WEDDING FUNCTION TIP
Des Moines Wedding: The Dee’s
I recently moved from Des Moines, IA, to New Smyrna Beach, FL. I’m so excited about this new adventure in Florida, but I still love visiting home, especially for weddings. There’s just something about Midwest weddings that is nostalgic for me! I recently captured a Des Moines wedding for Sam Dee and Greta Petersen.
The two got married on May 11, 2024, at Hotel Fort Des Moines. They were lovely to work with, and I had the best time photographing their wedding. Best wishes to the happy couple!
The Couple - Sam and Greta
Greta and Sam met in their freshman year at Drake University. They were both out with friends that night at a campus bar called Peggy’s. It’s still up for debate who made the first move, but they ended up exchanging phone numbers. The couple sat in a booth together talking all night, lowkey forgetting about their friends!
Since graduating from Drake, Greta and Sam have been living in Des Moines with their two cats, Mila and Piper. Sam proposed on a vacation to Miami in 2022. Of course, she said yes!
Engagement Photo Session
I work with my couples every step of the way by including engagement photos in my wedding photography packages. I send you an outfit recommendation guide to get started. I include engagement photos so we can get to know each other a little better! It’s important to feel comfortable with your wedding photographer because we will be with you all day at your wedding.
Sam and Greta’s engagement photos were taken at their wedding venue (Hotel Fort Des Moines). It was a beautiful day, and we had so much fun together! They used the engagement photos for their save-the-dates, wedding invitations, wedding day details, and social media announcements.
I recommend taking your engagement photos a few months after you get engaged, depending on how long your engagement is. You want to give yourself enough time to use them for any invitations you send (bridal shower, engagement party, wedding invitations, etc.)
The Wedding Story
About 4-6 months before your wedding, I send a questionnaire that goes over all the details of the day. We work together to customize your wedding day timeline to ensure you get everything on your shot list and the timing aligns with how you envision your wedding day.
Greta and Sam’s Des Moines wedding day was perfect. The timing of everything was exactly how they wanted it to be.
We started the day with getting ready photos at Hotel Fort Des Moines. The bride is a big fan of espresso martinis so, of course, Greta and her bridesmaids had a cocktail to celebrate! The vibe of the hotel was classy and timeless. It had so much charm on its own that hardly any decorations were needed. It was simple and elegant. They had access to the presidential suite and speakeasy at the hotel. It was an amazing spot for photos!
The couple decided to do a first look, and we love it when couples decide to do this. They exchanged private vows, and the moment was so special to witness.
After the first look, we did all the bridal party photos and family formals so they could enjoy cocktail hour with their closest friends and family after the ceremony.
This is nice for the couples because they don't have to think about photos. They can drink, eat, and enjoy their guests and day. Our job is to just document at this point!
I love capturing the small details and moments at a wedding. A unique detail at the Dee wedding was an audio guestbook AND a polaroid photo guest book! Both of these have been a popular trend in the last few years, and I just love how personal they are. Those recordings will be so special to listen to in years to come.
The wedding reception was SO fun! Greta had an outfit change (which we LOVE!), and all the guests had the best time. And I did, too! They brought out glow sticks and fun lighting for the reception. The guests, Sam, and Greta celebrated all night long!
Thanks to these vendors who helped make their Des Moines wedding day perfect!
Venue and catering: Hotel Fort Des Moines
Photographer: Heather Ferreria Photography
Hair: Allie Finch
Makeup: Breiyan Reed
Baker: Molly’s Cupcakes
DJ: Tyson Greiner
Dress: Lovely Bride Chicago
Greta and Sam, thank you so much for allowing the Heather Ferreria Photography team to capture your special day. We wish you all the happiness in the world!
I’m taking new wedding photography clients in Florida and the Midwest! I would love to hear your love story and how we can work together to make your wedding everything you dreamed of. Explore our wedding photography packages and book a discovery call to get started!
