Ashton Hill Cedar Rapids Wedding | Nicole & Jake

There’s something to be said about a couple who truly embraces their wedding day. Nicole and Jake were truly excited about the purpose of their day: celebrating their marriage with friends and family. Oh, it was a beautiful day in every sense of the word, but that wasn’t what was most important to them. Their focus was each other. When I first arrived, Jake made sure to show me a secret surprise he had planned for Nicole — a wedding band he picked out that she had never seen before. I love getting to hold special secrets for my couples and watch their joy play out as the day goes on. Seeing her surprise after the ceremony was extra special!

I don’t typically make a big deal out of “first look” moments beyond giving my couples the space to see and enjoy each other for the first time on their wedding day. Nicole and Jake’s true emotions were so beautiful. I just stepped back and let them have their moment as they drank in the sight of each other and read their vows aloud. I love photographing these moments quietly. No photographer guidance is necessary — I got to capture them as they truly were. Those are the best moments. Unscripted and totally authentic.

These two totally rocked the dance floor. When the couple is out there, everybody is out there. Nicole and Jake were definitely the ones enjoying the dance floor with all of their guests! A packed dance was such a fun way to end the evening!