Amanda + Molly: Engagement Session

One of my very first in-person interactions with Amanda and Molly was our drive to Saylorville. They had a particular place in mind so I jump in their vehicle for the journey. That journey included the age old directions battle every couple is familiar with. Both know the best way, neither is conceding, eventually we get to where we're going. Amanda and Molly both apologized for fighting in front of me and I turned to them and said something along the lines of, "Ladies, this is the real stuff. You're a real couple. If you didn't fight over directions, I would think you were robots." When it came time to start shooting, I simply told them to turn towards each other, kiss like you like each other and forget the rest. 

Photoshoots invite stress. From picking the perfect outfits, to getting proper directions, to a misbehaving dog, to realizing your favorite sunset spot is roped off for a political event. They are stressful because they reflect real life. We're not painting impressions of the evening. We're capturing the real deal. The real weather. The real uncooperative dog and that's what makes every moment risky and oh, so magical. 

Here's what Amanda and Molly had to say about their engagement session:

Words from Amanda:

When Molly and I began planning for our engagement shoot, I had only two requirements: (1) at least some of the pictures had to be taken at a specific park south of Saylorville Lake, and (2) the pictures needed to be authentically “us.”

Long before I knew who would be standing next to me, I knew it was the place I wanted my engagement pictures taken. The park/campground that holds the Saylorville spillway was named for my grandpa and has always been a special place for my family. Over the years, we’ve take photos in front of the “Bob Shetler Recreation Area” sign to chart our “growth” from kids clutching teddy bears to angsty teenagers with braces and ratty converse. My grandpa passed away before I was born, but the park always felt created a personal link to him.

The second requirement - ensuring the pictures captured us authentically - would be an obvious expectation of any couple. As a gay couple, however, we knew we couldn’t truly be “us” unless we felt comfortable with our photographer and that they felt comfortable with us. Finding gay-friendly vendors in a progressive city like Des Moines didn’t seem like something we’d struggle with, but it did prove to be a realistic concern. And a photo shoot? That would put us in some pretty intimate, vulnerable positions. We needed someone who could laugh at our jokes and capture us genuinely.

Side note from Whitney: It's super important to me that every couple who walks in my door - gay or straight - experiences tons of fun, comfort and a confidence that I will take care of them. I'm so glad Amanda & Molly trusted that they were in good hands.****

Words from Molly:

Our engagement photoshoot wouldn’t be complete without our pup, Boston. She’s the center of our lives, and I thought it would be cute if she made the official “save the date” announcement. We quickly learned that she’s not the most cooperative, focused, or patient when it comes to getting her picture taken, but we were lucky enough to get one or two good pictures. (I can’t really blame her, though; there were a million new smells, people, and even wild animals roaming around to pique her curiosity.) If anything, our engagement shoot served as the perfect warm-up for our wedding day. We plan to make Boston our ringbearer/flowergal, and we are now aware of her limitations when it comes to having pictures taken. And Whitney now knows how many treats to keep in her pocket.

Empowerment Portrait Session: Kim Wall

"I don't photograph well."

I have heard this defensive line more times then I can count. It's usually one of the first things people say when they meet me. Its definitely uttered consistently on the phone when future clients are booking me for portrait sessions.

Here's the thing guys - in bad lighting, with a wide angle iPhone or in mediocre lighting with a mediocre photographer - we ALL have the potential to photograph poorly. Being the subject of a photo is NOT an easy thing to do. Our bodies were made to move. They were made to function and protect us. They were made to get us through long work days and consume beautiful meals - they were not meant to stand static in front of a lens and be frozen in time.

So when someone says, "I don't photograph well," I have only one response. "That's OK! I do!!"

I do photograph well. I have spent the last ten years photographing every single type of person you can imagine. No one's face is a challenge. No one's body is a mystery. I truly love the uniqueness of every person - of getting to show someone who "doesn't photograph well" just how untrue that mantra is.

Kim was an amazing example of this sentiment. If you have ever met Kim - even in passing, you know that she shines. She is positively vibrant with energy and beauty. Her perfect porcelain skin and gorgeous red hair, combined with her bright style and fabulous glasses make her immediately memorable. So when Kim told me she didn't photograph well, I just chuckled and thought - we'll see about that!

As you might have guessed by now - I have proven Kim wrong. Not only does she photograph well - she photographs brilliantly. Her confidence shines through in EVERY SINGLE photo. And if that's not true beauty - I don't know what is. This is exactly why I'm doing an Empowerment Portrait for one truly amazing lady. Nominate a woman who is beautiful inside and out. Tell me how she has inspired you. She could end up with a complimentary Empowerment Portrait Session!

Hear from Kim on how she felt about her portrait session:

It's amazing how empowering it can be to see yourself through someone else's eyes. Someone who doesn't share your self-doubt, but instead sees your best self.

