Silver Spur Ranch Wedding in Belle Fourche

A Silver Spur Ranch wedding in Belle Fourche is always a treat to photograph, but Tayhgen and Rylie’s July celebration felt especially meaningful. The weather was perfect in that warm, gentle way only a South Dakota summer can offer. The light stayed soft from morning to evening, and the clean white walls inside the venue gave every moment a bright, timeless feel. Their day was full of joy, emotion, and a whole lot of laughter, and I’m excited to share a glimpse into it.

Tayhgen and Rylie’s Story

These two first met while attending USD in Vermillion, and it didn’t take long for them to become inseparable. Their proposal story is one of my favorites. Rylie asked her to marry him on the ski slopes in Steamboat, Colorado, on her dad’s birthday. Her father passed away a few years ago, and choosing that day made the moment even sweeter.

Working with them on their wedding day felt like spending time with old friends. They’re down to earth, easy to talk to, and surrounded by families who are just as warm. Every part of their day reflected who they are: joyful, present, and deeply connected.

Why Silver Spur Ranch Is a Beautiful Wedding Venue

Silver Spur Ranch is one of my favorite places to photograph a wedding. The venue’s white interior creates clean, natural images no matter the time of day. In July, the light pours in softly and makes the whole space feel bright and inviting. The surrounding ranch views offer beautiful places for portraits, while the open layout works well for large wedding parties like theirs.

This venue in Belle Fourche is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, and it gives couples room to breathe and celebrate without feeling rushed. Tayhgen and Rylie’s day was a perfect example of how naturally everything flows here.

Heartfelt Moments From the Day

A Sweet First Look

Their first look was quick, quiet, and full of emotion. A few tears, a long hug, and a moment to breathe together before the day began.

A Touching First Look With the Bride’s Brother

Because Tayhgen’s father passed away, her brother stepped in for a first look that left nearly everyone teary. It was a reminder of how much love surrounded this day and how present her dad felt in the celebration.

A Wedding Party Full of Energy

This group was a blast. At one point, the groomsmen tossed Rylie into the air a few times, and the whole wedding party doubled over laughing. Their energy carried throughout the afternoon and made portraits so much fun.

A Beautiful Ceremony at St. Paul Catholic Church

The ceremony took place at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche at 4 pm. Even though it wasn’t a full mass, the shortened service felt heartfelt and meaningful. The church itself is striking, with tall ceilings, warm brick, and plenty of windows that make the space feel airy rather than heavy. The afternoon light filled the room gently, giving everything a soft glow that photographed beautifully.

One of the prettiest moments was watching the sunlight catch on the bride’s veil as she walked. It floated behind her in the warm light, and it was one of those small details that added so much elegance to the scene. The entire ceremony was calm, sincere, and centered on the love these two share.

As soon as the couple exited the church, they hopped onto the party bus with their wedding party to keep the celebration going. I headed straight back to Silver Spur Ranch to capture the finished reception details before guests arrived.

Unique Reception Moments

Since the couple shares a love for skiing, they took a shot ski around to each reception table, which made the perfect icebreaker and had guests cheering. Later in the night, the father of the groom presented them with a bottle of wine featuring a watercolor painting of the couple. A second, identical bottle was auctioned off to guests to raise money for honeymoon adventures.

Stunning Portraits in Soft Light

We photographed portraits earlier in the day and again at blue hour. Both turned out beautifully thanks to the clean venue backdrop and the perfect July light. Blue hour especially gave us soft, romantic tones that fit the couple perfectly.

A Wedding Worth Celebrating

Tayhgen and Rylie’s Silver Spur Ranch wedding in Belle Fourche was full of heart, connection, and intentional moments. Every detail came together naturally, and the joy between them was impossible to miss. Days like this are such a gift to photograph.

If you’re planning your own wedding at Silver Spur Ranch or another beautiful South Dakota venue, I’d love to be part of your day. You can explore my wedding collections and reach out through my contact page anytime. I’d be honored to help you bring your vision to life in a way that feels real, effortless, and true to you.