hen asked what she was most looking forward to about her wedding day, she said being with everyone she loves in one place. He seconded that saying, “Seeing family and friends that I don’t see very often, most of whom I see less than once a year.” Their families and friends showed up and the support, love, and happiness was so evident! I secretly fell in love with the Lammer/Stoermer families; they are just that sweet.

Anna & Cody first met working together at Hy-Vee (read more about their love story here) and have since both moved to the Des Moines area to continue their successful careers with the company. Everything from the florals to the cake to the catering and the venue, of course, were all represented by Hy-Vee and it was all so perfectly beautiful and delicious that I decided Hy-Vee should just be a one-stop-shop for all things wedding.

It was the peak weekend for fall colors and, man, we hit the jackpot! It also happened to be a gorgeous fall day for temperatures; we felt so lucky all the way around! Cody & Anna, thank you so much for having us. It was a true pleasure working with you and I am so excited about these images and memories from your wedding day!

You guys, I’m a sucker for a ballgown. Let it be known again and again and again. I was swooning over Anna’s Maggie Sottero gown. It is a perfect combination of tulle, lace, beading, and shape.

We went to the Des Moines Art Center for their photos and this was really where we got to see so many fall colors!!

See what I mean about the fall colors?! Holy wow…

One of my favorite wedding color combinations to date!

Cody picked out the suits and I think they are so sharp! I love that they are so classy without being the traditional all-over black suit.

Something I had never seen in a wedding was a congregational unity candle. Every guest had a candle and, starting in the back of the chapel, the candles were lit and then one-by-one they passed the flame to the candle next to them and up through the rows. It finally reached the front where Anna & Cody’s mothers took the flame to the candles on the altar, from which Anna & Cody lit their unity candle. What a beautiful symbolism of community and support!
The reception was nearby at the Hy-Vee Conference Center. It was truly stunning and I know Anna was so happy with how her vision all came together.

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +