Barbara Downen
Love on the 4th of July
Updated: Jul 17, 2018
Congratulations Allison & Charles Foley, 7/4/2018
It was a seriously beautiful day to be married. The Black Hills are so lush and green thanks to summer storms and rain, creating the perfect backdrop for this amazing couple on their wedding day. Lucky for us we had sunshine for most of the day! The groom and his boys were getting ready at the Alex Johnson Hotel in Rapid City, why the bride and her lovely ladies had a great time getting dressed and ready at Woodland's Receptions, the venue for the reception that conveniently provides an awesome house to get ready in. The bridesmaids beautiful bouquets and boutonnieres were created by Roots Wedding Florals with the most incredible greenery, a perfect mix of succulents and white roses adorning the bridal bouquet. The florals complimented the forest green bridesmaid dresses and Allison's incredible Art Deco vintage wedding gown from BHLDN that was to die for. So gorgeous and it fit her personality perfectly! The groom looked very handsome in gray trousers and vest, with the groomsmen following suit wearing white shirts, suspenders and gray trousers. Everyone just looked amazing and we had so much fun with the group!
Keeping these two separated before the ceremony was very important to the couple as they chose to wait to the ceremony to see each other. The bride and groom said their vows in true family tradition and a little humor with a Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of the Black Hills in Piedmont, SD. The wedding party and bride and groom rented the VW bus from Black Hills Tour Company to deliver them to our dream photo site at Little Elk Creek Trailhead, and we had a blast taking photos of the family, wedding party and of course the bride and groom in this magical setting.
The guests were invited to Woodlands to enjoy a beautifully designed cocktail hour with an amazing assortment of tasty treats followed by a custom Thai dinner created by Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart of Painted Skye Management and Et-i-quette Catering. Woodlands was transformed in true vintage style by Table 4 Decor Party Rental & Design, and Timeless Wedding & Event Rental with gorgeous table settings, antique furnishings, tapered candles, lush greenery, beautiful flowers and colorful linens throughout. There were so many unique details included in the wedding decor it was a dream for us to photograph! We finished the evening in true 4th of July style, celebrating the newlyweds with a glorious sparkler send off as they begin their new adventure as husband and wife. I'm so excited to share just a sample of how incredible this day turned out for the happy couple!
Many thanks to my rockstar second shooter, Sandra Nichols, for helping me to capture every detail of this amazing wedding! We make an awesome team and I love shooting with you!