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
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.
After sobbing my way through 1883, I’m a big fan of a little western chic. These two were hot and looked dang good in those hats. Such a fun night with Katie & Weston.
Des Moines Photographer | Iowa Wedding Photographer | Omaha Wedding Photographer | Midwest Wedding Photographer | Des Moines Engagement
Adding number 3 is a special kind of chaos. It’s a whole new level of overwhelm and exhaustion but coupled with the sentimental wisdom that babies don’t keep and the sibling bond is one of the sweetest things in life to witness. (And also three boys is the beginning of anarchy so it’s really too bad the baby stage isn’t a bit longer. 🫠)
Eli & Hannah 🤍
Thinking about their wedding next year gets me a little emotional. I’ve been friends with Eli’s mom, Manda, since I was 18. We have so many memories together but my favorite is when Manda and I visited my parents together when they lived in Memphis. My oldest son was 6 and shocked 9 yr old Eli to no end when he stripped down and jumped in the pool naked. Eli only has one sister and didn’t know boys as wild as mine existed. 🫣 Manda has been such a cheerleader for me in this life and I’m the lucky one getting to document her children’s biggest life milestones. What an honor. 🥺
Blake & Marisol ✨
A stunning day with a ceremony at The Tearoom and a reception at Hotel Fort Des Moines. I’m only mildly jealous they’re finally done with their 1300 mile long distance relationship! Such an honor to photograph their intimate wedding, and to show their friends and family just how classy Des Moines can be!
Ceremony venue: @thetearoomdsm
Reception venue: @hotelfortdesmoines
Florals: @shellysarverdesigns
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.