Anna and Wil Engagement Session | Des Moines Engagement Photographer

I met up with Anna and Wil at the Arie den Boer Arboretum in the front of Des Moines Water Works for the start of their engagement session. The fall colors were still on display and Anna’s dress was perfect for the setting around her. We bonded over mutual friends we shared and our love for the outdoors. Next we went further back into Water Works and found a wooded area featuring a pond for their second location. I loved the variety we were able to get in just an hour with an outfit and 5 minute drive. Which location is your favorite? The first or second spot of their engagement session? Let me know in the comments below!

Associate work for Grace T. Photography

Morgan and Justin Des Moines Engagement | Des Moines Engagement Photographer

The minute I pulled up to the Des Moines Art Center snow started falling and I knew it was going to be a magical engagement session. Morgan and Justin felt the exact same way and came with huge smiles on their faces. They also brought along their cute little pup and we were able to get some photos of the whole family together. Scroll through to see the winter wonderland we experienced and some super cute puppy kisses. 🐶😍

I had so much fun hanging out with Morgan and Justin. Our time together during their engagement session got me even more excited their wedding day in August! I love that I get to laugh along with each couple and learn little things about each of them during our time together. ❤️

Tyler and Madelyn Botanical Garden Engagement Session | Des Moines Engagement Photographer

This was an extra special engagement session for me for several reasons. Jon and my engagement session was at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, so whenever I come back it brings back happy memories. It was extra cool when my own brother asked to take his engagement photos there 😊Madelyn and Tyler had never been, so I had fun walking around and showing them my favorite little corners of the gardens. We even were able to venture outside and get some photos of the city in the background. It was pretty difficult to choose my favorites because Tyler and Madelyn were so giggly and obviously in love in every single image. 😍Scroll down to see my favorite of their smiling faces 😊

I had so much fun hanging out with Madelyn and Tyler at the Botanical Gardens and cannot wait to photograph then again in Cedar Falls on their wedding day this summer 🙂🎉

I still have 2020 availability and have officially opened my books for 2021. So if you are on the hunt for a wedding photographer who wants you to have a blast on your wedding day and photos that show it, you should click on the button below 👇

Top 10 Locations in Des Moines for Engagement Sessions

Unless you have a sentimental heart and want to recreate a specific date night, picking an engagement session location can be overwhelming. That’s why I’m sharing my top 10 picks of Des Moines engagement session locations to help you have less stress and more fun while wedding planning! There are so many gems in the city, but these are the places that I continue to come back to because of the variety and because couples genuinely love them 🙂

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

With outdoor and indoor locations the Botanical Garden is a great spot to get greenery all year round no matter the weather. The inside features a classic greenhouse with tons of different colors, plants and corners perfect for any engagement session.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

If you are an art lover this is a great spot to combine the outdoors and art in your engagement session. In the middle there is a little hill where you walk up and get a view of the city in the background as well. This spot is close to the library, and classic downtown sidewalks giving you many options for your photos.

The Travelers Roof Top

For those classic views of the city this parking garage roof top has a great urban feel and lots of variety within one location. This location is known for the Travelers sign that is often featured in the background of images.

Des Moines Art Center

Although you cannot photograph inside of the Art Center, the exterior of the building is available to use. This is a great location for urban feel with large white walls and without the typical crowds of downtown.

Greenwood - Ashworth Park

This park has it all, benches, a lake, trail leading all around the lake, beautiful trees, and prairie. This location gives tons of variety and is beautiful all year round.

Arie den Boer Arboretum

Located in Water Works Park, this location features beautiful colors throughout the year. In the spring it features whites and pinks, in the summer it’s green’s galore, and in the fall those classic oranges, yellows and greens really shine.

The Rose Garden

Located right behind the Des Moines Art Center, this location has beautiful greenery, winding paths and roses in the summer time.

Water Works Park

Further back in Water Works Park, this location is perfect for the nature loving couple. With 100’s of acres this land has ponds, lakes, a variety of trees and wide open fields.

Historic East Village

For the couple who loves the city and wants those classic views Historic Downtown has many little corners and that classic Des Moines city feel. It also features a beautiful wall that is green the majority of the year and changes to orange in the fall. A little note: the wall is private property, so be sure to reach out and get permission to use it before hand.

Downtown Coffee Shop

The following coffee shops have great natural light and are cozy spots for coffee lovers filled engagement session:

• Horizon Line Coffee

• Scenic Route Bakery

• DreiBerge Coffee

• Mars Cafe

Engagement sessions are complimentary in all my wedding packages! Engagement sessions are a great way to get some quality pictures of just the two of you (and maybe your fur babies) and for me to learn more about you two during our hour together!

Zach and Tia | Downtown Des Moines Engagement Session

Here it is folks, part two of Zach and Tia’s engagement session. For a different feel we went downtown and snapped some portraits in front of the beautiful ivy wall that I’m now obsessed with. I love how changing outfits and locations can create a totally different look in engagement photos. Which is why I always recommend my couples bring two outfits to their session for some variety 🙂Scroll down to see the wall I’m talking about and Zach and Tia in all their cute glory.

If Zach and Tia were to start a band I’d like to think this would be their cover art 😎

I’m counting down the days until I get to photograph these two again on their wedding at the Teachout Building downtown! 😍I have availability for 2020 and would love to document the moments that are most important to you on your wedding day so you can have them forever!