Mason City Engagement Photos: Lindsey & Matt

Matt and Lindsey met last summer out in Colorado at Eagle Lake Camps. Lindsey wasn't interested in a relationship right away, but Matt was definitely smitten with her! It took some pursuit and prayer before they decided to move forward…but when Matt finally asked Lindsey to be his girlfriend in August on the top of her favorite hike at Glen Eyrie, she said yes with a kiss. ;) And, just 7 months later, Matt asked Lindsey a different question in that same spot…to which she said yes again!

This summer, Matt and Lindsey are again working for Eagle Lake, and so we made time to meet up in Mason City to photograph their engagement session. The evening was perfect, and they seemed to have fun! ;) After seeing how their images turned out, I'm even more excited to photograph these two as they marry in beautiful Silverthorne, Colorado this October! 

Outfit change….I loved Lindsey's long dress, and simple but gorgeous jewelry!

Ames Engagement Photography: Joelle + Kyle

“Hey pretty lady won’t you come my way
We got nothing going on today
I got two arms and you belong in the middle
I’ll be the big spoon if you’ll be the little”

— Grover Anderson, "Little Spoon"

Joelle and Kyle bring out the best in each other. Kyle is the tall and steady to Joelle's shorter & spicier self. (I'm short too…so I think I can say that! ;) I've known Kyle since we spent a summer in Florida with 150 other college students from the midwest, and I met Joelle when I transferred to Iowa State. It was so much fun to hang out with them in May on the perfect summery evening and photograph their engagement photos in Ames! I can't wait to photograph their wedding in Ames this September. Joelle told me they want it to be fun, yet relaxing and homey. If anyone can pull that off, these two can!

I love growing and experimenting as an artist…so I asked Kyle & Joelle to humor me. I love the rich look of these next few photos!

Finally, we headed downtown Ames to finish up their engagement photos in a more urban setting!

Des Moines Engagement and Wedding Photographer

Des Moines Engagement Photography:
Naomi + James 

Naomi and James met in college at Northwestern in Orange City. Together, they make a kind and quirky pair! After graduation, these two packed up their dorm rooms and met me in Des Moines for their engagement session. We started out at Scenic Route Bakery, wandered around downtown, took a few photos in front of the Iowa State Capital, and even teased the rainclouds a bit with an umbrella! Naomi and James were so much fun—I don't think we stopped laughing and talking their entire session…so much so, that I drank two tumblers of water at dinner! (Check out Tacopocalypse for the best Asian-Mexican fusion I've ever had.)

Naomi and James will be moving to Omaha after they get married—and have dreams of loving on low-income families, youth in the community, and probably every person they run into. ;) I have no doubt they will do just that!
They get married in Omaha in September and I. Can't. Wait!!!

Des Moines Engagement Photographer \\ Elizabeth & Chris

It's always fun to find out someone you know is engaged. It's even more fun when you find out…and had no idea they'd been dating someone! Haha! That's exactly what happened here. I've known Elizabeth and her family since childhood. Her younger brother is getting married in August, and I'm photographing his wedding (so excited!). One evening, I was at Wal-Mart, on a late night grocery run, and out of the blue got a text from Elizabeth asking if I was free this fall for her wedding. I was shocked, but thrilled! Fun to find out she'd been seeing Chris, and they'd gotten engaged early this winter. Now they're getting closer to their September wedding, and I can't wait to photograph it in Des Moines!

Since Chris lives in Omaha, we coordinated their engagement photography session for a weekend that he was already visiting Elizabeth in Des Moines. Her one request was that we do their engagement photos at the Des Moines Farmer's Market! I was pumped—it'd been on my bucket list to go, but hadn't gotten around to it yet. We figured out the May 6 was the opening morning…and so we put it on the calendar and prayed against rain. ;) Sure enough, it was bright and sunny! 

We started out their session at the gorgeous Iowa State Capital building…and then moved downtown to the Farmer's Market. There are loads of fresh flowers and bouquets, so Elizabeth convinced Chris to buy her some. Plus, they work great for photos and brightening up an apartment, right?! ;) So…totally worth it!

These two are planning to show off their favorite photos at the reception (I can't wait to see how they use them for decor!) so I'm blogging just a few favorites. Hope you enjoy them!

Clear Lake Engagement Photography | Anna & Jordan

Jordan and Anna met in college at North Dakota State University (Go Bison!). Jordan remembers seeing Anna at the first meeting for a ministry group, but they didn't actually begin to get to know each other until they both joined leadership the next year. They've been dating for a few years now, and last fall, Jordan proposed to Anna over Thanksgiving break—it was just them, sweet, simple and perfect, if you know either of them! 

