So very very excited about Ashley and Eric’s wedding that we can’t contain ourselves! I’m originally from South Dakota and Ashley is a childhood friend of mine, so this is a very special event for me. There are a lot of wedding photographers in Rapid City SD and the surrounding area, but Ashley knew that I’d be game to come back to my home state and have some fun in teh cooler temps! This wedding was so gorgeous! The weather was perfect in the Black Hills, the scenerey was super cute and all the family was so nice. There, honestly couldn’t have been a better day for this outdoor wedding in Spearfish South Dakota.
The Venue was very unique as well. Rec Springs is primarily known for it’s snowmobiling and winter sports, but they have expanded to other avenues including weddings. This is a perfect location for a couple that wants a touch of rustic cabin with a touch of country. I really enjoyed it and they offered small cabins for people to stay in (super close to the reception). Overall a fantastic location!
HERE IS SOME MORE DETAILS FROM THE BRIDE AND GROOM!
How did you two meet?
Eric and I met the summer of 2013 when I was moving back to Spearfish. We went on a double date with mutual friends. We realized we had lots in common and spent a year hanging out occasionally doing outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, and snow shoeing as friends. By the summer of 2014, we were a couple and realized we were perfect for one another. We still spend lots of our time biking, fishing, hunting, camping, and many other outdoor activities.
Why did you choose this particular venue or location?
We wanted to have a destination wedding, but we wanted to be local. We got the best of both worlds. Recreational Springs is located about 40 minutes from where we live, so we made it a weekend getaway. We loved that it was in the Black Hills and all of our events (ceremony, reception, & dance) were on-site. It was totally our style and the ceremony was more intimate being tucked back by a cabin in the woods.
What is your vision for your wedding day?
We wanted a wedding that involved all of our closest family members and friends. We wanted to give them the best experience that we would always remember and they would too. Our goal was to have it be laid-back and casual, and not too formal. “Rustic, classy, outdoorsy, and casual” are the words to best describe the vibe. Since it was outdoors, we wanted to incorporate some games into the reception. We put an emphasis on who we invited, the entertainment, photography, and videography. We created some handmade signs out of barn wood to give it a personal touch and make it our own special day.
Have you had a favorite part of the planning process?
I enjoyed the events that involved other people. I really enjoyed picking out my dress (even though it didn’t take long) with the moms and sister-in-laws! I also enjoyed making the boutineers with Eric’s mom and sisters. Pinterest-ing was also one my favorite parts of planning. The bridal showers and bachelorette party with my closest friends was also a highlight!
Are you or anyone else making anything handmade or DIY at your wedding?
Eric and I created several wooden signs that were on display at the wedding- Eric is super handy and the signs were so fun to make. A couple of my friends helped paint and add finishing touches to them. Eric’s mom and sisters helped make the boutineers out of shotgun shells (passed down from Eric’s grandpa) and silk sunflowers. My aunts and grandma helped make out favorite sweets for the wedding dessert table.
Do you have any advice for other couples planning their day?
It is seriously the best day of your lives. Keeping it simple is OKAY, because in the end- you are MARRIED! We really enjoyed taking a moment right before our ceremony to be alone and reflect before we walked down the isle. Having a good photographer and videographer to capture the day is so important, because the day goes so fast and some important moments are captured that you (the bride & groom) miss.
VENDORS
Venue: Recreational Springs // Officiant: Matt Branum // Videographer: Black Hills COMPLETE Weddings+Events // Florist: Bloomers // Catering: Recreational Springs // Bakery: Barb Schuler // Hair Stylist: Twilight Salon // Dress Shop: David’s Bridal // Shoes: Chacos // Entertainment: Black Hills COMPLETE Weddings+Events
