Rapid City & Black Hills Wedding + Elopement Photographer — Authentic, Story-Driven Photography
Honest moments, held with intention.
Whether you’re planning a large celebration, a quiet gathering, or something entirely your own, the heart of the day is the same.
It’s about:
The way your hands find each other
The people who show up for you
The in-between moments you didn’t plan for
The feeling you want to remember years from now
My approach to wedding photography is grounded in presence over performance. I focus on creating images that feel timeless because they’re honest.
I know you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels real, intimate, and true to who you are—not just a checklist to get through.
View my wedding portfolio
You won’t be asked to manufacture emotion or step away from your day for the sake of a photo. I offer guidance when it’s helpful and step back when it matters more to let things happen as they are.
This is photography that respects tradition without being bound by it. That allows for nerves, joy, quiet, chaos, and everything in between. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence.
Your wedding day already holds enough beauty. My job is to notice it and preserve it.
In your head, you’re asking, How do we make this day ours? In your heart, you’re craving simplicity and meaning.
photos that make you feel something.
I now help couples have their dream days, whatever that means to them. It's the best job ever. I can already picture myself in the afterglow of your wedding day, thinking, "how is this even my real job?"
When I was a bride, I knew I wanted beautiful photos, a stunning location, and to have a really fun day where I ended up married to my BFF.
Hey, i'm michaela and weddings are my jam.
Whether you're spending your day together or with your closest friends and family, I'm here to help you have a beautiful day and feel natural and comfortable in front of the camera.
I work with couples planning weddings that look all kinds of ways — large celebrations, intimate gatherings, and everything in between. Some are deeply traditional. Others are modern, minimal, or rooted in personal or cultural meaning.
There is no single version of a “right” wedding. There is only what feels right to you. I meet each couple where they are and document the day with the same level of care, attention, and respect.
Picture this: exchanging vows in the rugged beauty of the Black Hills or the dramatic landscapes of the Badlands. every moment feels effortless, joyful, and deeply you.
A wedding day that feels like you—laid-back, sentimental, unforgettable.
Once we’re all-in on making photo magic together, I’ll send over a contract and invoice to lock in your date. After that, we’ll plan your engagement session (because you deserve gorgeous photos before the big day, too!) and chat through your wedding timeline to ensure we capture every special moment. I’m here for all the questions, ideas, and little details along the way!
Think of this as our first coffee date! Fill out my contact form to share all the dreamy details about your big day—how you met, what makes your love story unique, and your vision for the celebration. Within 48 hours, you’ll hear back from me with my availability, pricing guide, and a link to book a consultation call. We’ll chat all about your plans, so we can make sure I’m the perfect fit for your day.
When your wedding day arrives, I’ll be there to document it all—the big moments, the in-betweens, and the magic you didn’t even know was happening. You can relax, celebrate, and trust that your story is in good hands. Afterward, you’ll receive a beautifully curated gallery that brings you right back to those heartfelt, joy-filled moments.
What working together
feels like
Your Day, Your Story
save the date
let's connect
From the first conversation through the final gallery, the experience is meant to feel steady and thoughtful. Communication is clear, planning is collaborative, and on your wedding day I move with intention — present, observant, and calm.
You’ll have direction when you want it and space when you don’t. The result is a collection of images that reflects the full story of your day, not just the polished parts.
Picture the process
Michaela is so easy and wonderful to work with! We are in love with our photos. We could not have asked for a better photographer for our wedding day.
Michaela did an amazing job shooting our wedding photos. She is super easy to work with and made us feel so comfortable during the whole process.
Had the absolute BEST time using Michaela for our elopement photos! Michaela planned the day for us, helped me find hair/makeup, and gave us recommendations for places to stay!
We stayed and talked after the day was over - it was like we’d known each other for years! We will definitely use Michaela again when we visit SD next time
love letters
Trends shift. Details fade.
What stays is the feeling.
I photograph weddings with the long view in mind, creating images that bring you back — not just to how the day looked, but to how it felt to stand in it. The weight of a moment. The warmth of being surrounded by people who love you. The quiet certainty of choosing each other.
Images that hold meaning over time
Every wedding is different. Coverage is built around the flow of your day, the people involved, and the kind of experience you want — not a rigid formula.
Full day wedding photography collections begin at $3,200, with most couples investing around $4,000 for coverage that allows the day to unfold naturally, from the meaningful moments to the in-between ones. Elopement and small wedding coverage begins at $650 per hour.
The starting collection includes six hours of wedding day coverage, planning support, and a curated gallery that tells the full story of your day. Extended coverage, multi-day celebrations, and custom timelines are available for couples who need them.
If you’re planning something unique or want help deciding what coverage makes sense, I’m always happy to talk it through.
A seamless experience where my team can help guide you through heartfelt vows and make your ceremony personal, meaningful, and stress-free.
Professional officiating for your intimate wedding ceremony.
Adds a touch of nostalgia and artistry, with one-of-a-kind images that feel rich and authentic.
Classic, timeless moments captured on 35mm film.
An emotional and cinematic way to relive your day and share it with family and friends in a format that feels dynamic and heartfelt.
4k Slideshow
Stunning, ready-to-print photos that are timeless and easy to share with family and friends.
High-resolution images delivered through an online gallery.
Relive the highlights of your day and share them with loved ones while waiting for your full gallery.
A handful of edited photos delivered within 48 hours of your wedding.
You’ll feel confident and organized, knowing we’ve got every detail covered, and your photos will reflect what matters most to you.
one-on-one calls or meetings to discuss your vision, timeline, and special moments you want captured.
What is included in your wedding photography experience:
What is included?
Let's get you married
Wedding dates fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. I recommend booking as soon as you’ve chosen your date and venue—ideally 9-12 months in advance.
Elopements with more flexibility require 3-4 months typically, but if you're super spontaneous, I can be too!
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
do you include engagement sessions?
Do you travel for weddings?
How far in advance should we book you?
Yes! I love capturing love stories wherever they unfold. Whether it’s a Black Hills elopement, a destination wedding, or something in between, I’m happy to travel. Additional travel fees may apply, and I’ll include those in your custom quote.
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
Do you include engagement sessions?
Do you travel for weddings?
How far in advance should we book you?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
Do you include engagement sessions?
Do you travel for weddings?
How far in advance should we book you?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
Do you include engagement sessions?
Do you travel for weddings?
How far in advance should we book you?
What if we’re not sure we’ll look good in photos?
How long does it take to get our photos?
Address any specific details that didn’t make it into the above sections.
Do you travel for weddings?
How far in advance should we book you?
Here are some answers to my most-asked questions:
faq
I'd love to be a part of your wedding planning journey. I hope to be the second easiest yes in your adventure.