Jay + Cindy {Wedding: Part 1}

We began our day on the grounds of the beautiful Villa Louis in Prarie du Chein, Wisconsin.  Jay patiently awaited Cindy's arrival.  As she walked up the path to meet him for their first look, you could see the excitement on both of their faces.  Such a beautiful moment!

Kyle + Wendy {Wedding: Part 2}

 The ceremony at Kyle and Wendy's wedding was beautiful.  It was gorgeously decorated and attended by close friends and family.  Kyle's parents are passed and during the time that they would have been seated, Kyle carried two white roses to lay on the chairs that had been reserved for them.  It was so touching.  Though his parents were not there in person to witness his marriage to Wendy, they were certainly there in spirit.

Kyle + Wendy {Wedding: Part 1}

At the end of August, I head to the brand new Noah's Event Center in West Des Moines to capture Wendy and Kyle's wedding day.  When I arrived, the setup was still in process and I had so much fun capturing all the beautiful details.  Wendy created a large variety of chalkboards to share information with her guests.  There was a chalkboard telling their timeline from first date to "I Do's"; a chalkboard to label the candy bar, guest book, gift table, and more; small chalkboards to reserve the parents' seating in the ceremony, and many more.  So beautiful.

Brian + Rebecca {Wedding: Part 1}

 In the middle of May, I headed to St. Joseph's in Marion to capture Brain and Rebecca's wedding day.  We arrived as they were finishing getting ready and began capturing the wedding details.  As we were photographing the moments with Rebecca and her bridesmaids, one of the groomsmen came into the hall where the ladies were getting ready with a small gift box and a note. 

Kenny & Erin {Wedding: Part 1}

The second weekend of August, I headed to Mason City for the wedding of Kenny and Erin.  The day began with their first look on the steps just outside the church.  You can see the joy on their faces as they saw each other for the first time.  Simply beautiful!

Peter & Ryan {Wedding: Part 1}

The first weekend of August, my assistant Greg and I headed to West Des Moines for the wedding of Peter and Ryan.  Our day began at Covenant Presbyterian Church.  As Ryan was getting in her dress, I had the pleasure of capturing images of her beautiful bouquet and hand painted shoes.  One of her bridesmaids is a fabulous artist who custom designed her shoes for the wedding day.  The sides were designed with a gorgeous green swirl, the back had little "I love you" hearts, completely blinged-out heels, and the embellishment on the toes was stunning.  So much fun!

Mark & Janeen {Wedding: Part 1}

 

 On June 21, I headed out to the countryside north of Solon where Sts. Peter & Paul Church is located to capture Mark and Janeen's wedding day.  Despite the clouds looking rather ominous in the morning, it turned out to be a gorgeous day and we had a blast working with Mark and Janeen, as well as their wonderful friends and families.

Kyle & Samantha {Wedding}

On October 19th, I had the pleasure of capturing Kyle and Samantha's wedding.  I started my day with Samantha and her bridesmaids as she got ready at the salon.   It is always fun to see the beautiful transformation that takes place at the salon.  It is not just a hairstyle and makeup.  You can see it in the glow a bride gets as she gets ready for her wedding day.  As the final pins are placed in her hair, her veil put on, and her makeup perfected, she transforms from a woman in love into a glowing, beautiful bride. 

Jason & Holly {Wedding}

Earlier this month, I headed to Cedar Falls to capture Holly and Jason's wedding.  Holly is from Iowa originally and decided to return home for her wedding.  She and Jason are both currently serving in the Air Force and are stationed on the East Coast.  I'm glad they had the wedding in Iowa, it was a beautiful event and I truly enjoyed capturing it. 

Nick & Emily

 

At the end of June I assisted Greg Frieden Photography in capturing this beautiful day.  Nick and Emily were such a fun a loving couple.  Their day was filled with love: their strong love for each other, the love and support of their families, and the love for them that each wedding guest brought.  

Ryan & Kayla {Wedding}

                    

The first weekend in July, I had the privilege of capturing Ryan and Kayla's beautiful wedding day.  Their day started at Sts. Peter & Paul's Chapel in Solon.  It is a beautiful church set in the countryside.  Just behind the church are a couple rows of evergreen trees.  They created a gorgeous backdrop for their first look.  I know I've said it before, but I really do love first looks.  

Evan & Aleasha {Wedding}

In the middle of June, I photographed Evan and Aleasha's wedding. It was a gorgeous day. We began at the Coralville Marriott where Aleasha and her bridesmaids were getting ready for the day. Once she was ready, she met Evan downstairs for their first look. I have said it before and it is still true today, I love doing a first look between the bride and groom. I know tradition denotes that the bride and groom should not see each other before the wedding ceremony, but a first look is something so special. It allows the bride and groom time with just each other before the day is in full swing. They get the surprise of seeing each other for the first time in their wedding finest and gives them time to talk, share kisses, and just be with each other. This is something that is not replicated by seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. At the ceremony, you have 100+ guests watching you and a ceremony to participate in. There is little room for the hugs and whispered words of love that a first look allows.