Before my shoot with Whitney, I was nervous. While I know I'm a strong, powerful and dynamic woman, I don't usually like photos of myself. I'm not quite where I want to be fitness-wise at the moment so I beat myself up for that. I don't always like my smile because I have a noticeable-only-to-me crooked thing happening so I hold my face weird. The negative self-talk overrides my otherwise confident self in photos - and I know it. So it's no surprise that I overthink things during photos and awkwardness ensues. I'm a work in progress, actively banishing the negative from my life. But it creeps in there sometimes.

Whitney was able to guide me from start to finish in every aspect of the shoot, leaving nothing for me to overthink. The experience was actually super fun! She instinctively knows how to make what's inside shine on the outside. She understands a woman's body and accentuates what's uniquely beautiful without hiding what's real.

The result? Photos that capture me - the real me. I'm strong, I'm confident, my personality comes out and slaps you in the face and, most importantly, I see my beauty and strength both inside and out. Notice I didn't say "you see." I see it for myself which is the biggest win of all.

Peace out, self-doubt.

Empowerment Portrait Session: Taylor VanderWell

Meeting Taylor is equivalent to meeting a calm, quiet, force of nature. I learned very quickly that her power centered in a deep connection to herself and her body. This woman is grounded. Her feet are planted on the earth and she is intentional about her life and choices. So I can imagine a surprise pregnancy was a bit of a shock. 

Photographing Taylor was an amazing experience. Her confidence inspired me - her beauty overwhelmed me. Her love of this beautiful unborn baby astounded me. I can't wait to watch her become a mother. I know she'll bring every once of calm strength she has to that child's life. She is the epitome of an empowering woman. I would nominate her for an empowerment portrait in a heartbeat. (Have you nominated an inspiring woman yet?)

Read Taylor's story below. 

*** Caution - nudity ahead. But let's be cool. A woman's body is a stunning thing and I want to celebrate it every chance I get! 

I was lying on the floor of my apartment listening to a guided meditation. The woman leading it said to, “focus on the aliveness in your pelvis”. In that instant, my entire body tingled. I suddenly had this overwhelming feeling that there was, indeed, aliveness in my pelvis. But more than one preventative measure had been taken and I was pretty sure the lady beast had paid me a visit the week before...so there was just NO way that could be possible. 

Ha…ha. Ha.

No matter how many sticks I peed on the next morning, they all looked up at me with those two life-changing lines. 

There was 14 hours before the baby’s father was going to board a plane to Africa, where he’d be doing PhD research for the next 1.5 years or so (for the record, he is incredibly supportive and returned early to join baby & I for keeps). I did 32 weeks of pregnancy solo. Completely squashing my all-natural, out-of-hospital birth plan and euphoric pregnancy fantasies were bleeding, a placenta previa, pelvic rest, a vasa previa and a velementous cord insertion that landed me in the hospital for 3 weeks of observation with a c-section delivery scheduled 5 weeks early. So, it's been wildly beautiful and horrible journey all at once.

But through this entire experience, there has been a consistent theme that I keep coming back to: women are f*ing strong. Hands down, it is the strength and presence of women in my life, childless and not, that has held me together these last 7 months. This pregnancy has revealed to me an obvious physical strength--like my body just knowing how to grow and nurture my son inside of it, deliver him through it, and then continue the process of growing and nurturing him outside of it.

But it has also revealed a mental and emotional strength that comes from surrendering to the unexpected and embracing it. There has been something holy and sacred in recognizing that strength and power of my body, mind and soul. All of it. From those very first tingles that told me, “hey, there’s someone happening in here” to the stitches that will soon adorn my abdomen...my body has done something incredibly powerful, and I wanted that captured.

Empowerment Portrait Session: Michelle Book

“I’m so proud of you.”

My mom voiced this sentiment thousands of times in my life. Every time my brother and I would experience success, or struggle through a life event that eventually became an achievement, we could rely on mom to show up with her pride. This phrase was uttered so many times, it eventually became a household joke. Now Hunter and I tell each other about the pride we experience for each other’s achievements both in jest and true sincerity. 

My mother taught me pride. She taught me to stand up tall. To be no one but myself, make decisions and move forward. She taught us that we could do anything, and would have to do most things by ourselves. She gave us the confidence to achieve without reservations. 

My mother is my safety net, but she raised Hunter and I to be so strong, that we rarely need it. My brother and I are good people. We value helping others, giving to those who are less fortunate and working really really hard for every dollar in our lives. We knew how to do all of this, because we watched our mother’s commitment to her work and to herself. 

My mom is amazing- by the real definition of the word. She built herself piece by piece, one life experience at a time, into a person Hunter and I are so proud to claim. She shows up to the task of self improvement and accomplishment everyday. She has fought through more personal struggles and roadblocks than I would wish on a stranger. And every single time, I watch her come out stronger, more amazing, more giving, and more impactful. 

Moving back to Des Moines has allowed me the greatest joy of building a life along side my mom. We are able to be each other’s dates at events. I’ll walk past Centro on a Thursday night and have the unexpected pleasure of waving at my mom and popping in for a hug. There was one day earlier this year when we were both interviewed for the same news segment, by the same reporter. While our accomplishments are different, she is fighting to end food insecurity in Iowa and I am fighting to give everyone the feeling of confidence and self love I am so fortunate to hold, we walk together on this long and complicated path of life. 

