Caleb and Emily’s Wedding at The Monroe was one of those days that settles into your bones in the best way!!! Elegant, intentional, and so genuinely them. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a beautiful space hosting a wedding. It was a place holding real emotion, real connection, and a whole lot of heart. Every part of the day unfolded on-site at The Monroe in West Des Moines. Which meant zero rushing, zero chaos, and all the space for everyone to stay present and grounded in what actually mattered. Spring and summer tones blended seamlessly with timeless, elevated details, creating a day that felt classic without ever feeling stiff. Truly the kind of wedding that reminds me why I love doing this so damn much!!!

A Wedding at The Monroe Designed for Presence, Not Performance

One of the things I loved most about Caleb and Emily’s Wedding at The Monroe was how effortlessly the day flowed! Getting ready, the ceremony, the suites, the bar, the reception. Everything happened in one beautifully curated space, and that alone set the tone. There was no bouncing between locations, no pressure to perform, no forced moments. Just people being fully present. My approach on days like this is intentionally hands-off and documentary-driven!! I’m staying observant, reading the room, noticing what matters most to the couple. And tuning into the quiet moments happening just outside the obvious ones. The hand squeezes. The deep breaths. The heavy-hearted pauses that mean everything!

Elegant, Eccentric, Timeless All the Right Energy

Caleb and Emily absolutely nailed the balance between elegance and personality! Their color palette leaned timeless with a fresh spring/summer feel, soft, romantic tones paired with elevated textures that felt intentional without trying too hard. The Monroe provided the perfect backdrop for that kind of vision: classic architecture, clean lines, and enough character to let their story shine without competing for attention. Every detail felt thoughtful, but never overdone. The entire day carried this calm confidence, like they trusted the process, trusted their people, and trusted themselves to just be!!

High-Energy, All-In Dance Floor Moments

And then… the reception!!! This is where my documentary approach turns into full-on movement mode. Once the dance floor opened up, the energy shifted and it was electric. I’m weaving through people, dancing my way into the chaos, staying close enough to feel the music and the movement while capturing the real, unfiltered joy happening in front of me! Laughter, wild dance moves, glow sticks flying, friends screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs, it was one of those nights where the joy was contagious. I stay alert, stay moving, and stay ready, because these are the moments that deserve to be remembered exactly as they were!

Ready For Me To Capture Your Dream Wedding at The Monroe? Would Love To Chat!

Becs JPG | Iowa Wedding Photographer

Caleb and Emily’s Wedding at The Monroe was timeless in the truest sense. Not because of trends or aesthetics, but because of the way it felt!! Days like this are such an honor to witness and document, and I don’t take that lightly. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that prioritizes presence, emotion, and real connection, with space to celebrate hard when the time comes, I’d love to be there capturing it all with my whole damn heart. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!

The Vendors:

Planner: Simply Stunning Events

DJ: DJ Chase Martin (JM3 DJs and Production)

Floral Wall: Posh Parties DSM

Makeup – The Altered Hour