Ryan was visiting with friends from Brazil when they asked him if he was dating anyone. The software engineer from Idaho, said he wasn’t and his friends began to rattle out names of friends that they thought would be good for him when Laura’s name came up.
The Brazilian geologist wasn’t looking to date an American either, but the friends persisted and eventually introduced Ryan and Laura to one another over Facebook.
Being that Ryan speaks English and Laura Portuguese, the two communicated through Google Translate and after a few months of doing that, Ryan jumped on a plane to Brazil to meet Laura in person. He thought he might be crazy, but upon meeting Laura, his suspicions subsided and despite the language barrier, the two got along wonderfully and after dating for a while, they were engaged.
Their winter wedding day was beautiful.Balmy 30 degree weather gave us a reason to do all the photos outside and we even headed to Parker’s Lake for photos on the frozen water.
What a joy it was celebrating with the both of you. I wish you years of joy and happiness!
Jake & Brenna met in Rapid City, SD where they were both working as resident assistants (RAs) at the South Dakota School of Mines during college. It was Brenna’s first year as an RA and she was ecstatic to be placed on the same floor she had lived on as a freshman. She later learned that Jake was also ecstatic… to be RAs on the same floor as a “cute girl named Brenna”. Being a year older and thus a more experienced RA, Jake was responsible for showing Brenna the ropes – how to do nightly rounds of the dorm, planning events, and submitting paperwork. The two spent a lot of time together getting to know our residents and each other as we attended RA meetings, planned events for our residents, and studied together.
As RAs, the two were encouraged to follow the “open door” policy, where we kept the doors to our dorm rooms open the first few weeks of class to encourage our residents to swing by and say hi. This made it easy for Jake and Brenna to get to know each other. Every time she passed by his room, they’d stop and chat, play his Nintendo 64, or feed our floor’s beta fish, Moses.
As both Jake and Brenna got to know their residents, they constantly called us “Mom” and “Dad” when they took care of them by feeding them free food, and even reading them a bedtime story. As time went on, the idea of being a couple felt more and more natural – they already had 96 residents calling us “Mom” and “Dad”! In April of 2015, to none of our residents’ surprise, Brenna and Jake began dating. Since then, The two have survived over 2.5 years of long distance and are unbelievably excited to reside in the same city and home after their wedding. (Written by Brenna)
Jake and Brenna’s winter wedding day was filled with all the winter elements ranging from Ice to snow and sleet to even rain. Despite all the weather, the two still braved the elements and went outside between bouts of rain and snow.
It was a beautiful day for this beautiful couple and their joy was contagious. Thank you so much for making me feel like a life long friend and for all the joy you expressed on your wedding day! Congratulations!
Vendors for the day included:: Ceremony:: Elmwood Church // Reception:: Silverwood Park // Hair:: Kayla Anne Hair // Wedding Dress:: Wedding Shoppe// Rings:: Riddle’s Jewelry// Catering:: Classic Catering// Baker:: Something Sweet by Madie Lu // DJ:: Instant Request // Bridesmaids:: Kennedy Blue Morgan from The Wedding Shoppe // Jewelry:: Olive and Piper // Bridesmaid Jewelry:: Restoration Made Designs by Alison // Men’s Designer:: Generation Tux // Shoes:: Betsy Johnson from David’s Bridal // Video:: Chuck Goldman // Second Shooter:: Lily Watkins //
No one said you had to do newborn photos inside! Taking lifestyle newborn photos outside and making them true to your style makes them even more meaningful and significant!!
If you’re expecting (whether it’s your first baby or you’re adding to your crew), this is one of the most common questions I get
The sweet spot? 7–14 days after your baby arrives
Those early days are something special… Your baby is still sleepy, snuggly, and curled up in that fresh, just-born way—and it changes so quickly.
But here’s what matters just as much:
You don’t have to go anywhere.
My newborn sessions take place in your home whether it’s a quiet morning with your first baby or a full, beautifully busy house with siblings running around.
No pressure. No perfect expectations. Just your family, exactly as you are in this season.
If you’re thinking about newborn photos, I recommend reaching out during your second trimester so I can save space around your due date
I shared more about what to expect (and why timing matters) over on the blog link is in my bio!
If this season is coming up for you, I’d love to connect
On this gorgeous spring day, I find myself reliving Connor and Kristen’s wedding at Bavaria Downs.
An effortlessly timeless celebration layered with refined details, soft summer light, and a kind of beauty that never asks for attention, it simply exists. Every moment felt intentional, elegant, and deeply meaningful… the kind of day that lingers long after it’s over.
Truly, a wedding that defines what it means to be both classic and unforgettable.
If you’re envisioning a day that feels elevated, seamless, and entirely your own, I would be honored to document it.
