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I met up with Kenadey & Cody for their engagement session a couple of weeks ago and OH MY GOSH. We had an extra pretty sunset, the best weather, and a super fun time! How absolutely perfect are they? I asked Kenadey to tell me about their proposal story: “My sister Grace came inside and […]

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August 5, 2019

Kenadey & Cody

Words cannot convey just how much I adore these two. Michelle & Matt had one of the most fun, laid-back days ever! “Our day was as laid back as it can get! It truly couldn’t have emulated our lifestyle more closely. Fun, easy, social, and full of love! I truly don’t think things could’ve run […]

non traditional wedding

August 2, 2019

Michelle & Matt | Married in Waterloo, IA

“Our families have known one another for generations as our grandmothers both grew up in Kit Carson, Colorado. All of Brady’s uncles stayed in the area once they had kids and so my brothers played sports with his cousins and I coached his cousin Haley in softball. Brady, however, grew up in Wray, so although I knew of him, I had never met him in person. In the spring of 2017 I had just graduated law school and I got a message from him telling me congratulations and making small talk. I was immediately intrigued. He apparently had been working up his courage because that same day he asked to take me to dinner. I remember just smiling so big as I was packing up my room to head back to Eads for the summer to study for the bar exam. A week later we went on our first day and have been inseparable since! Brady’s Mom, Jody, will say it was her doing as she kept reminding him of me anytime my mom posted about me on FB. and she saw it. 🙂 “

Outdoor wedding, real wedding, wedding day

July 23, 2019

Jordan & Brady Wedding in Wray, CO

Jordan & Brady Wray Colorado

Hi. It’s me, Chelsea. Coming up for air really quick to bring you a post about all of my favorite items that are helping me survive a hectic (albeit FUN) wedding season!  Right now I’m in the middle of a 17-wedding streak (first weekend off is still over a month away – but I can […]

behind the scenes, Bride Tribe & Groom Room Series, Tips & Planning

July 19, 2019

Surviving Wedding Season

Chelsea Dawn Weddings

A few weeks ago I had the immense pleasure of documenting Ashleigh & Ryan’s wedding at Rapid Creek Cidery! Though it was brutally hot, the day was amazing because nothing – n o t h i n g – beats a sweet couple, wildly in love!

Outdoor wedding, real wedding, wedding day

July 19, 2019

Ashleigh & Ryan’s Rapid Creek Cidery Wedding

Iowa Wedding Photographer Chelsea Dawn Weddings

Jamie and Mark met over a post-it note (read their story here because it’s a good one!) in Massachusetts, and they’ve been practically inseparable ever since! I could talk about how cool they are, their love for animals, and how excited I am for them to start this new chapter together, but I think I’d rather just let you dive into their photos and show you!

non traditional wedding, Outdoor wedding, real wedding

July 13, 2019

Jamie & Mark’s Intimate Wedding in Waverly, IA

Andy & Hayley had the most beautiful wedding. If you think their wedding is as beautiful as I do… you’ll find their love story and proposal even more beautiful. “Andrew and I took a trip we have been talking about doing for a very long time– a trip around Europe! We went with a tour […]

real wedding, wedding day

July 8, 2019

Andy & Hayley Wedding in New Hampton, IA

Derek & Crystal have one of the cutest love stories I’ve ever heard. I absolutely have to share that with you! “On Saturday, May 5th, 2018 – our senior year of college – Derek had me convinced that we needed to head back to Fairbank for a graduation/birthday lunch at his grandparents’ house with the […]

real wedding, wedding day

June 28, 2019

Derek & Crystal’s Fairbank Wedding

Emilee & Colton’s wedding was SO MUCH FUN. Emilee had one of the nicest group of bridesmaids I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with! You could feel how much love everyone had for Emilee & Colton all day long.

real wedding, wedding day

June 18, 2019

Emilee & Colton | Wedding in Solon, IA

Amy’s sister first reached out to me last fall – and one line in particular really stuck out to me: “I’m hoping to find someone who can beautifully capture their spirit”. That isn’t always an easy thing to do, but I think because they love so fully and openly, it was impossible *not* to capture the spirit they naturally radiate.

real wedding, wedding day

June 13, 2019

Amy & Mike|Wedding at St. Edward’s in Waterloo, IA

Party bus kiss
chelsea dawn weddings

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