Courtney & Ben met in October of 2017, just when the leaves were starting to change color and the air could be felt with the perfect crisp bite to it. Their love for each other quickly grew through their mutual passion of fun road trips, fishing, family time, and a shared project on Courtney’s new house…a house that would soon turn into their home together. In January of 2019, Ben asked Courtney to spend every day thereafter choosing each other. It seemed the world had put these two exactly where they were meant to be as Courtney said yes and their next journey together began.
Courtney and Ben’s day started out perfectly and ended extraordinarly. Nerves over the weather were running a little high with the December wedding; there was no telling if it would be a sunny, bright day or if snow would decide to make its appearance! The worry was all for naught, though: Courtney and Ben’s day was a beautiful combination of cool, fresh air and the right amount of sunshine to set the eyes twinkling. Courtney and her girls were prepared with shawls that added the most unique touch to their photos.
Courtney and her girls started the day being pampered at Serenity Couture at Valley West Mall, where they were thoughtfully transformed into a wedding-party ready group. While all of the girls looked gorgeous, Courtney could be seen with a quiet but vibrant confidence that lit up the room. She was absolutely stunning!Thereafter, Courtney and the girls moved to Courtney’s house where Courtney slipped into her elegant wedding gown from Pure Bridal and the maid of honor and bridesmaids stepped into their dress of cabernet color from Azazie. The groom and his guys were busy themselves sliding on their tuxes and straightening their ties in a different location, of course. Beautiful bouquets of flowers for the bride and her girls and boutonnieres for the guys were provided to the wedding party for the final touch by Nielsen Flower Shop, West Des Moines, IA.
The entire wedding party then proceeded to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church where the moment Courtney and Ben had been waiting for the whole day arrived; the first look. The expression on Ben’s face was all that needed to be said when he turned around to see his bride. The love that these two share was clear and neither one could seem to stop smiling through the entire first look and couples photos. As a photographer I have seen a number of first looks and they are undeniably all so special and unique in their own way — but the smiles on these two the entire day is something I will always remember!
Courtney,Ben and the wedding party hopped on the party bus headed to the Des Moines Capital where the couple posed in front of the Des Moines skyline and the background — magical images! I had such a genuinely amazing time with Courtney, Ben, and the entire wedding party: their laughter and positive vibes were contagious. We managed to capture some goofy photos on top of the perfectly posed ones, as well. 😉
Their reception was held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The bride and groom entered with tightly clasped hands and beaming faces. The rest of the night passed smoothly: Courtney & Ben immediately cut the gorgeous, specially-made cake by Let Them Eat Cake, followed by a fabulous meal prepared and served by Lidderdale Country Store. The guests dug into their meals, a compliment to the chefs and a perfect touch to a memorable evening. Courtney & Ben shared their first dance, special dances with loved ones , and the party began with Jumpsuit Events playing all their favorites.
Courtney & Ben I wish you a life time of love and happiness and I thank you for allowing me to capture your day for you! Congratulations!!
