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

Katie and Jim…two of my favorite people! I wrote a little bit about them when I posted their engagement photos – click here for a refresher! They were married on July 17th at Valley Church in West Des Moines. It was a long, beautiful, worshipful wedding! Some weddings are very traditional, and some are very unique…and Katie & Jim’s was totally “them” if you know what I mean! Every detail of their ceremony was so reflective of their personalities and relationship. Laughter, seriousness, worship songs, prayer surrounded by friends and family…it was a memorable wedding! Here are some of my favorites from the day: 

How many women does it take to lace up the back of a dress?! Jim & Katie’s first look was one of the sweetest I’ve ever seen. Jim came in and stood at the end of the aisle completely speechless. He just stood there with a flabbergasted expression on his face for so long…and then passionately said, “WOW!!!!!” And then he cried and walked toward his beautiful bride! SO sweet!
Katie, you’ve got poise!! After Katie & Jim had their private time together, Katie had a few minutes to spend with her parents. I’ve never seen this before, and I love this idea!! Rather than bubbles or flower petals, they had their guests throw streamers at them while blowing kazoos! Hundreds of kazoos all at once…those things are loud! Such a fun idea! At the reception (held at the Forte Reception hall, a part of All Play in downtown Des Moines), rather than clinking glasses to get the Mr. and Mrs. to kiss, the guests had to come up to this mic and sing a song with the word “love” in it. Guests loved this! These are Katie’s mentors and coworkers from school (Katie teaches vocal music): They gave the bouquet away to the couple who had been married the longest, and it went to this adorable couple! This photo makes me smile each time I see it…don’t you just want to spend a day with them to hear their story and learn all about them?! These are Katie’s grandparents, and they are actually quite famous as the couple who played piano at Mayo Clinic. Have you see the youtube video? If not, check it out here! Congratulations again, Katie and Jim! Your wedding day was perfect, and I am SO thankful I got to be a part of it!

Hannah & Brandon were married July 31st, and everything about their day was bright! From the warm sunshine to the sweet glow on their faces to the vibrant flowers to the groom’s white tux! My second shooter Nicole and I began photographing the ladies as they got ready before portraits:

Hannah’s dress was covered in beautiful lace! One of my favorite moments of the day: before Hannah put her dress on, she and her sister took time to pray together. It was a time full of tears and laughter. So sweet! Just a lil’ peek-a-boo with the flower girl! Brandon put this sweet piece of art together for his lovely bride: he gave her one of these each day for 39 days before their wedding, as 39 reasons why he loves her. WOW! What a romantic!! Photo by Nicole below:  Brandon proposed to Hannah by using this puzzle! He’s so creative! Nicole couldn’t resist this beautiful window light – what a gorgeous portrait!! They’re so cute together! WOW. Hannah, you have a deadly serious look!!! Credit for the next 2 beautiful shots by Nicole:  I learned that this is the groom’s signature pose! Lovely moment captured by Nicole:
Brandon could not be more joyful to be dancing with his new wife!!
This father-daughter dance was the sweetest I’ve ever seen! Hannah’s dad had this huge grin on his face for nearly the entire dance!
Congratulations, Hannah & Brandon! Your wedding day was beautiful!!

Lots of wedding posts to come! I am in the midst of editing 3 of them, and I can’t wait to show you! As I am working on Hannah and Brandon’s wedding photos, I  can’t help but post this one to whet your appetite! Check out this stunning bride! And no, I did not edit her eyes to make them this vibrant!