She is my mentor, even when I fight her. She is my rock, even when I’m holding her. She is my vault, even when I can’t find the words to express my feelings. Mom, I’m so proud of you. Hunter and I are all of the good things because you were there to show us what good is. Love you tons. 

My mother is who I would nominate for our newest campaign, Empowerment Portrait. I want to gift one inspiring woman the feeling of beauty and empowerment with a complimentary portrait session with hair and makeup services. Who has lifted you up, helped you in an immeasurable way? Nominate her for an empowerment portrait here!

Natalie Gendle: Badass Business Momma

A Note from Whitney:

I met Natalie just as she was opening ACADEMIC lash & beauty. We bonded instantly over our mutual desire to help people find and claim their beauty. Natalie applies lash extensions and performs lash lifts and tints while I photograph people and help them look and feel confident. We often talked about the nervous energy our clients feel before working with us. They are taking a risk, stepping out of their comfort zone and choosing to see themselves in the most positive light. After leaping into our respective services, our clients reflect on how amazing, beautiful and confident they feel. 

In addition to being business buddies, we are both huge fans of each other's talents. I get my lashes done every 3 weeks with Natalie and look forward to seeing my face as it's fully brightened by her beautiful work. Natalie has done headshots and a family shoot with me - and we both loved every second of collaborating to create moments she'll cherish forever. 

I asked Natalie to share her story of starting a business in the midst of motherhood. I know her struggle is so familiar to so many, and I greatly admire the courage she displays every day as she moves her business and family forward.

Here's the truth: I was not thriving as a stay-at-home mom. With three kids 5 and under, I was struggling to find fulfillment from an existence where I never felt I could achieve success. I worked hard to be disciplined enough to create good days but there was always another load of laundry, another load of dishes, another meal to create, another diaper to change. It felt as if there was no end in sight - no end of the workday and no break in sight. 

Taking the leap and opening ACADEMIC lash & beauty changed everything for me. Having a full-time career forces me to be more disciplined. I now thrive on the variety of my workday and in turn, this has made me a more fulfilled person. Now that I work outside the home, my family's world has delightfully expanded as well. My children have more friends, caring teachers, new experiences, time away from their parents to gain autonomy, and a bigger world. This has proven to be a very happy experience for the whole family.

Don't let me fool you, I don't do it all. Its crazy to attempt to! I am still figuring out how to delegate my old duties to ensure that I thrive in my workday and still enjoy my family time when I’m home. I have a great husband who stepped up to the challenge. He is an incredible dad and partner and his flexible work schedule allows him to pick up the slack when I can't. We sometimes hire the amazing ladies at my local laundry mat. Their “fluff and fold” services help me tackle the ever-mounting piles of laundry. We have cleaners every two weeks which take the edge off the house maintenance.  With these decisions, I've given myself the freedom to focus on how I'm best suited to serve my family and community. Leaning on the strengths and services of other businesses has proven to be a good philosophy for us as we navigate the terrain of our daily life. 

I often think of the legacy I am creating, for my family and community. I am always striving to better myself, to help as many people as I can and have the biggest, positive impact possible. Being a business owner allows me so many new and exciting opportunities, challenges, and friendships. Growing a business allows me to miss my family a little and come home to them at the end of the day, excited to hear their stories and reconnect. It has given me the opportunity to be a larger part of my community and has allowed me to positively impact the lives of others.  

The biggest change I've seen is within myself. This amazing adventure has given me the opportunity to grow into a better version of myself.  The long days, missed family meals and stressful challenges of entrepreneurship don't always seem worth it in the moment, but I know that by striving to be the best version of myself, I am also becoming a better wife, mom, community member, friend and ultimately, someone I truly like, when I look in the mirror.

Wednesdays With Whitney: Dr. Rebecca Lake

You know when you meet someone at just the right time? Dr. Rebecca Lake and I met early this year, just as her business started and mine was beginning to take off. We were connected through FemCity Des Moines and I was so curious to meet the sweet, subtle voice on the other end of the phone.

Dr. Lake makes an impact. Whether she's walking into a room or putting your body back together. While some people lead with loud voices and bravado, Dr. Becca leads with grace and a quiet confidence that immediately draws you closer. Her quick laugh and stunning smile made me feel as if I've known her for years.

Her headshots were a breeze. I loved her gorgeous, detailed tattoos, that are so symbolic of the holistic caring for creatures and the world around her. Her combination of sass and style radiated in every image.

At the time I met Becca, I was in the market for a chiropractor. I could barely turn my neck and was having trouble sleeping on my shooting shoulder. This job I love can take a brutal toll on my body and I'd been ignoring my self-care for far too long. If you've ever been in the market for a chiropractor, you will understand that it can be VERY scary. These people are applying pressure to your body - and adjusting your neck. This is HUGE decision and I was not going to settle for less than amazing.

From the very first time I visited Dr. Becca at Shine Chiropractic, I knew I'd found my doctor. She moves deliberately and continuously around the body, taking her time to find the trigger points and relieving built up tension. She has always been attentive to my hesitations and points of pain, allowing the process to slow down when needed and suggesting a different course of treatment when my body required a bigger adjustment. Our weekly appointments have been a game changer for my neck and back.

