Des Moines and Charlotte Wedding Photographer and Family Photographer
"My husband and I were so impressed by Haverlee! She went above and beyond to capture our little family in a natural, beautiful way. She was wonderful with our son and was patient when he needed a moment to calm down. She had wonderful suggestions for us that translated into stunning photos. Our family and friends were blown away by the photos and we will cherish them forever."
- Sarah K
A thousand percent not over this snuggle sesh. Winslow is getting a big brother. I adore this crew and can’t wait to meet the newest member.
I secretly love when sessions are chaotic and your kids are unabashedly non compliant, because the photos I capture are always such a delightful shock to the parents. I promise your kids don’t have to be on their best behavior. But YOU do. You have to be ready to laugh it off, stay grounded, calm, and playful. That’s the secret to successful family photos. It actually has nothing to do with your kids. 😌
One of my favorite weddings of the year was Bailey & Dylan’s at Willow on Grand in Des Moines.
Forever in love with photos that are reminiscent of paintings. That first one makes me think of Degas’ ballerinas. These two were so elegant and I was obsessed with her dress. I loved their desire for a go-with-the-flow anti-staged wedding day. Even their time together during portraits was so special.
Venue: @willowongrand_dsm
Florals: @whitewillowevents
Hair: @hairbylaurenelizabeth & @baileyjeanhair
Makeup: @hannahhportfolio
Dress: @schaffersbridal_ia
DJ: @aspecialeventdj
Caterers: @barattas
It’s so rare that life gives us a season we actually know is golden when we’re in the middle of it, instead of just looking back at it. I’ve glimpsed enough moments of Olivia as a mother to know she’s cherishing the heck out of these days with her firstborn. Life won’t always be this simple and sweet, and her gratitude and peace is so evident whenever I’m around her.
One of my favorite weddings of 2025 at The Tea Room in Des Moines.
Brandon & Emma met on a field trip to DC with schools from the same district. She crushed on him in the security line for the White House. He talked to her at the spy museum. And she snagged a seat beside him on the plane ride home. They shared a pair of headphones and he played Strawberry Swing by Coldplay. That middle school crush turned into a high school romance, a commitment through college, and a wedding 12 years later. It’s not difficult to make a wedding personal and meaningful when you have over a decade of history together.
This sweet wedding is now blogged on my web site. 🍓
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @thetearoomdsm
Coordination & Design: @blissevents_staffing
Hair & Makeup: @hellodarlinglam
Dress: @weddingshoppeinc
Cake: @miabella_bakery_
The Longs on their cattle farm in Nebraska. If it wasn’t so chilly, I would have wanted to hang out here all night, and cuddle that fluffy teddy bear of a calf. This family is so kind and tender and their new baby will be so loved. Plus Garnet is going to be the sweetest little big sister.
Photographing love and life in Des Moines, Iowa, Western North Carolina and beyond.