This past Saturday we had the honor of photographing Dakota and Valerie’s wedding, and it was one of those days that just felt good from start to finish.
We started the day with getting-ready photos – the quiet moments, the final touches, and all the little details that make the day feel real. There was that mix of nerves and excitement you can only get on a wedding day, surrounded by family and friends helping out, laughing, and keeping the vibe light.
From there, we captured parts of their ceremony as they officially tied the knot, and then it was off to Swank Farms for their reception. If you’ve never been, Swank Farms has such a fun personality as a venue – wide open spaces, a cozy rustic feel, and yes… dinosaurs.
We took advantage of the dinosaur statues for some playful portraits of Dakota and Valerie. It was the perfect combo of romantic and fun: one second they’re cuddled up in a sweet moment, the next they’re laughing in front of a giant dino like a couple of big kids. Those photos are definitely some of our favorites from the day.
As the sun went down, the temperature dropped and it got cold and a little windy – but that didn’t slow anyone down. The dance floor stayed packed all night. Dakota and Valerie, their bridal party, and their guests kept moving, laughing, and dancing to stay warm, and it honestly added to the whole cozy, bundled-up, winter-night vibe.
We also grabbed some exterior shots of the venue and a few portraits of the two of them under the evening lights – jackets on, holding each other close, just soaking it all in.
These are just about 30 sneak peeks from the day, but they already tell such a good story: a little bit of romance, a little bit of goofiness with dinosaurs, some chilly weather, and a whole lot of love.
Dakota and Valerie – thank you for trusting us to capture your day. We can’t wait to share the full gallery with you soon. 🦕✨