the CSP blog

Emily and Connor chose Carper Vineyard and Winery in Norwalk, Iowa for their wedding and reception. Carper Vineyard and Winery was the perfect backdrop for Emily and Connor’s wedding day with the vines in the background, a lovely pond and weeping willow trees about the property. It has the most beautiful location for the perfect […]

Initially Emily and Conner were to meet me at the Des Moines Water Works for their engagement session. When I arrived, I realized that it was homecoming weekend for the Des Moines area and it was full of people and vendors. So I decided to give them a text to meet me at the Des […]

One of my former beautiful brides recommended me to Braelyn and I am so delighted that she did! Braelyn and Cody are just the sweetest couple and I am so excited to photograph their wedding. Braelyn is very familiar with Ledges State Park and knew that she wanted her engagement photos at this beautiful park. […]

Katie and Trever met on a dating website and had their first date on Valentine’s Day of 2021 and have been inseparable since. Their go-to activity is spending time with their two dogs. Although rumor has it they have adopted a kitten that they adore just as much! They love spending time with friends and […]

It was my first visit to Thousand Hills State Park and it was a beautiful park. I can see why Abby and Jared love this park so much. I had a great time with Abbie and Jared during their engagement session. These two were full of smiles the entire session. Abbie and Jared had their […]

I had a blast photographing Abby and Gavin and Abby’s parent’s back yard was the perfect setting for the final pictures of their session. The day started out cloudy and we started earlier than we anticipated but the sun came out smiling down on Abby and Gavin and we had a beautiful afternoon for all […]

Peyton and Nicholas are the sweetest couple to photograph. They are naturals at posing and our conversations just flowed throughout their engagement session. I had such a great time photographing these two. Peyton and Nicholas met in college whilst Peyton and her roommate toured around campus meeting other students and faculty. Peyton and Nicholas have […]

Emily and Caleb had their engagement shoot in Pella, IA. Everyone that knows me knows I love shooting in this beautiful town. I had an absolute blast photographing Emily and Caleb. This couple is the sweetest! Emily and Caleb were naturals at photographs! Emily and Caleb met at Bible study at Caleb’s church a few […]

I could tell instantly through communication with Madison that this couple was the sweetest. I asked Madison if she had a location in mind for her engagement shoot and she said she did not, so I gave her a few location ideas. I also told her about Ledges State Park which is absolutely beautiful.  I […]

On my way to this engagement session, the clouds started forming, wind picked up and sprinkles started so I messaged Carole to see if she wanted to reschedule or proceed. Carole made the decision to proceed and I am so happy she did because the clouds opened up and the sun came back out. It […]

Pella, Iowa and Red Rock hold a lot of memories for Brooke and Kevin and because of those memories they chose this beautiful location for their engagement session. Pella happens to be at the start of Tulip Time making it the perfect timing for photos. We had a blast walking around this beautiful area. Brooke […]

I think one of the most photographic places is Pella, Iowa and I was thrilled when Ashlee and Zach wanted their shoot to be in Pella. With each new session in Pella, I find new and unique areas around this beautiful little town. Ashlee and Zach are just the sweetest and cutest couple ever! I […]

Katie & Nick chose the beautiful Brenton Arboretum for their engagement shoot. The weather was great and Katie and Nick were absolutely the greatest! Brenton Arboretum was a busy place during their shoot but we were able to capture some great photos. Katie and Nick will be married on October 15, 2021. I am excited […]

Aly & James had their heart set on Brown’s Woods for their engagement session as it was a special place to them. We walked about a mile or so to find a bridge that made for some great photos. Aly forgot her comfy shoes and was an absolute champ walking the distance in her heels, […]

Courtney and Chad met at the Iowa State Fair in 2017 while meeting up with a mutual friend at Stockman’s. Courtney spilled Chad’s drink and offered to buy him a new one, but Chad being the great guy that he is bought Courtney a drink instead. From that moment on it was an instant attraction […]

Elisa and Mitchel live in Colorado so initially we conversed back and forth through email. Pursuant our emails back and forth, I knew this couple was going to be the sweetest couple and we would hit it off great! One of our favorite places to vacation is Colorado and we were running out of places […]

Some people are lucky enough to meet their soulmate in high school and Skyelar and Joseph are that lucky couple. Skyelar and Joseph met through a mutual friend in high school and have been together ever since. THE PROPOSAL Joseph’s family planned a trip to Pensacola, Florida and Skyelar and Joseph went along for the […]

Katie has a sentimental place in her heart for the country and the farms in Moulton, Iowa belonging to family. My husband is from Moulton and so it is very easy to navigate the beautiful country side with him driving to specific areas that are dear to Katie. Katie and Dakota have been dating since […]

Amanda & Scott Engaged I met up with Amanda and Scott at their wedding venue at Honey Creek Resort. Amanda, Scott and I had chatted a few times via email but I especially love talking with my couples about their big day during their engagement session. It gives me such great opportunity to discuss their […]

A “Lake Darling” Engagement Shoot There’s always a bit of a struggle when it comes to shooting engagement sessions in this early-spring time in Iowa. The weather can be so unpredictable and we never really know what the temperature will be! We can have 70 and sunny in early March and then cold and windy […]

When I met this couple in a small coffee shop in Des Moines, I knew we were a great fit!  Courtney & Ben are the sweetest couple ever! We had a great laugh because I am completely non directional and actually passed the small coffee shop where we were to have our meeting. However, I […]

I am ever so lucky to have great couples like Tessa and BJ.  I can’t explain how hot it was outside and this couple kept going.  Tessa & BJ have the kind of love for each other that will last forever and you can see it in every photo. I had so much fun with […]

Gabrielle and Treyten started their shoot at a location called the White Breast, a little beach located at Red Rock.  We ended our session in the beautiful town of Pella where they have the most amazing tulips blooming. Meeting couples like Gabrielle and Treyten make my day.  This couple is the sweetest ever!  Gabrielle and […]