They had met nearly 4 years ago. It was in a large group and they were both in relationships at the time. They had mutual friends, however, and soon they befriended each other on facebook and found out that both had ended their relationships. The second time they met, he walked right up to her and planted her with a kiss. They’ve been together ever since.

The forecast had predicted rain, but I, ever the optimist, had decided it wasn’t going to rain for their wedding. As I pulled off the interstate to head to the hotel, I kept asking my assistant, “Do you think it’s maybe not raining quite as hard?” She keenly pointed out that I was driving slower, therefore, the rain was hitting my windshield with less force. (See, I need an assistant for obvious reasons.) Janelle was a bride of great gumption though and she said, “I’ll do whatever as long as it will be better for taking photos.” (She’s a dream bride.)

The ladies were getting ready when we arrived. Janelle was anxious to get into her dress and as soon as it slid over her shoulders, tears started. It became real. She was a bride now. The hair, the nails, the makeup, all were just parts of the whole. The dress completed it.

I was desperately hoping to photograph Janelle and Kurt’s first look outside, but the rain wouldn’t let up. I found an overhang nearby the church and asked Janelle how she felt about going out there. Absolutely, she was game. In the meantime, I grabbed Kurt to take him out and get him stationed when I spotted a beautiful brick wrap-around porch next door and I quickly changed directions.

Since there was shelter from the rain there, we ended up taking all of the bridal party and family photos there too. Let me just say, this group didn’t disappoint!

One of my favorite moments in the ceremony was when I snuck a photo of Janelle and Kurt giving me thumbs up after their vows.

As the church bells tolled, they walked out of the church a married couple.

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riverside, iowa

hair & makeup  |  Tanya Klein of Exhale Studio
florist | Missy Clark of HyVee
ceremony | St. Mary’s Catholic Church

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Coming next: Reception + Day-After Session