Anna and I became friends through our jobs in college ministry. She's been the best person to be honest with…or weird with! Anna brings out my quirky side (I recently "meow-ed" at her for no apparent reason…even to myself!). It's just so easy to be comfortable with her! Since she's such a dear friend to me, it was a joy to have her ask me to be her wedding photographer. Anna and Jordan live up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, so we compromised and met halfway in Clear Lake, Iowa for their engagement photography session! It was pretty chilly, but that just gave them more reason to snuggle close. ;) (We even got a few photos outside the classic Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake!) Enjoy their engagement photos! And look forward to this fall...I can't wait to photograph their beautiful garden wedding this September in Minneapolis!

Rachel & Geoff | Des Moines Anniversary Photos

Des Moines is such a gorgeous city, and springtime might just be the peak of that beauty. If you've ever been to WaterWorks Park in Des Moines, you'll agree with me! The cherry blossoms on the trees make it seem as if you're living out a fairytale. (Or, maybe walking through a perfume factory?!) I love shooting weddings and engagements in Des Moines, which will be definitley happening this summer. However, this was an anniversary session!

 

My time with these two was short and sweet—but full of fun and sass! If you're married and don't have kids yet (or do!), an anniversary session is the perfect way to have a memorable date night. Get dressed up, and kiss a lot…what else could be better?! ;) Plus, you'll cherish photos that document your love as it grows and deepens. If you're looking for something fun to celebrate around your anniversary (or any other time), consider this for your next date night!

Rachel wanted a few new headshots, so we snuck those in on the end—opting for the bright pink trees! I love how they turned out. :) Here are two of my favorites!

Dress for the Sesh: Engagement Photos!

Are you planning your engagement photos and wondering what to wear? Sometimes it can be overwhelming when trying to come up with 2 or 3 outfits for not just you, but your fiancé as well! Today, I'm going to share some tips about dressing for your engagement photos—with some examples from my past couples! (And I might just throw in a few things I'd love to see on my brides and grooms this summer during engagement portraits! I love styling, and most likely your photographer does as well, so always feel free to ask for advice or feedback before a session!)

1. Do dress up! This is one time where you can get as fancy as you want, and have good photos to prove it! ;) Go big or go home, right? Plus, most of my couples have at least two outfits (sometimes three!) to wear for their engagement session. Bring a formal outfit, and then something a little more casual or even everyday—I can guarantee it'll add some confidence to be dressed up and looking good! Ladies, consider a longer (formal or not!) dress for one of your outfits. They're classy, elegant, and look good on anyone. Plus for us shorter gals, they make us look a little taller. ;) Pair them with an awesome pair of heels or wedges & bam! You'll look amazing!

BONUS! I'd LOVE to see one of my brides wear this for an epic engagement shoot this summer! Click on the image—it's from Lulu's and would be a stunning buy!

2. Do accessorize! I love when gals incorporate a favorite scarf, hat, blazer, or statement necklace! It just adds a fun "pop" of color & fun! For guys, watches, ties, suspenders, hats, or even vests or blazers (we'll get to that in a minute!) are some great ideas. 

(Above, Brittney did a great job of wearing bright sandals, a complementary cardigan, & simple but standout necklace! You could modify this even more, and the guy could wear a patterned shirt to add even more style.)

BONUS IDEA: incorporate a blanket, or other fun prop! This neutral-toned blanket was perfect for warm snuggles. 

3. Don't try to match…but do complement with your outfits! You can tie in the same colors with various prints and accessories…or you can choose complementing colors and prints. Also, neutral colors are "in" right now (minimal and all that) which I personally like wearing (espeically in the winter)—but if you pick neutral/dark colors for one outfit, maybe pick something with fun color for your second!

(Above, Rachel and Nick's outfits are some of my favorites—and this was a few years ago! The vibrant colors and mixed patterns they chose were so fun and played well off of each other.)

Note: Be careful with really thin stripes or checks. They sometimes photograph weird! Lauren's shirt was just fine, and I also highly suggest pairing patterns (like plaid, floral, or polka-dots) with solids or other prints for added texture (instead of just wearing plain t-shirts)!

4. Utilize layers! Especially if you're shooting in the early morning (when it can be cool), a jacket, blazer, vest, or even a flannel can be just the thing. I've yet to have one of my grooms wearing a blazer, but I've seen it done & it can bring a whole new level of class! (Maybe that will change this summer...)

5. Be YOU! Pull in pieces that photograph well, but also reflect your personality, fashion sense, and interests! Make sure to wear clothing that makes you feel confident. So, don't wear a strapless dress if they make you feel uncomfortable! Also, know what flatters your body type and coloring. If you're a redhead, probably don't wear pink. If you're like me, I know that my skin tone is more yellow than pink & bright yellow is just a weird color for me. Also, in general, more fitted clothing is more flattering! 

