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
I’m always so grateful to be trusted with these milestones. I had an absolutely delightful evening in Minneapolis with this precious family just 6 weeks after bringing Hazel home. She was an angel, the light was golden, and the proud parents were beaming.
One of my favorite photos from Taylor & Aaron’s wedding day. The sweetest moment with her dad on the dance floor. Backyard weddings are my fave, even when they get rained out and restarted.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Decor: @vintageloverentals
Hair & Makeup: @bridal_brigade
No big deal, just the best day of their lives. 🥺
Saturday with Olivia & Ken was such a dream. I’m still on cloud 9 for them. These are a few previews from the day.
Photo assistant: @growwithmephotography_
Venue: @1868farmhouse
Florals: @englishrosedsm
Dress: @schaffersbridal_ia
Hair: @dsmsalonia
Makeup: @beautybybriawna
DJ: Bailey Powell
Catering: @christianiscateringia
Edie & Gavin ✨
Friends for three years before they started dating and it shows. They have a comfortable ease with one another that was adorable to photograph. I cannot wait to witness their wedding day. It’s gonna be a good one.
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Des Moines Photographer | Iowa Wedding Photographer | Omaha Wedding Photographer | Midwest Wedding Photographer | Des Moines Wedding Photographer | Iowa City Wedding Photographer
It’s wedding week for these two. ✨
I hope your whole day feels like that first photo.
Weddings are SO.MUCH.WORK. Why bother with the effort and expense? Because when else do you have an excuse to gather everyone you love in one place? And because marriage is worth it. Yeah, these things fail. I’ve been through it. But they also succeed. I still deeply believe in the commitment and celebration of this next chapter in people’s lives. The work is worth it when you look around on that day. Life will be hard and full of unknowns. But you’ll have each other, and all of these other folks in your life cheering you on. That commitment is worth marking with the most extravagant party you’ve ever thrown. 😌🤍
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.