It really can’t be said enough… I LOVE my clients!! Kris and Ashley’s intimate Black Hills wedding was full of charm, thoughtfulness, and so much love that I simply did not want to stop photographing and leave at the end of the night!!

First, let’s talk about these gorgeous flowers. SO lovely. Those creams and pinks set the tone perfectly for the romantic ceremony I’m about to show you. :-)

 Kris, you look way sharper than Kevin Costner. :-)

 Ashley, you are so adorable. :-)

 Even the moment when Kris was seating parents before the ceremony was sweet – mom hugs are the best!!

 All smiles… and a few happy tears… :-)

 Perfect Black Hills wedding location. Right there.

 I don’t think these two took their eyes off each other for more than a minute during the ceremony!!

 Husband and wife!!!!! :-D

 Simply stunning!!

 Before we headed to Deadwood for dinner, Kris + Ashley’s family had a little slideshow surprise for them. :-)

And finally off to supper at Jake’s where they all sat together, soaking in the events of the day and enjoying their time together.

wedding gown + flower girl dress | David’s Bridal

groom’s suit | Men’s Wearhouse

hair | Maddison’s Too Salon & Spa, Spearfish, SD

flowers | Bent Willow Designs, Spearfish, SD

 ceremony | family cabin near Lead, SD

dinner | Jake’s at The Midnight Star, Deadwood, SD

 Kris + Ashley – I had SUCH a wonderful time getting to know you two!! I am so excited for what your future holds. You have such a special love for each other and it it s so apparent even in the way you look at one another that it warms everyone’s hearts around you – especially mine. I truly enjoyed photographing your love and I hope this isn’t the last time you are in front of my lens!! :-)

I just knew September was going to be a great month.

Day one: Ryan + Jaime’s wedding… total bliss.

Day two: Ryan + Jaime’s trash the dress session… pure awesomeness.

Again. I have no words. Other than to say photographing these guys has been SO. MUCH. FUN!!!!!

 I love this photo for three reasons. 1: their expressions. 2: the water starting to soak their clothes. 3: their guests in the background waiting ever-so-patiently for them to get down that water slide!!! :-)

 Round one. :-D

I love how their hair got even cuter!!

 Awwww, can you tell these guys are so excited to be MARRIED?!?! :-)

 Time to share some of the fun!!

You. Guys. Rock. I love every single one of you for being a part of this!! :-)

 Y’all ready for this??

 Thanks to all my lovely assistants for rocking those splashes!!

 ….and another big sky photo – this time with a blue sky, dripping wet clothes, and some sweet dance moves. :-)

 Yes, I did get a big, wet hug after the session. :-) I didn’t mind. I actually wished I had brought my swimsuit (and a fancy dress) along so I could have joined in the festivities!!

 Ryan + Jaime – Seriously, I can’t thank you enough!!! For having me as your photographer. For having the wild idea to go down water slides in your wedding gown. For having such fun attitudes. For having beautiful blue eyes that match the pool water. For everything!! Hugs to you both and congrats again!

Wow. Just wow. I am still blown away by the fantastic-ness that was Ryan + Jaime’s wedding this past weekend!! I know it was their theme for the wedding, but the day really was full of SO much love, laughter and memories! When I walked into Jaime’s parents’ house, I could hear the dance music playing from upstairs where the girls were getting ready. I walked in on a full-on dance/zumba party!! And some beautiful details in lovely natural light. My favorite. :-D

 The fun and excitement just kept on coming!! After Jaime was dressed and had all of her accessories on, she did a twirl for the girls. And nothing could have dampened the smile on her face…

… not even happy tears. Jaime had a first look with her dad and it was SO perfect. That’s the only word to describe it. Tears, giggles, smiles, hugs. My favorite moment from the entire day was this one. I’m tearing up just thinking about it again!!

 And if that wasn’t enough of an emotional roller coaster for Jaime, we went to the other side of the house for her first look with Ryan. More happy tears and giggles!! :-)

 Before the ceremony, the flower girls were practicing their bell-ringing duties for Ryan + Jaime’s first kiss as husband and wife. :-)

 For all those wondering if having a first look takes away from the excitement of walking down the aisle… it doesn’t. :-)

 Sometimes I wish I was a videographer so I could record their vows – Ryan + Jaime’s were the cutest I’ve ever heard!!

 Mr. and Mrs.!!!

They danced away from the ceremony – really, did you expect anything less from these two??

