It’s pretty evident that Chayse & Jenna were destined to fall in love. They first met in Fargo, North Dakota at the high school national wrestling tournament. Their shared love for the sport of wrestling quickly turned into a love for each other. I vividly remember Chayse telling me he knew he was in trouble when Jenna knew all the technical rules and moves of wrestling just as well as he did. All these years later, they still share the love of wrestling. Chayse is the head wrestling coach for Southwest Minnesota State University while Jenna serves as an Athletic Trainer for the college.
The Booking Process
During a camping trip on the Fourth of July, Chayse popped the question to Jenna while Jenna’s mother filmed the moment. Shortly after getting engaged, the couple moved to Marshall, Minnesota and began the wedding planning journey. A quick google search lead them to Anna Behning Photography. After checking out my Instagram, they knew they had to inquire.
In the words of Jenna, “It was SO easy [to inquire with Anna]. A few weeks before contacting Anna, we had been having issues communicating with another photographer. We were really anxious about starting the process over again, but Anna was super responsive and the booking process was a breeze!”
Jenna & Chayse booked with me about 10 months before their wedding and chose the 8 hour wedding day coverage package and an engagement session. Their wedding day was set for July 2, 2022 at the Meadow Barn at Country Orchards in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Planning the Engagement Session
After finalizing their booking, Jenna & Chayse knew they wanted to get their engagement photos done in the fall. We planned an October 31st engagement session. Luckily the fall colors hung around for the perfect amount of time to get those beautiful autumn colors in their engagement photos.
Because Jenna & Chayse were new to the area, they asked for my suggestions on where to take engagement photos. We ended up at two different parks in Marshall and the downtown area. Although Jenna remembers being a little nervous, she mentioned that “Anna made us feel so comfortable!”
The Wedding Day Timeline
One of the most helpful things about booking me as your photographer is the custom timeline and photo list we create together before your wedding. Creating a timeline for my couples makes sure that the day runs smoothly and efficiently.
Some of my favorite moments that Jenna & Chayse included in their timeline were the first look with the bridesmaids, a practice ceremony run-through (because not all of their bridesmaids and groomsmen were able to come the night before), photos with alpacas, and a bubble send off with close friends and bridal party members. On top of all that fun, they also squeezed in a 5-minute photo challenge where the DJ, Adam with Sieff Style Entertainment, spun some music as the couple took a photograph with each table upon their entrance to the reception. Not to mention, their sunset photos were among the apple trees in the orchard.
The couple noted that “Anna was the best on our wedding day. Our families and wedding party LOVED Anna. She fit in so well and handled our goofy antics like a pro. She made us feel so comfortable, and even more importantly, she made it FUN.”
Importance of a Second Shooter
Although the couple didn’t originally book a second shooter, I had a high school student interning with me the summer of 2022. My intern, Alexa, was well versed in a second shooter role for weddings and was more than willing to act as a second shooter for Jenna & Chayse’s wedding. While interviewing Jenna & Chayse for this feature, Jenna mentioned that the photo below was possibly her overall favorite. I wish I could take credit for it, but Alexa was actually the one to capture this photo. The photo directly under was my view point at the same time.
This goes to show the importance of having a second shooter. There are so many angles that one photographer can’t always capture. Having a second photographer allows you to not only receive more photos, but to have different angles throughout the day.
The Wedding Collection
When asked how their final gallery made them feel, Jenna & Chayse said “receiving our wedding gallery back was so special. Your wedding day goes SO quickly, and our photos are supposed to capture those moments forever. Anna did not disappoint. All the special little moment and details come rushing back every time we look at our photos, and they are something we will cherish forever.”
While Jenna did most of the wedding planning, Chayse knew he wanted to add on the option to have the alpacas at the reception. This is something unique and fun that the Meadow Barn at Country Orchards venue does for events. Of course, Chayse likes all the pictures with the alpacas, but Jenna is partial to the pictures that were taken in the apple orchard.
Advice for Engaged Couples
Jenna & Chayse would like to offer some words of advice to future couples looking to work with Anna Behning Photography: “If you have questions, ASK. Anna was so helpful and was able to answer all of our silly questions. She offered suggestions for engagement photo outfits and locations, our wedding day timeline, etc. She is a phenomenal resource.”
When asked if they would’ve changed anything about their wedding or engagement photography experience they only thing they noted was that they wish they “would have found Anna sooner.”
Wedding Day Vendors:
Venue: The Meadow Barn at Country Orchard
Catering: A Taste of Country Catering
Wedding Dress: Infinity by Sisters Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Decor: Parties Unlimited (Burlington, IA)
Photographer: Anna Behning Photography
Second Shooter: Alexa Claire Photography
