Andy & Amelia | A Cheerful Walk in the Park Ames Engagement

Hey hey! It’s a good day, isn’t it? Not only is it Friday and beautiful outside, but we have lots of pretty and happy here on the blog as well!  Andy and Amelia are just so cheerful that you can feel the happiness exuding from their images.  These two were highschool sweethearts who thrived through several extended periods of long distance and are about to be separated once more before they marry!  I have a lot of respect for such endurant relationships and loved hearing how Andy traveled to visit Amelia in Peru and proposed atop a mountain!  :)

We began the session by exploring some of the less traveled, yet lovely streets of Ames and found such wonderful colors and textures!  We then ventured around to a few different parks and it was so fun to see these two relax and enjoy their time together while I photographed the whole beautiful scene. :)

*It should be noted that I may or may not have made up the word ‘endurant.’ ;)

This may be my new favorite building in Ames! What a gem! :) Love that adoring look! :) So much joy. :) Love!!!! Just a walk in the park and a dance on the path. Too fun. :) Andy and Amelia- You two are so much fun! What a beautiful relationship you have that has clearly stood the test of time and distance!  As you go into another time of separation, I wish you the absolute best and can’t wait to be there for the day that marks an end to your time apart! :)

Dan & Anna | A Charming Bellevue State Park Wedding

Good afternoon to my wonderful Monday readers!  I’m so excited to finally be able to share the wonderful wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Oswald with you today!  You heard a little bit of their charming story with their engagement session this past Spring and today you get to witness a new milestone in their relationship, the wonderful Summer day when they said “I do.”  :)

Dan and Anna were married in Anna’s hometown of Bellevue, Iowa, which is just so adorable and full of character!  Anna prepared for the day at her parents’ lovely country home and met Dan for their first look where Dan had knelt down on one knee just months before.  It was a beautiful day full of memories, laughter and loving smiles.  Rachel and I loved spending the day together with these two, capturing their love at its best and are thrilled to share those moments with you!

Joy. Pure joy.

One of my favorite aspects of their day? The fact that Dan would tote Anna around over his shoulder.  Definitely his fireman skills coming out! :)

I love this flying ‘V’ that Rachel captured during portraits. So great. :)

Isn’t she lovely?

Love this next set of Rachel’s images…beauty. :)

It should be noted that Dan built this cross and Rachel painted that lovely sign! Love it! :)

Their reception had so many fun games and playful elements that Rachel captured beautifully!  How much fun are these!? :) Dan and Anna- you had a wonderful celebration and Rachel and I couldn’t be more happy for you as you start your life together! Happy and loving wishes are being sent your way! :)

ps…be sure to keep up with Rachel on her shiny new blog! :)

Miles & Sydney | A Calm River-Bend Northern Iowa Engagement

Well hello there friends!  I hope this morning is treating you well! I didn’t get much sleep last night as we had a cricket chirping the night away (we presume under our bed somewhere), but I’ve decided not to let that ruin my day!  It’s going to be a warm one, I’m pretty proud of my outfit today and I am so excited to introduce to you Miles and Sydney!  And let’s be honest, after a cup of coffee I should be good to go!  :)

Miles and Sydney took me to their favorite place for their engagement session and I’m just so glad that they did!  It is a beautiful bit of land that sits next to a river where they have spent hours upon hours canoeing, swimming, relaxing and just enjoying life.  After a little bit of wine and a walk around the area, we ventured out onto the river and let me tell you….it was gorgeous. With the sun setting around the bend and just the sound of the water to set the mood it was a perfectly romantic and lovely moment that I’m so glad I was able to capture.  Hello gorgeous ring! :)

Just love that laughter. Miles has a thing for Sydney in this hat…it was hilarious.  She puts it on and he just stares. :)

Beauty.

This is love.

Oh hey there models!! ;)

And this is probably my favorite set of the evening.  The light, the love, everything was just so perfect. :) What a perfect way to end the night.

Favorite :)Miles & Sydney – Congratulations you two! So excited for your wedding in just over a week! It will be grand! :)

Website & Blog Launch | Ember Grove Photography

Hello friends!  Today I have happy happy news for you!!  Not only am I ridiculously excited about these incredibly beautiful fall days (and all the sweet treats they bring!), but today the new Ember Grove Photography site goes LIVE!!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! :) Seriously, Eva Black is ah-mazing!!  She designed the Ember Grove logo and created the entire site in all its watercolored glory! :)  Jump over to the Ember Grove site and take a look at my pretty new internet home!  I’m starting out with a delicious giveaway, so make sure you see the blog!

