The Best Fine Art Wedding Photographers in West Des Moines, IA

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33 Wedding Photographers in West Des Moines, IA

Fine art
GemHidden gem
The Farmhouse Studios 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

We have proudly been serving our couples and families for over 17 years, and every year we fall more in love. My name is Jen, the owner of Farmhouse Studios. At the young age of 17 we begin our photo journey with zero idea it would become what it is today. Having shot over 1000 weddings worldwide, we have been gifted with the most beautiful gift of sharing in the most joyous days of our couples lives. We cherish all of the memories, adventures, and creative moments we have shared!

As all brides, I was hoping to find a photographer who would capture the essence of my wedding day. Not just the posed photos, but the behind-the-scenes glimpses as well. Jenni Machir with The Farmhouse Studios exceeded all my hopes by far! She not only made the wedding party and guests feel comfortable, but I hardly noticed she was there once the party got started. She somehow managed to focus on the details without being distracting or imposing. Jenni will ask you to trust her, and it is well worth it. She has a natural eye, and the experience to back it up. When it came to getting the shot, Jenni was not afraid to roll around in the grass, walk through weeds, and move branches out of the way to make it happen. She was relentless for 8 hours and showed patience and grace the entire time. The turnaround time was shockingly fast, and I am not kidding when I say that every single picture is stunning. I can't stop looking at them and am SO happy I will be able to relive the memories through the photos. If you're wondering where to find a photographer who will make your wedding vision come to life, I urge you to contact her!
Mr & M., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Anchor Studios Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (72 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

I’m Edgar, an HTX-raised native with Salvadorian roots. I am the owner, creative director, and lead photographer at Anchor Studios Photography. I'm a wedding and elopement photographer based out of Pittsburgh, PA! However, the stories I capture don't start and end there. I love to travel to capture stories all around the world.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had our wedding in California and Edgar flew out and helped make our day so memorable! We didn't know him before and didn't end up doing an engagement shoot (so I was a little nervous) but he absolutely nailed it. His photos are stunning (I've gotten a TON of compliments on them), he is extremely communicative, and he had a bunch of photos ready to go by the end of the wedding. Both me and my husband aren't great at posing for photos and he knew exactly how to place us without it feeling faked. Super easy to work with and just a really nice guy. I'd highly recommend him to anyone!
Rebecca D., 2 years ago
Oury Memories 
Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

I have been a photographer for 8 years. Throughout my time as a photographer I’ve captured clothing, models, and memories. I shifted from corporate shootings to families and weddings because it gave me this warm fuzzy feeling when I edited my couples and families photos. Don’t be afraid to reach out to me and ask about my photography style, my editing style, or my favorite restaurant! I highly recommend scheduling a free consulting session!

Awarded Best of Zola
Grace did both our engagement and wedding photos and was such a pleasure to work with. She was professional, communicative, and attentive throughout the whole process, gave fantastic advice and direction on the day, paid minute attention to detail, and was up for anything. Her photos are dreamy and strike a perfect balance between art and recording memories.
Miranda S., 3 years ago
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Angela Mallett Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (22 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Angela is a Destination wedding photographer capturing timeless memories for over 10 years. She loves providing couples with candid images that they can look back on for a lifetime. Her passion is to connect and tell couples’ love stories through the beauty and emotion of the moments captured.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we spoke with Angela, we knew we wanted her to be our photographer. She is incredibly friendly and responsive! We recently had our engagement shoot in NYC and she exceeded our expectations. Our pictures came out better than we could’ve imagined and she was such a joy to work with. Talking to her felt like talking to an old friend. We are so happy we found Angela and CANNOT wait for next year when she captures our wedding day! I’d hire her for any and all photo shoots if I could!
Melanie R., 10 months ago
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Amative Creative | Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, & Destination Wedding Photographer & Videographer 
Rating: 4.9 (19 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,600
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA
  • Offer

Hello there! I'm Andrea, owner of Amative Creative, and every weekend we're so blessed to be able to tell the love stories of so many amazing couples. Like many others in this industry might say, we simply adore weddings. But what makes us a little different is our entire brand is centered around telling love stories specifically curated to reflect your vision and aesthetic. "Amative" means to be prone to love, so as you can see, we want nothing more than to tell your love story! But what makes us truly unique is that we understand every love story looks different. And we personalize every aspect of how we document your wedding day!

