Soft Romantic Morning in the Badlands — Our Timeless Badlands Wedding
I’ve had a lot of friends ask what inspired me to have a wedding in the Badlands, and honestly, it all started with a dream I’ve had since I was a little girl: to get married outdoors, surrounded by God’s creation.
My husband and I (fiancé at the time) went all over the Black Hills of South Dakota searching for the perfect place to say “I do.” We knew we wanted to feel close to nature, and we wanted our day to reflect the peace and beauty we find in the outdoors. One day, he showed me the Badlands, which I had never seen before, and I was completely blown away. The landscape was unlike anything else: rugged, wild, and breathtaking. It filled me with inspiration, and right then, we knew that’s where we were meant to begin our forever.
So, we put our boots on and got to work creating a beautiful day, a brunch-style morning wedding with 120 of our closest family and friends gathered at an overlook deep in Badlands National Park.
Ruggen, Wild, and Breathtakingly real.
He showed me the Badlands, which I had never seen before, and I was completely blown away.
Why the Badlands?
For me, the Badlands represent strength and grace, two things that I think define both marriage and faith. It’s a place that feels sacred, untouched, and full of character. When I imagined our wedding day, I wanted it to feel calm, simple, and rooted in what matters most.
That’s how the soft, romantic morning style came to life: gentle light, timeless details, and colors inspired by intention more than theme: soft pastels, creamy tones, and a touch of personality woven throughout.
The Bouquet @bleviordesign
My bouquet wasn’t inspired by the Badlands, but by my creative side, full of soft pastels, elegant garden roses, and draping hops (a nod to my husband’s favorite color, lime green).
Florals with Heart
The florals were designed by my sister, Blevior Design, and she created something that felt perfectly me. My bouquet wasn’t inspired by the Badlands, but by my creative side, full of soft pastels, elegant garden roses, and draping hops (a nod to my husband’s favorite color, lime green). It was unexpected and personal, a little bit classic, a little bit creative, and full of meaning. Seeing my sister bring that vision to life was such a special part of the day.
Our First Look
We prayed together before the ceremony, thanking God for writing our story and for bringing us to that moment.
A First Look Among the Buttes
Our first look and private vows were tucked away among the formations, quiet, emotional, and grounding. We prayed together before the ceremony, thanking God for writing our story and for bringing us to that moment. It was one of those times when you can feel His presence in the wind and the stillness.
As a creative, I’ve always believed that design tells a story.
That’s the power of intentional design: it’s not about decoration, but about creating something that feels like you and points back to the One who made you.
Intentional Design and Storytelling
As a creative, I’ve always believed that design tells a story. Our wedding reminded me of that in the most personal way. Every color, every texture, every photograph came together to tell a story, one rooted in love, landscape, and legacy.
Our wedding was more than a day; it was a reminder of why I love creating things that last. Whether it’s a brand, a bouquet, or a beautiful moment shared in the Badlands, creativity always starts with heart. And for me, that heart begins with Jesus, the Creator of all beauty and the source of every good thing.
That’s the power of intentional design: it’s not about decoration, but about creating something that feels like you and points back to the One who made you.
Credits
Photography: Bri Cowan Photography
Florals: Blevior Floral & Design @bleviordesign
Catering: Red Rock Restaurant
Dress: Bridal Gallery
💌 If you’re a creative, bride, or business owner dreaming of something intentional and beautiful, I’d love to connect. May your story, in business, art, or love, reflect grace, purpose, and the goodness of God.