Dr. Becca recently came to me to collaborate on new website images. Her vision was simple: holistic care carried out in nature. Dr. Becca's practice is so firmly rooted in the belief that we are all connected. It only made sense to take advantage of the great outdoors. The resulting images were created in an environment that was just as peaceful as it looks. Dr. Becca brings that calm wherever she goes, and I couldn't be more proud to be her patient and photographer.

Table 128: Fall Menu Reveal

I sat at the bar at Table 128 enjoying the company of owner Sarah Pritchard after our Wednesdays with Whitney session. I watched a full house arrive for lunch. Everyone who passed the hostess counter on the way to their table grabbed a famous chocolate chip cookie with sea salt, an aperatif to the delicious lunch to come. These cookies, along with amazing food and warm, responsive service are trademarks of this local West Des Moines resturant.

This winter, Table 128 catered the grand opening and one year anniversary of my business. Sarah showed up at my door with trays of delicious, pipping hot food and a smile, ready to serve in any way she could. I had fully expected her to drop off the food and head to her next event. This is the only time I would underestimate Sarah and Lynn’s immense call to host and help. Sarah stayed at the opening, pouring wine and greeting guests, making sure the trays were filled and details weren’t dropped. Her presence made that party a true success.

I desperately wanted to return the favor of hospitality to the Table 128 team and months later, I was finally able to convince Sarah and Lynn it was time for updated headshots. Like so many of my clients, they bulked. Excuses like, “I don’t photograph well,” were spoken aloud. But I am known to be very convincing and finally got this dynamic duo in front of the camera. Of course, the photos were just as beautiful as they are. Their love of people, food and wine, and each other stand out in every image. 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of photographing the new Fall Menu. The smells and views laid before me were impeccable. I loved capturing the beautiful food, lovingly prepared by amazing people. I personally got to sample the Scallops, Cured Zucchini and Sweet Potato Panna Cotta. Every bite was an experience. The scallops were seared to perfection, laid over a nutty wheat berry concoction that had me singing praises to the fall weather. The cured zucchini had me begging for the recipe. How the heck does a person make a zucchini taste THAT GOOD? I sat protesting as the panna cotta was served with hot coffee. How could I possibly eat another bite?!  But of course, it was rich, creamy and just the right amount of sweet. I polished off the whole dish without hesitation. It was a perfect example of another amazing meal at Table 128. 

dsm Magazine: Advisors and Navigators

Thank you to dsm Magazine for inviting me to photograph these lovely humans. Below are my published photos and comments on my participation in the project:

Out of all the beauty in the world, I find myself most passionate about photographing relationships. Being a photographer allows me to bear witness to people's unique interactions. One of my greatest joys is capturing those moments in a real and authentic way. 

I found photographing the mentor/mentee relationships particularly compelling. Since returning back to Des Moines this year to start my own business, I've experienced so many small and large kindnesses from the greater Des Moines community. The mentor mentality appears deeply ingrained in the culture of our strong city. I am awed by the generations before me, who lead Des Moines into the thriving urban center we now take so much pride in. I've observed and benefited from the selflessness with which Des Moines' mentors share their diverse knowledge. The duos and trio photographed for this piece are nothing short of impressive together and separately. Each grouping presented an engaging personal history, filled with mutual respect and admiration for each other's impressive qualities. Hearing their stories, capturing their moments and honoring each or their relationships was truly inspiring. 

Happy Mother's Day Victoria!

I love photographing families, especially families lead by parents like Adam and Victoria. Our shoot was simple and sweet. It took place in their beautiful backyard where their twins, Zelda and George comfortably roamed and explored. The shoot wasn't perfect. It was a bit windy and George got camera shy a few times, but Adam and Victoria were present for every moment of our experience. Tears and laughter were taken in stride as equally important memories. They've only been parents for a year, but they already seem to understand that being a family means embracing everything about one another. I love the moments we created together. 

The following is a letter written by Adam for Victoria in honor of her strength as a mother. Adam is a very gifted writer so I warn you now, grab your tissues. You're going to need them.  

"What makes a mother? Certainly we understand the technical requirements. But what really makes a mother? Is it love? Sure, yes, of course. Love and motherhood go together better than any pair you can name. Love is essential to being a mother. But it only scratches the surface of beginning to understand motherhood.

Nobody tells you how terrifying it is to be a parent. The other night Victoria and I were following our 16-month old twins, George and Zelda, as they crawled up the stairs. It’s a nightly ritual we do before bedtime. They take great pleasure in pulling themselves up the stairs. Each step conquered elicits a squeal or shriek of laughter. We follow closely behind in case there’s a slip or an error. They’ve gotten a lot more surefooted recently, so it’s not uncommon for us to let them get a few steps ahead of us. George had practically raced up the stairs on this night. Zelda was taking her time, inspecting each dust bunny she found along the way. As George passed the top step, he set his feet and shot upright, ready to sprint forward to his bedroom. But he was too close to the edge of the stairs. An error. What was going to happen next seemed immediately, and terrifyingly, clear. George wobbled, teetered, grasped for balance, and then…fell. Backward.

