{An Iowa Farm Estate Wedding}

Well, apparently pastures overlooking rivers are having a moment around here! 😂 For the second wedding in a row, I found myself photographing a couple saying “I do” in a beautiful pasture with the river as their backdrop. And honestly? I’m not mad about it! This time, it was Alyssa and Brandon.

Alyssa and Brandon live just on the other side of our tiny little town, so we’ve known them for quite a while. But getting to spend more time with them throughout this season has been such a fun way to get to know them better! And if I had to describe these two in a couple of words? Laid. Back. Together they are such a fun pair and know how to enjoy life without taking themselves too seriously.

Their wedding day started at home with family and friends buzzing around as everyone got ready. And then came one of my favorite moments of the entire day. Addy’s first look with her daddy! The second she saw Brandon, her face absolutely lit up. She was SO excited to see her daddy, and honestly, I’m not sure who was happier!

Then it was time for Brandon and Alyssa’s first look. Since we were actually invited guests to the wedding in addition to photographing it, I decided to pull Joe into the mix. I convinced him to bring his drone along for a few photos and videos, and it ended up being such a fun addition to the day! We spent some time exploring the farm and capturing portraits before heading down to the river bottom for the ceremony. And when I say it was hot…It. Was. HOT. But somehow, the heat couldn’t take away from how beautiful the setting was. Their ceremony took place with a rive backdrop, surrounded by the people who mattered most.

Once they were officially husband and wife, everyone headed back to their home to celebrate the rest of the evening in their shop. And this is where the hard work of Alyssa, Brandon, and their family and friends really came together. They transformed the space into such a fun and welcoming reception venue, and it felt completely like them. Nothing overly complicated. Just good food, good people, lots of laughter, and a whole lot of celebrating.

One of my favorite moments was watching Alyssa and Brandon share their first dance with their two sweet kiddos. There’s something extra special about beginning a marriage while surrounded by the little family you’ve already built together. And then came something I’ve literally never seen at a wedding before…they raffled off an old Winchester gun to one lucky guest!

Between the river, the shop reception, the kiddos, and spending they day in their home, this wedding day was full of little pieces that made it uniquely Alyssa and Brandon. And that’s probably what I loved most about it. It wasn’t trying to be anything it wasn’t. It was simply them. And because we were invited to celebrate as guests, too, this wedding felt especially personal for us. I loved getting to step out from behind the camera every once in a while and simply enjoy the day alongside them.

Alyssa and Brandon, I adore you two! Thank you for trusting me to document such an important season, and for letting Joe and I be part of the celebration in more ways than one…even if that means putting up with Brandon picking on me. 😂 Your day was hilarious, beautiful, laid-back, and completely unforgettable! And I wouldn’t have it any other way! Wishing you both a lifetime of endless fun together!

Loved working with:

Dress Boutique: Grand Bridal
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Family Home Estate
Hair & Makeup: Kaylyn Stalzer at Kaylyn’s Kuts and Emma Elsbecker
Catering: Rick and Cassie Schujter
Cake: Julie Foth
Bridesmaids Attire: Azazie
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Urban Dress Co