My first wedding of 2024 was this past weekend (April 6th, 2024), and it's one I'll always remember.
Peyton and Nathan met online during a gamer's livestream. He's from North Carolina, and she from Saskatchewan in the Great White North. They managed to make the long distance relationship work, traveling to see each other, as well as plan and go on trips together. One of those trips was to South Dakota and Badlands National Park, where after a couple of years together, Nathan popped down on one knee, and asked the big question.
That's why they decided to plan a destination wedding, and get married at Black Hills Receptions and Rentals with 60 of their closest family and friends in attendance. They both got ready in separate AirBnb's in Rapid City before heading to the venue for their ceremony and reception.
The forecast for the day was... not great. It was calling for heavy rain (or snow, depending on where you were in the Black Hills), but I was optimistic that the rain would hold off until at least after the ceremony. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, but that was not the case. As soon as everyone lined up and the processional started, the skies opened up in dramatic fashion. Coincidentally, this was also the day I learned I need to buy a better rain jacket.
Despite the weather, the ceremony was beautiful. Nathan's reaction seeing Peyton walk down the aisle is an all-time classic, and their vows they wrote to each other were so sweet. And in a fun twist, their officiant was actually some random guy they met while on vacation in Jamaica.
After they exchanged rings and sealed the deal with a kiss, they took me and Katie Mary Photography on a journey into Badlands National Park for their couple's portraits. As it's where they got engaged, the Badlands hold a special place in both of their hearts, and they weren't going to let some crummy weather stop them from going back out there right after they were married. I didn't care about the long drive to and from the park, or the rain that wouldn't let up; I'm obsessed with the footage I got of those two out there. We also had a special guest in a bighorn sheep, which Nathan referred to as a giraffe by accident. At least, I hope it was an accident.
Once we got back to Black Hills Receptions, the party officially got underway with their guests. Peyton's uncle stepped up as the MC, and Jake from Black Hills Beats crushed it getting everyone out on the dance floor. Nathan also had a really sweet surprise for Peyton, debuting a video he made showcasing all of their travels together. I also got my hands on that video, and am so excited to be able to use some of those clips in the sneak peek posted above, and eventually in their full wedding film.
I couldn't have asked for a better first wedding or couple to get my 2024 season started.
If you're planning a destination wedding in the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, or anywhere else in South Dakota and are looking for a wedding videographer, I would love to chat! Feel free to head over to my website, and learn a little more about who I am.
VENDOR TEAM:
Photo - Katie Mary Photography
DJ - Black Hills Beats
Floral - Roots Wedding Florals
Hair & Makeup - Willow Salon and Spa
Caterer - Anything's Possible Catering
Cake/Dessert - Star Spangled Batter