Hi! Let me introduce myself...
I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee), a solo parent of three wild things, adventure seeker, and photographer. My photography career was birthed from many years of pain. 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, and walked down the aisle to Brandi Carlile's, Beginning to Feel the Years. 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.
Favorite TV shows: Normal People & Bad Sisters
Favorite Movie: About Time (the only movie I've rewatched multiple times)
Favorite National Park: Yosemite (sunsets from Sentinel Dome are a life highlight)
Favorite Books: So hard to choose. The Bronze Horseman, The Heart's Invisible Furies, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, These Silent Woods...I could discuss books for days on end.
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:
A featured interview within:
“Haverlee was so amazing to work with. We gifted my in-laws a family photo shoot after the addition of two grandbabies. With a fifteen month old and a six month old, it was no small task. She was so amazing, working to make sure she got the perfect shot, all while making the babies smile, and focus. She was patient, kind, and just made it so easy. I could not recommend Haverlee enough!”
-Breeann
A family session outside of Des Moines, on Autumn’s last perfect day. ✨
Working on edits for families I’ve known since before their children were born is an overwhelming honor. Every single time I add another gallery, I go back through the years, just like I know they will. It’s so incredible to see how everyone has grown (and how my work has progressed!). Witnessing these two parent with so much patience and joy is life-giving. I adore this little sunshine crew and had so much fun.
When your family photos lines up with baby’s first steps. 🥹 It’s always ridiculously special capturing family photos for former wedding clients.
I blogged this incredible wedding at the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines. It was such an honor capturing this day for college sweethearts, Meredith & Brian. Sweetest couple with the sweetest families. Their love is deep but all of the love in that room was even deeper.
Venue: @hotelfortdesmoines
Florals: @englishrosedsm
Dress: @bridalboutiquedm
DJ: @proxentertainment
Hair: @hairbylaurenelizabeth
Makeup: @hannahhportfolio
Rings: @jewelers_rowe
Mrs. Taylor Graff - Queen of Details
A backyard wedding in Chicago that had to be paused mid-ceremony thanks to an unanticipated downpour. But that’s a story for another day. First we’ll just drool over these details. She put the bouquets together herself, and designed everything on her own. Her sleeves had their wedding date, and “love you more”, their long-repeated phrase to one another. From matchbooks to the cookbook guests signed, it was all absolute perfection that only sparkled a little extra in the rain.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Furniture & rentals: @vintageloverentals
Flowers: @murthaflowerfarm
Hair & Makeup: @bridal_brigade
Dj: @flybryguydj
Chicago Wedding Photographer | Midwest Wedding Photographer | Wedding Photographer Illinois
Welcome to the world, Evelyn. Such an honor to photograph their brand new family of five at home in Des Moines.
Baby number three brings a new level of exhaustion and chaos. But it also brings a beautiful surrender. You’re forced to let go of a lot of things that didn’t matter so much in the first place. And for so many parents it brings the realization that our parenting is only a small piece of the puzzle. These children come out as unique individuals from day one. We do our best to parent who they are, and not who we want them to be. Parenting three kids is an endless lesson in humility, and a fast track to grace and compassion for every parent out there doing their best to raise kind humans.
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.