I photographed Laura’s older sister wedding at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and was so excited when Laura reached out to me for her own wedding day at Toast Ankeny!

All of Derek and Laura’s major relationship milestones happen in the winter and in the city, so it made sense they take their engagement photos in the winter in the city as well. They also brought their mini Bernedoodle Norman for a few pictures which I loved! If you have pets, engagement sessions are a great time to get family photos 😊

Their engagement session is a great example that you can have vibrant photos even in the winter time when things aren’t quite looking like the winter wonderland we all envision and see on Pinterest. See for yourself below!