Chantel + Kyle | Spearfish Canyon Winter Wedding | Black Hills Photographer | Natural Escape Photography

Chantel & Kyle Christopher | Spearfish Canyon Lodge | South Dakota

December 3, 2022

We love winter weddings! They are so magical and whimsical, and they seem to fit our style so well. So I was pretty excited when Chantel reached out to me about their winter wedding at Spearfish Canyon Lodge. I got the chance to talk to Chantel & Kyle over the phone a few times, but I didn’t actually get to meet these two in person until their wedding day. But it honestly felt like we were old friends – they are so comfortable together and so down to earth. It didn’t take Sophie and I very long to get them warmed up in front of our camera, and I’m so glad they let us sneak them down to beautiful Spearfish Falls for their bridal portraits. The falls in winter can be a bit tricky and slippery to get down to, but thankfully Chantel came prepared with snow boots. We had the falls to ourselves for their photos during golden hour and it was so pretty the way the last bit of sunlight trickled through the trees. Sunset in December is usually around 4:15, so we had to plan our photos early enough to take advantage of the sun.

Chantel’s bridesmaids also had some amazing sparkly red dresses and I love the pops of red and greenery throughout their entire day! Their sweet pup also joined our bridal party photos and I just love when our couples include their furry friends in their big day. After their intimate ceremony, they decided to keep in fairly relaxed for social hour and dinner. No formal dancing or toasts, just celebrating their love with their closest family & friends and enjoying the company of one another. And of course, enjoying some delicious cupcakes ;) It was the best day! We couldn’t wait to blog it and share a few of our favorites. Winter weddings will always hold a special place in our hearts, especially when we get to photograph in our own backyard. Sometimes we can’t believe we live here! Such an amazing place to call home.

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Christopher! Here’s to many wonderful adventures! I won’t be sad if you decide to come back to beautiful Spearfish Canyon for anniversary sessions down the road ;)