1. Real Weddings

A Classic Outdoor Wedding at Custer State Park in Custer, South Dakota

Despite both being education majors at South Dakota State University, Briana (26 and a graduate student) and Dan (28 and a teacher) never crossed path

Despite both being education majors at South Dakota State University, Briana (26 and a graduate student) and Dan (28 and a teacher) never crossed paths until the summer of 2013. The two had returned to campus for an education conference when they agreed to a weekend of hiking in Custer State Park. "It seemed like a good place to spend a weekend since we didn't really know one another," Briana says. "We hiked a trail called 'Lover's Leap' and when we parked at the trail head, guests were arriving for a wedding. We fell in love that weekend and later booked the same location for ours." Since the couple wanted the focus to be on the beauty of the outdoor space, they kept decor to a minimum, choosing hues of gray and ivory so as not to distract from the park's natural beauty. "The simplicity of everything allowed the attention to be on the true meaning of the day and us joining together," Briana says. "The location also reflected our love of being outdoors and being active."

Dan and Briana Wedding Recessional
The couple said "I do" in a traditional outdoor ceremony in Custer State Park.
White Baby's Breath Bouquet
The bride wore her hair in a half-up style to complement her white, lace dress with an illusion neckline.
Mr. and Mrs. Letter in Rustic Mailbox
The groomsmen wore bright blue socks for an added pop of color.
"We wanted the bridal party and parents to be dressed very simple and for them to be comfortable," Briana explains.
"I wanted the bridesmaids to be in gray, but had little preference from there," Briana says of the gray Target dresses. "I wanted them to be somewhat affordable and comfortable for a day of wandering around in the state park taking pictures.
"We love being outdoors and active and wanted our marriage to be rooted in our faith," Briana says. "The simplicity of everything allowed the attention to be on the true meaning of the day rather than focus on the even itself."
Simple Calla Lily Boutonniere
"The location reflected our love for being outdoors and being active," the bride says of her ceremony at Custer State Park.
Covered Wedding Reception Custer State Park
Turquoise Ceremony Chair
The couple kept the centerpieces simple with jarred white baby's breath.