I’ve always had a fascination with the tools I use, especially gear. There is something about it that gives inspiration to push it to the limit and create something incredible. I’ll be the first to admit, I am in love with the gear I get to use on every wedding and engagement. Although the gear doesn’t make the photographer, it can certainly open a creative door or solve a circumstantial situation.

When Karyn reached out to me for her wedding with Henry, it was that kind of experience. Not knowing exactly when the wedding would be, Karyn and Henry would make it beautiful. Spoiler alert, they did!

Wedding planning comes naturally to schedulers, project planners and a type-A personality. After all, a wedding schedule is just a well mapped out sequence of events that celebrate the union of marriage. Getting married and just starting to map out your wedding schedule? Use these scheduling tips to help you simplify the planning process.

I’ve known Rachel and Brandon for some time prior to their wedding. The three of us go to the same church, Walnut Creek. They are easily two of the most sincere people I know and when they started dating and got engaged, I knew they were going to make an amazing couple!

I sat down with Meaghan and Matt for the first time at a microbrewery in Ankeny. It was a quick meeting because it didn’t take long for the three of us to realize how great of a fit we were for each other. A simple glass of craft beer and a casual, easygoing conversation about what their wedding might look like was inspiring in and of itself. I knew the process would be fulfilling from that moment on. I soon came to realize that it was the first instance in which I experienced Meaghan’s attention to detail and intuition for beauty.

One of the biggest anxieties a bride and groom can have is the weather on their wedding day. Each season is drastically different, yet offers amazing opportunities. If you’re searching for simple and unique ways to match your wedding style with the season, I’ve got you covered! Check out these wedding ideas and tips for each season, because seriously, it’s the Midwest and anything is possible!

When I first met Kelsey and Craig, two things stuck with me more than anything else. First, they were the biggest New England Patriots fans I’ve ever met (congrats on the W this year) and second, they couldn’t be more in love if they tried.

One of my favorite aspects of every wedding is experiencing the theme that the bride and groom incorporate throughout their day. For some, it’s bohemian with lace and metallic details. For others, it’s a classic approach with black tuxedos and a magnificent church. Marie and Cody cultivated a unique theme based on one of their passions: travel.

For many couples, the task of creating a wedding day timeline can seem daunting. Besides scheduling out the ceremony and reception, so many other details can play into the flow of the day. As tempting as it can be to forgo a timeline altogether, this is one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked. A little planning up front can be the difference between a rushed schedule and the allowance for creative liberty. Here are seven wedding timeline tips to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch!

One of the most significant conversations I had with Sadie about her wedding was when we planned the wedding day timeline together. Sadie wanted to make sure we took time to capture of all the special people involved in her day, telling me, “the bridal party is my family.” It was then I understood what kind of people Sadie and Derek were and that their loved ones were going to play a major role in this wedding.

It all started at La Poste. That’s where the venue coordinators told Cherie and Ethan about a wedding photographer from Des Moines that might be a good fit for them. Cherie and Ethan knew they wanted their special day at La Poste, an amazing, rustic venue in downtown Perry, Iowa that was formerly an old post office. Now, it’s a beautiful location that I’m honored to photograph in.

From our first conversations, I could tell Keely and Caleb’s wedding was going to be a celebration specific to them. They both are kind hearted and funny, not afraid to be who they are. Their aim was a wedding that didn’t get caught up in the small details, or exact timelines, but a wedding that when you reluctantly left, your face hurt from smiling and laughing the entire time. Their celebration exemplified a lighthearted and intimate celebration centered on the guest list instead of a checklist.

When Tyler and I arrived at Andrea and Justin’s venue in Denison, Iowa, we knew exactly why they chose this setting for their day. The Stables at Copper Ridge were absolutely beautiful. Off a small two lane road sits an old barn that has been manicured to fit the setting of a beautiful movie. Chairs were set up outside of the venue and the ceremony overlooked the rolling hills of what I can only describe as ‘Iowa’.

When we arrived and greeted the bride and groom, we had no doubt that this couple’s excitement for the day wouldn’t be outdone by the heat. What resulted was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve been honored to photograph. Mikaela and Frasier, you two are incredible.

While you’re on the search for a photographer, it’s important to partner with someone who will ease your stress and turn the anxiety of not knowing what’s next into full confidence and understanding of your wedding vision. As a photographer, here are five qualities I present to my clients to ensure the wedding process is seamless from start to finish.

I easily fall in love with what I do each time I shoot a wedding. It’s not only a once in a lifetime event, but I get to do it over and over. Despite its repetition, it doesn’t get old. That’s because each time I meet two people getting married, they are one of a kind. I mean that with the utmost sincerity. They obviously have different backgrounds and preferences, but the heart of what they want for their life is always different as well.

One of my favorite types of weddings I get to photograph are the Walnut Creek Weddings. Walnut Creek is the church I’ve found over 5 years ago.  My life’s been completely different since then, because of the community of people found under the roof there. No doubt that Jesus Christ was the one who changed me completely, but these people, this body of believers are the ones whom I’ve experienced it all with.  And one of the biggest celebrations of Christ is at a Walnut Creek wedding. They are beautiful, but this isn’t about me, it’s about one of my favorite couples.