Maybe, just maybe, these images can show the amount of joy and excitement this celebration had to offer? After doing their engagement session the previous week, next on the agenda was their Henna party. Henna parties in Israel usually take place around a week before a wedding with a much smaller gathering. A special paste is blended from the Henna plant and water, and then smudged on the palms of the bride and groom to be and their guests (including me!). This is a very old tradition dating back hundreds of years, and the purpose is to bless the couple with good health, fertility, wisdom, and security. Well, everybody was thrilled to celebrate with Cindy and Nati, and the dancing only stopped for a short amount of time to allow Nati’s grandma to perform her duties:) Thanks for having me guys!

There is something so exhilarating about exploring new locations, especially when you’re doing it with such a fabulous couple. Cindy and Nati chose the ancient Caesarea port as the backdrop for their engagement photos, on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Strolling through the ruins of what used to be a bustling port and city around 2000 years ago is not something you can do very often. It is so rich with history and beautiful views everywhere you look: gorgeous ancient stone pathways and walls, plam trees and the Mediterranean sea. To me, photographing couples is telling a story, but the story needs some supporting elements. I love showcasing the location and providing context to the imagery. In doing so, I feel like I can tell the complete story. Capiche?

I knew we were getting great images as soon as we started shooting. I was inspired by Cindy and Nati’s level of comfort in front of the camera. It was almost like I wasn’t even there, and they were incredibly sweet and natural. I barely had to pose them!

Special thanks to my sister Olivia who assisted me on this shoot!

Delightful. Cute. Easy going. Well Coordinated. Authentic.

Driving down to Des Moines from the Twin cities for the first time, made me realize how different our world is today. I met with Anna and Jon online and never in person before their wedding – something that happens quite often these days. Without (hopefully) sounding too old, the technology we have today allows us to do so much more than we’ve ever been able to. With all the developments in the area of digital photography, and the expansion of the internet, we (wedding photographers) are able to give our clients a far better product that we could 10 years ago. But the internet can also drown us in a sea of information – staying true to yourself as an artist and produce unique work can be much more difficult than ever before.

I don’t think Anna and Jon could have planned a better wedding for themselves. Anna, a graphic designer, and Jon, a professional photographer (check out his work here) had many personal touches that helped make their day as unique and authentic as they are. The ceremony at the Brenton Arboretum was beautiful and personal. After the ceremony, Anna’s Father took us out for ice cream in his 1931 Durant, a car that was purchased by Anna’s grandfather. The reception at Simpson Barn had everything you’d want to have: great food, music by Anna’s friends, and plenty of activities for adults and kids. Guys, I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working with you. Congrats!

Ceremony: Brenton Arboretum
Reception: Simpson Barn
Stationary: Anna Lemons
Band: Dustin Smith & The Sunday Silos
Flowers: Something Chic Floral
Food: Palmer’s
Rentals: Des Moines Rental
Cakes: The Bake Shoppe