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a great experience with Amative Creative for our wedding! One thing that really made them stand out was that they offer so many different editing styles to choose from, so we were able to pick exactly the look we wanted. They also got our photos back to us super quickly—about a week after the wedding—which was such a nice surprise. The photos turned out beautiful and they captured all the big moments and some great candid shots. I especially love how cool the dance floor shots turned out. We received tons of compliments on the pictures! Highly recommend!
Lily A., a year ago
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Celestial Waves Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (17 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,200
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Celestial Waves Photography, based in Wilmington, NC, is led by a paramedic with a passion for capturing life’s most cherished moments. We offer affordable, high-quality, and inclusive photography, specializing in family sessions, portraits, events, and weddings. With over five years of experience, we bring a unique perspective and care to every shoot. Let us help you turn your moments into timeless memories—book your session today!

Awarded Best of Zola
Celestial Waves photography was by far the best choice we could have made. For one, the pictures are absolutely stunning. We got them back quickly, the system is easy to use, and the pictures are a perfect mix of posed and candid. I have gotten SO many compliments on the pictures, but also about Seth and the company itself. They did so much to help make our day special, from helping the groomsmen put on their boutonnieres to keeping everyone looking great and having fun. I cannot thank them enough for everything they did to make our wedding day such a special day, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a phenomenal photographer.
Hannah M., 10 months ago
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Nova Imagery 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Nova Imagery is an Orlando-based wedding photography team serving couples throughout Florida and nationwide. We create bold, artistic and emotionally honest images for couples who want their wedding photographs to feel unmistakably their own. Our approach blends editorial portraiture, genuine emotion, creative lighting and confident direction with a calm, supportive experience from planning through the final gallery. Every collection includes thoughtful timeline guidance and polished, high-resolution imagery. Pricing is straightforward and all-inclusive, with nationwide travel built in and no added travel fees anywhere in the United States.

We’re so glad we chose Nova Imagery for our engagement session! From the very first conversation, they made us feel completely at ease. Every picture felt so natural and perfectly captured who we are as a couple. The team is professional, friendly, and so talented. They knew all the best spots in Orlando and worked with us to create photos that felt unique to our story. We’ve been looking at the pictures over and over. They’re just that good! I’m already so excited for our wedding day because I know they’ll go above and beyond to make those memories just as special. If you’re looking for an Orlando wedding photographer, I can’t recommend Nova Imagery enough. They’re amazing at what they do!
Stephanie H., 2 years ago
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Sparrow Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Sparrow Photography is more than just a wedding photography service—we’re storytellers capturing life’s most meaningful moments with care and authenticity. Weddings are our favorite, with packages starting at $850 for 4 hours and no travel fees anywhere in the U.S. (international weddings only cover travel). Founded by Emily Simmons, a photographer with a bachelor’s degree in photography, Sparrow Photography was built on the belief that everyone deserves high-quality, timeless photos at a price that won’t overwhelm.

Emily and josh are AMAZING!!! they made us feel so comfortable on our big day, and I never felt pressured or like I was being told what to do. emily guided us and got some of the most perfect pictures. her quality is amazing and she is the sweetest. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alex & A., 6 months ago
Bethany McNeill Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,200
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Your wedding day should be filled with nothing but uninhibited joy all day long (and the perfect golden hour light). By bringing your vision to life–and documenting it to perfection–let’s spark that joy together. With a camera on each hip, I’m ready to help you make your dreams happen–now let’s make some magic.

Bethany has done our engagement photos and wedding portraits and I’m obsessed with her work! Not only are her photos elegant and dreamy she is super fun to work with. She made our sessions super relaxed and feel super comfortable. I’ve received so many compliments on our photos, I would definitely recommend couples to have her capture your special day.
Jazmin O., 5 years ago
Jennifer Weinman Photography | Des Moines Wedding Photographer 
  • Fine art style
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

I'm a wedding photographer based in central Iowa and photograph weddings in both Des Moines and Iowa City & surrounding areas. With 15 years of experience in 250+ weddings, you can rest assured that your day will be effortless and memorable. I prioritize stunning beautiful photographs that capture the just-got-married joy of your day! Your photos will be heartfelt, timeless, and a true reflection of your wedding day. We thrive on portraying your story using a personal approach that allows you to relive your most precious memories every day with the same beauty & emotion you felt on your wedding day.

