Romantic Black Hills Elopement

Brooklyn and Andrew hosted a Black Hills elopement with about 30 people, their closest family and friends present. This day was so full of love and laughter and genuine connections. As a wedding photographer I always love seeing these moments unfold (and then getting to tear up while editing them later!!!)

We started out the day with the girls getting ready at their AirBnb on the West side of Rapid City. Brooklyn finished her hair and makeup with the help of her sisters and friends and then we all headed out for their first look, just a short drive away. It was fun to see her dad’s reaction on the way out too!!

The first look was EVERYTHING you dream about! We had the most gorgeous backdrop in the rolling hills, and these two lovebirds stood back to back until I called out for them to turn. Andrew was so emotional seeing his bride.

They shared the most beautiful vows overlooking the valley while, in the background, you could see family and friends preparing for the Black Hills elopement ceremony. It was a quiet moment for just the two of them before they kicked off the celebrations.

Once they were finished, we walked over to the ceremony spot and finished setting up. They had the most beautiful ceremony, with Brooklyn’s sister and grandma being the flower girls to kick it off. (We love grandma-flower-girls!) It was so intimate and special. It reminded me why I love being a destination elopement photographer all over again.

They happy couple said “I Do!” and they were officially man & wife! I don’t think there was a dry eye, to be honest!!

The guests had been with Brooklyn & Andrew from when they first started dating in 2022, all the way to now. And you could just tell how much support this couple has! From meeting each other through Andrew’s cousin and sharing an immediate spark, to the romantic proposal Andrew planned in the Florida Keys during sunset. Every milestone they’ve felt the love of their family and friends, so it was so fitting the small ceremony included only them.

The newlyweds shared some beautiful first dances under the trees, and we took formal portraits before they headed out to go celebrate at their other Airbnb with food the guys had cooked up that morning.