I have long been looking forward to this wedding. There are many intertwined friendships within this wedding and I got to see three of my former couples as guests (one in the bridal party)! What you should know about me is that I love photographing weddings, but what actually keeps me going when the days are long and my feet are blistering and my back aches is the relationships. I love building relationships with my couples. So seeing former couples at weddings makes it feel like a big reunion and my heart would smile if it were physically possible.

Jenna and Andrew are an incredibly sweet couple who met while playing volleyball in a summer league. She eyed him from a distance, but didn’t have the courage to say anything to him. Thankfully, her friend had no qualms to jump in a get things started on her behalf and in a few days, she was set up as a sub on his team. When he messaged her on Facebook afterwards, she was back at her apartment and shouted to her friend–the same one who had set it all up–“THIS. IS. HAPPENING!” They had their first date not long after that. (Read more of their love story here.)

On the morning of their wedding, Jenna and her ladies were relaxing at the Marriott with a spread of food and mimosas, bare feet sinking into a plush carpet rug while taking their turns getting hair and makeup done. It was a wonderful atmosphere to come into and I always know the day is going to be wonderful when the ladies are having such fun from the start.

Both Jenna and Andrew have suffered similar losses in their lives; her when her mother passed away and him when his father passed away. They made sure to include remembrances and special tokens to their parents during the day, including this pin that was gifted to Jenna that read, “All my love, Mom”.

Jenna & Andrew decided to share a first look and we were able to get all of their photos done beforehand. The day was absolutely delightful, slightly chilly in the shade and comfortably warm in the sun. It was the epitome of Midwest fall at its finest.

Jenna’s Sottero & Midgley wedding gown was a piece of art. Look at all that lace detailing on the back!!

Their ceremony was out on the Marriott terrace overlooking the water. It was a beautiful setting for a wedding!

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

Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Ceremony & Reception Venue & Catering: Coralville Marriott

Videographer: Diamond Label Films

Florals: Covington & Company

Cake Artist: Sweet Satisfaction Bakery

DJ: Unique Events of Iowa

Makeup: Lindsey Coblentz

Hair: Skin Deep Salon

Bridal Gown: Sottero & Midgley from Hope’s Bridal

Maids’ Gowns: Hope’s Bridal

Suits: Ewer’s

Invitations & Paper Goods: Zephyr Weddings