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Sage & Iron Creations 
Rating: 5.0 (53 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,600
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees
  • Offer

I'm Ashley a Cleveland, Ohio portrait photographer specializing in dark and concept driven imagery. With 18+ years of experience, I blend mood, storytelling, and artistic depth while offering a range of editing aesthetics to match each client's vision. I hold a Certificate in Photography from the Hallmark Institute of Photography and am also self taught. When I'm not creating, I'm with my supportive husband and our 2 cats Pumpkin & Goblin. We love traveling, trying new things, and discovering great food. My passion for photography began in childhood, inspired by my mother's photos and 90s magazine ads.

Awarded Best of Zola
I'm addicted to shooting with Ashley!!! She is easily one of my most favorite photographers to shoot with!! From the very start when I booked my first creative shoot with her she was very professional and on the ball with communicating and making sure we were both on the same page. I have shot with her multiple times now and I always appreciate her preparedness and punctuality. She is also very helpful with posing directions if needed! The calming vibes she brings is an added bonus and helps you to feel like your most comfortable and confident self. You'd truly be doing yourself a disservice by not booking your big day shoot with her!
Jesse W., 6 months ago
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Hannah Lee Kuhn Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (29 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

I'm Hannah, a professional photographer based in the heart of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I'm thrilled to be part of your wedding journey. My photography style is all about capturing the romance and intimacy of your special day, focusing on those heartfelt, candid moments that make your love story uniquely yours. I have a deep appreciation for the little details that make your wedding day unforgettable, and I take great care to ensure they shine through in every shot.

Awarded Best of Zola
Hannah Lee Kuhn Photography was the perfect choice for our engagement photography. From the moment we first spoke with Hannah, her communication was clear, upbeat, and professional. She was so approachable and helpful in getting us comfortable in front of the camera during our engagement shoot. On the day of our engagement, Hannah's warm and candid style captured all the intimate, cherished moments so beautifully. The photos she delivered are truly stunning and of professional quality, making us feel like the most beautiful versions of ourselves. We highly recommend Hannah Lee Kuhn Photography to any couple looking for a photographer who will contribute so meaningfully to their special day.
Emma, 2 years ago
Quick responder
S.Morgan Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,850
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

I’m Scarlett, owner of S. Morgan Photography, specializing in romantic, fine-art portrait, wedding, and elopement photography that blends guided direction with genuine moments. My approach is rooted in storytelling, creating images that feel natural, heartfelt, and timeless. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full wedding day, I provide thoughtful guidance so your experience feels relaxed, meaningful, and beautifully preserved. Based in East Tennessee and available for travel across the Smoky Mountains, the Southeast, and destination celebrations.

Scarlett was phenomenal on my special wedding day! She arrived early and even jumped in and helped with some set up to make it spectacular. She was very patient and understanding with family members. She had wonderful ideas for poses and even styles of shoots. We have multiple meetings to go over how the day would look before hand. She is just simply amazing! She made sure everything went as smooth as it possibly could. She definitely goes above and beyond as a photographer. I will use her for all photos in the future! Love her so much!!
Cheyenne B., 7 months ago
Taylor Faith Photo Co. 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,300
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

Hi! I'm Taylor a Georgia based Wedding photographer, mommy, and cheesecake lover. Obsessed with: Family, Naps, and good books. I’ve been keeping it real since 1997. I started my business when I was just 17 years old. Since then I have turned that small hobby into a full time career photographing beautiful couples love stories. Throughout my 8 years in business, I have been lucky enough to photograph over 200 weddings throughout Georgia and the other southern states.

Awarded Best of Zola
As a wedding officiant, I have the pleasure of working with so many different vendors, photographers in particular, and I can honestly say that Taylor is one of the best! Working with her is always fabulous! Her professionalism, creativity, and dedication to capturing perfect moments and special details are second to none. She puts couples at ease with her easy going nature which helps them to relax around her and act naturally, in turn allowing her to capture a variety of gorgeous shots. During the ceremony itself, she blends seamlessly into the background while effortlessly capturing the essence of the heart of the ceremony. So much so that, as the officiant, I am unaware that she is even there which I think is a perfect approach for that particular part of the wedding day! Taylors work is truly beautiful and her commitment to ensuring her couples have the best possible photography experience attention to detail and commitment to excellence makes her a standout choice for any wedding or special event. I highly recommend Taylor to couples seeking not only beautiful photographs that will serve as lasting memories, but also a stress-free, authentic, personable experience on their big day.
Jenny Muir, 3 years ago
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Cassidy Drury Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $6,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees
  • Offer

I’m Cassidy, the heart behind Cassidy Drury Photography. I’m based in Kansas City and specialize in capturing weddings in a way that feels both elevated and deeply personal. My approach is calm and intentional, so you can be fully present while I document everything as it naturally unfolds. I care just as much about your experience as I do your photos. From helping you build a seamless timeline to guiding you in front of the camera in a way that feels easy and natural, I’m there every step of the way. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, taken care of, and confident, knowing your memories are being captured beautifully.

