Hancher Iowa City Wedding | Caroline & Elliott

How can I sum up in words how amazingly different Caroline and Elliott’s day in Iowa City was from most weddings? I’ve been looking forward to this day from the moment I first met them at their engagement session. They came with no expectations of what “should be.” Instead they came with open arms and minds. As a bonus, Elliott has a smile that literally beams, lighting up every room he enters! It was obvious they purely wanted to enjoy the time together and that is what gave them authentic photos — more than anything I could ever do as a photographer. When we enter into life without trying to force anything other than who we’ve been made to be, amazing things happen.

Their wedding day in Iowa City started at Caroline’s family home. I loved this because everything was so easygoing. It was really a morning with the family. Everyone got ready without rush. Emotions played out naturally, allowing me to be a quiet observer, capturing as we went. I prefer this. To be so integrated in the day that everything happens with a natural rhythm that unfolds throughout the day.

Caroline and Elliott shared a small, intimate ceremony followed by a larger celebration at Hancher Auditorium. Caroline envisioned a very different approach to traditional decor featuring airy floral design in small bowls. Emily and her team with Soiree carefully brought her vision to life and made each step of the day seamless. Everything was elegant, but the focus was on the people. This was a day where everyone was truly enjoyed.