September 5th, 2020
What a fun-filled Saturday shooting these awesome people's wedding! Emily and Dan and their crew of family, friends, and wedding party made for such a fun day! The girls started by getting hair and make-up done in the Hilton Hotel downtown Des Moines which is such a beautiful space. They were all drinking some mimosas and relaxing while everyone was getting ready. Emily hopped into her dress and everyone just kind of stood in awe. She was absolutely stunning and the lighting in the hotel was amazing! I got some really good solo shots of her in front of the window with the light shining right in on her, and can I tell you, she had the most AMAZING and glowing skin! OMG!!! She looked absolutely stunning.
Emily and Dan got married at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Their first look was at 12:30pm and can I tell you, it was HOT outside! We found a shady spot underneath the beautiful trees near the church and that was when I noticed that Dan was a little nervous. I love when I see this because it means they are truly excited to see their bride! They shared such an intimate moment after their first look and we cranked out some pictures underneath the veil (which I LOVE). Ceremony was a little different as the wedding party had to wear their masks down the aisle, but COVID trumps all, so understandable! They were officially announced Mr. and Mrs. Haggerty around 2 pm and we started on the family pictures right after!
Once the wedding party was ready to go, we headed back to Emily and Dan's house to take pictures with their sweet pup! Dan's grandparents were not able to make the ceremony so our second stop was at their house to get some good pictures with them and have them greet the newlyweds! What a sweet moment! Our final stop was the new lookout bridge at MacRae Park. I had never been and man was I blown away! It was a perfect spot for wedding pictures. We sure had a good time up there, a little more laid back and just having fun with all the bridal party and had some moments with Emily and Dan! It was truly a blast. Emily, being so laid back, eventually said, "I'm done with pictures, let's go party". Love that girl!!
The reception was at Forte downtown Des Moines. The set up was gorgeous. They had a live band, The Funk Daddy's, which was so fun and amazing to be able to enjoy some live music that I have so missed with this new quarantine life! I have to tell you, the most amazing thing of the whole night was the first dance. I have never seen two people more smitten with each other and truly enjoying and being themselves while dancing in front of other people! They had the most fun I have ever seen out of a new couple for their first dance and I think it was my favorite part of the whole entire night!!
Thank you again Emily and Dan for the most amazing night and my first wedding back out of quarantine!!
Lots of love and happiness!
Bailey
