It’s always an honor to photograph a couple’s wedding day, but even more so when it’s a family member of a past couple! In this case, I’ve had the honor of photographing both of the Winn sisters’ weddings and I just adore their family so much! (Emily & Owen just celebrated their 2nd anniversary a few weeks ago.) While Sarah takes the credit for introducing Emily & Owen, Emily takes the credit for pushing Sarah & Nathan together.

In their young age, Sarah & Nathan have already faced a lot of heartbreak together, both losing their fathers. Later in the evening, Nathan spoke to their guests saying when his dad passed away, Sarah stepped right in when he didn’t know how to go on. She knew what to say, what to do, and how to write thank you cards to people who had blessed them through the heartache. She softly inserted, “Because I had been there just a few years before.” It was an amazing gift to see both families celebrating the wedding day with joy even while missing the patriarchs.

Sarah & Nathan were married in the Amanas and we kept commenting how much we lucked out with slightly lower temperatures than is typical in late August since neither the church nor the reception at the Amana Festhalle Barn were air conditioned. But prior to all of that, the ladies started the day in Cedar Rapids at The Redhead Salon & Blow Dry Bar where there’s a perfect space upstairs for getting ready and relaxing.

How many times do I profess my love for a good ballgown?! I’ll never stop. This gown had everything. Lightweight fabric that ruffled in the breeze, pockets, buttons, and the perfect mixture of lace and fun.

Sarah & Nathan opted for a first look and it was so perfect!
Sarah’s beautiful bouquet was wrapped with photo charms of both her and Nathan’s fathers as well as their wedding bands and wedding photos.

Nathan and the gentlemen looked so sharp in this perfect suit combination! Nathan gives Sarah credit for how everything came together and you could see her attention to detail in all the pieces of the day.

The perfect thing about a wedding in the Amanas is that you can simply turn 90 degrees to the right and you’ll have a completely new scene to shoot!
The flower girl wasn’t interested in photos and I think it’s heartbreakingly precious.
Sarah’s uncle walked her down the aisle and gave her away just like her sister had done a two years ago with another uncle.

These white walls and expansive windows were giving me all kinds of heart eyes. What a perfect church to photograph in!

Late in the evening, we stepped out for some fresh air and some last photos. I can’t stop smiling at these two.

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