My phone rang…my sister was talking a million miles a minute, laughing, and I am sure she was also grinning hugely on the other end of the phone when she called to tell me about her engagement.

She went on to tell me how the engagement happened quite inadvertently when Jim and Tiffany stopped out at our parents to visit.   They had been thinking of an elopement in Cabo while on vacation but the youngest sister Kelly would not hear such a thing.

The wedding had to be here… with the family!  So… that was it, they were officially engaged.The planning started right away and a few short months later we were all celebrating the special day together.

When I asked Tiffany to describe her wedding vision in three words she chose the words as Romantic, Eclectic, and Intimate.  The jewel toned wedding was just that, from the beautiful New Melleray Abbey to the close family and friends who gathered to witness.  The day was beautiful.

Friends have asked me if it was difficult to photograph my sister’s wedding.   Let me start by saying I am so blessed to be able to share my gift of photography with Jim and my sister, I was so happy to do this for them.  As for Jim + Tiffany, they were a dream couple to work with.  The two of them are so in love and sweet on each other, it’s not hard to let that shine through the camera.  The only difficulty I had was trying to see through the lens as my eyes were tearing up during the ceremony.

Thank you Tiffany for being my big sister and thank you Jim for loving her they way you do.

The bright jewel-toned peacock colors were a beautiful accompaniment to her vision.

The purple heels where perfect!  Loved when she pulled these out.

These unique rose colored wedding rings are beautiful.  Jim’s ring even has a purple band around it.

Little sister Kelly did hair and make-up!  Not sure what exactly what they were giggling about here, but there was a lot of that going on all morning.

Little girls are just fascinated with Brides, especially my little Sophia.

This one cracks me up! Shot after I asked Kelly if she got this close to all her clients.

Tiffany’s beautiful daughter Luci.

..and then I got the goofy face.

A little morning craziness getting everyone ready.

Tiffany chose the beautiful New Melleray Abbey for their wedding portraits, wow what am amazingly beautiful piece of history.

LOVE this one!

Matching purple shoes.

Tiffany you are beautiful!

Beautiful, love this one too!

Jim with his parents, and my parents with Tiffany!  Aww so adorable.

Now that’s one proud daddy.

Inside the chapel was stunning… so happy to shoot in such an gorgeous location.

So many favorites here… another one.

Jim jumped the gun and said “I do” a little to early.

My amazing parents, and beautiful sisters!

I couldn’t believe this capture when I saw it on the back of the camera.   We asked the little ones to give us some privacy… Guess they were a little curious of what they were missing out on.

 A special thanks to my fellow vendors:

Ceremony + Reception : Trackside Bar & Grill – Peosta, IA

Hair & Make-up: Kelly Harris

Cupcakes : All Things Sweet Shoppe – Dubuque, IA

Bridal Dress Shop: Connie’s Wedding Center – Viroqua, Wisconsin

 Bridal Dress Designer: The Colleciton Emerald Couturiers

Flower Girl Dress Designer: Fashion 888