Cassidy Drury made our wedding day feel effortless from start to finish. Her communication was clear and friendly, and she kept everything organized so we never had to worry about a thing. What really set her apart was how she made us feel like we were just hanging out with a friend rather than posing for a photographer—my husband and I were genuinely comfortable in front of the camera, and our whole wedding party felt the same way. The quality of her work is truly top tier, and we couldn't be happier with every single shot. Cassidy is the best of the best, and we would recommend her services to anyone and everyone looking for a photographer who will capture their day beautifully.
Claudia R., 3 months ago
GemHidden gem
Meghan Ann Imagery LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees
  • Offer

I'm Meghan Ann Imagery! I'm an wedding storyteller and lover of love. I offer photography and videography services for elopements, micro weddings, and traditional weddings. Based in Alaska and servicing the PNW and New England.

I found Meghan on TikTok literally the day after I got engaged and immediately knew she had to be our photographer. I wouldn’t let my husband take no for an answer — and I’m so glad I didn’t. From the very beginning, Meghan was friendly, down-to-earth, and made both of us feel totally comfortable (which was really important to me because I normally feel so awkward in front of a camera!). She did both our engagement shoot and our wedding, and was amazing at communicating throughout the whole process. She really took the time to understand our vision for a cozy, casual backyard wedding — and brought it to life through her warm, documentary-style photos that perfectly captured the vibe of the day. So many guests commented on how awesome the photographers were! Even though I leaned toward candid, documentary shots, Meghan was super flexible and helped us with some posed photos too, which turned out beautiful. She even helped set up our tattoo station (and got her own temporary sleeve — iconic), and sent us some Polaroids after the wedding, which was the cutest touch. Overall, Meghan was such a good vibe. It honestly felt like hanging out with a close friend who just happened to have a camera and a really good eye (: Can’t recommend her enough!
Christina M., a year ago
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Christin Sofka Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $8,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

Hi! I'm Christin, a destination wedding photographer based in Chattanooga, TN. Specializing in timeless and artful imagery, my expertise goes beyond just taking photos; it's about crafting a visual story that reflects the joy, love, and unique spirit of your celebration.

Working with Christin at Christin Sofka Photography was one of the absolute highlights of our wedding journey. From our very first inquiry to the days following our wedding, Christin has been nothing short of phenomenal—responsive, professional, fun, and such a warm presence throughout. We initially found her because of her stunning photography style, but it was her incredible personality that sealed the deal. From our first call, she genuinely wanted to get to know us—our story, our vibe, our vision—and it showed in everything she did. Before we even officially hired her, Christin was helping us find a venue that aligned with our dream, connecting us with other amazing vendors, and offering support in ways far beyond the role of a photographer. She was in it with us every step of the way. I’m usually awkward in front of a camera, but somehow Christin made it feel effortless and fun. She created an environment where we could just be ourselves—and that joy, love, and personality came through in every photo. Our pictures shine with who we are. Every idea we had, she embraced and brought to life in ways that exceeded our expectations. She was just as excited as we were the entire time—and honestly, I can’t imagine our day without her. Christin is not just a photographer—she’s a true artist, a cheerleader, and a calming, creative force you’ll be so lucky to have by your side. If you’re considering hiring her: do it. You’ll be singing her praises too.
Ashley S., a year ago
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Waking Starlight 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $7,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

I seek the hard-to-see moments, the ones that we might normally miss. I'm looking at the in-between, telling the story of intimacy and of elegance, serving clients worldwide as their Dallas & destination wedding photographer. Whether your story shines most in the small, quiet moments, or on the dance floor with your closest friends, I'm documenting the moments of love between you all, and every beautiful detail in between.

