Ali and Nick

September is nearly finished. I need to tell you about an August wedding!!!

Ali and Nick got married on what everyone would envision as a perfect summer day. Centerville, South Dakota and its local landmarks served as the backdrop.

I had never visited the park that the local folks call 'The Beach'. It is a perfect location for portraits.

Centerville itself has a small community garden that I spotted on my way through town. I was lucky that its flowers were in bloom.

Wow,

Ali's bouquet came from Flowers by Bob from Beresford, it was stunning.

Mr. and Mrs. Laska got married at Scandia Lutheran Church.

After the ceremony the union was celebrated at the Legion hall in town. The Break Even band played through the night.

I was actually quite pleased to see a groom's cake on the cake table! I think that the only time that I've seen one was a rice crispy treat 'cake' at a good friend's wedding. The replica of the groom's truck was done by Cakes by Monica in Vermillion.

Congratulations to Ali and Nick! May you have decades of joy together!!

July 4th

I love the Fourth of July!!  Each year I look forward to the displays and trying to capture the spirit of the holiday.

This year we viewed Vermillion's show from a friend's yard.

 

My brother and his fiance are getting married next year.  They requested a few portraits with fireworks.  We all enjoy setting them off in our yard each year.  And I love an opportunity to do something a little bit different.

 

Fireworks takes some planning and patience.  And, if you can swing it, an extra set of hands.  I was glad that our neighbor was over.  She offered to help me by lighting the fountains.  I was able to stay with the camera, ready to shoot as soon as the pieces were lit.

 

 

 

We still have a stash of fireworks that we didn't shoot off.  I hope to do a few more poses this summer.  I have some ideas burning to get out.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th!

Tanya and Rob

I am lucky to be able to document the celebration of marriage for some wonderful couples and families. I am trying to be better about sharing these events.

Rob and Tanya bubbled over with love and affection for each other.  While doing the groom portraits, Rob asked if Tanya had told me how they met.  I hadn't heard the story yet, but Rob couldn't contain himself as he shared his memories.  They were young sweethearts, going steady in middle school, sharing each other's first kiss by a pop machine out of view from their friends.

They parted ways, Tanya moved away and they lost touch.  Each made their own way in life, though Rob says he often wondered how Tanya was doing.  Eventually each found themselves living in the Sioux Falls area.  Thanks to Facebook, they were able to reconnect and were at a point in life where they could meet again.  It had been years since they last saw each other, but their fondness for one another remained.

Affection is apparent when you watch them together.

                      

 

 

                      

 

 

Rob and Tanya's family were all a joy to spend an evening with.  Their children were very excited for the party and the Washington Pavilion was a gorgeous backdrop for the event.

 

 

                    

 

 

Thank you Rob and Tanya for inviting me to photograph your wedding.  May you and your family have many happy years together! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moonshine Gulch Saloon

My husband and I love to visit places that exist off the beaten path. The Moonshine Gulch has a well beaten trail to its door. Literally, it does, the Mickelson Trail runs through the small community of Rochford. A person drives to the saloon with intent, winding through the hills on miles of gravel road. I've only been to this place twice. The menu isn't extensive, but the atmosphere is interesting. Hunters stop through during whatever season for burgers and beer.

We made a point to go to Moonshine Gulch Saloon on a Sunday. Folks gather for a weekly jam session and the place stays open until everyone goes home, or the owners kick everyone out. My husband had never been. But, he loves low key hang outs and our eight month old enjoyed taking the place in too. One of the musicians even offered him his first harmonica. We will be stopping by again in the future. The Moonshine Gulch may not have a five star menu (we enjoyed our burger and home cut fries, yum)... but we certainly consider it a five star experience.