That's it for now! What did you find helpful? What questions do you still have?! I would LOVE to hear your thoughts/questions in the comments—leave one below! And for you families and seniors, I'll be posting a similar blog post in the near future!

With love,
Amelia
 

Maddy & Steven

You know couples trust you when they agree to take their engagement photos outside…during the winter! Maddie and Steven both grew up in Cedar Falls, started dating in high school (I actually got to take both of their senior photos!), and have been attending UNI the past few years. Steven proposed to Maddy this fall, just down the street from Cup of Joe, where we started off their engagement photos. I'm so excited for their August wedding, which will certainly be much warmer than their engagement session! ;) Enjoy a few of my favorite photos!

Katie & Jake | Ames Engagement

It's no secret that I LOVE red hair! My mom, great uncle, and many cousins have variations of red hair and growing up I always wished that I had inherited that. (Secretly hoping that someday I'll marry someone with the genes & we'll end up with a bunch of redheaded kiddos….;) But, that's not really important! The reason you're all here is because Katie and Jake are engaged!
Although Katie is a redhead (with some serious long & gorgeous locks!), that's not the real reason I adore her. She's genuine. This gal knows how to work hard, love well, have fun, and be passionate about what matters. Jake complements her well—he's a "farmboy" with a great work ethic, yet cares deeply for the people around him, and isn't afraid to speak the truth in love. The Lord has worked through these two as individuals to impact so many students at Iowa State, and now they're heading out to Colorado to start married life together! Their wedding is in March and will be gorgeous, no doubt…Katie studied event management, and I can't wait for their beautiful day ahead.

Selena & Josh | Engagement photos

Hello, friends! Wow….this fall has been so busy! Is it just me, or has anyone else looked at the calendar in blank confusion that we are just weeks away from Thanksgiving?! (Also, that means so close to the new Gilmore Girls episodes! SCORE.)
Josh and Selena get married in just about 10 days, and I'm so excited for their wedding! The first time I met Selena was when I photographed Liz and Scott's wedding back in May. She wasn't engaged yet, but already was hoping I'd photograph her wedding when that day came. Now, just 6 months later, that day is almost here! It's going to be a sweet November wedding and I just can't wait! Until then, enjoy some of my favorite photos from their engagement session from earlier this fall:)

Erik + Beth | Cedar Falls Engagement

Beth and I bonded for the first time when we were both bridesmaids in her brother's wedding. I remember keeping an eye on Erik & Beth during the reception, thinking they were both fun together, and hoping in the back of my mind that someday…down the road, of course!… that they'd maybe ask me to photograph their wedding. Sure enough, they got engaged & Beth send me an email not long after! These two get married later this month in Des Moines, and I'm excited to photograph their intimate wedding day. :)

Grinnell Wedding Photographer || Sophie and Jesse

Sophie and Jesse are the kind of people that you immediately feel at home with. They invite you in to their lives with kindness, the rare kind that starts with growing up in small town Iowa & ends with the never-ending love of Jesus. Sophie was a friend of mine during my years at ISU as a student, always willing to share her life and her time over a cup of tea. Jesse might seem quiet at first, but he's really full of great stories of adventure and even greater (& deeper) thoughts. These two have a passion to love those around them, and I'm thrilled to see how their marriage only grows and refines that desire! Jesse and Sophie marry this weekend, and it will be the most joyous of days. 

Jesse's family owns a bit of land around Grinnell, so the three of us adventured around the creek, "tree number one and two," the old cabin, and a wholeeee lot of wild parsnip (!!!!!) to make some memories and take engagement photos. Here are a few of my favorites:)

Cedar Falls Proposal || Erin & Jon

“I don’t, no, I don’t, no, I don’t, no, I don’t
Want anybody else but you.”

— Magic by Coldplay

Jon decided to come visit Erin for her birthday weekend. They went on a picnic date out at Big Woods Lake…little did Erin know what was to come after they wined & dined! Jon challenged Erin to a "most artistic photo" contest. While she lay on the ground photographing some flowers, Jon removed the battery from the camera he was using and slipped in a ring…and once Erin pulled out what was making the "mystery rattling noise," Jon got down on one knee...

These next photos are (selfishly) my favorite…after they'd had a few minutes, Jon yelled out, "AMELIA! You can come out now!" Erin's face & reaction was priceless. She'd wanted me to photograph this for sooooo long, but had told me multiple times she didn't think Jon knew that, or that he'd ask me. Little did she know that he'd started the conversation back in March. 4 months previous. HAH!

After more gawking and freaking out and us generally not knowing what to do next…we walked around the park area & took more photos! Because, what else are two photographers going to do? ;)

And, it wouldn't be a celebration without heading home to share news with the family & eating some Scratch cupcakes! ;) Erin & Jon, I'm so thankful to have been a part of this life-changing evening, and even more thankful to walk with you both through life for the rest of our years as friends.

