Unplugging Your Wedding

 I love my phone.  I really do.  I love being able to stay connected even when I'm out and about, but there are times it needs to be put away.  We have a rule in our house, no technology at the table or during family time.  It is so important to be present in the moment, not only for ourselves to build memories but to show our respect and love for those around us.

Jeremiah + Angela {Wedding: Part 2}

Jeremiah and Angela's wedding ceremony, was a beautiful full catholic mass.  I love the light streaming in from behind her as her father walked her down the aisle.  She looks simply radiant!

Jeremiah + Angela {Wedding: Part 1}

We began our day with Angela and Jeremiah as they got ready at the Best Western in Fairfield.  As Angela relaxed with her bridesmaids, I was able to capture some beautiful details of her dress, shoes and jewelry.  I love details.  Each couple spends so much time planning out the details of their wedding day, I feel it's important to capture them.

Jeremiah + Angela {Sneak Peek}

A peek at the beautiful wedding of Jeremiah and Angela.  We had so much fun capturing their Fairfield wedding earlier this month.  Check back soon for more from their big day!

Moments

 

We remember life as a string of events; moments that define our lives and live on in family stories.  Weddings are no different.  The main focus in wedding planning is on the defining events: the first kiss as husband and wife, cutting of the cake, the dance shared by a father and his daughter, the bouquet toss, and so many more.

Sam & Kayla {Wedding: Part 2}

Following Sam and Kayla's ceremony, we finished the formal portraits in the church.  Then the bridal party, my assistant, and I headed towards downtown Pella for some more fun portraits.  Our first stop was the old firehouse in honor of Sam being a volunteer firefighter.  In the firehouse was a beautiful antique fire engine.  So fun! 

Brandon & Emily {Sneak Peek}

A sneak peek of Brandon and Emily's September wedding in Dubuque.  It was a beautiful day filled with love.  Check back again soon for more from their big day!

FAQs {Wedding}

Happy Friday everyone!  I thought I'd take a moment today to share some answers to a few of our most frequently asked questions about wedding photography.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! 

A Jack of All Trades {Weddings}

I'm such a hopeless romantic at heart.  I love Love, so weddings are naturally something I adore.  Two people who are fully smitten with each other, surrounded by those who love them, all in a beautiful setting;  there's nothing to not like!  On a wedding day, it is my job to capture not only portraits, but also the moments shared by everyone involved.  These moments vary from the joyful hugs and laughter as the bride and groom celebrate with guests to the quiet, intimate moments when the happy couple takes a moment to whisper "I love you" to each other.  Through the years, I have learned many useful skills that I have used to help many wedding days run smoothly so these important moments can continue to happen.

What Do Professional Wedding Photographers Do?

It is easy to think your photographer shows up at your engagement session and wedding, takes some pictures by pushing a button on their camera, then goes home and uploads them for the world to see.  While, perhaps, there are some budget photographers out there who do not invest their time, energy, and creative vision into your wedding day, that is most certainly not the case for my studio.

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer for You {Part 5: Investment}

Weddings are expensive events; between the gown, tuxes, the limo, the venues, food, drinks, decorations, and the many other pieces that go into creating your dream wedding day the expenses add up.  Deciding your budget can be a more difficult task than you'd imagined.  Inevitably there are some aspects of your wedding that require a larger portion of your budget than others.  Photography is one of these key elements of your wedding day well worth the investment.

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer for You {Part 3: Services}

It is important to think about what you want from your photographer.  What are your expectations?  Wedding photography services vary greatly from photographer to photographer. Do the photographers you are looking at offer packages or do you build your own wedding day coverage?  If they offer packages, can you customize them to fit your wedding dreams?

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer for You {Part 2: Personality}

Once you have narrowed down your selections of photographers to the ones whose photographic style fits your wedding dreams, it is important to select a photographer whose personality matches yours.  You want to work with someone with whom you get along.  You will be spending many hours on one of the most important day of your lives with this person.  They will be by your side during the laughter, happy tears, and quiet moments on your wedding day.  You want to feel comfortable with them.  If you feel at ease with your photographer, you will look more relaxed and natural while in front of their lens.

Finding the Right Wedding Photographer for You {Part 1: Photographic Style}

Now, it may seem obvious that you should check out a photographer's work before contacting them to photograph your wedding day.  This is so essential.  There are many wonderful photographers in the market with a wide variety of photographic styles.  It is important you select the photographer who's style fits your vision of your wedding day.

Angela & Karla {Wedding}

 

In August of last year, I assisted Greg Frieden Photography in capturing this beautiful wedding.  The event was held at the Celebration Farms Timber Frame Barn, and the setting was beautiful.  To make the day no less than perfect, was the love these two had for each other.  It was such a joy to photograph their interactions.  Some of my favorite pictures from the day are the ones of them dancing in the trees.  Their expressions say it all.

Matt & Julie {Wedding}

In August, I assisted Eric Yerke Photography in capturing the wedding of Matt & Julie.  The wedding was held in Cedar Rapids at St. Mary's.  The sanctuary was filled with stunning natural light which made it an absolute joy to photograph in.  To add to the fun of capturing the day, Julie and Matt were wonderful to work with. 

Patrick & Shawna {Wedding}

Last summer, I headed to Cedar Falls to assist Greg Frieden Photography with the wedding of Shawna and Patrick.  They were a beautiful couple and a pleasure to work with.  After the wedding, we headed to downtown Cedar Falls for some formal portraits.  Despite a little drizzle, we got some beautiful shots. 

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. 

Tim & Jessica {Wedding}

On October 20th, I headed to Dubuque to capture the wedding day of Tim & Jessica.  Their ceremony was held at the Bible College there.  The church was large and lovely.  The stained glass windows filled the sanctuary with beautiful natural light.  We began their day with their first look.  It was truly an emotional event for both the bride and groom.  Many happy tears were shed and many tissues were needed.  Beautiful.