Eloping in the heart of Iowa, Emma and Mike’s courthouse wedding was a celebration of love, simplicity, and family. Surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage in Des Moines, they exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony that was as heartfelt as it was beautiful—an unforgettable Romantic Iowa Courthouse Elopement! Let’s dive in!

An Intimate Ceremony

With the stunning courthouse as their backdrop, Emma and Mike tied the knot in the presence of their closest family members. The charming simplicity of the day was enhanced by the warmth and love from those gathered to witness their union. Family unable to attend were present through the magic of technology, as the couple joyfully Facetimed their absent loved ones, ensuring that distance didn’t diminish the joy of their special day!

Documenting Love in Every Frame

Capturing the essence of Emma and Mike’s love story was an absolute delight. From the subtle glances to the shared laughter, every moment was filled with genuine emotion. The autumn leaves provided a stunning palette of colors, perfectly complementing Emma’s elegant white dress and Mike’s classic suit. As a photographer based in Des Moines, capturing these authentic moments made this Romantic Iowa Courthouse Elopement so incredibly memorable!

Timeless Film Photography

In addition to digital photography, I had the pleasure of shooting some moments on film! This added a timeless touch to their wedding album. The grainy texture of the film beautifully encapsulated the raw emotions of the day, offering a nostalgic glimpse into each candid smile and gentle embrace. These film photos, located at the bottom of this blog, serve as a cherished reminder of the day’s tender simplicity.

Overall, Emma and Mike’s courthouse elopement was a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the strength of love! Their Romantic Iowa Courthouse Elopement proves that sometimes the most intimate ceremonies are the most profound, and the memories captured will be treasured for a lifetime. Whether a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, love always takes center stage. I am so deeply honored that Emma and Mike trusted me to document this monumental day for them. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Vankat!

FILM

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Kind Words

“Shelby is AMAZING!!! We were so lucky to work with Shelby for our engagement photos and elopement. We gave her a few ideas/vibes we were looking for, and she went above and beyond our expectations. She is so great with communication, creativity, and answering any and all questions. She’s easy going and so fun to be around…just another added bonus! For two people who aren’t big fans of getting pictures taken, we had the best time when Shelby took our photos. It felt so natural, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend Shelby to anyone and everyone wanting to capture life’s best moments, and I can’t wait to work with her again in the future!” -Emma