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?

Photographers that LOVE Big wedding days

During covid none of my weddings cancelled. Instead each downsized and followed regulations. Those weddings were some of my all time favorites for many reasons. The intimacy, thoughtfulness, and time couples were able to enjoy stood out to me.

After covid, my wedding sizes went back to 200-300 with large wedding parties. I’m all about a good party, but for me personally something changed. I realized photographing large weddings no longer sparked the same joy it used to. That being said I’ve decided to focus on the more intimate days, so I can serve my couples with maximum passion.

Below is a list of local photographers who have personally told me they love large weddings!

1. Jason Crocker Photography

2. Colby Campbell Photography

3. Olivia Harding

4. Erica Jane Photography

5. Sara Reus Photography

6. Amelia Renee Photography

7. Tia Trali Photography

8. Anna Berry Images

9. Jennifer Weinman

I’m a firm believe that there is a photographer for everyone. If you are looking for a photographer for a wedding day that will have over 125 guests I’m not the photographer for you and that’s okay. I want you to find a photographer who is excited about the vision of your wedding day. Not one who just views it as a paycheck.

I am confident that each of these photographers would do an amazing job with photographing your wedding day. Each have their own unique flare and style, so be sure to click on each to see what they are all about.

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 😊

2022 Year in Review

2022 was a great year. I had the opportunity to shoot at many beautiful and personal venues:

Noce DSM, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, the pond at West Des Moines Lutheran Church of Hope, The Loft DSM, The Hive at Busy Bee, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, The District in Ankeny, Valley Church in West Des Moines, and my last 4 travel weddings outside of the Des Moines metro.

Some of my favorite photos are heartfelt, some silly and some just transport me back to the couples wedding day so perfectly. Enough talking, time to show off the photos.

Like what you see? Learn More about my wedding packages below!

Moving forward I am no longer traveling outside of the Des Moines metro to photograph weddings. Here are the cities I will travel for: Des Moines, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Johnston, Waukee, Norwalk, Grimes, Carlisle, and Saylorville.