Jenny is, without a doubt, one of the best photographers in the industry. From the very beginning, we knew we didn’t just want someone who could take beautiful photos—we wanted someone who truly understood us and could capture the heart and soul of our wedding day. Jenny exceeded every expectation. From our first intro call, we immediately felt at ease. Jenny took the time to truly get to know us—asking thoughtful, intentional questions to understand our vision, our priorities, and the emotions we wanted to remember most. She stayed in touch throughout the months leading up to our wedding, offering helpful guidance, creative ideas, and an incredibly calming presence. Her communication was always proactive and professional, and it was clear she genuinely cared about making our day perfect. On the day of the wedding, Jenny was everything we could have hoped for and more. She brought such great energy—fun, focused, and reassuring. She kept us on track without ever making us feel rushed. By the end of the day, it felt like Jenny and her second shooter were longtime friends—part of the celebration, not just vendors. Then came the photos... and wow. We were completely blown away. Jenny has this rare gift of capturing not just the moment, but the feeling. Every photo told a story—our love, our personalities, our laughter, the quiet in-between moments, and the deep connection between us and our family and friends. We’ve looked through the gallery countless times and still tear up. It’s everything we dreamed of and more. Working with Jenny was one of the best decisions we made. She’s not only incredibly talented but also a genuinely wonderful human being. We would recommend her a hundred times over—and then some.
Mikayla B., a year ago
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Angelina Vazquez Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees
  • Offer

Hi, I’m Angelina, the photographer behind Angelina Vazquez Photography, based in the Charlotte, NC area. I photograph weddings and engagements with a bright, refined, romantic, and true-to-life approach. I’m drawn to genuine emotion, beautiful light, and those little in-between moments that make your wedding day feel completely your own. My faith is at the center of my life and business, and I believe every love story is God-written. It’s such an honor to preserve the beginning of a marriage with care, intention, and heart.

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Jay Dee Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $4,800
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

A Charleston Wedding Photographer with a fierce love for storytelling, fostering memories and capturing those moments that you will want to treasure forever. I get to tell your story. And, I think that’s pretty cool. I love traveling everywhere and anywhere, talking with my hands, buying plants (and attempting to keep them alive), and spending as much time as I can with my loved ones. I have lived in Boston, Paris, and New York City, and am now lucky enough to call Charleston home, while also still traveling the world for my clients. You can usually find me on my back porch in downtown Charleston, right next to my favorite little park.

tldr: Jessica is amazing and I don’t think you can go wrong with her if this is the style of photos you like I had a lot of difficulty picking a photographer as I’m pretty picky with photos. I knew I wanted something bright and light, with kind of a whimsical or ethereal vibe, but it was really hard finding the style until I came across the “fine art” style. Jessica’s name came up while researching this style and I decided to reach out to her among a few other fine art photographers. I definitely hoped talks would go well with Jessica as the others I contacted ended up either not responding or were wildly out of my budget. Pre-Planning: Jessica was wonderful throughout this process. She promptly responded to my emails and answered questions clearly. I never felt like I was left in the dark for any part of the process. When I sent her the timeline of the ceremony/reception, she quickly came up with a timeline to slot in all the photos to be taken ahead of time at the location (We had access to the venue for a little over an hour prior to the ceremony). She also asked for a list of family photos that we wanted to take. This made it very easy at the wedding as she could call out people’s name to make sure everyone that was supposed to be in the pictures, were in the pictures. Jessica also sent over a list of ideas for detail shots and explained she could do this ahead of time. We didn’t want extra pictures of these and decided against it, however, I still thought it was very thoughtful of her to offer. Wedding Day: I loved her energy at the wedding. She was very calm and felt very competent. She directed my husband and I throughout the pictures, showing us poses etc. During family and wedding party photos, even though we had many bodies to fit in the frame in quite a few pictures, she led us through them with ease and the entire experience was very stress free (or as stress free as can be at a wedding lol). The venue was quite dim at specific locations, but the final results did not reflect that at all. The pictures were bright and did not look like they were taken in the dark at all. (This is a little off topic but I loved the little apron with pockets she wore for her equipment. So cute) I’m not sure when Jessica had the time, but there were pictures around the venue which were so beautiful. I definitely feel like the day was captured through the pictures. Post Wedding: Jessica sent us a sneak peak 2 days after the wedding containing 23 pictures. They turned out great and were beautiful. You can see examples on her website so I won’t elaborate, but they really are that good. The full gallery was sent almost a month after the wedding (minus 2 days) with instructions on purchasing prints or an album attached. The full download contained 650ish files, including the sneak peek pictures. Half of which were black and white, so this matched up pretty perfectly with Jessica’s estimation of the amount of photos when we spoke in the pre-planning stage.
Aster L., 2 years ago
Kara Vorwald Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (1 review)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Hello, I am Kara Vorwald. Although I am a wonderer, for now I am based in Des Moines Iowa. I travel throughout the midwest and beyond! (especially anywhere warm during the winter months.) I am a mamma to 3 of the wildest free kids and 4 cats. A wife to an amazing creative husband. If I am not creating something I feel like I would burst over. So I am usually found knitting, baking, quilting, painting or something similar when I am not busy taking photos. I love being a photographer and capturing special moments and memories for others.

