Ali + Kyle | 6.4.22 | Des Moines Embassy Club
This past June, I kicked off destination wedding season with Ali and Kyle in Des Moines, IA. Their wedding location was extra special to me, as I called Iowa home for 4 years before moving cross country to Charleston. So I was excited to be back in the Midwest to celebrate them in Iowa’s capitol city!
Ali + Kyle are high school sweethearts, from sophomore PE class to be exact. Ali told me Kyle won her over with his impressive juggling skills (oh the crazy things they make you do in PE). Once I met Ali + Kyle, I quickly realized they are two of the kindest, goofiest, laid back couples I have had the joy to photograph. They made my job SO easy because they are so go-with-the-flow and have fun with each other, literally doing ANYTHING!! They share such a special bond and are proof that you can find your forever love at fifteen!
We started off the day getting ready at Ali + Kyle’s apartment on the outskirts of downtown Des Moines, only about 5 minutes from their venue!
When discussing the details of their day, Ali told me she wanted to take portraits on their rooftop. And boy was I happy she did!! Their apartment rooftop has a PERFECT view of the Des Moines skyline!! Talk about the perfect backdrop for portraits!! We started off with a first look between Ali and her bridesmaids, and sisters. The girls were SO excited to see her!!
Afterwards, Ali and Kyle shared the SWEETEST first look. I definitely had tears in my eyes as I watched them see each other for first time in their wedding attire. After the first looks were over, we moved on to wedding party photos, followed by bride and groom portraits. I know I said the views were beautiful, but what was even more breathtaking was Ali and Kyle’s love for each other. These two are the definition of joyful. I don’t think Ali or Kyle stopped smiling all day!! And the way Kyle constantly made Ali laugh just melted my heart.
Ali + Kyle had their ceremony + reception at the Des Moines Embassy Club, which is located on the 34th floor of the Ruan Center. Due to being SO high up, it has 360 views and overlooks ALL of Des Moines!!
Once all the guests made their way to the 34th floor and were seated, the ceremony began! Officiating was Kyle’s Sister in law, who gave such a sweet speech. By the end of the ceremony, she had both Kyle and Ali crying with tears of joy and laughter! Following the ceremony, was cocktail hour, a welcome toast by Kyle’s dad, and the most AMAZING dinner stations.
After dinner, I snuck Ali + Kyle out for quick sunset pictures. We walked across the street from the Embassy Club and headed to the top floor of a parking garage. The sun was setting perfectly between a few of the buildings which gave us some amazing glow!! I can honestly say the top of a parking garage might be one of my new favorite spots to shoot portraits!! Afterwards, we headed back inside for speeches, cupcakes, and Ali + Kyle’s first dance.
Ali + Kyle, thank you for choosing me to be a part of your day. I STILL can’t believe how amazing of a day you had. I will cherish our friendship forever and I cannot wait to watch you have a wonderful life together as husband and wife!!
VENDOR TEAM
Venue + Catering // Des Moines Embassy Club
Photographer // Christina Marie Photography
Hair+Makeup // Estilo Salon
Entertainment // Burkett Entertainment
Bridal Gown // Schaffers Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses // Birdy Grey
Groom/Groomsmen Attire // Suit Shop
Jeweler // Joseph’s Jewelers
Cupcakes // Mimi’s Sweet Cakes & Bakes
Florals // Hyvee
