Experience the romance of a golden hour engagement session in the rolling hills near Des Moines. Captured by Shelby Sawyer Photography, this dreamy shoot feels like it came straight out of a love story.

Des Moines Engagement Photographer | Shelby Sawyer Photography

If you’ve ever imagined your engagement session looking like a scene from a romance novel, this golden hour shoot in Des Moines is exactly that. With sun-drenched hills, a wide-open sky, and a couple bursting with joy and connection, this session was one of the most magical I’ve had the honor of photographing.

A Picture-Perfect Location for Des Moines Engagement Photos

Just outside the city limits of Des Moines, we found a hidden gem for this outdoor engagement session. The gently rolling hills, scattered trees, and wide-open sky created the perfect backdrop. With the golden hour light wrapping everything in a warm glow, the landscape felt straight out of a dream.

Whether you’re planning an engagement session in spring, summer, or fall, this Iowa location offers peace, privacy, and plenty of space to move, dance, and be yourselves.

The Couple: Playful, Bubbly, and So In Love

This couple brought everything to their session. From the second we began, their energy was electric. They danced barefoot through the grass, whispered silly secrets, and laughed until they cried. But in between those playful moments were quiet, intimate ones that made the session feel beautifully balanced.

It’s sessions like this that remind me why I love what I do—capturing connection that feels real and unposed.

Why Golden Hour Is the Best Time for Engagement Photos

As an experienced Des Moines engagement photographer, I always recommend shooting during golden hour. The soft evening light flatters every skin tone, adds depth to your images, and creates that dreamy, romantic atmosphere couples love.

If you want timeless, naturally lit engagement photos that look effortlessly beautiful—sunset is where the magic happens.

Your Love, Your Story, Your Way

My approach to engagement photography is rooted in storytelling. Whether you’re goofy and outgoing, softly romantic, or a mix of both, I’ll document your relationship in a way that feels true to you.

This golden hour session is a perfect example of how stunning photos can be when you lean into your love and just be yourselves.

Let’s Plan Your Dream Engagement Session in Des Moines

Whether you’re drawn to open fields and dreamy light or envision something cozy and urban downtown, I’m here to help bring your vision to life. Des Moines offers endless scenic backdrops, and when paired with authentic moments, the result is pure magic.

Ready to plan your engagement session?
Let’s capture your love story with light, laughter, and landscapes that feel like they were made just for you. Click here to get in touch!

Des Moines Engagement Photographer | Capturing joyful, authentic, and romantic love stories across Iowa