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Haverlee Photography in Des Moines Iowa

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
Father of the bride crying at Tearoom in Des Moines

Wedding Pricing

packages start at $4400

 

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.

Des Moines Documentary Photographer
Des Moines and Omaha documentary wedding photographer

“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!

Engaged couple laughing photographed by Haverlee Photography in Des Moines Iowa
engaged couple in downtown Des Moines

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.

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“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

I was slammed with a realization last night as I was lying awake with anxious thoughts about bookings and business.
I grew up in a household like many others. A father with a quick temper. A mother who shut down and stonewalled at the slightest disappointment. I hit puberty in the 90’s at the height of evangelical purity culture, when therapy was for the self-involved elite. Love felt like a privilege, not a right. I was praised for perfection and ruffling the least amount of feathers so I leaned into that role in my family. We also moved a lot and I started over with friendships every couple of years. We’ve all come such a long way but those early years set the stage for a lifetime of performance. My childhood was very lonely. My needs and feelings grew smaller so I’d appear more lovable. I desperately wanted to be chosen…to be deemed worthy of someone’s time and attention. I spent all of my high school years going out with anyone who paid me the least bit of attention, and then got married at 19 for a permanent sense of belonging. That marriage was a repeat of my childhood training. Don’t have needs, don’t express feelings, just be perfect and you’ll still be lovable. I lived on crumbs of affection until I was about 35. I’ve deconstructed and rebuilt my understanding of my own worthiness of love and finally have a very healthy marriage and wonderful relationship with my parents. Receiving love and tenderness on my worst days has healed me immensely. But last night I realized I’ve been living with that old mindset in my business. I feel desperate to be chosen. That wound of unworthiness flares up often. I spiral in my thoughts of failure, rejection, and lack of belonging in this industry. It’s time flip the script. (Cont’d in comments…)

42 5
Open post by haverleephotography with ID 18115956550638747
I was slammed with a realization last night as I was lying awake with anxious thoughts about bookings and business. I grew up in a household like many others. A father with a quick temper. A mother who shut down and stonewalled at the slightest disappointment. I hit puberty in the 90’s at the height of evangelical purity culture, when therapy was for the self-involved elite. Love felt like a privilege, not a right. I was praised for perfection and ruffling the least amount of feathers so I leaned into that role in my family. We also moved a lot and I started over with friendships every couple of years. We’ve all come such a long way but those early years set the stage for a lifetime of performance. My childhood was very lonely. My needs and feelings grew smaller so I’d appear more lovable. I desperately wanted to be chosen…to be deemed worthy of someone’s time and attention. I spent all of my high school years going out with anyone who paid me the least bit of attention, and then got married at 19 for a permanent sense of belonging. That marriage was a repeat of my childhood training. Don’t have needs, don’t express feelings, just be perfect and you’ll still be lovable. I lived on crumbs of affection until I was about 35. I’ve deconstructed and rebuilt my understanding of my own worthiness of love and finally have a very healthy marriage and wonderful relationship with my parents. Receiving love and tenderness on my worst days has healed me immensely. But last night I realized I’ve been living with that old mindset in my business. I feel desperate to be chosen. That wound of unworthiness flares up often. I spiral in my thoughts of failure, rejection, and lack of belonging in this industry. It’s time flip the script. (Cont’d in comments…)

For the first time in a few years I’m offering a couple days of mini sessions in time for Mother’s Day. I moved away from mini sessions since they didn’t align with my child led, unhurried family photos. But I also recognize there’s a time and a place for them. These will be 20 minutes long in Des Moines for $300, and will include approximately 25 images with rights to download and share. Perfect for milestone photos of babies, a photo of grandmother and grandchildren, or updated family photos with older kids who aren’t quite as sweet and snuggly as they used to be. ;)

I don’t recommend these for spirited children, or little ones who take quite a while to warm up. My half and full sessions are ideal for larger families with very young children. 🤍

April 11th and 12th. DM me for available time slots.

14 0
Open post by haverleephotography with ID 18310887790274355
For the first time in a few years I’m offering a couple days of mini sessions in time for Mother’s Day. I moved away from mini sessions since they didn’t align with my child led, unhurried family photos. But I also recognize there’s a time and a place for them. These will be 20 minutes long in Des Moines for $300, and will include approximately 25 images with rights to download and share. Perfect for milestone photos of babies, a photo of grandmother and grandchildren, or updated family photos with older kids who aren’t quite as sweet and snuggly as they used to be. ;) I don’t recommend these for spirited children, or little ones who take quite a while to warm up. My half and full sessions are ideal for larger families with very young children. 🤍 April 11th and 12th. DM me for available time slots.
iowa wedding photographer
iowa wedding photographer

Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.