One Year Later: A Meadow Barn Wedding I’ll Never Forget

Harrisburg, South Dakota • October 19, 2024

 

A couple in wedding attire shares an intimate moment during golden hour beneath trees at an outdoor venue.

 

"Some weddings stick with you because of the photos. This one sticks because of the people. The bride and I go way back—high school hallways, concert choir, the whole thing—so when she called from Florida to plan a South Dakota wedding, we fell right into hours of FaceTime, swapping ideas and building a day that felt like them. We even met up at Meadow Barn at Country Orchards with her parents for an open house & venue tour, then celebrated by having lunch at The Blarney Stone in downtown Sioux Falls—so much laughter, so much catching up, and a shared excitement for everything ahead.
This reminded me what I’ve been missing—I’m meant to be here, doing this work."

 

Minimalist drawings of deer antlers in varying sizes.
Black and white portrait of a romantic wedding moment with barn in background.
Intimate black and white wedding portrait with rustic barn venue setting.

 

WEARING TWO HATS (PHOTOGRAPHER… & CAKE BAKER)


 

Anyone who knows me well, knows I love to bake—I’ve been whisk-in-hand since I was a little girl. During planning the couple mentioned they still needed a bakery and, with the distance, tastings were tricky. One thing led to another and suddenly I was both their wedding photographer and their cake maker.


Black and white line drawings of branching tree patterns.

I won’t pretend it wasn’t stressful (two tiers, first official “wedding cake,” and a full photo day!), but we made it work. The cake was beautiful and delicious(the bride & groom told me so!), the photos are everything, and I’m wildly proud of how it all came together. (Will I double-book myself like that again? Probably not—10/10 recommend choosing just one hat).

Two-tiered white wedding cake adorned with red and white roses and pearl trim.
Wedding cake sits atop wooden barrel with glowing marquee letters in rustic indoor venue. Photographer in Sioux Falls, SD
White country church exterior with four sequential photos showing the white spire and exterior walls. Photographer in Sioux Falls, SD
Wedding details flatlay with invitation, pearls, and delicate floral accents on gold tray.

THE WEDDING DAY STORY

Getting ready at Meadow Barn: We started the morning in the beautiful getting-ready spaces at Meadow Barn at Country Orchards, surrounded by fall color and that golden South Dakota light. I brought a second shooter (highly recommend!) so we could double-time details and candid moments.

First looks: A tear-filled first look with Dad, then a private first look with the groom—quiet, joyful, and exactly the calm breath they needed.

A little white church off a gravel road: We caravanned past fields to the sweetest rural church where she grew up. The sun was kind, the breeze was gentle, and most of the bridal party—many visiting the Midwest for the first time—kept saying how peaceful it felt out there. We wrapped family photos just in time to tuck downstairs before the ceremony.

The ceremony: Warm, personal, and full of laughter—their connection is undeniable. From a hand squeeze at the altar to the recessional grins, it was everything.

Party bus back to Meadow Barn: We snagged a few group portraits by the church and then hopped on the bus. Back at the venue, the sun slid into golden hour exactly as planned (timeline win!). My second shooter captured reception details while I took the newlyweds for a quiet stroll among the trees for those glow-soaked portraits everyone loves.

I’m big on relaxed, flattering posing—easy prompts, natural movement, hands that know where to go. Even without an engagement session (which I do highly recommend), these two were effortless. Their chemistry? chef’s kiss.

Reception: Hugs, dinner, hilarious speeches, a pretty cake (that tasted great, too!), and a packed dance floor. The kind of night that makes you forget to check the time.

Minimalist geometric line art showing overlapping angular shapes.
Wedding invitation and delicate lace details arranged on wooden surface. Photographer in Sioux Falls, SD
Elegant rustic barn wedding venue with exposed wooden beams and white drapes. Photographer in Sioux Falls, SD
A tender embrace between two people at an outdoor wedding, with a beautiful bouquet of red and pink roses visible.
Rustic barn wedding reception with elegant table settings and warm wooden details. Photographer in Sioux Falls, SD

FAVORITE THINGS & LITTLE LESSONS

Second shooter = more story. Details + candids + portraits all happening at once without rushing.

Guard your golden hour. We built it into the timeline, and it paid off big time in the orchard.

Make space for just-us moments. Ten quiet minutes with your person changes how the whole night feels.

Local love helps long-distance planning. From FaceTime dates to venue info nights to sharing trusted vendor recs, we kept decisions easy—even from Florida.

Simple black line drawings of delicate plant stems with small buds.
Minimalist table setting with eucalyptus leaves and candlelight for wedding reception.
Wedding dress silhouette against illuminated 'MR & MRS' marquee letters in rustic wooden venue.
Wedding invitation suite with pearl jewelry and blush roses on metallic gold tray.
Close-up shot of hands adjusting a burgundy bowtie on a navy blue suit.
Wedding party in burgundy robes sharing candid laughs during preparation.
Rustic barn wedding venue interior with exposed wooden beams and hanging white decor.
Close-up of hands with wedding rings and white roses in elegant wedding setting.
Elegant wedding reception table decor with greenery garlands and soft window lighting.

 

A NOTE TO MY COUPLE

I’m so grateful you trusted me—not only with your day, but with your wedding cake! Thank you for the FaceTime marathons, the Blarney Stone laughs, and for letting me document a love story that started years ago and keeps getting sweeter. Happy almost-anniversary! I adore you both and I’m cheering for you always.





 

Elegant signature text in dark teal calligraphy reading 'With love & light'.
Romantic wedding couple embraces in golden sunset light with red and white rose bouquet.
A romantic wedding portrait shows a couple in intimate embrace with the bride in white and groom in navy blue.
Romantic couple shares intimate moments on a rustic wooden bridge surrounded by autumn foliage at sunset.
A couple on a wooden swing share a romantic moment at sunset with autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
A couple stands together on a lawn surrounded by autumn trees during a sunset wedding ceremony.

PLANNING YOUR OWN MEADOW BARN WEDDING?


I’m rooted in Sioux Falls, SD and happily serve Harrisburg, SD and the surrounding area. I’ll help you craft a calm, on-time timeline, help you look natural and connected, streamline family photos, and prioritize the moments that matter most.

Think we’re a good fit? Let’s chat about your date and perfect wedding day hopes & dreams.

learn more about my wedding services
Traditional church ceremony with wooden pews and golden altar decorations. Photographer in Sioux Falls, SD