Hi! Let me introduce myself...
I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee), a solo parent of three teen boys, adventure seeker, and photographer. My photography career was birthed from many years of pain. A decade ago, 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. 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.
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:
“We trust her completely with our family memories and won’t use anyone else. If you’re looking for someone who is talented, professional, and genuinely wonderful to work with, look no further.”
-Tasha
Gaining the trust of my clients is probably the most important part of the process for me. It’s really the only way to create photos that feel effortless. This wedding day with Edie & Gavin was a bit of a roller coaster, with unexpected illness, pop up thunderstorms, and a couple of other wild cards, but you’d really never know any of that from these photos. They worked through all of it with grace and trusted my lead. The overwhelming feeling at day’s end was unbridled joy. Their reception will be one I won’t ever forget. So much love, pride, and happiness in the room, and I felt so lucky to be the outsider getting to witness it all.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @thetearoomdsm & St Ambrose Cathedral
Dress: @moderndress
Coordination: @someoneborrowed
Florals: @bellafloradsm
Hair: @oliver.jamessalon
Makeup: @ivyboydmakeup
Spray tan: @glowongirl.beauty
DJ: @marqueeeventsdjs
Catering: @barattas
Long distance love. A whirlwind engagement. A wedding dress from 1910, found in her grandmother’s trunk. A stunning old church. This entire day felt like stepping back in time. I loved being a part of it. Congrats, K & K. You two are special.🥂
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Vintage Wedding Dress / Iowa Wedding Photographer / Des Moines Family & Wedding Photographer / Midwest Wedding Photography
Baby number three brings chaos and joy to new levels in equal parts. 😌 Such an honor to document this milestone for this beautiful family. Newborn shoots with older siblings are my absolute favorite.
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Family Photographer Des Moines / Des Moines Newborn Photographer / Lifestyle Family Photos Iowa
Sessions with these three are always a bright spot in my schedule. Their daughter is spunky and smart and they’re such tender parents. I do lots of chatting with Marin between photos and she always chooses to hold my hand when we’re walking around. 😌 I always take time to chit chat with kiddos before I do any directing, and sessions always involve plenty of movement and exploring. Usually feels more like a play date than a photo shoot. 🤍
Jadyn & Peyton’s West Des Moines wedding was so much fun. I wish you could have seen the way the bridesmaids belted out Enchanted by Taylor Swift after she got in her dress. And the tears flowing down her sister’s cheeks through so much of the day. And the little boy who handed her a dandelion at the park because he thought she looked beautiful. And I wish you could have seen how proud and delighted their families were, and heard the incredible speeches about these two. Instead I’ll leave you with little glimpses of the overwhelming joy contained in one day.
Photo assistant: @thejenocollective
Venue: @therewindhotel
DJ: @vows.and.vibes
Hair: @elansaloniowa
Dress:@schaffersbridal_ia
Suits: @halberstadtsclothiers
Florals: @something_chic_floral
Des Moines lowa Wedding Photographer / lowa Wedding Photographer/ Experienced Wedding Photographer lowa / Luxury Wedding Photographer Midwest / Midwest Wedding and Family Photographer
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.