What to even write!? Alyssa and Carter will be long-time friends of mine, even after their November wedding. I just know it! We had only communicated via email and the phone until the afternoon of their engagement photos. I was nervous (always!) but oh, so excited to meet these two. Their story is full of attending/being in weddings that the other was at, yet they never officially met until the fall of 2017. In Alyssa’s words, “We met through my cousin. Carter was good friends with Cousin in college and for years my aunt has been saying "I have the cute niece". Last fall I added him as a friend of FB and the rest is history.” Isn’t that great!?

PS to all you aunties out there. Keep dropping those hints! Sometimes they work out. ;)

We set the start for early afternoon in early spring, out at the Rose Garden. No roses yet… but it was the perfect space to wander without interruption on a warm Sunday afternoon! These two laughed and had fun through their entire session… it was a real treat.

The trees aren’t green yet… but the grass is! And I love how it pops in the photo below. YES PLEASE/

I’ve literally wanted someone to wear this dress for a session since I saw a sister of the groom wear it a few years back to a wedding. THANK YOU ALYSSA!

Location & outfit change! We drove into the heart of downtown Des Moines, where everyone was out walking. Thankfully, we were able to find a few spots that weren’t crowded and snuck in lots of good photos and kisses.

I can’t handle these two!

Alyssa & Carter, thank you for driving over from Kansas City and Pella! You two give me such joy. It’s going to be a wonderful celebration of God’s goodness and gifts when you marry this fall! Can’t wait to explore Pella with you. Fingers crossed for a dusting of snow! ;)

Amelia