They leaned way into the cliche Iowa tropes by getting married in a tiny town, a little church, and at the local American Legion. I’ve photographed a couple American Legion weddings in my day, but Grace and Ben’s wedding was by far one of the coolest and most unique I’ve ever gotten to witness. Their day was the perfect balance of colorful + cool!

If you’d rather not have to book a cookie cutter hotel room for getting ready, consider booking the Foxcroft Estate or scouring other options on Airbnb.

When you think of an Iowa wedding day, most people visualize corn, beer, party buses, mason jars, cowboy boots, hay bales… the list goes on. Little does the whole world know that Iowa actually has some gorgeous venues and spaces that can feel like a European summer in the heart of the Midwest. If you’re hoping your wedding day can feel more romantic, soft, upscale yet laid back, The Prelude venue in New Virginia, Iowa just outside of the Des Moines metro, is a gorgeous spot to keep in mind. Between the roses, the courtyard, the checkered floors, art work, statues, spiral staircases, and so on, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own Jane Austen inspired moment.

Late spring + early summer in Iowa is easily such a joyful, beautiful time with everything returning to it’s perfect shade of green — a more specific favorite aspect of this time of year, is getting to be outside for family and newborn photos again. A spring newborn means you can spend time outside, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite forms of newborn photography.

Des Moines, Iowa has such a wide variety of wedding venues to offer. There’s a space for every type of couple whether it be old money, western, whimsical, and so on. That being said, it’s hard to find a space that feels truly timeless. If you’re looking for a blank slate that still overs unique aspects, all while remaining timeless, the Willow on Grand is the space for you. Tall ceilings, white walls, a beautiful bridal suite, a bar, big windows, green space, and so on are all available at this venue. Whether you’re wanting to have a black and white wedding, or one busting with colors, this space is perfect for it all! Plus it’s a short drive from hotels, parks, and any other amenities you’d need.

Dorian + Austin’s wedding day was a true representation of them as a couple in every single way. Each detail was so intentionally thought through and personalized — you can truly tell who they are based on every piece of their wedding day. The colors, the design, the florals, bubbles, their guests, literally every single little detail was excellent!!!

It’s no secret that fall in the Midwest is a kin to a 90s romcom. Right? Specifically Iowa State University’s campus during peak leaf changing time — it doesn’t get prettier than that! When you live near Ames, Iowa you’d be silly not to take advantage of the proximity.

If you’re looking for a smaller venue in the Midwest, I’d strongly encourage checking out the MN Landscape Arboretum! There were so many nooks on the grounds of the arboretum — it was photo heaven! One fun spot of note in the indoor greenhouse area. We took a few of their couples portraits in here and it was soooooo gorgeous and added some easy variety to their gallery.

Since becoming a parent in the winter of 2021, I’ve become so passionate and sentimental about photographing newborns and growing families (obbbbbviously). I especially love the point of view of an in home newborn session. Documenting what life truly looks like in those first few weeks of adding a new member to your family is so so sweet. The heart behind everything I do is documenting moments that can be looked at with love for the next several years, decades, and generations to come. That being said, I’ve got lots of tips for those who are looking forward to their own in home newborn session. Let’s get into it!