Liz + Scott || Ames, IA Engagement

These two were a dream to photograph! I've been waiting since what seems like forever to take these photos, and the evening did not disappoint. ;) Liz was one of my first friends at ISU, and we immediately connected due to our similar taste in books & art. We quickly confided in each other about girl talk (aka, which boys we were crushin' on) and she admitted that she'd liked Scott since their freshman year "Joshua Team." It took the rest of that year, a summer together in Indonesia for a mission trip, and a fall semester before Scott called Liz up, took her to Ledges, and officially asked her out! (I still have vivid memories of sitting in the hall of her dorm, getting all the details and giggling like 5 year olds. So much fun.) Now, a year & a half later, they're engaged…and getting married in exactly two weeks! I can't wait!

Jessica + Brandon || Engaged!

As sure as I live, this love that I give
Is gonna be yours until the day that I die
-Randy Travis: Forever and Ever, Amen

Brandon & Jessica met at Central College through mutual friends. They got to know each other better during class and finally started "talking"…right before Brandon left the country for three weeks over Christmas break! Distance didn't stop them then, and it sure hasn't stopped them as they've dated "short-distance" over the past two years.

Jessa (as I call her) has been one of my best friends since our 10th grade biology class. (Telling, since Jess majored in biology in college!) When I visited her at Central during the college years, it's quaint style stuck with me. Once these two got engaged, we quickly set up engagement photos in Pella! No brainer, such a good idea. (Maybe not that it happened on one of the coldest days so far…but hey, Brandon and Jess rocked it, regardless! Plus, we grabbed coffee at Smokey Row, and Dutch Letters at Jaarsma. BEST DAY EVER.)

Thank you both for being willing to face the winter winds with me! I'm thrilled to be capturing your wedding day. Jesus will be glorified, laughter will abound, and so many people who love you will rejoice with you! Can't wait for July:)

Engaged || Ryan + Lauren || Pt. 2

These twoooo!!! I swoon…October hit us again with perfect weather for their engagement session. (Remember when they actually got engaged?! So much FUN!) You really can't go wrong taking engagement photos at Iowa State University, I mean, it's in the top rated prettiest campuses in the United States! Plus, I have it on good authority that quite a few students end up here purely because of how pretty she is in the autumn…and who knows, some of them find the one they'll adventure through life with at this school. ;) 

Ames, IA Engagement Photos || Selia + Brennan

These two! Oh my goodness…it seems like all I've known of them is the two of them, together. Selia and Brennan are student leaders in the campus ministry I work for, and I think we've all known for a while (or at least hoped!) that Brennan would ask Selia to take his last name. As you can see, he finally did! ;) And, as you can also see, they are SUPER STOKED to get married! Thank you so much for letting me photograph you as you enter in to this new season of life! Keep bringing the crazy. :)

Proposal || Ryan + Lauren || Pt. 1

Ryan and Lauren are such sweet friends. Watching them grow in friendship and love has been so wonderful! I remember standing in the RCA courtyard when Lauren told me she and Ryan had just started dating…but she wasn't sure how it would work out, since they were spending the summer and next semester beginning to date. Long distance. Well, long story short, that distance had nothing on their love. ;)

Earlier this semester, Lauren mentioned that she wanted me to shoot photos of their engagement—"whenever that happens!" She thought it would be this semester, but hadn't really much idea of the timeline. "All I want is for it to be a surprise, for Ryan to ask my dad, and for you to be there to photograph it." And thanks to some stealthy planning from Ryan and myself, and a whole lot of grace from the Lord, it went off without a hitch! Even though it was chilly, the sun came out, the Crow's Nest was empty when they arrived, and they left with huge smiles and a wedding to plan! Enjoy the 'day of' photos…part two of engagement photos to come.

Ames Engagement Photos || Jessica + Samuel

I love how goofy Jess and Sam are together! They are completely comfortable being themselves, and that is so much fun to be around. Jessie and I met 3 years ago, and keeping up with her over the years has been a joy. I was so surprised (and excited!) when she asked me to shoot engagement photos for her and Sam—these two are fantastic people, and burn bright together. :) We started off shooting their engagement photos in the Ames Library (Jess is currently in grad school studying library science) and then ended our time together out at the ever-beautiful Ada Hayden park. Enjoy a few of my favorites!

Sara + Jake | Cedar Falls, IA Engagement Photography

You know that you have the best ever clients when they trust you enough to have an engagement session super early on a Saturday morning. I think all will agree that it was worth it! Jake proposed with a gorgeous ring last fall. Sara, of course, said yes! 

And in the words of Taylor Swift, these two have "mad love" and will be wed next month! Can't wait, you two!