With my site live and Val’s soon-to-be, we’re both giddy about our happy new web homes (or homes to be!).  Don’t worry, we’ll still be collaborating on lots of beautiful projects and will be sending tons of gorgeous images your way! :) So go ahead, check out the shiny new Ember Grove site!

And as always, stay lovely!

http://embergrovephotography.com/

Kevin & Korie | A Relaxing, Post-Elopement Just Married Session

Happy Happy Friday everyone! What a whirlwind of a week it has been! Mark and I sold two vehicles and purchased two new (to us) cars, my wonderful mother visited for a quick dinner, we started connection group up for the semester and I’m going to my first high school football game in years tonight!  And that’s just a few of the highlights! :)  To top it all off, today FEELS LIKE FALL! If you can’t tell….I’m a bit excited! :)  I had a wonderful pumpkin white mocha this morning with a dear friend while sporting my brown boots with a scarf and cardigan.  What a perfect start to my day and the weekend!

But really, I’ll stop ranting about how much I love Fall and get to the good stuff! :)

Meet Kevin and Korie! These two eloped to Spain this summer and after they returned to Iowa, we spent a little bit of time capturing their newly-married status on the homeland.  We started the evening at The Continental, where they had their first date, over a glass of wine, which happens to be their favorite way to wind down and relax together.  We then ventured through the ever-lovely East Village of Des Moines and just had a great time chatting and exploring! :)

Enjoy!

Love love love this! :)

A little waltz to set the mood. :)

Korie, you’re gorgeous!!

Steve & Melissa | A Beautifully Classic Eastern Iowa Wedding

Hello friends!
Thank goodness the weekend is here…it’s been a crazy roller coaster of a week!  Derek and I went to the Western Dubuque High School game in Maquoketa last night and watched the Bobcats roar to a victory!  I love the atmosphere of the games, there’s such a great excitement beneath the field lights.  It’s wonderful and almost makes me miss the carefree days of high school.  Almost.
Today I’m bringing you a few previews from my latest wedding – Steve and Melissa!  Remember their beautiful Mines of Spain engagement?  Melissa is a WDHS grad while Steve is an alumni of our school rival, Beckman.  Talk about how opposites attract! ;)
Their wedding was gorgeous – they said their vows at a stunning Catholic church near where they both grew up.  Surrounded by friends and family, their wedding celebration was classic, timeless, and just an all around good time.  Enjoy a few previews from our day together!
Stay lovely,

Kyle & Tammy | A Gorgeous and Intimate Galena Wedding

Hello and happy Wednesday!  Today’s sky is incredibly beautiful – bright blue with giant puffy marshmallow clouds – I love it!  I hope you all had a gorgeous weekend – I had a lot of firsts this weekend.  It was my first double header wedding weekend, my first time warming cookies in a toaster (successful!), and my first time helping roof a house.  Follow me on Instagram for a better look into some of those adventures! :)
Derek and I photographed two amazing couples this weekend and today I’m going to share a few pieces of our Friday wedding with Kyle and Tammy!  These two are outstanding – despite blistering 97 degree heat, they rocked their portraits and enjoyed every moment of their celebration with their closest friends and family.  Their ceremony was at the Little White Church on the Hill  near Galena, Illinois, and every element of their day was thoughtful, intimate, and BEAUTIFUL.  Their four adorable kids were their groomsmen and bridesmaids, how great is that?!  Oh, the day was just wonderful. :)

Kyle’s reaction to seeing Tammy for the first time that day was so great!

And the bridal party – cutest kids ever! :)


Congratulations Kyle and Tammy – thanks so much for the honor of photographing your love story!!
Stay lovely,

Scott & Josie | A Backyard Horseback Engagement

Well hello there! Welcome back to reality after the long holiday weekend.  Hopefully this Tuesday that feels like Monday is treating you well.  It’s actually incredibly beautiful today here in Iowa with a bit of crisper air that almost feels like Fall!  Oh, and Starbucks released their Pumpkin Spice Lattes, which makes life all the better. ;)  I’m even wearing some new brown boots today with anticipation that Fall will come…..it will….despite the 100 degree weather as of late…

So, today, in celebration of the return of PSLs and the oncoming of Fall, I get to introduce you to an adorable couple in the comfort of their backyard, surrounded by their personality-filled animal friends.  Meet Scott and Josie.  A pair in love with their land who plan to make a home for themselves and grow old together right here where we shot their images.

