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Allison Marie Photography Blog by Allison Roen, Des Moines area wedding photographer bio picture

Welcome to my Blog!

I'm so excited that you have stopped by! I am a wedding & portrait photographer in the Des Moines, Iowa area.  If you are planning your wedding and searching for a photographer, simply send me a message in the contact section of this blog and I would love to get together with you to talk about your big day.

Leave me a comment on anything you like, agree with, have questions about, or things that resonate with you - I love hearing from you!

Enjoy!

-Allison

Booked Dates for 2010

If you are looking for a wedding photographer, I am currently booked on these 2010 dates:

May 8

June 5, 19, 26

July 10, 17, 24, 31

Aug 28

Sept 4

Oct 9


Category Archives: Uncategorized

A Vintage Shoot

Get ready for an over-abundance of photos! I did a vintage photo shoot with my dear friend Kimberly and her friend, Alicia. Kimber loves anything vintage, so we thought it would be fun to incorporate some vintage themes in our shoot! She was given a sweet record player for Christmas, and recently bought a bright yellow schwinn bike! After the shoot, we told some people about how much fun we had, and learned that the term “vintage” is unfamiliar to some people. So I did a little research on dictionary.com to provide an accurate definition:

Vintage:  (noun or adjective)  -the class of a dated object with reference to era of production or use: a hat of last year’s vintage.

-representing the high quality of a past time: vintage cars; vintage movies.

-old-fashioned or obsolete: vintage jokes.

-being the best of its kind

I found it interesting that the first 5 definitions have to do with producing a crop of wine! I learned something new today!

Since I couldn’t narrow down the photos to just a few of my favorites, leave me a comment and let me know which one is your favorite! Also, leave a comment if you own a favorite vintage item!

Allison-Marie-Photography-Vingage-Albuquerque-Portraitsdsc_3316Allison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueI love the beautiful contrast of these two women!Allison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueKim’s suitcase may look like just a cool suitcase…but look what’s inside! How fun is that?! I learned that I love the sound of music from a record player!Allison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueCheck out this beautiful lady!dsc_3449Allison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueStunning.Allison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-AlbuquerqueAllison-Marie-Photography-Vintage-Albuquerque

So, which one is your favorite and why?!

What is your loved vintage possession?!

March 9, 2010 - 7:28 pm Kimber - I love them all and had SO much fun being photographed as well as shooting the few hott pics of you!!! One of my favorites is the one of you on the road with your elbow on the record player and I also really love the ones of Alicia and I on the my bike 'Jenny'! And since my bike and record player aren't truly vintage I would have to say my favorite vintage items are my records!!! Love them.

March 9, 2010 - 5:18 pm Stacy Frazer - Sorry can't pick...I love them all! Especially Kim sitting on the record player (when she is not smiling) and I love the pic of you sitting on the record player, and I love the pick of Clint and Leigh Ann, and....I LOVE THEM ALL!

March 9, 2010 - 10:23 am Leigh Ann - BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! I think one of my faves is when Kimber is walking away with the record player. So fun! And the close up of her and Alicia when you said look at the contrast of these two... So fun Allison!!!! :-)

March 9, 2010 - 9:01 am Cindy - How on earth do I pick a favorite??? Such a fantastic photo shoot, and how fun!! Seriously, beautiful beautiful pictures. My favorite vintage item would be our dining room table. It's beautiful, solid and such a family heirloom.

Bella Babies

I am so thankful for a day to catch-up on work while the sun is streaming in through the windows! That’s a rare sight these days!

I want to share with you my favorite photos taken at the hospital with Bella Baby Photography this past month.  Looking back over the few months since I began this job, I had no idea how much creativity could really happen in a hospital room! I LOVE it when parents are eager to get in the photos; capturing the relationship between the parents and their new little baby is priceless! Enjoy these photos!

Read more about Bella on my blog here and here.

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dsc_2200dsc_2199dsc_2184dsc_2140dsc_2059dsc_2069This next one is so fun; the mom’s friend made her this really neat knitted bag to put the baby in! What a great baby accessory! =)dsc_2033dsc_1640dsc_1636dsc_1425dsc_1400bwHere is a sample of one of the popular birth announcements (names and info changed for protection of the baby):birth-announcementAnd the final image I’ll share with you is a WINNER! Each month, all Bella Baby Photographers enter one photo into a contest, and first and second place winners are chosen. I had the honor of winning first place for January with this beautiful photo! To see the write-up as well as past month winners, go to the Bella Baby Photography blog here.

