When Trista emailed me a few weeks ago about photographing their small wedding in Watford City on December 20th, I was excited but a little nervous about what the weather would hold in store for us! You never know what mother nature will give you on December 20th in North Dakota!

I’m happy to report that the heavens were smiling down on us with a clear sky, no wind and a temp of 40 degrees ABOVE zero inside the Teddy Roosevelt National Park south of Watford City, ND. We had the whole part to ourselves, aside from the bison and longhorns we saw along the road!

The frosty snow-covered badlands created the most beautiful winter backdrop we could have asked for! Brent and Trista met over a decade ago, so when Brent popped the question on December 1st, they wasted no time, knowing they wanted a small intimate wedding!

We started the afternoon at The North Unit of the Teddy Roosevelt National Park, where we captured beautiful images of the bride and groom and their two-year-old daughter Aislynn. It took most of the day for Aislynn to warm up to me, but I got a hug by the time the ceremony started!

Brent’s mom rode with us down to the Badlands, and it was wonderful visiting with her along the way! We were a little bit bummed that the road to the overlook was closed for the season. Though I don’t think we could have taken a bad photo with the beautiful light and scenery we were surrounded by! Once we finished up photos at the park, we headed back to Watford City to the courthouse for the ceremony, where luckily the park ranger only flashed his lights at us to tell us to slow down, instead of pulling us over and getting a ticket! (apparently 20 MPH does not mean 25 MPHs even when you’re the only one in the park!)

Family and friends stood as Trista walked down the aisle to her groom. The ceremony was short and sweet, but so beautiful. I loved that these two did something so outside the box that stayed true to who they are as a couple. A small intimate wedding that genuinely celebrated the love they have for each other and their daughter.

Please join me in congratulating Trista and Brent!