This was an especially fun engagement session also because Rachel and I got to shoot it together!  There were so many giggles shared as we watched the horses nudge at Scott and Josie and their kitten chase along demanding attention.  I have a feeling you all will enjoy the many frames where the little fur ball is popping his head (or tail) in.  We sure did! :)

I love this moment where Scott and Josie took in the beautiful view of their property and chatted about their future plans and dreams with the land.

Just LOVE this little guy! Such a personality! :)

Hello gorgeous! :)

Love these next few images shot by Rachel – the horses interacted so perfectly! You can’t make this stuff up! ;)

Love, love love this! :)

As Rachel and I drove away from the beautiful evening, the sunset caught our attention and we had to stop to capture the beauty.  What an artist God is!

Scott and Josie- you two have a beautiful home and a wonderful “family” to keep you company!  Here’s to many years of happiness inhabiting your property and growing old together!  So looking forward to your wedding this month! :)

Taylor & Ashley | An Inspiring Celebration Farm Wedding

There are those people in everyone’s life who, without even trying, inspire and challenge those around them.  For many, Taylor and Ashley are those people.  They love God and they love people in a way that is radiant and infectious.  Recently, I was able to hear Ashley give a maid-of-honor speech at another wedding and I can almost guarantee that every woman in that room was inspired to deepen and grow their friendships.  From day one, Taylor has been incredibly respectful of Ashley and has lead their relationship with God at the center.  Their commitment to Christ and purity was beautiful and challenging.

All of the wonderful details of their relationship played out like a beautiful symphony on their wedding day as the joy, commitment and love exuded through their every moment.  Every detail was personal and carefully planned to provide their guests with a meaningful, beautiful and enjoyable experience!  I was so blessed to document their day and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with you!

Taylor and Ashley decided to start their wedding day with time in the Word and prayer.  Similar to their engagement session, what a beautiful testament it is to what matters most!

Easily one of the most unique bouquets I’ve ever seen!

What a good lookin’ group! :)

Ashley, you are just beyond gorgeous.

Lookin’ good yourself, Mr. Miles!

Love the moments of prayer throughout the day.  Especially this one.  Right before the ceremony. :)

So. Much. Joy.

The Celebration Farm is just beautiful and smells of fresh cut wood…it’s pretty amazing. :) Taylor and Ashley had a ring toss competition for their guests – so fun and such a genius idea! :)

Their first dance was That Girl by Justin Timberlake, which by the way, might be the best first dance song I’ve heard.  Every time I hear it, it just makes me smile and want to groove.  Listen to it, I promise you won’t regret it. ;)

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Miles – You’re wonderful and such an inspiration! Thank you for the blessing of photographing your story!

A Note of Encouragement to the Beautiful Bride

Hello dearies!

Today I was going to compose a Lens Perspective post, diving into the ever-exciting world of weddings again and discussing the wisdom of hiring a wedding photographer that you trust.  A photographer that you can relax with, share your dreams and aspirations with, laugh with…a photographer that you would consider a friend.  Oh, it would be a lovely post, and it will most likely come down the road sometime.  But instead, I want to share a note of encouragement today.

To the beautiful bride to be:
Planning a wedding is craziness.  Yes, it can be a fun and crafty whirlwind of prepping for the most beautiful flowers, adorable cake toppers, darling signs, pretty paper, and the best food.  But it can also be a draining and overwhelming venture, especially if you’re taking on the plans alone.  Seriously – planning a party for 250+ guests can be absolute madness, especially when you’re striving to make your celebration a picturesque and memorable beauty.
So today, I want to encourage you all to be present in this very moment and to cherish the beauty that surrounds you.  Step AWAY from the wedding plans, take a deep breath, seek out the beauty around you, and find strength and encouragement in relationships.  Go on a date with your fiance, enjoy a sweet drink with a friend (go for the chai!), sketch out your dreams, giggle over a memory, and just be.  While the wedding will be one of the most wonderful celebrations of your life, there are incredible life moments to be enjoyed during and after wedding planning.  Take a moment to love on those around you and to thrive in the now; I promise it will be worth it.

“I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”
-Vincent Van Gogh

Stay lovely,

Image thanks to Shannon Lee Miller Photography