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March 1, 2010 - 9:31 am jennifer marinangeli - simply beautiful - great work!

February 24, 2010 - 4:22 pm ashley - So beautiful, Allison!

Textures

I’ve been attending the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention all weekend, and it’s been incredible! I”ve taken more notes than I ever thought I could in only a few days, and have learned so many great ideas and inspiration! I will share more specific things after I go through my notes again, but for now I’ll show you what I’ve been playing around with tonight: textures. They are way fun..but they’re not really my style. I think I’ll always prefer the natural, classy and clean look!  But, these will be a really fun to add to senior photos & senior albums.

What do you think?

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See more of Allison’s work at www.allison-mariephotography.com |  Friend Allison on Facebook |  Follow Allison on Twitter

February 7, 2010 - 10:38 pm ashley - I think the textures are really interesting! Used sparingly they could make quite a statement. I love looking at your photos! I also live in Iowa and really enjoy seeing what you can do with the scenery. It's inspiring!

Hello, facelift!

I’ve been working on an exciting project today, and here’s a sneak peak photo for you. Full update to come!

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January 13, 2010 - 8:28 pm Carrie Ostreko - still waiting! :) haha

January 11, 2010 - 8:48 am Carrie Ostreko - can't wait to see it!!!

#38…check!

It’s been way too long since I’ve posted on checking off a goal on my 101 list! There are quite a  few that I have accomplished, but haven’t yet blogged about, so I’ll start by catching up with this one!

#38: spend a week-long retreat at my parents’ condo in Colorado

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I spent the summer of 2006 at one of the most beautiful places in the US - at Snow Mountain Ranch, YMCA of the Rockies. I was a team leader for the Navigator’s Summer training program. (Check out the promo video here.) It was an intense summer of discipleship, working at the Ranch, building relationships,  and learning how to authentically follow Jesus. It was a life-changing summer for me in many ways…and it was for my parents as well! When they came to visit me, they fell in love with that area of Colorado (near Winter Park), and a few months later, they decided to purchase a condo in Granby (small town nearby) as a get-away home. I love that they have a place there, and it’s sad I’m not able to spend time there more often! In November, my parents and I spent a week at the condo, and I loved every minute of it! It was the perfect mix of sight-seeing, going to concerts, exploring, snow-shoeing, shopping, and also reading, resting, and relaxing!

Here are my parents as we waited…and waited…and waited for our train. For some reason, they always seem to run a few hours behind!

dsc_1905The observation car:

dsc_1908The Condo:

dsc_1995_1dsc_2005dsc_2006I’ve decided that when I buy a house someday, I will build myself a wood fence! I love these!dsc_2025_1dsc_2036_1A cool bride in Grand Lake: dsc_2052dsc_2060My two favorite spots at Snow Mountain Ranch: 1) Columbine Point. Absolutely incredible view. Somehow, the presence of God feels so much stronger here than any other place I’ve been. Each time I’m here, I can’t help but worship the God who made these enormous, beautiful mountains.dsc_1954

and 2) this rock,  on the top of a mountain. I spent hours here during my summer at SMR,  wrestling with God about different things, and reflecting on life. A setting like this seems to put life in perspective for me!dsc_2128_1dsc_2117This sky show was incredible! I was sitting in the lodge, with my back to the window and when I saw sun streaming in from behind me, I turned around and saw this spectacular sight! Half the sky was absolutely dark, and half of it had blue skies with the sun peeking out! Wow!dsc_2134

It finally snowed the night before we traveled back to Iowa. Perfect timing! During our week there, we got to enjoy unusually warm, sunny weather, and also  fresh snow to snow shoe in!dsc_2149dsc_2172dsc_2178And lastly, here are my parents and I!img_4789_1

Posted by Allison Marie, Des Moines Iowa wedding and portrait photographer

January 11, 2010 - 8:47 am Carrie Ostreko - you are a perfect mix of your mom and dad..super cute family! great photos are usual! the colors are soooo vibrant. Love them.

the Mini Kiss Album is here!

I have an exciting new product I am offering…it’s called the Mini Kiss Album! It’s bound with beautiful, classy leather and has thick flushmount pages, just like my large wedding albums. It’s a 4 inch square, and perfect to toss in a purse to show off to friends and family! Here are some photos of the album, complete with my one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted packaging:

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September 30, 2009 - 7:51 pm Carrie Ostreko - Super cute lil album! I love the 4x4's! your blog looks very nice!!

