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Des Moines photographers
Summer and rooftops and photos with your best friend & fiance! What could be better?! (Maybe including ice cream… or kittens… but otherwise, I can’t think of a more perfect evening!) Keaton & Hannah tie the knot this month (eloping in Iceland!) and then we get to celebrate with their family + friends in Atlantic, Iowa in July!
Des Moines continues to grow and expand, meaning there is something for everyone in this city! You can find endless cafes, restaurants that range from strange to high class, shops full of items either vintage or artisan-created. Whether you're in Des Moines for a vacation, looking for stay-cation ideas, or just something to do on a random afternoon in the city, here are some of my suggestions!
I am SO excited to be announcing that as of today, I will be officially offering mentoring sessions for other photographers! After five years in business and nearing 70 photographed weddings, I think it’s time for me to pass on some of the things I’ve learned over the years. It is SO important to really know what you’re doing, especially with so many people interested in photography.
It’s hard to describe the emotions that you feel when your best friends fall in love and get married. Morganne is my 3rd “super close” friend to get engaged and (almost!) married. It’s been a whirlwind year but, as they say, “when you know, you know.” And aint that the truth!!! Bobby and Morganne met through church just over a year ago or so. They went through the whole awkward dance of talking/not talking. Finally, in May, they had their first date. Now, a year later that same month, they’ll walk down the aisle as husband and wife. And I’ll be bawling my eyes out behind my camera so don’t mind me. ;)
2018 has been a wild ride. Tumultuous emotionally, in many ways, but also such a year of sweet moments. Isn’t that just normal life?! Perhaps I’m just adjusting to life as an adult. I believe that reflecting on the past, planning for the future, and living in the present can add such insight for wise living. With that, this is my Personal post on 2018! Mainly for my processing, but you’re welcome to join me. ;)
This year has been full of so many incredible sessions. From engagement sessions all over the state, to some of the best senior girls ever, I’m in awe when I look back on this past year! To every family who has hired me for photos, every senior girl who trusted me with her session, and friends who have hired me for anniversary shoots— thank you. THANK YOU! It is such a joy to watch your lives develop, your families grow, and love get sweeter through the years.
I’ve long wanted to be a photographer in a styled shoot. When I met Lynda this fall, we started talking about the idea of collaborating. Autumn was super busy for me— half the time I wondered if I’d ever catch up on sleep! But I made it to November, and Lynda pulled together a great group of Des Moines area wedding vendors to style a shoot on a Sunday afternoon. It was chilly and grey outside, but inside the barn venue we warmed up with French-inspired snacks and wine and laughter.
I know it’s only October, but looking back on this past year, I’m just so thankful and amazed that such incredible couples have chosen me to capture their wedding day on film. (Ok, it’s digital, but it’s more fun to say film! And who knows? Maybe someday I’ll add in some fine art film elements to my wedding photography packages!) These are just a few of my favorite outdoor and indoor photos from my weddings over the past year. I’ll do a more comprehensive blog post at the end of the year, but for now, it’s just fun to reminisce on these sweet days! From proposals to engagement photos to weddings… these are my people. Brides & grooms who are kind, joyful, adventurous, romantic, and who have hearts of gold. I couldn’t do this without them!
Heather and Clinton have been together for years now, and are finally getting married next summer in her hometown of Sioux City! Although they live near Iowa City, where Clinton is still in school, Heather really wanted to do their engagement pictures in her hometown. SO, this past weekend, I drove up to meet the two of them, their adorable dogs, and spend an evening on the lake!
Ester modeled an authentic African-print top for me… and I’ll never be the same. ;) I’m totally all about this girl, and the incredible images we created together! Click the title to see more of the outfits Ester pulled together & her gorgeous model face. #slay
Last night, I met up with Jenna and Treye in the downtown Des Moines area. A month ago, I photographed their proposal in West Des Moines. The next day they bought a house, and the following week, these two asked me to photograph their wedding. (I am sooo thrilled!) They’ll get married in Pella next June, and celebrate at Central College… and it’s going to be gorgeous!
I finally found a field of sunflowers in Iowa and it was so magical!!! Click to jump to the full blog post… showcasing some of the most gorgeous sunflowers you’ve ever seen! Looking for epic senior photos!? I would LOVE to be your photographer! Just shoot me an email!
Shelby and Preston's wedding day at Riverside Bible Camp was an absolute dream! Shelby wanted things to keep with a simple, springtime feel, and I have to say that I'm slightly obsessed with ev.ery.thing. The girls and guys began their day getting ready at a hotel in Story City, making it easy for everyone to sleep in a little before the big day.
I got to hang out with David & Ashley last Friday morning (way earlier than I am normally up, honestly!). But the light was gorgeous--especially after days of clouds and rain--and we were on a mission... to snag some 6 month photos of Lily before she crashed and took a nap. I love hanging with these friends on a pretty regular basis, and sneak baby snuggles any chance I get, but this was the first time I'd photographed Lily since she was born!
It has been such a sweet thing to watch these two become friends, date, fall in love, and plan to get married (in less than a month!). Preston's older brother was in my grade, so I knew who Preston was... even before he moved into the dorm where we all lived. However, I didn't see much of him, because he opted to be part of the infamous Iowa State University Cyclone Football 'Varsity' Marching Band. Which, as it happens, is what Shelby also did. ;)
I am all for spontaneity (with a little planning, of course!). So when Erin texted me the day of their engagement session & suggested that we shoot their photos on Cole's parents' land... I was all for it! When I showed up, I knew that decision was the perfect one. Rolling hills, a pond (lake?!) and long tall grass, hanging on from the fall. Plus we got the full gambit of weather--a little spring rain, and then a full sunset at the end! My kinda night. :)
"I'm so busy."
This simple phrase appears in almost every conversation I have these days. Every person I encounter seems to be overwhelmed by their every-growing "to do" list, running around from work to errands to events with hardly a glance to their bank teller or grocery clerk. And when we do have a free minute (or hour), they are quickly swallowed up by scrolling through social media, playing mindless games on a smartphone, or watching another episode of the latest TV show.
