Alayna and Michael Downtown Des Moines Engagement Session

Alayna and Michael wanted to spend time at their first date spots during their engagement session which I LOVED. It’s one of my favorite things when couples choose to be photographed in sentimental spots that are important to them. We started out at a rooftop to get some classic and fun Des Moines city photos, then moved to get coffee at Horizon Line (one of my local favorites), which happens to be the starting spot of their first date. After realizing how perfect these two were for one another, we walked to the park and they told me their goofy and super cute story of their first kiss in the exact spot we were sitting. Next we took the long way to their favorite bar and ended the night sharing a drinks and just chatting about wedding planning and life more. These two were so fun and they had me smiling the entire time and honestly made me feel like an old friend. I am so excited to be photographing these two wedding day this fall. Scroll through to see their infectious smiles and love for one another!

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!