There’s something about July weddings in the Black Hills — the golden light, the unexpected weather, and the way joy just seems to radiate from every moment. Carter and Elise’s wedding at The Barn at Aspen Acres on July 5 was one of those beautiful celebrations that reminds you exactly why marriage is such a sacred, joy-filled adventure.
Love That Feels Like Home
Carter and Elise’s love story began with friendship, laughter, and a spark that neither of them could ignore. Elise shared early in our working relationship, “The moment I met Carter he looked friendly and warm — I wanted to hug him forever. After our first date, I knew he was someone I could forever be friends with. He made me laugh like no one else.”
For Carter, it was her contagious joy that first caught his attention. “When I first met Elise, I was struck by her sight — that beautiful smile, her laugh. Her being a redhead with blue eyes was not what I expected. But her character and who she was… that’s when I knew I wanted her forever.”
It’s that blend of warmth and steadfastness that carried them through a long-distance relationship and life as a military couple stationed in California — and it’s the same love that filled every moment of their wedding day.
A Morning Full of Emotion
Before the ceremony, the girls gathered in the bridal loft and finished all the little details from makeup to ironing to sharing gifts. Over in the A-Frames, Carter and his guys were sharing laughs, shots, and cheerfully readied the groom for first looks.
It started with some of the most important women in Carter’s life prior to marriage— his mom, step-mom, and sister. Each one was uniquely touching. You could see the anticipation building in him as he waited “one more time” to see his bride. Those tender, tearful embraces were reminders of the many people who had helped shape him into the man Elise would soon call her husband.
The July wedding at The Barn at Aspen Acres then continued with more first looks over with Elise and her girls, Elise and her father, and then finally, the couple themselves.
A Ceremony Rich in Tradition
Carter and Elise’s ceremony was deeply meaningful and filled with personal touches that spoke to their heritage and faith. Family members gathered around them for a laying of hands, praying blessings and strength over their marriage. This was followed by a unity cord ceremony, where loved ones brought forward individual pieces for the couple to tie into one strong knot — a beautiful symbol of the way community weaves into marriage.
Then came one of my favorite surprises: the Celtic Quaich, a traditional Scottish ritual where the couple shares a drink from the same cup to symbolize trust and unity. Carter and Elise toasted their marriage with a sip of scotch — a nod to both heritage and adventure.
Heaven’s Blessing
As if the day couldn’t be any more special, the sky offered a blessing of its own. Just as we stepped outside for portraits, a storm rolled through, leaving behind a double rainbow and flashes of lightning that danced over the hills. It was breathtaking — one of those moments that feels like a divine signature written across the sky.
Plan Your Wedding in the Black Hills
Let’s dream it up together! We’d love to help you plan a day that feels is faith-filled, heart-felt, and completely intentional
A Love Worth Celebrating
Carter described Elise as “smart, articulate, and full of heart — someone who challenges me to grow.” Elise called Carter “disciplined, courageous, and humble — the kind of man who makes me feel safe.”
Together, they are a beautiful balance of strength and grace — the perfect reflection of a marriage built on love, laughter, and faith.
To Carter and Elise — thank you for inviting me into your story and letting me witness such a sacred and joy-filled day. May every season ahead hold the same beauty as that July evening under the rainbow sky.
VENDOR TEAM:
From the stunning attire — Black Tie and White Satin, Men’s Wearhouse, and Birdy Grey — to the homemade desserts lovingly crafted by the mother of the bride, this wedding was filled with personal touches. Florals from a family friend and music from Black Hills Mobile Music completed the day perfectly, keeping everyone dancing long after the sun dipped below the horizon.
Hair and makeup artist Rayn of Beauty (Rayna Dart) helped Elise glow with that effortless bridal radiance — though truthfully, her joy did most of the work.