We hired Kara for our wedding and we knew it was going to be a good decision. As a professional wedding photographer myself, I have worked with Kara on weddings, so hiring her was easier than picking out cocktail napkins. I had the same experience professionally as I did as a client: she’s super supportive, laid back, takes good care her clients and delivers a phenomenal product. Kara is super easy to work with, and she made my wedding day so easy.
Emma Dodd-Carnine, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Milkweed Moments 
Rating: 3.7 (3 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $2,600
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Howdy! I’m Aubriana, a photographer passionate about capturing life and love in their most genuine moments. My journey with photography began over a decade ago in high school and has since grown into a heartfelt career. Inspired by my time in Iowa and the beauty of Milkweed fields, my business name reflects my love for fleeting, magical moments—just like the Monarch butterflies that migrate each year. I believe every love story is unique and deserves to be documented with care, warmth, and authenticity. I’d be honored to capture yours!

So easy to work with and professional! My labor went very quickly so photos were in the immediate postpartum. I love how each detail was captured so intimately to tell the story, so I can look back on those moments. She respected the environment and helped in any way to make sure I felt cared for-above and beyond being a photographer. We also did some newborn/family photos a few days later and she was very patient with my full of energy toddler, all while capturing the sweet details of our newborn. All of the photos are beautiful!! When I asked for a few edits to the gallery it was done and updated for me quickly.
Paige S., 2 years ago
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Alena Michelle Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA

Nice to meet you, I’m Alena or lena, whatever you want to call me. My simple pleasures in life are rare plants, good coffee, and soft music (aka, lots of Bon Iver & Gregory Alan Isakov) More importantly, you guys, my clients. With photography being my full time job, I get to put every single ounce of my being into creating magical images for you to look back on for years to come. That’s really what I’m here for. So, let’s get coffee or a drink so I can get to know you and your partner, and create magic with you both.

Awarded Best of Zola
I have had Alena as our photographer since 2018! I had been recommended by a friend and had her for our engagement photos, wedding, the birth of our first born, his first birthday, and our second born! If that doesn’t speak for itself. Alena is incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and overall a great person, and friend. Her photos aren’t just any photos that you see. She puts time, and hardwork into her editing and it pays off. They’re moody, flirty, fun, intimate. She can do quite literally anything you ask for. No need to worry about being nervous about being in front of her camera, she knows how to pose you and talks to you the entire time. It feels like you’re hanging out with friends and it’s so so enjoyable!
Holly & E., 4 years ago
From GA With Love 
Rating: 5.0 (7 reviews)
  • Fine art style
  • Serves West Des Moines, IA for additional fees

Jack Wylde (they/them) (name in progress) I am an Inclusive Wedding Photographer blends fine art with authentic storytelling, creating images that feel timeless and deeply personal. Inspired by the richness of romantic paintings, I capture love with moody tones, candid moments, and creative angles. From elopements at sunrise to backyard celebrations under the stars, I celebrate all types of unions—LGBTQIA+, non-traditional, eco-friendly, and more. Whether it’s a courthouse ceremony or a handfasting in the woods, I focus on the details and emotions that make your day truly yours. Let’s turn your love story into art.

Awarded Best of Zola
Our wedding photos by From GA with Love are absolutely breathtaking. We had our ceremony overlooking a serene Swan Lake at sunset, and the way they captured the luxury and tranquility of that moment still takes my breath away. The shot of us holding hands on the elegant wooden bridge, with the golden light reflecting off the water, looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. They didn’t just capture the ‘big moments’—the quiet glances, the subtle laughter, and the peaceful calm of our surroundings were all preserved so perfectly. We couldn’t be happier with how every detail was immortalized with such artistry and care. If you want photos that tell the real story of your day—and make it look like pure luxury—look no further!
Lawrence, 2 years ago

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