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.

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..
“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
FAQ’s that don’t actually matter:
• What kind of equipment do you use? (The professional kind.)
• What’s your photography style? (Depends on the light.)
• Have you shot at our venue before? (A pro will scope things out beforehand and quickly know how to identify the best spots for portraits.)
FAQ’s that matter a LOT:
• How do you ensure our photos are safe? (Dual card slots should be recording simultaneously. Photos should be kept in two different places and stored safely until uploaded and delivered, including for destination weddings. I never leave all cards in a car in case of theft.)
• Can we see a full gallery? (Some photogs have good work to share on socials but aren’t as confident in low light or less than attractive getting ready spaces. Be leery of only pretty photos from styled shoots.)
• Can we hop on a FaceTime call or meet in person? (You absolutely must gel with your photographer’s personality and energy. This is equally as important as their work.)
• Do you have reviews we can read? (You betcha.)
Those four Q’s should be pretty foolproof in ensuring a good experience. 🥂
Last Saturday’s wedding in Des Moines with Jadyn & Peyton was so much fun. 🥲 They’re grounded and kind and their families blew me away. I love love love getting to know my clients better through their families on their wedding day, and their parents did a lot of bragging about these two. Their moms are so special! 🥹 I’m thrilled for them and it was such an honor to witness it all.
Photo assistant: @thejenocollective
Venue: @therewindhotel
DJ: @vows.and.vibes
Hair: @elansaloniowa
Dress: @schaffersbridal_ia
Suits: @halberstadtsclothiers
Florals: @something_chic_floral
Des Moines Iowa Wedding Photographer / Iowa Wedding Photographer/ Experienced Wedding Photographer Iowa / Luxury Wedding Photographer Midwest / Midwest Wedding and Family Photographer / Pastel Bouquet Wedding
The precious Wright family with the first of the summer wildflowers in Iowa. Life with toddlers is so far from perfect but it’s so beautiful. It was an honor to capture this fleeting stage for them.
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Des Moines Iowa Family Photographer | Iowa Photographer | Documentary Lifestyle Family Photos Midwest | Family and Newborn Photographer Midwest
Friday with Brandi & Charlie at The Monroe in West Des Moines, Iowa. Their wedding was an absolute dream. So many happy tears. What an honor it was to document the beginning of the rest of their lives together.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @themonroevenue
Coordination: @powchicparties
DJ: Nick with @aspecialeventdj
Dress: @marabrides
Tuxes: @skeffingtonsformalwear
Hair: @laurajoleschstylist
Makeup: @jenebeauty__
Spray tan: @glowongirl.beauty
Katie & Michael, he’s perfect. 🥺
I couldn’t get over this angel. He was screaming when I arrived and got fussy at the end, but was completely and utterly chilled for the whole session. These first weeks of parenthood are such a messy blur. I love helping parents see how beautiful it was too.
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Des Moines Newborn Photographer / Newborn Photographer Iowa / Des Moines Iowa Family Photographer / Natural Lifestyle Documentary Photographer Iowa / Midwest Wedding and Family Photographer