Their wedding day dawned with blue skies and fluffy, white clouds. We arrived at her parent’s home where the ladies were all relaxing throughout the house, finishing up makeup, eating lunch, and laughing. It’s my favorite scene to arrive to and the easy spirit carried throughout the rest of the day.

Rachel and Carson are two truly sweet people. Their relationship has mostly been long distance and so when Carson was in Iowa in December, I took a few hours away from my brand new baby to meet up with them for their engagement photos. Seeing them both interact at that time only prepped me for how much I was going to love working with them on their wedding day. I loved every minute! When I met the rest of their families, it made so much sense how they both ended up being such genuine, wonderful people.

With the final details being put in place at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center for their reception, the ceremony was just a few minutes from her childhood home at her family’s church. After stepping into her gown, she went to the church to meet Carson.

Rachel was the epitome of a joyful bride! Not only was she so fun to be with, but just look at her smile in these photos!!

Rachel had a piece of her mom’s wedding dress wrapped around her bouquet. It was absolutely perfect.
I looooovvveeeeddd the guys’ suits! Navy suits are so classy and the gentlemen pulled them off well. (One of Carson’s groomsmen said, “Yeah, Carson has good taste. Leave it to him to have the best looking suits around.”)

Rachel’s dog even joined us at the church for some photos! There’s a sequence of about 10 images leading up to this one that are very entertaining.

The reception was held at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center and the ballroom looked absolutely stunning! Mark from Hitting the Mark Entertainment did the uplighting, including this custom monogram, and I believe it took all of our breaths away.

I adore a good harvest table and love the way the bridal party can interact during dinner as opposed to facing the guests as if on display. Adam from Covington & Company did all the design and table decor and it was everything Rachel and her mom dreamed of.

While guests were still eating dinner, I snuck Rachel & Carson outside for some extra sunset photos. Taking photos during this time allowed for them to breathe deeply and take a bit of a break, but also provided some of my favorite images since it’s during the golden hour, thus that beautiful golden glow on their skin!
The father/daughter dance turned into a family group hug dance.

Rachel & Carson, thank you. You were so wonderful to work with and it was my pleasure to photograph you on your wedding day. I am only sad it’s all over. Xo!

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