Jessica + Brandon | Married

“I’m gonna live where the green grass grows
Watchin’ my corn pop up in rows
Every night be tucked in close to you
Raise our kids where the good Lord’s blessed
Point our rocking chairs towards the west
Plant our dreams where the peaceful river flows”

— Tim McGraw

It's hard to express this day with words. Jess was my very closest friend for three years in high school, and watching her move away to college after graduation was so hard for my little 18 year old heart. However, our friendship remained constant…through twitter, skype, and the occasional sleepover. A few years in, Jessa started talking to a boy. Brandon. "B." And wouldn't you know it, college graduation, way too many miles of driving most weekends, a puppy-turned-dog, and grad school later, they are finally married!

Photographing Jessa's wedding day was so very sweet. It's what we dreamed of in high school, come true at last! Actually, it's not. It's better. Because our dreams in high school were sub-par and awfully hilarious. Good thing God knows better than that. ;) Enjoy Jess and Brandon's wedding day photos—a sweet summer day full of sunshine, prairie flowers, family, friends, and so much love!

Waukee wedding photographer || Ryan + Lauren

Lauren and Ryan got married on the perfect July day. It rained (just a little!)—a sweet sign of good luck, but all storms held off, with no humidity to show for the season! They chose to get married at Ryan's home church, and held the reception a short drive away in Van Meter, IA. These two had their closest friends standing up with them, and so many family members to celebrate with them on their big day. Lauren was so laid back and thoughtful of everyone around her. Seriously the sweetest bride that could be! Ryan incorporated his infamous "Chapstick flip" into the ceremony, and kept his new bride smiling all day long with his care for her. It was truly an honor to photograph their wedding (especially after shooting the proposal and engagements, and literally getting back into the country three days before!). They moved out to Maryland for Ryan's job a few days later, and are currently on their honeymoon! Hope you two are having a blast exploring Maine and taking some photos of your own. :)

Liz + Scott || Married!

Overcast days with just a touch of rain, and a beautiful sunset to end the night, are any photographer's dream. Liz and Scott's wedding day did not disappoint! Although, the fact that they cared more about the guests in attendance and the marriage than the details of the decor made the day absolutely perfect. (The details were there, thoughtful and sweet! Complete with homemade pies and desserts…so tasty.) The Hansens' chose to have their wedding at Riverside Bible Camp, just a short drive from Iowa State University—where Scott graduated with an engineering degree that morning. Talk about a monumental day! ;) 

Venue: Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp
Dress: J. Crew
Dress Hanger: Got Joy Gifts
Flowers: Heaven Scent
Cake: New Pioneer Co-Op
Also, many thanks to the wonderful Erin, who snagged some amazing shots of the guys getting ready & others throughout the day! 

Erin got the shot above and I love it:) It's so much fun having a second shooter who can grab similar but wider/closer shots alongside me!!!

Austin + Michelle || Papillion, NE Wedding

“And oh, we got time, yeah,
So darling, just say you’ll stay right by my side
And oh, we got love, yeah,
Darling, just swear you’ll stand right by my side.””

— Be My Forever—Christina Perri

Austin and Michelle's story is one of grace. Of friendship and dating, of breaking up and spending time apart and waiting...and then, oh joy!, reconnecting. Jesus has used these two in their college, in the world, and in the ministry of their lives separately—Michelle is almost done with nursing school, and Austin is studying to be a youth pastor. Their lives will be better and stronger together, for a "chord of three strands is not easily broken." Celebrating their love on a surprisingly cold March day was a sweet treat! These two are so loved by the family & friends that joined them there. Many, many blessings on your married life! It was so much fun to travel to Omaha and to photograph this wonderful Nebraska wedding! ;) Thank you for trusting me to capture your day:)

Wedding Venue: Nebraska Christian College
Cake: The Cake Gallery
Popcorn from Jock & Jill's Popcorn
Cupcakes by Infinity Cupcakes

Mr + Mrs Doubek || Waterloo, IA Wedding Photographer

Sara and I attended the same high school, but since we didn't run in the same circles, we never met. Fast forward to this spring, when I received an email from her asking about engagement and wedding photos! It was so wonderful to spend time getting to know these two over the course of the summer, and their wedding was such a simple and personal affair. Jake and Sara wed at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, the perfect location for wedding, reception, and bridal party photos! Also…my favorite part of the day might have been Sara's first look with her son. He was so shy and yet so happy, and it is something that I'm sure he'll remember for years to come:) 

Mr + Mrs Rouse || Celebration Farm, Iowa City

“I haven’t seen her
For a month or so
Young love feels like finding buried gold”

— Ben Rector, Paris

Kyle and Bailie met in college. Over time, a friendship and then relationship was built. Even as Kyle switched universities (to the other side of the country!) to pursue pastoral ministry, and Bailie finished her degree and began working a few more states eastward, their relationship has stayed strong. This is not due to their own strength, bur rather, that their relationship was founded on Christ, His love, and His grace.

Kyle and Bailie had such a perfect wedding day! Not only was the weather wonderful for their outdoor wedding at The Celebration Farm, but joy was so evident in every moment & step along the way! From their time praying together before the ceremony (but no first look!) to the time of worship during the ceremony, from enjoying the yummiest Mediterranean food for dinner to dancing the night away with dear friends and family, this day was 100% them & absolutely glorious to behold. 

Wedding Venue: The Celebration Farm
(with help from Katie!)
Caterer: Oasis Falafel
Dessert: Heyn's Ice Cream
Florist: Hyvee Floral

Mr + Mrs Howe || Mayowood Stone Barn Wedding || Rochester, MN

Collin and Jackie wed on an absolutely beautiful June day. Surrounded by friends and family, they began forever together under a wide and weathered tree…while watering their own small sapling & promising to nurture their love in the same way. The Howes had a Mayowood Stone Barn wedding in Rochester, Minnesota—this is now one of my favorite wedding venues! Future brides, pleeeease book this venue & hire me! ;) I won't have to think twice about shooting here again. From the cleverly named "Bridle Room" to the swing hanging from a property tree to the lovely view of a summer sunset through the corn, the Mayowood Stone Barn has it all!

Atherton Wedding | Cedar Falls, IA

Rachel and Grant have a ton of love for one another. (#athertonoflove) This day threatened us with rain, but ended up with just the perfect amount of overcast skies for beautiful portraits & the sun even shone during the reception at the end of the evening! These two are full of life & adventure (they chose Australia as their honeymoon location, so that tells you something!) and they're working hard to make a difference. Rachel is currently in medical school, and Grant is working hard to support her. Together, they make a great team. I can't wait to watch you two fall more in love over the years!

Flowers: Flowerama

Cake: UNI Catering

Dresses: David’s Bridal

Ceremony: United Church of Christ

Reception: UNI Commons

Atherton Wedding | Preview | Cedar Falls, IA Wedding Photographer

It's something special when friends get married. It's even more special when they ask you to photograph their wedding day.