Hi! Let me introduce myself...
I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee), a solo parent of three teen boys, adventure seeker, and photographer. My photography career was birthed from many years of pain. A decade ago, my life derailed and everything felt unstable and uncertain. The more difficult things became, the more I clung to small moments of beauty. And I could always find beauty in people and in nature. Focusing on others instead of my own dark days brought me joy every time without fail.
I always knew I was creative but it took me a while to find my niche! As I ventured further into photography, everything fell into place. It was as if I already knew the language, I just had to find the words.
I got remarried in 2023 in the mountains of North Carolina to the love of my life. Jacob is steady, safe, and sure. We're maintaining a long distance marriage until our kiddos have all launched from the nest, but thankfully this career allows us plenty of freedom and flexibility. And he's now my best 2nd shooter! Life continues to delight and surprise me and I'm here for the beautiful mess of it all.
I’m an Enneagram 2w3 and an INFP. If you don’t speak the lingo, that means I’m into helping people, I feel everything deeply, and I view the world with childlike curiosity. I’m a total mix of over enthusiasm and quiet observation.
I love connecting deeply with humans and hearing people’s stories. I’d love to have the chance to tell a chapter of yours.
Let's chat!
If you're inquiring about wedding photography, please head to the wedding page and fill out the more extensive contact form at the bottom of that page..
Where you can also find me:
“We trust her completely with our family memories and won’t use anyone else. If you’re looking for someone who is talented, professional, and genuinely wonderful to work with, look no further.”
-Tasha
A gorgeous summer engagement session at F.W. Kent Park in Iowa City. Kara brought a quilt made by her grandmother and we had a lot of fun exploring the park together. I can tell these two are intentional about each other and their families and I’m excited for their October wedding.
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Iowa City Engagement Shoot | Kent Park Engagement Shoot | Iowa City Photographer | Iowa Wedding Photographer | Timeless Wedding Photography
At home with the Jensens. 🤍 An absolutely precious session to welcome baby Ansel. So happy for these two and the life they’re building.
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Des Moines Family Photographer | Iowa Family Photographer | Iowa City Family Photographer
There are always a couple of times throughout busy season when keeping up with Instagram falls by the wayside. The good news is, I’m my own boss and no one’s mad about it. 😜
I had the privilege of photographing Amanda & Josh’s day alongside @shelleyelena. She reached out asking if I could connect her with a North Carolina photographer and I said, “Me! I’ll be there that weekend!” Just a short 20 minute drive from my husband’s house, in the suburbs of Charlotte, is the stunning @theivorybarn. This venue is a dream and I hope to return at some point. Such a joy to team up with a Texas photographer in North Carolina who I met in Colorado! It’s a small world after all. 🤍
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Second shot for @shelleyelena
Venue: @theivorybarn
Coordinator: @uptheaisle_weddings
Florals: @elizabethjoyflowershoppe
North Carolina Wedding Photographer | Charlotte Wedding Photographer | Western North Carolina Photographer | Ivory Barn Wedding
Gaining the trust of my clients is probably the most important part of the process for me. It’s really the only way to create photos that feel effortless. This wedding day with Edie & Gavin was a bit of a roller coaster, with unexpected illness, pop up thunderstorms, and a couple of other wild cards, but you’d really never know any of that from these photos. They worked through all of it with grace and trusted my lead. The overwhelming feeling at day’s end was unbridled joy. Their reception will be one I won’t ever forget. So much love, pride, and happiness in the room, and I felt so lucky to be the outsider getting to witness it all.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @thetearoomdsm & St Ambrose Cathedral
Dress: @moderndress
Coordination: @someoneborrowed
Florals: @bellafloradsm
Hair: @oliver.jamessalon
Makeup: @ivyboydmakeup
Spray tan: @glowongirl.beauty
DJ: @marqueeeventsdjs
Catering: @barattas
Long distance love. A whirlwind engagement. A wedding dress from 1910, found in her grandmother’s trunk. A stunning old church. This entire day felt like stepping back in time. I loved being a part of it. Congrats, K & K. You two are special.🥂
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Vintage Wedding Dress / Iowa Wedding Photographer / Des Moines Family & Wedding Photographer / Midwest Wedding Photography
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.