I’m not tryin’ to be your part-time lover
Sign me up for that full-time, I’m yours, all yours.
— Jonas Brothers

So many words (stressed, anxious, hyper-emotional, angry, bridezilla) could be tossed around a wedding during pandemic conditions. But not one of those apply to this day, or this couple. Mary Beth exuded grace and poise, and Dan’s humor kept both his bride (and I!) laughing throughout this sweet day. It was warmer than many spring weddings, and the rain held off (only a few drops landed on us!)… as Mary Beth’s mother exclaimed, “the Lord answered our prayers!”. And in so so many ways, He did! After all, this entire marriage was the answer to many prayers from two kind and gentle humans.

Mary Beth dressed for her day in the home she owns, which was the house her grandmother had for years…

home in bondurant where bride lives
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wedding invitations on blue fabric with wedding rings
bride’s wedding shoes
bride’s shoes with penny and rings pillow
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bride’s dress on wooden hanger in her house
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wedding flowers with shoes and veil
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wedding rings in flowers
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dad helping bride mary beth put on her necklace

Meanwhile, the groom + his entourage prepared for the day downtown in the Hilton Des Moines Downtown.

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downtown groomsment portraits
groomsmen taking photos downtown
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This wedding was my first time at St Ambrose Cathedral… oh my heavens, it’s gorgeous!

st ambrose church downtown des moines iowa wedding day
bride walking away from camera
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downtown bridal portraits
bride walking down path with flowers and holding dress train
mary beth wearing long wedding dress downtown des moines iowa wedding portraits
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black and white photo of bride wearing long veil and holding flowers outside church

Finally, time for the ceremony!

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wedding ceremony downtown des moines
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Hands down the best part of the day! The couple had NO idea that most of their family and friends who couldn’t attend the wedding had live streamed from the church parking lot, and then parked out on the street to honk and wave and cowbell for the newlyweds! EVERYONE cried and it was one of the most beautiful, magical moments of my life. It’s never felt more true to say, “love isn’t cancelled.”

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drive by wedding celebration outside church downtown des moines
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des moines wedding photography
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We ended the day with a few photos overlooking our quiet little city. Mary Beth and Dan’s first date took place at the Des Moines Downtown farmer’s market, and it closed with this view.
What a sweet ending to so many memories, and the start of new ones!

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bride and groom wearing corona masks
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wedding photography des moines iowa
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des moines iowa wedding photographers iowa state capitol
bride and groom kissing holding flowers
groom carrying bride in front of capitol building iowa des moines wedding photographers
bride and groom walking downtown des moines under skywalk

Des Moines Wedding Vendors
Wedding Dress: Modern Dress
Florals: Hyvee
Catering: A-Dong
Cake: Leslie Poyzer

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