So love, and what else? Devotion? Yes, that seems right. It must be a mother’s devotion to child that pulls her out of bed repeatedly throughout the night for weeks — or months — on end. It’s devotion to child that drives her to sacrifice so much. A mother is no longer an individual. She is an individual devoted to another.

George fell and the universe froze. Heels went over head, tiny arms flailed as he passed the top step and began what would be a devastating tumble. Victoria arrived just before his head smashed into the next step down, just before his world may have been irrevocably altered. Just the way a mother knows how to do. She scooped him into her arms and he cried because he was scared, and not because he was hurt.

Love and devotion are perhaps the two most obvious characteristics of mothers. The third is perhaps the most important: Strength. Witnessing Victoria as a mother these past 16 months is to witness her tap into deep reservoirs of strength. It’s her strength that gets us through the terrifying, exhausting and mystifying ordeal of parenthood. Sometimes it’s as simple as preventing George from falling down the stairs. Other times it’s not. Beneath it all is the strength of a mother. It’s the strength that keeps our family going.

Happy Mother’s Day, Victoria."

Albums are forever: Capturing your always in print

I have dozens of personal photo albums. My mom kept an excellent record of the first 10 years of my life. There are hundreds of printed 4x6 images delicately placed in plastic sleeves and enclosed in a leather 3 ring binder. I kept scrapbooks all through middle school, cutting up my precious prints and creating my own layout and story with Elmer's Glue and craft paper.

A peak into my past. 

Somewhere along the way, my mom and I both stopped making albums. Although photography and family are important to both of us, our photographic records cease to exist after a certain point - can you guess when that was? If you said "when you got digital cameras" you are correct.

Neither my mom or I stopped taking photos. The photos we took on point and shoot cameras, downloaded to computers before our phones kept everything in one place, well I challenge her to find those images. There are years of my life that were documented and discarded with an accidental right click.

I am a crusader for the printed image. I print 4x6's like they're going or of style - because they are. I make albums from my photos, all the time, obsessively just like I used to. These albums are my records - they are what I'll have when my USB no longer plugs in to my future space age computer or my current computer crashes. The printed 4x6's mostly get thrown in a box. That's right - I don't treat them as precious objects. I treat them like my grandparents treated their prints. They new they should keep them in anyway they could and keeping them was more important then preserving their perfection.

This is why I decided to deliver more the just digital files. I get it. Facebook is the modern photo album. But Facebook shouldn't be the only keeper of your memories. I beg you to make prints and books. Maybe you don't love them now and maybe you only look at them once a year around the holidays - but I can guarantee your grandchildren and going to treasure having amazing photos of the people they love from times they never knew.

Ivory House Photography provide custom designed, retouched albums to all portrait and wedding clients. 

Mother's Day Mini Session!

Honor Mom with a Mother's Day Mini Session!

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful photos on my mom and I. Being a professional photographer has it's perks and I have many talented friends who have honored my mother's and my relationship over the years. I feel as if I'm in the minority on this. I've talked with so many mom's whose response to having their photo taken is, "Oh, no. Not me. I'm always taking the photo." 

Moms, I'm here to tell you to be in photos, by yourself and with your family. I love sitting down and flipping through our old family albums, watching the passage of time and seeing me grown up alongside a 30 year old version of my mom. Getting to witness my mom and I together is one of my greatest joys. I LOVE the photos of the two of us. The "bad" ones and the good ones. So kids, get your mom is photos. Do a little convincing. I know she may say "no" several times, but deep down she knows the importance of these images. She'll thank you for it later. 

WHAT IS A MINI SESSION?

Great question! 

My mini sessions are 30 mini sessions taking place on Mother's Day weekend, May 7th and 8th. What better way to celebrate? The mini sessions can accommodate up to 6 people and are held at Water Works Park. Mini sessions are designed to be fun, easy and low key. $100 reserves your time and date. Packages with retouched digital negatives and 3 accordion style mini albums start at $300. The digital negatives serve to update your Facebook gallery with fresh pictures of your family and the mini albums are the tangible record of your lives that you'll have for generations to come. 

I'm looking forward to capturing photos of your moms and creating amazing memories together. 

Home Coming: The Top 5 Reasons I LOVE DSM.

Hello all! 

First of all, I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone involved in my big life transition. There are so many people in Rochester, NY, Des Moines, IA, and cities far and wide who supported me in making this relocation dream come true. 

I've been back in DSM for a little over a month and I have to say, I'm astounded. The support I received upon my arrival was more then I ever could have anticipated. I'm so grateful and I feel compelled to gush. So here it is - my top five reasons I'm ecstatic to be back in DSM! 

4. Open and inclusive attitude: I am overwhelmed by the resounding "YES" I've received when inviting people for coffee. Community leaders are thrilled to take time out of their day to enjoy a conversation with this young entrepreneur. Wedding vendors with well established creditability and awesome work ethic have instantly accepted me into their inner circles. Countless strong and impressive young women in the community have taken me under their wing as friends and confidants.  I am truly honored and thrilled to be part of these ever growing and inclusive circles of strength. 

