Des Moines Fall Outdoor Engagement Session - Chris & Brylie

Fall in Des Moines is one of my favorite things. Photographing Chris & Brylie engagement session made it even better. Surrounded by the fall colors and golden sun walking around Grey’s Lake learning more about their relationship and wedding day was so much fun.

These two are a ray of sunshine together. Scroll through below to see for yourselves ☀️

I can't wait to capture their wedding day as they embark on their journey of forever together at the West Des Moines Marriot this next weekend!

Des Moines Winter City Engagement Session - Laura & Derek

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!

Looking for a Des Moines wedding photographer and think we could be a good fit?

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Your Engagement Session

1. Do I feel comfortable in my outfits?

There is nothing worse than tugging/adjusting your outfit every few minutes. When you feel comfortable you will be naturally more relaxed and get professional photos that feel like you. Just to be clear, comfortable doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. If you feel super comfortable in a form fitted dress - rock it!

2. Am I picking out my outfit to please someone else or because I love the outfit?

Trends are fun and who doesn’t love being complimented on your outfit? But if you are so focused on pleasing others you most likely will look back on the photos and be disappointed in what you chose. Don’t try to please your mom when picking out an outfit. My advice is think of what you enjoy wearing within your closet and pick what feels like your best self/the most confident in.

3. Does my ring need cleaned?

Getting your ring cleaned is free at the store you purchased it from and most jewelry shops and will make a big difference in close ups!

4. Do I need/want to order anything for my session?

Maybe you have your eye on a specific dress or want to order new shoes - be sure to order it enough in advance so you aren’t scrambling the day of because your package hasn’t arrived yet.

5. Do I want to get my hair and makeup professionally done?

If you don’t enjoy doing your makeup and hair yourself save up and treat yourself to getting them done professionally. Or you can use this session as a time to trial your wedding day hair or makeup. Or if you have a friend that loves doing hair and makeup reach out to them and see if they’d be willing to do yours!

6. Do I want to include any props?

Props could be champagne for a champagne pop, a piece of furniture, flowers, your favorite snack/food, or your favorite drinks and are a fun way to incorporate your personality in your session.

7. Have shared my expectations or anything special I want to include in my session with my photographer?

Maybe you have a specific vision or want specific photos. Be sure to tell your photographer this! The worst thing you can do is assume they already know what you are thinking - this always leads to dissapointment.

8. Do I want to include my pet?

Your engagement session is a great time to include pets and get a few quality professional photos with your furry friends. Or if you want to have an in-home session a great way to include your entire life into.

9. Are there any sentimental spots I want to include in my engagement session?

Where you met/first hit it off, your first date spot, go to date spot, or proposal site are all great places to incorporate your engagement session

10. Do I want to take off work and make an afternoon/day of my session?

Make an entire day of it or go on a date after your engagement session. Use the engagement session as an excuse to take the day off and get some extra quality time together. Life is too short not to 😊

The Best of Both Worlds Engagement Session with Mark & Emily

As a photographer who loves the city and nature, when couples come to me and want to incorporate both into their engagement session my heart sings.

Alexa play "The best of both worlds" by Hannah Montana.

One thing I especially love about the city of Des Moines is that downtown there is a great mix of architecture and nature together.

Walking around downtown Des Moines learning about Emily and Mark’s relationship was a blast. Ending it at Waterworks Park by the water was the cherry on top. Can you believe these two locations are only 10 minutes away from each other? Just one of the many perks of Des Moines, Iowa 🥰

I’m so excited for Emily & Mark’s big day next month and cannot wait to photograph them again, this time on their wedding day! 😊

I have 8 spots available for 2023 and can’t wait to fill them with Des Moines weddings! Are you looking for a wedding photographer for your 2023 wedding day? 👇👇👇

Des Moines Iowa Engagement Session - Megan & Steven

Megan and Steven’s engagement session at Downtown Des Moines ended up being the perfect summer evening. Hanging out with these two felt like we were old friends walking around chatting. These two’s playful energy radiated between them during their session. See for yourself 😍

All the color in their session makes me excited for spring and their wedding day in Des Moines this summer!

Are you looking for a wedding photographer? If so, check out my wedding photography page below! Planning a wedding and looking for a venue still? Check out my Des Moines metro wedding venue guide!

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