The most common questions I get from people is, "How did you get started in photography?" and "When did you start a business?". Since I haven't been very regular about blogging personal or business things of late, and now that winter is on it's way and my sessions will *theoretically* slow down, I wanted to share some of my story!
Elizabeth and Chris's wedding day threatened to rain. I'd been checking the Des Moines weather throughout the previous week, so that was no surprise to me. Still, nobody wants to have their wedding day shuffled by unexpected rainstorms! Thankfully, the skies were dry when everyone arrived at the church. After Elizabeth finalized her makeup and jewelry, she headed to a nearby barn for her first look with Chris! It was such a sweet moment, and they chatted for a good few minutes before starting more portraits. The sun even peeked out during bridal party photos! We wrapped up family photos (a part I rarely blog, but that is just so important during a wedding day) and drove back over to the church. Not long after, rain was pouring down outside!!! Everyone kept marveling at the miracle that the weather held while we were outdoors. Amazing!
The ceremony was held inside the new sanctuary of the Saylorville Baptist Church. It was simple and sweet--and I loved the foot washing portion of the ceremony! There were tender tears and huge smiles during the ceremony, especially as they were pronounced man and wife! On to the reception (with a few more portraits, because why not?!) and more tears, more laughs, and wonderful words said. Elizabeth's best friend gave a sweet speech, Chris' brother's toast made more than one person cry...and the "mad lib" game answers shared were HILARIOUS. Can I request all my couples do that instead of having glass clinks for kisses?! The Wagners' day was beautiful, and I was thankful to be part of such a wonderful wedding day!
People, and new friendships, are some of the very best things about life. (I'm also an extrovert and suuuuper people oriented...so that's probably why!!) It's been so fun for me to get to know Emily and Rich over the past 3 years. They are servant-hearted people, generous givers, and so kind! As I've gotten to know them and spend more time with them, I've also been able to watch their family grow. Last year, they added the cutest (and strong willed!) little girl into their family. It's been amazing to watch her change and grow, both physically and in personality! She definitely wasn't sure about the camera (or me, for that matter) but we still managed to capture some fun family photos!
It isn't too late to schedule a family session this fall! I have a few spots open yet in November, so shoot me an email via the contact page above if you want some updated family photos for your Christmas cards!
With love,
Amelia Renee
Ashley and David have become good friends to me over the past 6 years. Although I can't remember the first time I met them, I knew they were cool older college students, and yet I somehow scored an invitation to their wedding! It was a gorgeous day, and a sweet memory. Just a few years after that, they came to work at Iowa State...and I've been able to spend lots of time with them, through work and fun. David has introduced me to my favorite game (Codenames, seriously, you need this in your life!) and Ashley mentored me last year over lots and lots of coffee. It was SO fun to find out this spring that their family is expanding, and "Lil' Party" will be joining the crew in just a few weeks! We cannot wait to meet her (& find out her real name). These two will be fantastic parents, & it's going to be a sweet new season of life for them!
Our staff team and the rest of our region headed to Honey Creek Resort at the end of September. I'd never even heard of the location, but it ended up being a highlight of the fall! Honey Creek Resort is right on beautiful Rathbun Lake (you can jet ski, kayak and paddleboard on it), there's a golf course, and a state park--all right there. Inside, there's a wonderful lobby for lounging, conference rooms, a sweet restaurant and bar, and best yet...a waterpark! Although it's built for families with young children, some of my co-workers and I enjoyed it regardless. ;) And outside, you'll run into lots of wildlife (we saw quite a few deer) and could explore for hours on end. Some of the girls, Sarah, Liz, Emily & I all went out to explore at sunset and I snapped a few photos out by the water. I definitely hope to go back soon and would recommend anyone looking for a weekend getaway to check out Honey Creek for your next trip out of town!
There is more I could share, but I'm going to just share the photos and let you enjoy this beautiful day for yourself!
“Make no mistake
We’ll live while we’re young
We’ll chase down the sun...
Let’s live while we’re young”
I love just about every photo from Sydney's session! She made it so easy for me. Also, she came super prepared with 5 outfits, nails done, and even got her makeup done! (For real, airbrushed makeup is an AMAZING thing!!) However, I had to pick just a handful of Syd's photos for the blog post. Scroll through them below, and turn on some Johnnyswim while you do!
We started out downtown Des Moines for some pre-sunset photos. The light was so perfectly shining across the tall brick buildings downtown- and we had a perfect view of the city skyline. (Also, people-watching is so fun on the roof of a parking garage, amiright!?) I love that you can pick out some of the historic buildings downtown in Polk County, like the traveler’s sign and the polk county courthouse.
After downtown, we switched things up and moved to a local park for some greener pictures. Sydney slayed her senior photos and I can’t wait for my next senior photography session downtown Des Moines!
My fall schedule is filling up fast, but I do have a few week evening spaces in October and early November for family sessions or engagement sessions...2018 brides and seniors, I'm still booking for next year. Shoot me a note if you like what you see!
With love,
Amelia Renee
I am so thankful to have been the one to document Madeline and Steven's first day of marriage! These two are beyond the best together, and I loved how joyful and God honoring the day was! The way Steven looked at Maddy all day, and the sweet way she always rested on him, shows the deep level of love and tender care they have for one another. These two tied the knot at Trinity Bible Church in Cedar Falls, and held their reception at the beautiful Old Fifty-Six Barn in Grundy Center!
Enjoy a few of my favorite moments and photos from their wedding day!
Once the girls were all ready, we headed over to the first look location. Since their reception was at a barn, but too far away to get to before the reception, Steven and Maddy decided to have their first look at the barn where we shot their engagement photos! I love the consistency in that. Plus, it was a gorgeous spot!
Vendors
Venue: Old Fifty-Six Barn in Grundy Center
Flowers: Bancroft Flowers
Caterer: Moment in Thyme
Event Planner: Ladybugs
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!
“Sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers
We’ve got to stand up for each other
Sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers
We’ve got to fight for one another”
Love Always,
Amelia Renee
“Better than I was
More than I am
And all of this happened
By taking your hand”
Love Always,
Amelia Renee
“Can’t say how the days will unfold...
Can’t change what the future may hold...
But I want you in it,
Every hour, every minute.”
That Des Moines skyline will forever have my heart! It's been a dream of mine to shoot engagement or wedding photos here at sunset—so glad these two were accomadting of that!
Danggggggg girl—work it!
Check back in December to see Megan & Kelly's wedding photos! I can't wait:)
Love always,
Amelia Renee
Love Always,
Amelia Renee
Outfit change….I loved Lindsey's long dress, and simple but gorgeous jewelry!
Edge Corps class of 2015…thanks for being the best out there. It's been an honor and joy to serve on campus ministry staff with y'all, and I look froward to seeing some of you in November, Lord willing, and others of you around the country (or the world!!) throughout the rest of our lives!
Which photo did you like best? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
Amelia
The gardens were crowded with hundreds of people, but there was still plenty of space on the lawns to set up blankets or lawn chairs. We brought in dessert and wine, and sipped while we wandered through the flowers and fun art exhibits. A band played music by the butterfly wing, and children ran around waving balloon swords and animals. It felt festive, but not overwhelming…the perfect mix!
We started off wandering the downtown Cedar Falls area, found some beautiful flowers (one of her only requests!) and then finally made our way outside of town to chase the sunset. You just can't go wrong shooting in a field in June at sunset in Iowa! (Oh…and we ended with some 4-Queens Ice Cream!!) I hope that these photos capture just how joyful and sweet Clare is—of course, they don't compare to being with this gal, but maybe you can just pretend. ;)