3. Gorgeous places to shoot, be entertained and be enthralled: The change in Des Moines from when I was a high schooler to now is beyond comprehension. I am so proud of my town, even though I can't take any credit for this transformation. I look forward to being a positive influence in this community in the years to come. 

2. Impressive female leaders making a difference in Des Moines: Now this might truly be one of the most engaging points this community offers me. Everywhere I turn, I see women making real, measurable changes in our local and global community. I see these women reaching out and offering a supportive hand, getting down and dirty for conservation issues and stepping up to the capital to speak their mind. I am honored to join your ranks. Thank you for leading the way.

1. Family: I lived in Rochester, NY for seven years. That was seven years of texting, FaceTime, extended weekend visits and treasured Christmas vacations with the people I love most. I have to be honest, I forgot what it was like to have my family around. I forgot what it meant to be able to call on them ANYTIME, for ANYTHING. Being here, surround by these people is the best thing about Des Moines. 

The First Look: The Positives and Negatives of this New Tradition

There is one moment of the wedding day all brides and grooms look forward to - the moment they see each other for the first time. This moment happens in so many different ways with varying degrees of tears and tradition but one thing remains consistent, there is no replacing the electricity (and the photos) of this once in a lifetime experience. 

The new tradition of seeing each other before the ceremony is called "the first look." Some will say it's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony and many people look forward with anticipation to the public first look offered by walking down the aisle.  But as wedding days have gotten longer and guests' attention spans have gotten shorter the traditional wedding timeline has undergone some modernization. Now most guests are baffled by a long break between ceremony and reception, especially if your ceremony and reception are held in the same location. I'm not sure who the first brave souls were that bucked tradition and started their wedding day with a private "first look" moment, but I offer them my sincere thanks.  Here are my positives and negatives for this wedding day choice.

Celia and Shawn: October 2014

Positives:
1. You get to experience a real private moment. For most couples, this is the only time they spend together all day. Also, you can cry as much as you want because your stylist is still around and prepared to reapply the mascara. 

2. You actually get two big entrances! The bride still gets to walk down the aisle on the arm of her father. Your guests still get to see her for the first time as you make the walk of commitment towards each other. Double the moments, double the sensation, double the awesome photo opts.

3. You go into your ceremony UNITED. You've talked, gotten out your jitters and calmed down. I can't tell you how many couples were nervous wrecks right up until the moment they saw each other for the first time. I love seeing my brides and grooms exhale and grin like crazy when they final get to be with the one they love. After the first look, the ceremony is a piece of cake. 

4. There is more time for photos! This is a super selfish reason to love a first look, but one I find benefits the couple and their wedding party immensely.  After we capture a beautiful moment between the two of you, I usually head into the "romantics," those weddings photos you're going to hang on your wall, make your Facebook photo and generally adore for the rest of time. Doing these photos ahead of times allows us to take exactly as much time as we need and not be rushed. We also take your bridal party photos during this time,  ensuring that the groomsmen can take off their tie get to the bar as soon as they've exited the ceremony. Everyone wins! 

5. There is no need for a receiving line because you'll be at the cocktail hour! This timeline allows for maximum attention to be paid to your guests on the biggest day of your life together.

Negatives:

I've got to be honest. There are very few negatives to the first look from a photographers perspective, but I will outline some objections I've heard throughout the years.

1. It goes against tradition. For many grooms, that's right, this objection is almost always coming from the groom, seeing their bride walk down the aisle for the first time is the ONLY wedding detail they've imagined. They haven't thought about the dress, the cake or table favors. They have thought about their bride, walking arm and arm with her father towards him. I tell my couples all the time that the first look still feels special and exhilarating, and I've NEVER had a couple regretted their choice to take the more modern route, but some men have their hearts set. And what the heart wants, well you get my meaning.

Ok- so this is the only negative I could come up with, but it is completely legitimate and must be paid attention to. At the end of the day, gut feeling and a bit of scheduling are most likely going to make this decision for you. If a first look seems like the best approach to maximize photo opts and guest mingling time. then lean into it. Think of it as the only time that day you'll get to be alone together. Well, not completely alone. I'm there, but I've got my long lens on and I'm not saying a word. So you go ahead and cry if you want to.

A note from Tim:

"I forgot how totally awesome I look in these pictures. Kristen looked okay too I guess...

Obviously Whitney already knows we loved all of our pictures, and I know we both enjoyed the first look segment - though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a nervous wreck throughout the ordeal. Probably can't see it on my face though because we were just having fun with it. Neither of us were really set on observing most of the normal wedding traditions aside from having a great time (and of course having it arftully documented), and I always thought this one was weird anyway, so no argument or coaxing needed. The most important thing I learned from my own wedding was just that - it's our own wedding. Just do what you feel comfortable doing and let everyone else do the worrying about whether the appropriate niceties and pomp are attended to. *steps off soapbox* Having supremely easygoing and understanding parents on both sides is always a plus, of course.

