For Emily & David’s engagement session, we started out classy with some shots at Grinnell College.

After a quick outfit change, we headed out west of town to Rock Creek State Park.  The fall colors and warm late afternoon sun were GORGEOUS.

Emily, you are so beautiful!

A little bit fun and quirky, at the request of Emily – I kinda like it!

I just love how this one captures the sweet love they share

Another quick outfit change, and we headed closer to the water.

I haven’t done too many photo shoots by water until this year.  I mean, I live in Iowa where most “lakes” are man-made, and there just aren’t very many anyways!  So working with bright full sun reflecting off of the water was a new challenge for sure!

This little lady bud was a lucky find!  He sat there for quite a while, patiently waiting for me to leave him alone!

Emily & David, thanks for a wonderful day!  You both looked awesome, and I can’t wait for your wedding next September in West Union.

Heather’s dress was gorgeous, and I have to say, the beautiful spaces at Toad Valley made for some wonderful backdrops.

The ballroom was decorated with SO many fabulous details at each place setting – homemade coasters, ice cream as favors, handmade menu booklets, and simple flowers.

Heather and Zach saw each other before the ceremony for the first look – I love this moment!

Besides Heather and Zach being so incredibly friendly and welcoming, I had a BLAST with the bridal party!  They were so much fun

Married!

Congrats to you both – it was such an amazing day

One quick one from this weekend at Toad Valley Golf Course!  Thanks for allowing me to photograph your wedding, Zach & Heather!  I had a blast!  Much love to Allison, it was a pleasure to work with you once again.

Since their wedding and reception was at a winery, we had to do some ring shots with the cork!

Jerry got ready with the guys and shared one last toast.

My view of their first look, all the way across the balcony.  You can see Allison’s view here.

A little lovin’ on the way down in the elevator

It was a very windy day, but I loved how it caught Maddie’s veil – so pretty!

Over at Jasper Winery, we snagged a few more couple’s photos near the grapes.

This is probably one of my favorite groomsmen’s shots from this summer — I love all the genuine smiles!

And this is what happens when you give the groomsmen your camera!

Thank you Maddie for being willing to get down on the grass – I love this shot of you two!

A sweet moment between Maddie and Allison  It’s not every day the photographer is in the shot!

All of the beautiful reception and ceremony details were put together by Innovativ Events.  They did a phenomenal job!

Maddie & Jerry planted a tree to symbolize the start of their new life together.

If I could convince every couple to take 10 minutes right around sunset, I would be the happiest person on earth.  I’m SO glad Maddie & Jerry did, because these next few photos are my favorites from the day.  The light was just breathtaking!

For music, they had dueling pianos from Cool 2 Duel.  I had only heard of this a couple of times from friends, but after experiencing it, I’ve gotta say it was SO fun!  I highly recommend them – they have a huge repertoire and everyone had a blast.

Congrats to Maddie & Jerry, and thanks again to Allison for allowing me to tag along and shot alongside you!

Many thanks to the wonderful Allison Marie for allowing me to shoot with her – once again, it was a blast!  I’ll post more photos later this week!

Torrey’s veil has been worn by 3 generations of women on their wedding day – it was stunning.

Yasin didn’t look half bad in his tux

Their “first look” before the ceremony was so incredibly sweet. I teared up while taking this photo- such a sap!

My favorite from the day.

Torrey, you were such a beautiful bride!

I’ve known Torrey’s family for 10 years, which is hard to believe.  Her youngest sister, Laurel, on the right was in elementary school when I first met Tor our freshmen year of college.  Now Laurel’s going to be a freshmen in the fall!  Crazy how time flies.

I couldn’t help posting this sweet moment between Torrey’s parents right before the ceremony – aren’t they adorable!?!

I loved that Torrey and her dad “danced” down the aisle — it was SO them.

Instead of the traditional sermon or message, they had friends share words of encouragement, and a reading from Yasin’s native Turkey.

I can assure you, there was not a dry eye during their vows.

Married!

Torrey’s sister Haley had quite the string of post-it notes for her speech…

see?

She even shared Yasin’s favorite dance move, which the bridal party happily demonstrated.  Loved this!

Yasin & Torrey thanked their guests, many who traveled quite a long ways for their wedding.

After dinner, the REAL party started – complete with glow-sticks, beach balls, and hats.   They definitely knew how to throw a party!

Congrats to you both!  Have a wonderful time in Turkey on your honeymoon!

Bridal Gown: Schaffer’s in West Des Moines
Hair & Make Up:  Expressions Salon in Grinnell
Tuxes: Dori’s in Grinnell
Reception: Grinnell College Harris Center
Florals: Flowers on Fourth
Cake: Yumi’s Bakery
DJ: Select Entertainment

Their wedding day was kind of gray and stormy most of the day, but we were able to snag some great portraits outside even with the threat of rain.

This is my favorite photo of Renae from the entire day.  You look beautiful!

Right before the first look…

I loved the florals, as well as the different dresses Renae chose.  So fun!

Clinton & Renae had perhaps one of the quickest ceremonies I’ve ever been to – 12 minutes!  I had to work fast, but I snagged this sweet moment during the lighting of the unity candle.

Married!

How cool is this grooms cake!?!

Clinton’s grandparents won the “longest married” dance-off, and shared a brief spin around the floor with the newlyweds.  This moment was so special!

This one’s for you, Christa!

Congrats to the newlyweds!