Philosophy
Philosophy
I'm Amelia! I’m obsessed with photographs…
and I believe that you deserve high quality images of your life to treasure for years to come.
To me, each photo is a memory that will fill an album to show your grandkids someday! Those moments (from your wedding day, a new house, or growing your family) are each worth remembering. Moments last a second, and photos last forever… helping you recall special stories, feelings, and moments in a lasting way.
If you like STORYTELLING PHOTOS that are VIBRANT, JOYFUL, AND ADVENTUROUS, you’ve come to the right place! I serve Des Moines area humans with timeless lifestyle photography. My goal is to create custom client experiences, so that you feel known, cared for, and celebrated.
Good photography is worth the investment.
SO, let's go! I'm ready to jump in headfirst to having adventures in Iowa and beyond, making new memories with you!
About Amelia
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Colorado is probably my favorite state (we skied there every year when I was growing up) but I live for hot summer days. I love pomegranates, Jesus, travel, soy candles, and any snuggling ANY baby that I can find. Supporting other small businesses gets me excited. I’m a bookworm + LOVE my local library. Good Light and flowers make me happy-squeal. I make new friends everywhere I go (a restaurant in Berlin, the airport, and probably on Mars if I ever make it there!). That said, I want to get to know you… so I’ll probably ask a lot of questions!
WHY PICK AMELIA TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LIFE?
Genuine moments make my heart beat—I approach photography seeking to capture the truth of your day and story. No 3-page-lists of exact photos to capture. We just plan for the best possible day + then letting it unfold, naturally.
I desire to celebrate who you are, and capture that for the world to see.
There is beauty in everything. Especially your life. So let's discover that beauty together!
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ inclusive photographer
About Amelia
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Colorado is probably my favorite state (we skied there every year when I was growing up) but I live for hot summer days. I love pomegranates, Jesus, travel, soy candles, and any snuggling ANY baby that I can find. Supporting other small businesses gets me excited. I’m a bookworm + LOVE my local library. Good Light and flowers make me happy-squeal. I make new friends everywhere I go (a restaurant in Berlin, the airport, and probably on Mars if I ever make it there!). That said, I want to get to know you… so I’ll probably ask a lot of questions!
WHY PICK AMELIA TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR LIFE?
Genuine moments make my heart beat—I approach photography seeking to capture the truth of your day and story. No 3-page-lists of exact photos to capture. We just plan for the best possible day + then letting it unfold, naturally.
I desire to celebrate who you are, and capture that for the world to see.
There is beauty in everything. Especially your life. So let's discover that beauty together!
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ inclusive photographer
Reviews
Reviews
Review Highlights
I love photographing weddings because I believe in marriage. Marriage changes the world, grows families, and displays perseverance, sacrifice, and joy in the deepest ways! It’s such an honor to laugh, cry, and celebrate with couples embarking on the adventure of marriage together— from our first coffee date, to engagement photos, to wedding day and 5 year anniversary pictures!
On this page, you’ll find just a sample of the reviews my past couples have given me! Since my first wedding in 2011, I have photographed 100+ weddings in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Minnesota. Each of these couples have truly been a gift to know. If you like what you see on this page and website,
contact me here to be your Des Moines, Iowa or destination anywhere wedding photographer! <3
jan + Grant
“Amelia did an incredible job capturing my wedding day. With her being one of my dear friends, it was extra wonderful to have her squealing when shots looked good and saying encouraging words as we smiled for the camera. I whole-heartedly recommend Amelia Renee Photography for your future engagement, wedding, family, senior pictures -- You name it!! She is talented and determined to capture your charm and your radiant self!!”
Shelby + preston
“Amelia Renee was great in being flexible which was awesome. When we were running behind on our wedding day schedule, she was able to think fast and come up with another plan. She also was super fun to work with!”
Jess + Sean
“Amelia is the best!
Amelia is wonderful! From meeting her for cupcakes before our engagement photos, showing her around our alma matter’s campus for engagement photos, to the wedding day were she helped coordinate everything. She coordinated a second shooter to get every detail of our day, she sang baby shark to the little ones to get them to smile during pictures, and she made sure my husband and I had everything we needed. She is such a kind hearted person and truly made our wedding day one we will remember forever!”
Favorite Wedding Photos
Favorite Wedding Photos
This wedding day in Colorado was incredible! Mountain and Lakeside weddings are the best, in my book. I have photographed 4 weddings in Colorado so far.
After planning an outdoor wedding ceremony and picking an incredible photographer, I'll be looking for an amazing bouquet. Like Maddy! (And sunflowers don't hurt, either!)
Investment
When your wedding day is over & years have passed, these photos will keep your memories alive!
Wedding collections include a personalized engagement session + edited digital files.
Most couples spend an average of $3800 on their wedding collection, and Senior Photo packages start at $600 for full collections. Please email me to receive more information!
I'm excited to hear from you! Email me through my 'contact' page for details.
Investment
When your wedding day is over & years have passed, these photos will keep your memories alive!
Wedding collections include a personalized engagement session + edited digital files.
Most couples spend an average of $3800 on their wedding collection, and Senior Photo packages start at $600 for full collections. Please email me to receive more information!
I'm excited to hear from you! Email me through my 'contact' page for details.
Vendors
Vendors
Local Wedding Vendors
I love connecting my couples with other amazing vendors who do incredible work, serve with kindness, and create fun & beautiful environments! Below, you’ll find some of my favorite vendors— from florists to venues to bridal shops— in the central Iowa area. Feel free to contact them through their websites or emails, and tell me if you decide to work with one of them. I’ll do a happy dance! ;)
Des moines flower studio
Salama Greenhouse, a family run shop based in Boone & serving central Iowa, creates phenomenal custom bridal bouquets… as well as anything floral you could dream up!
Gatherings in nevada, ia
Well-known for both their incredible catering and cozy wedding venue, Gatherings creates a chic atmosphere for your wedding, reception, or other indoor event! Check out their amenities below.
pure bridal
Located in Ames, Pure Bridal, many of my brides (& friends!) have found THE DRESS after an afternoon at Pure Bridal. Mariah, above, picked out her incredible wedding gown. Her groom cried after seeing her in it. No promises that’ll happen to you… ;)