Anyway, we loved our pictures, had tons of fun with the first look, and I agree with all of the points in the blog post both positive and negative. Thanks again Whitney!

A note from Celia: 

As I am sure you'll recall, I was initially dead set against the idea. I am so eternally grateful that you (ever so gently!) talked us into doing this, and will happily testify to any of your new brides who might be on the fence - this was, without a doubt, one of the most treasured highlights of our entire wedding day experience. But here's a real question for the pro: Will viewing your coverage of our "first look" ever STOP making me cry? To my friends and family who are currently planning their weddings: Please check out this blog post and consider allowing your photographer to capture your "first look!"

Church Ceremonies: The Positives and Negatives of the Classic Choice

I did a little math and I have shot over 150 weddings in my career. As the photographer and trusted advisor for my bride and groom, I am often privy to the best and worst moments of my couple's wedding experience. I get to hear all the dirt leading up to the day of the wedding; the family drama, the vendor drama, the double bookings, the broken deals, the difficulty finding the right undergarments, the awesome cake tastings and the weird DJs they met before finding the perfect fit. I have unparalleled access to what can go right and wrong on a wedding day. On this blog I will offer one photographer's perspective on the wedding industry, wedding day and wedding dream.

Choosing a Church                                                                      
There are so many options now for ceremony sights - backyards, lakeside patios, museums, state parks, the family yacht (lucky you). With so many options, we tend to forget the classic standard - the church wedding. As with any choice, a church wedding has it's positives and negatives. Below I detail my thoughts on the subject from my experience as a photographer. 

Positives
1.) As a general rule churches are air conditioned and climate controlled. This shelter is a huge plus on steamy summer days when backyard wedding guests would normally be melting through their glamorous attire. 

2.) Not all churches are aesthetically created equal but a strong pro is the stunning architectural backdrop a church can provide to a wedding day. The older the better. Some churches really light my artist eye on fire but others look like a board room with a few additional seats. So let me be clear - when I say I like churches - I mean I like GORGEOUS, amazing churches. But even simple churches usually have amazing elements of stained glass and authentic elegance. 

3.) There is plenty of space and your guests know the drill. Most of your guests have practiced walking down a similar aisle every Sunday of their lives, so they are comfortable and know where to sit. It's all very orderly and easy to navigate - a huge plus in my book. 

4.) My favorite moment is when the doors open at the end of the aisle and the light streams in behind the bride. For a second you're blinded while your eyes adjust to the light, and then she comes into focus. Yeah - it's pretty perfect. Even though I'm lucky enough to have seen the bride and I know how wonderful she looks, I still get chills when she walks down the aisle, seeing her groom for the first time.

Negatives

1.) There are rules, and sometimes there are a lot of them. Most frequently there is a "no flash" rule. If you are in the process of booking a church and they say flash photography is strictly prohibited - run. Your photographer is going to be mighty upset when they hear about this condition. While I don't always use flash during a ceremony - and certainly try to get away with not using it, you are running a huge risk not having it at all. Most churches are caves of stained glass and stone and if it's cloudy out, you're going to want to give your photographer the opportunity to use their flash light.

2.) What is classic is also standard. Most church ceremonies are going to look fairly similar. The angles a photographer has access to are limited by the previously mentioned rules and there are only so many places we can stand without interrupting guests. So we do our best. We move around, get both sides and the balcony, but the boundaries set by the church must be respected. 

While I love a good cry during the vows and a passionate first kiss, it's after the ceremony, when it's just me, the bride and the groom when the church fun really begins.

Albums are Forever: The Lachants

I make wedding albums for my couples. The creative and collaborative process it takes to craft an heirloom of this caliber speaks to the heart of who I am as a photographer. It also speaks to the relationships I build with my clients. I am accountable for delivering a memento that will stand the test of time. The Lachants were the perfect couple to share this journey with. Kind, easy going and always up for a laugh. Thank you Jamie and Dan for sharing the story of your best day ever.

- Watch the video of Jamie and Dan's album unveiling! 

"Our wedding album is amazing!!  It is such a wonderful composition of the highlights and incredible photographs from our big day. I am so excited that we will have it always. Our photos captured every moment beautifully and looking through the album reminds me of all the happy memories and fun times. I knew Whitney would produce an artistic, elegant and expertly curated account of our wedding, and I was definitely not disappointed.  She did not miss a single detail and I could not have asked for a better person to guide us through the process.  Everyone who has seen the album absolutely loved it and many have teared up!  It truly is the perfect keepsake of the best day ever and certainly something we will treasure our entire lives!"

- Jamie Lachant, Bride 2015

Capturing Your Always: The Lovely Langs

One of the greatest honors as a photographer is being able to watch families come together and grow. Nick and Allie have created a beautiful family that exudes happiness and gratitude. It has been a pleasure to get to know them individually and as a unit. Below, Allie share's a few words on her journey as a wife and mother. Thank you both for allowing me into your home and hearts.

