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, 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
Kids at Weddings, Part ✌🏼.
They’re always so sweet, sometimes spicy, occasionally sleepy, and always surprising. But their real strength on a wedding day — they know how to tear up a dance floor best.
One of the highlights of 2025 was shooting Jenna & Neal’s wedding under the Spanish moss covered trees in coastal Georgia. It was just a few hours away from Jacob’s house in NC, so when Jenna asked me, it was an easy yes. I know exactly how wonderful this day felt for both of them. Finding a best friend who sees you, cherishes you, and wants to grow alongside you will not ever be taken for granted by these two. Their children bawled their sweet little eyes out through the whole ceremony, and Jenna was absolutely beaming all day. The details were stunning and the shrimp and grits we all got to eat at the reception were unbelievably good. A perfect southern wedding day. 🥂
Side note, a brother in law and nephew couldn’t be there because they had a competition in the Des Moines suburbs. 😂 The world is so delightfully small sometimes.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: Wesley Memorial Gardens and @thereynoldshouse
Catering: @wolfislandco
Florals: @utopia_garden_event_florist
Hair & makeup: @down.the.isle
The best parents. The sweetest family. Swipe for that bribery smile at the end. We had so much fun together.
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Des Moines Family Photographer | Iowa Family Photographer
Mari & Blake got married at The Tea Room and had the most beautiful cocktail hour and dinner at Hotel Fort Des Moines.
It was hard to hold back tears during their ceremony when they spoke of their time living 1000 miles apart and finally getting to join their lives. I photographed several weddings this year for folks with children and they are just so special. The weight of not just marrying a partner but blending a family is sacred. Their whole day was incredible. They kept it small which always equals more fun, more relaxed, and more quality time with those present. It was a milestone anniversary for Blake’s parents, so they honored them with their own dance. And Marisol’s mom captivated the room with a traditional Hawaiian hula. They excelled at making the day their own and I loved documenting their joy.
Ceremony venue: @thetearoomdsm
Reception: @hotelfortdesmoines
Florals: @shellysarverdesigns
Dress: @anthropologieweddings
Cake: @cakebabydsm
Des Moines Photographer | Iowa Wedding Photographer | Hotel Fort Des Moines Wedding | The Tea Room Des Moines | Midwest Wedding Photographer
An hour with this family each year absolutely delights my heart. Mostly I’ve loved watching the change in Nathan as a father. Newborns are sweet and all. But to see him interact with his now four year old is precious. She’s in such good hands with these two. (And yes, I know. The hair 😩. She melted us all during this session.)
I can’t stress enough how wise it is to stick with a photographer you love. The best photos I’ve ever made are with families I’m comfortable with and who are comfortable with me. Plus I know your kids’ personalities and can structure the session appropriately to best serve them.
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.