WEDDINGS
I'M HERE FOR THE JOY (and the cake)!
After nearly a decade in the industry, my love of photographing couples and weddings continues to grow each year. I think it’s the hopeless romantic in me, but it’s probably my insatiable curiosity. The privilege of witnessing every intimate moment of your day is not lost on me. The hundreds of small connections between family and friends, who will likely never all be in the same room at the same time again, is weighty and wonderful. I want to do it all justice. I want to capture the depth of what you feel for all of those people and for one another.
The good news is, it’s not about me. I can’t tell an honest story if I’m constantly interfering, directing, and manipulating moments. I want your photos to render cherished memories from your day with your people, not memories of your photographer.
I will do my damnedest to capture how your day felt, the good, the bad, the messy, and the magical. I’m there to tell the beautiful and imperfect story as it unfolds. As time goes on and the details get fuzzy, you'll look back on the photos and things will be even sweeter in your memories. I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older, this is always how life goes.
A few favorite weddings.
iowa wedding photographer,
based in Des moines and serving
the midwest.
a few favorite weddings
A few favorite weddings
“Haverlee is an incredibly talented photographer! She was amazing from the start. In the wedding industry where everything seems to be stressful, she was so fun and easy to work with! She has an open light vibe about her that will make you feel at ease. Our photos were exactly what we had hoped for and more.”
- olga & Jess
Wedding Pricing
most Couples invest between $4200 and $5000
all packages include:
- a complimentary engagement session
- a minimum of seven hours of wedding day coverage
- assistance and guidance with timeline planning
- trusted vendor referrals
- an online gallery for downloading, sharing, and printing
We’ll discuss how many hours of coverage you’ll need to adequately tell the story of your wedding day.
Contact me for custom rates for elopements, destination weddings, or micro-weddings.
No travel fees within the state of Iowa, North Carolina, Omaha, Denver, and Atlanta. Please inquire about other locations. Travel fees are dependent on the time and place!
“We chose Haverlee for our wedding photographer and it was hands-down our best choice of vendors for the big day. Haverlee is relaxed, professional, and fun! It was a joy to work with an artist who is quickly gaining momentum in her field, and whose passion is unmatched.”
- LISA & JOEL
Engagements
An engagement session is optional but always recommended. It gives us a stress-free chance to hang out and get to know each other better before the big day. It always takes people a little while to feel comfortable in front of the camera. This is a fun practice round! Think outside the box. Bookstores, coffee shops, a dive bar, a champagne picnic in the park, a canoe on a pond….the options are endless. Let’s go explore together. I get to see what makes you two tick and we’ll all end up even more excited about your wedding day by the end!
A few favorite engagements.
a few favorite engagements
I'd love to connect with you.
I usually respond within 24 hours, and at most 48. Please check your spam if you don't see a reply! Or email me directly at hello@haverlee.com.
“I cannot recommend Haverlee enough! Choosing her for my wedding was an absolute no brainer. She's not just an incredible photographer, but a calming presence that helped ease any stress. Haverlee has an eye for capturing candid moments that truly tell the story of the day. Every photo delivered is timeless and something we will cherish for a lifetime!”
- Sidnee & Hunter
I always strive to create a fun and relaxing atmosphere during family shoots so the photos evoke sweet memories of uninterrupted time with your kiddos. This was not that. We were fighting for our lives from swarming mosquitoes. 🤪 But despite the swatting and scratching between shots, I absolutely adored photographing this growing family. I can’t wait to meet their new bundle of joy in October. 🥹
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Des Moines Photographer | Iowa Family Photographer | Des Moines Family Photographer | Iowa Photographer | Family Photography Des Moines | Photography Services Des Moines
I don’t share enough seniors on this feed, so here are some favorites from the last couple of years. Every time I see my niece’s face pop up, I get a little pang in my heart. Thinking of you mamas sending your babies off to college. 🥺 These sessions are so special and so much fun.
I still have openings for late summer and early fall. ✨
Pricing and inquiries at Haverlee.com.
Des Moines photographer | Des Moines senior photos
There are so many ways to save on the budget while still having an elevated wedding. Kaitlyn & Andrew did an incredible job spending money on what matters most.
Things you could skip or skimp on…
- Guest count. When I ask brides follow up questions, the regret I hear most often is wishing they’d had a smaller wedding. You will have more fun, have more quality time with guests, and get to splurge on more things that you care about when your guest count is lower. You don’t owe anyone an invite (even if they invited you to their 300 guest wedding). Make cuts and then make cuts again. And then make more cuts. Not everyone with a casual bf or gf needs a plus one! (Also consider no kids. 😅 Adults have more fun and will look forward to a date night out.)
- Boutonnières. Skip them altogether or just get one for the groom. Half of them end up broken after a few hours of hugging. Bridesmaid bouquets could also be put together yourselves.
- A fancy hotel room or airbnb to get ready. Sometimes getting ready at your own home or a relative’s home is better. That out of date wallpaper in the bathroom? It actually gives a gorgeous vintage feel to photos. It’s better to have more room to spread out in a less aesthetic environment than cramming a large bridal party in a hotel room. 🙃
- The food & dessert. Sure, if the food is amazing, people won’t forget it. But frankly, if it’s a good ole midwestern meal like barbecue and cheesy potatoes, no one will remember. They’ll just be happy to be eating food they didn’t cook.
- Programs for the ceremony and physical Save the Dates.
- Wedding favors for guests. People won’t think twice if there isn’t one.
- A DJ if you’re not into dancing. Good DJ’s are imperative if dancing is important to you, but if it’s not, ask someone to emcee, and use a Spotify playlist.
Things worth every penny…
- A good DJ if you’re into dancing 😎.
- A wedding coordinator. Even small weddings benefit greatly from a month of, or at the very least, day of coordinator.
- Your dress, hair & makeup, and bridal bouquet.
- Groom’s shoes
- Your photographer (duh). It’s the only thing from your wedding you get to keep 🥲
Share your skimp vs splurges!!
Two things I love deeply:
Billowing cumulus clouds (the only upside to summer’s humidity), and second chance love.
Chris has been a part of their family for years but it will all become official this fall. I love weddings with children involved and Lenore’s teen boys are all so kind and handsome.
I was going through my favorites from Peyton & Jadyn’s session and noticed how Peyton is just completely and utterly into her. 😌 Girls, find yourself a man who can’t stop looking at you and snuggling you. It’ll only drive you crazy two days a month. Otherwise it’s the best. 🥺
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Des Moines Photographer | Iowa Wedding Photographer | Omaha Wedding Photographer | Western NC Wedding Photographer | Asheville Wedding Photographer | Winston Salem Wedding Photographer | Charlotte Wedding Photographer
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.