the blog

welcome to

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

Bailey & Elliott’s wedding day was one for the books. They were both so down to earth and caring. It felt like I was spending the day with friends instead of “clients.” The Proposal The proposal story is one of my favorite things to share for wedding blogs. And Bailey & Elliott have the most […]

Outdoor wedding, real wedding

June 8, 2019

Bailey & Elliott wedding at Diamond Oak Events in Mason City, Iowa

Ali & Blake’s wedding at the World Food Prize Hall in Des Moines, was absolutely gorgeous! The way Ali’s mother looked at her while she walked her down the staircase was enough to make anyone tear up.

real wedding

June 5, 2019

Ali & Blake | Wedding at World Food Prize Hall of Laureates – Des Moines, IA

A little over a week ago I flew out to Baltimore to photograph Holly and Ian’s wedding in Joppa, Maryland. It was an absolutely GORGEOUS day! Ian’s grandfather officiated the outdoor ceremony on the same property of St. Mary’s Assumption. Holly & Ian met their senior year at the University of South Carolina. The first […]

intimate ceremony, non traditional wedding, Outdoor wedding, real wedding, wedding day

May 29, 2019

Holly & Ian’s Destination Wedding in Joppa, Maryland

Ian & Holly's Slavic wedding in Joppa Maryland
chelsea dawn weddings

take a peek 

BLOG