Can I just start out by saying I love being a Quad Cities Wedding Photographer! I love meeting so many new clients from Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline and beyond!

Sometimes you just know. When I meet with clients, sometimes it feels like more. Like more than just meeting potential clients and you just know you are going to be fast friends. I met with Jared and Beth to discuss their winter wedding at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa. You see; at first, it wasn’t going to be at the Figge, it was going to be at a Winery. But as wedding planning often goes; plans changed. And changed for the better they did!

An Iowa winter wedding; in December; can hold its’ own challenges. You never know what you are going to get. It could be a blizzard with subzero temperatures, or it can be 50 degrees and sunny. Which is exactly what Jared and Beth got for their wedding day. We have a few theories as to why this might have worked out that way (Thank you Branden)(more on that later). But for whatever the reason, their day was simply beautiful.

We started off at The Blackhawk Hotel to get all of the ladies ready and for me to start the day. And can I just say; I squealed a little-ok a LOT when I saw Beth’s dress from Hope’s Bridal Boutique from Davenport! All of that lace…..need I say any more?! One of my favorite parts of the day is getting to see all of the little details that my brides have brought together. All of the little pieces that they have planned out to tell their story. And, one other little note about the first time I saw Beth…..THAT HAIR!!! Haus of Heir from Bettendorf freaking NAILED IT! That fauxhawk/mohawk design was astounding. I literally texted the salon to let them know how much I loved it! The salon has taken care of SO many of my clients, both weddings and seniors and they NEVER disappoint.

Jared and Beth have a special story. A story that a lot of us will never experience, and some of those that do; never get a chance to have their chapter 2. You see, I can’t tell this story without crying, without thinking about how much this beautiful girl has endured, overcome and risen from. Beth has a beautiful daughter; Beth was married previously. That part is not unlike many others out there. The part not many people know from the outside looking in; Beth was married to an amazing man, who served our country, who came home, but was never the same. Branden passed away in 2015. Beth and their daughter have endured and risen to continue on. That much we know Branden would have wanted; without a doubt.

Right before the ceremony, Beth, Jared, her best friend Erika, and myself were out taking some couples portraits with the sunset. As we were taking pictures, we paused as there was someone coming up the sidewalk, out of the sunset. I kid you not, here comes a man; who was a Veteran, carrying the United States flag, as part of #vetflagrun. I think we were all a bit taken aback, not really sure what to say. What are the odds, given Beth’s history that this random person would come along who would give her a reminder of what she had lived and lost. We all agree it was a sign, a sign from Branden that he was there; with her throughout the day. It took us all a bit to recover from that little sign but I am so glad that Branden gave another little shoutout for her to know; it is going to be ok!

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, most of the day. These two exude such a love that I have witnessed only a few times. It’s tangible, it’s real, and it’s raw. Jared has stepped into this role with all of his heart and it is amazing to see his unwavering love and desire to give these two girls everything. (Cue the tears as I am struggling my way through to write this). Some clients just touch our lives and our hearts in a way that is indescribable. Thank you Jared, Beth and little miss sassy pants for allowing me into your world.

Xoxo,
Michale

Wedding Venue: The Figge Art Museum

Getting Ready Venue: Hotel Blackhawk

Hair and Makeup: Haus of Heir

Dress: Hope’s Bridal Boutique

Flowers: Eco Flowers

Tuxes: The Event Loft

Cake: Sophisticakes by Mary