Bride-to-be Heather called me last summer, just after I had moved to Des Moines to photograph weddings and seniors full time. We chatted on the phone for a long time, and she finally decided to book me! After booking, we set up her and fiancé Clinton’s engagement photos in Sioux City… she really wanted to do some out on the lake where she grew up spending time with her family. It was an incredible, perfect fall evening and you can see the photos here!

Heather and Clinton’s wedding day also took place in Sioux City, Iowa and Nebraska this past weekend. June is such a wild card month, with torrential rain storms and hot sunny days. Thankfully, their wedding day was the latter and honestly, just gorgeous for an early summer wedding! The sun rose early and stuck around through the reception, shining down love on the newlyweds.

The girls all prepared for the big day with fruit, mimosas, hair and makeup, and matching robes! (So obsessed!) Despite a few little bumps in the road— totally a normal thing if you’ve been involved in any wedding— Heather stayed radiant. Sister and maid of honor Holly helped Heather get into her dress and put on her final touches. This bride truly was a vision in her Justin Alexander wedding gown as she walked outside to see her almost-husband! Clinton felt ALL the feels, and this is such a great example for any future marrieds that having a first look doesn’t mean you won’t also cry when she walks down the aisle! (I firmly believe and encourage all my couples to let their emotions come out. They not only photograph better when I can “see” them, but there’s NO shame in shedding happy tears!)

From getting ready at Delta Hotels in Sioux City to a sweet letter exchange & first look outside, to jokes made by the priest at the ceremony, to finally grabbing a bite at their favorite bar… this day held much beauty in the small moments, and so much love that will only multiply with time. Are you ready? Here it is… just some of my favorite photos from Heather and Clinton’s wedding day!

Outside we headed, to the view of the river for a few portraits, before the couple exchanged letters with each other. Tears by multiple people may have been shed. ;)

Reposition…and it’s a GO for first look! Clinton’s reaction was one of my favorites yet!

Then it was time to head to the church for the wedding! I was amazed at the gorgeous exterior of Heather’s home parish. The white stone was stunning under the June sun. I definitely can see why she wanted to marry here!

We ran behind schedule, as can happen on wedding days. (There is so much to do and get ready for, after all!) Thankfully, my 2nd shooter Gabi and I split up to grab photos of the bridal party after the family and guests left the church. There was juuuust enough shad for us to work with, and it turned out perfectly!

Back to the hotel for the reception—in nautical decor. ;) The ballroom was the perfect size for the amount of guests and family attending the Baker wedding. Plenty of room to eat, mingle, and for the kids to run around before the reception kicked off in full swing.

After dinner & toasts, the dance floor opened up! First dances usually are one of the sweetest parts of a wedding day, and this was no exception. Heather and Clinton couldn’t stop singing, smiling at, and kissing each other!

I’m really proud of the portraits we got in the 5 minutes outside, during the reception. Our day was so rushed that we only got about 10 minutes worth of portraits during their first look time slot. Even though it was cloudy, (LOL at “golden hour!”) there was enough ambient light to take a few more couple photos! These are just a few of my favorites. Heather and Clinton, thank you sooo much for trusting me with your wedding day photography! I was honored to travel to a new city for a wedding, and even more to get to spend the whole day with your family and friends. You’ve had such a wonderful start to your marriage… enjoy the rest of your honeymoon and settling in to married life! PS Call me when you need to update your family photos. I know a gal. ;)

Wedding Vendors
Dress: Bridal Collection in Denver, CO
Suits: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaids Dresses: Vera Wang by David’s Bridal
Florals: FlowerCart Creations
Venue: Delta by Marriott
Catering: Kahill’s Chophouse
Cake: Cakes by Monica
Videographer: Bob Brindamour for Huvver
2nd Photographer: Gabi Glover
DJ: Tim Lane