It was a beautiful Saturday in June for Bill and Darcy’s Parkston, South Dakota wedding. The sun couldn’t compete with the love and joy that was radiating from everyone has they gathered at the Salem United Methodist Church, the church Darcy grew up attending.
Darcy and I go back to our junior high years when we were both active in South Dakota FCCLA. We both attended the University of South Dakota, where Bill and Darcy met and fell in love. Following graduation, Teach for America took Darcy to Nashville and Bill followed. I don’t know how Darcy managed to teach and plan a wedding from a distance, but she did an amazing job! Bill and Darcy incorporated so much of their personal styles into this wedding. From a guest book table filled with photos throughout the years, to adorable kite pins for Darcy’s Theta sorority sisters to wear, it was clear that they put a lot of thought into the day. A few notes from me, then some favorite photos for you at the end!
The Details & First Looks
Darcy found these amazing red glittered flats on Etsy. It reminded me of a glamorous Dorothy from Wizard of Oz! There was a beautiful bracelet she wore that has been worn through the generations. Bill’s family added a touch of detail for Darcy by passing down a lucky penny for her to wear in her shoe.
If I absolutely had to pick a favorite part of photographing weddings, the first looks would have to be at the top. Not only did Bill and Darcy share a special first look, but Darcy also shared one with her father. I don’t think there was a single dry eye in the house for that moment!
The Ceremony – Salem United Methodist Church, Parkston, South Dakota Wedding
If there’s one thing to know about this couple, it’s that they love to have fun. The ceremony was full of laughter. The minister did an amazing job of tying in personal stories with a beautiful message.
The Reception – Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, South Dakota Wedding
Following the beautiful ceremony, guests headed to the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell, to continue celebrating this South Dakota wedding. They were greeted with “Eat, Drink & Be Married” meal cards signifying their choice between chicken or beef for the evening. As you walked into the room tables were adorned with beautiful center pieces in their colors of red and teal. There were also custom drink koozies for guests to take home and remember the day. Bill and Darcy brought a piece of Nashville with them for their South Dakota wedding as they asked guests to provide date night ideas on a popsicle stick and put them in a jar. The desert table featured not only a beautiful cake, but skittles, mints and my favorite: a coffee bar.
Continuing with the theme of bringing Nashville to their South Dakota wedding, Darcy and Bill enjoyed their first dance to Free by Zac Brown Band. Another one of my favorite touches, was the inclusion of Disney music being played while dinner was served. Guests of all ages loved singing along to Hakuna Matata and other favorites!
I’d love to help tell your love story! Click here to learn more about my approach to weddings.
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