Huge congratulations to Gwendolyn and Jake on their wedding 06.15.2024!

As always, Brophy Creek Farm was gorgeous and we definitely took advantage of all the prettiest spots for photo ops. I’m so fortunate to have this lovely, rustic venue just a stones throw from where I live in eastern Iowa! The florals for this wedding were some of my favorites! I love that Gwendolyn wanted colors in the bouquets. The blues actually matched the bridesmaids dresses perfectly, and the splash of oranges and yellows gave it a natural wildflower kind of vibe. So pretty!

As per usual, I started my day documenting all of the beautiful details - bride’s gown from A Storybook Ending, rings from Kay Jewelers, invitations made by the couple, florals by Wild Blooms QC, and even the earrings Gwendolyn wore that were her great grandmothers. Those special touches are the best!

Gwendolyn and the girls got their hair and makeup done at On the Avenue Salon and Spa in Davenport, IA before meeting me at the Barn at Brophy Creek Farm to get dressed. They all looked absolutely stunning! It was such a sweet group of ladies too, I enjoyed working with them. The guys were all so nice too, these two are lucky to have such supportive friends and family members!

The ceremony was at the pond, which is the best backdrop! It was beautiful! We also did several portraits there before and after the ceremony. Other than a slight veil debacle, the wedding went off without a hitch! Gwendolyn’s step dad Darrin officiated and her mom walked her down the aisle. A special seat was reserved in memory of her dad, who we all know was right there with her.

I would like to make a special request for these families to give lessons to future clients of mine on how to be present at portrait time. Like, seriously, they nailed it and we finished all of the group portraits in record time! It gave me a lot of extra minutes with the bride and groom that we didn’t plan to have. So thank you guys for that! Also a shoutout to Gwen’s brother in law Dane (the DJ) for getting the party started after we all enjoyed some breakfast-for-dinner! After the hundreds of weddings I’ve photographed, I think this was my FIRST breakfast-for-dinner experience! Breakfast food is my faaave, so thanks Hyvee, it was a hit! The dessert provided by The Cookie Joint was amazing as well. Yum!

The happy couple opted to have each table join them on the dance floor for a picture (love this), shared some laughs with the shoe game, and LOTS of laughs with a scavenger hunt, before dancing the night away, sitting by the fire and playing some corn hole out back. The evening had such a comfortable vibe, everyone was relaxed and just loving spending time together, celebrating the newlyweds.

Gwendolyn’s and Jake are a perfect match, congrats again you two!