Some ideas of things to do this summer in Des Moines, Iowa!!
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Iowa
Des Moines, City of Monks, da moinz… call it what you wish. But this mid-sized city in the very midwestern state of Iowa is truly one of the most up-and-coming places to live, work, and play. Although I didn’t make it here often as a child (just the occasional trip to Adventureland or the State Fair), once I was allowed to travel sans-parents, my visits to the Iowa capitol because much more frequent. Why? Well, why not!?
This glowing city (literally! the capitol dome is shiny, actual gold!) is full of unique locations to spice up your Instagram (or Snapchat) stories. You’ll find a plethora of parks, iconic and historic landmarks, and plenty of great food and drinks to boost your photo hunt. See the city in a day, or stay forever. Your choice! ;)
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. ;)
One of my favorite instagrammer/bloggers in NYC posts her & her husband’s “12 Dates of Christmas” each year on her blog. I thought that this year, I’d join in! You can do these with a significant other, a group of friends, or just by yourself. Some of these activities cost a little cash, others are free or cheap. You can pick an choose which Christmas events you’d like to join in on over the month of December. All of these are things taking place around Christmastime in the greater Des Moines area! Please feel welcome to comment any suggestions of your own on this blog post. Enjoy!
This family has been a true gift to ours. They moved in next door about 5 years ago (I think?) and it's been the best thing that has happened to our neighborhood! The kids bring so much life and laughter, and almost every time I visit home, we hang out.
Lizy and Kyle's day left nothing to be desired! After waiting for years, they finally married in Lizy's home church (New Covenant Bible) in Cedar Rapids... just weeks before her graduation from Iowa State University! New name for graduation, how bout dat. ;)
Hello there! It's been a hot minute since I blogged--or really have done much of anything photography related, beside show up with a camera in hand at a session or wedding. August was CRAZY for me (two jobs make for a busy schedule!), but September is finally allowing me a little space to breathe again & get into a normal schedule. That means editing and blogging and new photos to share!!
Anna is such a sweetheart. She runs for CFHS, and also enjoys hanging out with her friends when she isn't in class. Her older brother goes to ISU (Go Cyclones!) so while she doesn't quite know where she wants to end up after high school, I'm rooting for Iowa State. ;) Enjoy a few of my favorite photos from Anna's senior photos!
“Better than I was
More than I am
And all of this happened
By taking your hand”
Miranda & JP are just too cute together! The evening of their session was full of slow wanderings around their rural Iowa town and countryside. We started off in a park, then moved to downtown Atlantic, and finally ended up out on JP's family's land! These two met on Valentine's Day (isn't that just adorable?!) and although sparks didn't fly that first night, over time, they became interested in each other and have been together ever since! Not literally—Miranda has been studying at Iowa State University, while JP has been working on the farm. He's a legit cowboy! That means there's a real good chance these two could be the Pioneer Woman & Marlboro Man of the midwest. ;) I'm excited to explore more of Atlantic with them when they get married in March!
Love Always,
Amelia Renee
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!
