WEDDINGS
I'M HERE FOR THE JOY (and the cake)!
After more than a decade in the industry, my love of photographing couples and weddings is still growing. I think it’s the hopeless romantic in me, but it’s probably my insatiable curiosity. The hundreds of small connections between family and friends, who will likely never all be in the same room at the same time again, is weighty and wonderful.
The good news is, it’s not about me. I can’t tell an honest story if I’m constantly interfering, directing, and manipulating moments. I want your photos to render cherished memories from your day with your people, not memories of your photographer. Working with me will feel comfortable and relaxed. I don't overly pose, but provide gentle guidance in a way that still allows you to be present in the moment. We'll get to know one another throughout the process, so by the time the wedding day comes around, my presence won't feel intrusive at all but will feel calm and supportive.
I’m there to tell the beautiful and imperfect story as it unfolds. As time goes on and the details get fuzzy, you'll look back on the photos and things will be even sweeter in your memories. I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older, this is always how life goes.
A few favorite weddings.
iowa wedding photographer,
based in Des moines and serving
the midwest.
a few favorite weddings
A few favorite weddings
“Haverlee is an incredibly talented photographer! She was amazing from the start. In the wedding industry where everything seems to be stressful, she was so fun and easy to work with! She has an open light vibe about her that will make you feel at ease. Our photos were exactly what we had hoped for and more.”
- olga & Jess
Wedding Pricing
Most couples invest around $5000
all packages include:
- a complimentary engagement session
- a minimum of eight hours of wedding day coverage, from getting ready, to the dance floor
- assistance and guidance with timeline planning
- trusted vendor referrals
- an online gallery for downloading, sharing, and printing
Hourly coverage available for small weddings and elopements.
No travel fees within three hours of Des Moines, North Carolina, Denver, and Atlanta. Please inquire about other locations. Travel fees are at-cost and kept as minimal as possible.
“Choosing Haverlee was hands-down our best choice of vendors for the big day. She's relaxed, professional, and fun! It was a joy to work with an artist who is quickly gaining momentum in her field, and whose passion is unmatched.”
- LISA & JOEL
Engagements
An engagement session is optional but always recommended. It gives us a stress-free chance to hang out and get to know each other better before the big day. It always takes people a little while to feel comfortable in front of the camera. This is a fun practice round! Think outside the box. Bookstores, coffee shops, a dive bar, a champagne picnic in the park, a canoe on a pond…the options are endless. Let’s go explore together. I get to learn a lot about you and we’ll all end up even more excited about your wedding day by the end!
A few favorite engagements.
a few favorite engagements
I'd love to connect with you.
I usually respond within 24 hours. Please check your spam if you don't see a reply! Or email me directly at hello@haverlee.com.
“I cannot recommend Haverlee enough! Choosing her was an absolute no brainer. She's not just an incredible photographer, but a calming presence that helped ease any stress. She has an eye for capturing candid moments that truly tell the story of the day. Every photo delivered is timeless and something we will cherish for a lifetime!”
- Sidnee & Hunter
Happy International Women’s Day.
From girlhood, to crinkly smiling eyes, it is a joy to photograph all facets of womanhood. I’m so proud to document beauty and strength like this. Women go through so much, and if we’re lucky, we have a few good ones beside us through it all. To the mothers who’ve stretched and pushed and poured out. To the women working their asses off, making a way on their own. To the ones cleaning up, caring for, and consistently showing up. To the ones who’ve gone gray and are still glowing. I know how hard it all is and the grace it takes. Cheers, babes. You are stunning.❣️
Things photographers think are worth the expense at a wedding...
🤍 Venue. I know it’s the most expensive piece of the pie but your photos will reflect the space you choose. We will always do our best but we can only do so much.
(Hint: white or pale walls and ceilings will give you dreamy, crisp, and clean reception photos. Dark barns without much natural light are not fun to shoot in.)
🤍 Groom’s shoes. A rental tux or off-the-rack suit will
look twice as good with a great pair of shoes.
🤍 Your bouquet. Go small or simple, or even DIY on bridesmaids bouquets if you want to. They’ll look great alongside a stunning bridal bouquet. (Hint: skip boutonnières for everyone besides the groom. No one will notice. And keep the groom’s boutonnière small, otherwise it interferes with close up couples portraits.)
🤍 Reception chairs. There are so many things you can skimp on at a reception. But the chairs show up in nearly every photo. If they’re cheap plastic chairs, everything will look cheap.
🤍 Your photographer. But you already knew that. (Hint: Narrow it down and then meet them in person or via zoom before hiring. It’s not hard to find a photog whose work you love. But if you don’t gel with their personality, it’ll have a massive impact on how the day feels.)
And the number one thing NOT worth the expense? A large guest list. After a decade of photographing weddings (and having two of my own 😅), I can promise you, the smaller the guest list, the more fun and relaxed your wedding will be. You can still have an absolute blast on the dance floor with 60 people. The biggest bonus of unashamedly cutting the guest list is you can splurge on other things that are important to you. If you wouldn’t be excited about bumping into them out in public, or hosting them for dinner, they shouldn’t be on the list. There may be some tough calls but ultimately people will understand. You want to be surrounded by the people you feel completely comfortable with, and the ones who make life better when they’re around. 😌
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Midwest Wedding Photographer | Des Moines lowa
Wedding Photographer | Photography Services lowa |
Elevated Wedding Photographer | White Bridal Bouquet
The last time I was in Brady & Nelson’s living room was on their wedding day. They thought they knew joy then. They had no idea. So thrilled for these two to become parents. Their little one is magic. I couldn’t get over him. ✨
These two completely changed my mind about a valentines wedding. It’s the ultimate love day and I can no longer think of a better way to spend it. The guests had a built in date night, and they’ll get to spend the rest of their lives celebrating their anniversary when the whole world is feeling mushy and sweet. It was ADORABLE.
The last photo is Dante’s first dance with his 85 year old mother. She began fostering him when he was 3 and adopted him at age 7. This saint of a woman fostered 100 hundred children in her life. What an honor to be in her presence and photograph her legacy. 🤍
Photo assistant: @ashleyhinnersphotography
Venue: @bash_dsm
DJ: @dj.das.ent
Previews from A & L’s wedding at Salisbury House in Des Moines. The historic mansion is gloriously romantic and we had so much fun creating portraits. Small weddings are my favorite and it was a delight capturing this day for them.
Venue: @salisburyhousedsm
Design and rentals: @vintageloverentals
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.