"I feel as though when I became a mother, the world began spinning faster. Days, weeks, and months fly by so much more quickly than they did before. This new fast-paced way of life has not been easy on me with my slow and steady, sentimental nature. I find myself grasping at all of these new, little moments, trying to commit them to memory. Having a family photographer in Whitney has allowed me to freeze and capture the most important moments in the lives of my ever-changing family. 

When we decided to get married, Nick and I did not want a big, complicated event. We chose a more intimate setting and only invited our closest family members to witness our vows. It was important to us that our wedding photos be able to capture not only the actual event, but also the emotion and beauty of each moment and that is exactly what we found in the work that Whitney did for us. She was able to make us and our family members comfortable in front of the camera with her encouragement and simple direction and was in turn able to obtain some very beautiful and meaningful photographs. Not only have our family and friends complimented our photos, but I feel that they have been able to experience our wedding through them as well."

"Not long after our wedding, we welcomed Miles into our family. Those first few weeks home were spent learning about him, as well as discovering who we were now as parents. That time in my memory is a blur of feeding, rocking, swaddling, and catching sleep while we could. It was in the middle of all this that Whitney was able to capture another set of photographs for us. The morning she arrived at our house, we felt tired and disorganized and I was still having trouble finding clothes that fit correctly. I know I wondered to myself once or twice while Miles cried and we needed to take nursing breaks if maybe we should’ve done this a different time. Whitney was once again a positive and encouraging presence. Viewing those photos now, I am so grateful for them. They depict our little family at a time that we could never recreate. I look back at them in awe of how tiny and new Miles was. And even as we were overwhelmed by our new responsibilities, those photos allow me to tangibly remember how overwhelmed by love we were as well."

"Miles managed to grow from that tiny newborn to a smiling, babbling, crawling baby overnight. I can and have tried to document his amazing growth through taking a million and one cell phone pictures. However, not only do these do little justice to the fullness of his personality, but my husband and I are more often than not absent from them. And in truth, as much as our baby has changed each month, so have we grown and evolved right along with him. We had another set of photos done just after Miles turned six months old. It was a brisk Fall morning when we got to the park, but Whitney was ready to go and quickly found a great area to use as our backdrop. I can’t imagine that it’s easy to pull together two adults, a distractible baby, and an anxious dog to form a cohesive image, but Whitney managed it easily and we were out of the cold and back in the warm car faster than I would have ever expected. As I have now come to expect, we loved these photographs as well. With a family photographer, we have gained the unique perspective of documenting how our family has grown together."

"The images we have received from Whitney have been beautiful. They are something I know that we will treasure for many years. Not only do they document the important moments of our lives, but they have also been displayed as art in our home. I love that I can walk into our bedroom and be reminded of the promises and anticipation of our wedding day or look up at the living room wall to see the family we have become. Thanks Whitney!"

Capturing Your Always: The Van Houtens

Meeting Carrie is feels like meeting the human version of the sun. She just glows. Always smiling, always full of energy - her family circles around her with obvious love and respect for the warmth and steadiness she brings into the household. It was a pleasure to photograph Carrie and her amazing clan. I can't wait to do it again next year. 

"I decided to work with Whitney for many reasons - two of them being her confidence and positive attitude. She also has the reputation of being an amazing photographer. We had experienced too many years of disappointing and over-priced mall/department store photos!  Some of our family photos definitely deserve to be in the "Awkward Family Photos Hall of Fame"!  The photos Whitney took are COMPLETELY the opposite of these! Honestly, I was a little nervous about getting family photos taken at our home. I have three small kids,  three dogs and a husband which sometimes seems like an impossible herd to wrangle.  Whitney made the whole process easy and the time went quickly! The kids immediately liked her, and with all the encouragement she gave them, they quickly wanted to please her!   She even managed to get my husband to smile naturally. I'm so glad we invested in these photos. These treasures are worth every penny. The time when children are very small is very short. I love looking through my photos and sharing them with friends and family.  Thank you SO much, Whitney!"

- Carrie Van Houten: Wife and mother of three.

COMING HOME TO CAPTURE YOUR ALWAYS

Always: Every time, for every occasion - without exception.

The word always conjures certain nostalgia in my life. I am guilty of using this large and powerful word without proper distinction. Growing up, my mother would frequently retort, “Always? Your brother always starts the fight?” This happened so frequently that when I turned 18 and left home for college, the thought of tattooing the word always on my body crossed my mind more than once. The medium seemed poetically fitting. 

This idea of always propelled my return home to start Ivory House Photography in Des Moines, IA. I want to grow my life and business near the people who I know will always support me. It is with this commitment to my own legacy of always and passion for my clients' version of always that I open the proverbial doors of Ivory House Photography and welcome you with open arms. I can’t wait to meet you, your spouse and your family members. Together we are going to capture memories that will last for your lifetime and beyond.

In honor of the importance photos play in my own life, I thought it was only fitting to share a few of my favorite images. Over the past few years I've had the opportunity to work with the best photographers in Rochester. Thanks to Natalie Sinisgalli and Rachel Liz for capturing the people I love most in such a beautiful and honest way.