of 2013 – thanks for having fun on your wedding day, and enjoying all those unplanned moments.

Most of what I show on my blog are my favorite, most beautiful photos from my couples’ wedding days. But today, I’d like to take some time and showcase the less-than-beautiful but more-than-entertaining moments that happen on a wedding day. The memories you never planned for. The hilarious mis-haps that you never would have expected. :-)

For starters – once your hair and make up are all ready to go, it is a little un-nerving to have your bridesmaids stick your wedding dress on over your head.

Sometimes getting tied into a dress is also intense.

Sometimes moms feel the urge to document how lovely their daughter is all dressed up in her wedding gown.

Because really… isn’t she lovely?? :-)

In this photo, the groom requested a shot of the custom tie tacks he had had made for his groomsmen – I figured I would have to crop the image later, so I told them they didn’t have to smile for this one. Apparently this is just a smiley group… for the most part. :-)

Speaking of photo requests, during formal bridal party portraits, I usually do one of each attendant with the bride/groom and more often than not, we *must* do a fun one. And I love it every time. :-)

Seriously guys, go crazy. :-)

Sometimes grooms would rather be goofy and do their own thing, and this makes me happy since I have my very own goofy groom. :-)

Sometimes silly comments catch grandparents off guard. Haha!!

Sometimes the wedding party would rather just dance.

Sometimes the officiant will mis-pronounce a name during your ceremony. Whoops!

Sometimes the balloons filling up your getaway car should not be read out loud… :-)

Sometimes you just gotta photobomb.

Amiright or what? :-)

Wedding receptions can be a great time to play “Minute to Win It” games – and you can’t mess around by wearing heels…

Sometimes, grandma’s got moves like Jagger. Or one of Charlie’s Angels… either way all these ladies rocked the dance floor. :-D

And lastly, what fun is a wedding if there aren’t children to provide some unexpected entertainment?! Like not wanting to participate in photos?

Sometimes kids get tired during the ceremony and need to sit down for a while…

…or they have too much energy bottled up that the only cure is to run around and be chased by mom.

Finally, what kid comes to a wedding and doesn’t want a piece of cake? This guy clearly couldn’t wait. :-)

So to sum it all up – please, by all means, plan your perfect wedding. But also plan to be surprised. Have fun and celebrate whatever happens on your big day, because more often than not, the unexpected moments are the ones you’ll cherish the most.