Emma Bawinkle and Kale Teeples are now Mr. and Mrs. and I am so excited to share their love story with you.

Emma and Kale met in college in Kentucky. Emma moved to Sioux Falls and Kale knew his future was there with her. He called her father and asked for the permission to move to Sioux Falls with the intention of courting his daughter.

Emma’s Father met with Kale and soon gave his blessing over their relationship.

By this point, I’ve already met Emma. She became fast friends with my sister and her roommate, Bethany Reimnitz. Because of their friendship, Emma and I have played with makeup, music and kickball.

Our kickball story involves Kale being a super athlete, Emma trying to plow through him to get to her base (with little success) and me eating dirt at the end of our time together- I like to think that I fall gracefully but there wasn’t anything graceful about it.

Speaking of beauty and grace, Look. AT. EMMA!!! Veronica at Studio 26 did Emma’s Hair and Makeup, and I mean wow. Emma’s makeup and hair lasted all day. I love the addition of Baby’s Breath in Emma’s (and Bethany’s) hair.

Kale was looking sharp in his Suit by David Jones.

Their ceremony was a private affair at the Old Courthouse Museum downtown Sioux Falls. Their decorations with kept simple with candles, eucalyptus and baby’s breath.

Pro Tip: If you are using Eucalyptus in your decorations, bundle is up in a few good size bundles and hang it upside down in your shower or bathroom. The steam will help release it’s aromatic oils.

The couple chose to see each other for the first time when Emma was walking in with her father, whom gifted Kale Emma’s purity ring at the start of the ceremony. The couple had other symbols for their purity to help remind them in the last months before the wedding to remain pure- Emma had a key and Kale had a pair of vice grips. They exchanged these physical reminders during the ceremony.

A little note: I’ve been experimenting a bunch with new ways of expressing photo/video and have come across creating gifs- what do you think? Leave a comment below in the comment section!

Formal photos were short and sweet after the ceremony. Clean up was easy too, since decorations were minimal.

We had two locations in mind for photos: Ponderosa Park and The Source Coffee and Tap House- the location of the couples first date.

We then moved to the Cabana Grille at the Bridges on 57th. Where we shared toasts, speeches, and fun stories with each other. Kale & Emma cut their cake by the Cake Lady and served it to everyone.

Before I left, Kale and Emma asked the whole group to pray over me and bless my business. Pastor Dan lead the prayer- I felt the spirit almost right away. He prayed passion, success, and and prayed away my anxiety and stress.

I had been experiencing major signs of stress and anxiety in the past few weeks/months. This time of year is busy for booking, marketing and business growth/analysis. I’ve made many big moves in my business recently that have not only cost me time but also extensive resources. I was seeing my investment as a gamble- fearing the worst and bringing on all the stress.

Tension in my shoulders, jaw, and knees would leave my body aching. The spiral of thoughts that only came to me when it was time for bed would run rampant through my mind- keeping me awake late at night and early in the morning.

I can’t describe how I felt afterwords other than free of those feelings. I have a better view of my business moves and less anxiety. God answers prayer in powerful ways. This time, it was instantly obvious that he had. Two weeks later I still feel anxiety free.

Thank you to everyone that helped make the big day happen.

A special thank you to Jolynn Neve of Beloved Designs for the gorgeous ceremony sign- and all you did to help make the special day happen.

Thanks to Pastor Dave & Candace for officiating and music tech for the day.

Of course a special thanks to Kale & Emma’s parents who traveled a great distance to attend the wedding. The love and respect you have with your children is powerful. Thank you.

And last but not least: Thank you Emma and Kale for allowing me to capture your special day. I’m honored. Thank you for the extra blessings.