 *THIS* right here is the reason I’m a wedding photographer. That love-with-your-whole-heart and excitement of being married. This is just moments after they walked (excuse me, danced) back down the aisle.

 During that ever-so-sweet moment, I heard cheering. Yes, cheering. Not the sweet, polite, post-ceremony congratulatory applause. But cheering. I turned back towards the ceremony to find Jaime’s parents also dancing down the aisle. Seriously – could this day get any more fun?

 The answer to my previous question? Yes. The day got MUCH more fun. Crazy-fun to be exact. Jaime is a Zumba instructor, so naturally the party started with a great dance workout. I have another photo of Ryan in the back *trying* to keep up with Jaime. But for the sake of his pride, I’ll just leave that one in their private gallery. ;-)

 And the most fun of all happened in Ryan + Jaime’s photo booth. Every time I turned around these guys had different wigs and props on. :-)

bride + bridesmaid dresses | David’s Bridal

groom + groomsmen suits | Audra’s Bridal, Rapid City

hair + makeup | Candy Alexander, The Hairloft, Rapid City

bride’s accessories | Etsy (jewelry – CreationTwinne; sash – DiamondWeddingVeil) (or just search for ‘swirly’!!) ;-)

flowers | Robin Stevens (mother of the bride), Heather Leon & Jami Ferguson

ceremony | Jaime’s parents’ backyard

officiant | Mary Maisey-Ireland

reception | Rushmore Waterslide, Rapid City

caterer | Dave & Darla Hagel (friends of the bride)

dj | Flipside DJ Service

 Ryan + Jaime – I can not thank you enough for inviting me to be a part of your day!! I had SUCH a wonderful time!! I feel like ‘fun’ is not an adequate word to describe the day because it was so much more than that. I know it’s been said a hundred times by now, but I really do wish you the best and I hope your marriage is full of wonderful memories!! :-D

Mike and Emily’s wedding day was everything that everyone had been hoping for. Rain for the crops in the morning, a nice breeze to keep everyone cool in the non-air-conditioned church, and a b-e-a-utiful bride for Mike to carry off into the sunset. :-)

 First looks are my absolute favorite part of the wedding day. But my second favorite part of Mike + Emily’s wedding day was during Mike’s speech at the reception when he told everyone about their first look. How he turned around and was absolutely overcome with joy as he saw his gorgeous bride in her wedding gown.

THAT, my friends, is why I love first looks. When time stops and all that matters is each other. When words can’t express how excited you are to be getting married. So all you do is hug and kiss and cry a little bit and say “WOW” over and over and over again. :-D

Oh yeah, and speaking of the day being everything everyone had hoped for… helloooo blue skies!! :-)

Favorite!!! Mike + Emily told me there ‘wasn’t much’ around the church for taking photos, but when I found this little corner and the wind got a hold of Emily’s veil, I squealed with excitement and maybe even jumped up and down (just a little) after capturing this photo. :-)

Emily’s bridesmaids… and sisters… so sweet!!

I’m not sure what was on Mike’s mind during this moment… maybe “gosh, she’s pretty” or “I hope I don’t mess up repeating the vows,” but I LOVE both Emily’s dad’s and Mike’s dad’s expressions. Melts my heart a little. :-)

“The love of my life.”

ceremony | St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Granville, Iowa

hair | His & Hers Salon, Hospers, Iowa

wedding gown + bridesmaid dresses + flowers | vendors from Orange City, Iowa

reception | Hospers Community Center, Hospers, Iowa

caterer | Kelly’s Catering, Hospers, Iowa

limo | Luxury Rides, LLC., Alton, Iowa

Mike + Emily – Aaaaaah, thank you so so much for having me!! I had such a blast photographing your wedding!! I think everyone I talked to was SO shocked that I came all the way from Rapid City just for you guys – but I would do it again in a heartbeat. :-) I hope you are having a wonderful time in Hawaii on your honeymoon – I can’t wait to show you some more images!!

Casey and Marisa’s wedding was the definition of country charm. Everywhere you looked there were cowboy boots, wildflowers, and plenty of laughs as everyone was having a good time. Surprisingly, in 90+ degree weather, no one actually melted – we only came really close. :-) Thank goodness for water and giant barn fans!!

After Marisa’s mom helped her get dressed, they had such a beautiful moment – my favorite moment from the day!!

Helloooo, gorgeous!! :-)

ceremony + reception | Besler’s Cadillac Ranch

Casey + Marisa – Thank you so much for having me at your wedding!!