A Dreamy Custer State Park Engagement Session | Black Hills Engagement Photographer

When Haeden first reached out, he had the sweetest plan in mind: he wanted to propose to Maira, and he wanted the moment to be perfect. We carefully mapped out the details, ready to catch the magic. But love, as it tends to do, found its own way.

A week before our original plan, the perfect moment swept in—and Haeden didn’t wait. He asked, she said yes, and their next chapter began right there, spontaneous and true.

So when we met for their Custer State Park engagement session, it wasn’t about staging a proposal anymore—it was about celebrating a love story that had already taken root and bloomed. We wandered around the giant boulders of Sylvan Lake, where the water shimmered under the late afternoon light, then wound our way down the curves of Needles Highway, following the soft glow of golden hour into the deep hush of blue hour.

By the end of the night, they were curled up together on the forest floor, the stars beginning to blink awake above them. It felt like the whole world had slowed down just for them, tucked away in this hidden corner of South Dakota.

If you’re dreaming of South Dakota engagement photos that feel a little wild, a little untamed, and full of honest connection, Custer State Park is one of my very favorite places to make that happen. The wide open spaces, towering pines, and endless skies are pure magic for capturing real moments that feel like you.

Interested in planning your own Custer State Park engagement session?
I’d love to dream it up with you. Whether you’re envisioning a quiet hike, a mountaintop picnic, or just running barefoot through the grass at sunset—I’m here for all of it. Reach out here to start planning your session!