Brendan & Ashely: Married!

Brendan and Ashley were married on Saturday, August 22nd, and it was a most beautiful day for a wedding! Ashley had “put in a special request with God” as she said, for 78 degrees with a light breeze…and that’s almost exactly what it was! Their wedding took place at Toad Valley Golf Course in Pleasant Hill, Iowa.

Here are the other vendors that made the day so beautiful:

DJ: Chris Parmalee from Parm’s Porta Party 

Cake: Linda Rozendaal from Pella, IA

Flowers: HyVee Grocery

Hair: Ultra Salon in Altoona, IA

We began the day at Ultra Salon, which was a really neat, unique hair salon! There were bright colors all over the salon, and these cool mirrors on the pillars, which made for some fun shots!

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photographyA sweet moment between Mom and Bride:ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

Here is Ashley, showing off her beautiful make-up to her sister!ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

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ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

Ashley’s bouquet was absolutely gorgeous!!ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photographyashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photographyThis is their “first look”! I love how all the bridesmaids and groomsmen are watching from behind!ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

What a good lookin’ couple!ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course pleasant hill iowa, allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

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ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

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ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

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Just perfect weather for an outdoor wedding!dsc_1840

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I love what the light created in this spontaneous shot, right after the ceremony!ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

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ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

Brendan told me such a sweet story. The first time he went over to Ashley’s house while they were dating, her parents had music playing and were dancing together in the kitchen! Knowing that makes this photo so sweet:ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

ashley lastine and brendan tabor wedding toad valley golf course des moines, iowa by allison marie photography

Thank you, Ashley and Brendan for the treat of photographing your wedding!

September 15, 2009 - 7:43 am Allison George - These pictures turned out so wonderfully! Love your blog. It captures the neat person you are! It was so nice to meet you.

August 29, 2009 - 9:32 pm Lori Lastine - Allison - The photographs are gorgeous, you truly captured the spirit of this beautiful day! I can't wait to see the rest! Lori

January 20, 2010 - 10:04 am Toad Valley Tasting » Allison Marie Photography Blog by Allison Roen, Des Moines area wedding photographer - [...] met Allison George when I photographed Ashley & Brendan’s wedding at the Toad Valley Golf Course in August, and it has been so fun these past few months to work with [...]

Miss Spenser’s Tea Room

I had the delightful opportunity to photograph Miss Spenser’s Tea Room a couple months ago. The tea room is operated by Spenser and Donna Hardin, a sweet mother-and-daughter duo from Indianola. They had me come out during a morning tea to take photos in order to submit them to the Country Woman Magazine. What a great opportunity for their business! Country Woman loved my photos, and Spenser and Donna are in the process of being interviewed for an article in the magazine. It’s so exciting that you could soon see my photos in the magazine!

Miss Spenser’s Tea Room is no ordinary tea room. They have created it to have the ambiance of being on grandma’s farm, with Country-Victorian style decor. It is a quaint, peaceful getaway from the hustle of every-day life. Not only are the guests served an exquisite meal, they are also treated with a special drama performance by Spenser, to go along with the month’s theme.  Spenser is such a talented young woman, and I encourage you to check out their Tea Room sometime!

miss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photography

miss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photography

miss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photography

miss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photography

miss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photography

miss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photographymiss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photographymiss spenser's tea room, indianola iowa by allison marie photography

February 20, 2010 - 11:17 am Barbara Miller - Please add me to your mailing list.

Hello new blog…

Goodbye blogspot blog! Blogspot is great for so many things, but I was ready for a blog that I could fully customize and look like “me”! The old blog will still exist, and you are more than welcome to read my old posts if you were not one of my readers back then! Here’s the link: www.allureweddingphotography.blogspot.com  

Isn’t this guy just a bundle of cute-ness?! This is a photo from a wedding I second-shot at with Ginger Murray Photography. Precious!clientproofing-page1

June 3, 2009 - 1:04 pm 101 in 1001 » Allison Marie Photography - [...] a new vegetable 43. Buy a pair of chaco’s 44. Buy a shootsac bag 45. Re-design my branding 46. Create a new blog 47. Sing in a community choir 48. Be in a community play 49. Throw a party 50. Win an award 51. [...]