Where to even begin when talking about Leah and Nate’s Walker Homestead wedding in Iowa City?? From Leah’s first email reply back when I told her I wasn’t available for their wedding date, I knew we were going to have a wonderful relationship because she quite literally moved their wedding date to a different weekend I was open on so I could be their photographer (little did we know that wouldn’t be the first time they’d move their wedding date #2020 #covid). I first met them for their engagement session in June of 2019 and, as I wrote in my card to them at the beginning of the year, their sweet daughter Frankie was just the size of “some small fruit” at the time, still unannounced to the world.

Flash forward through a pandemic, two postponements, almost two years of parenting in the books, and one last-minute winter wedding, and these two were finally able to celebrate with all their loved ones on the perfect August day in Iowa.

There was Big Grove beer + Walker Homestead wine galore, gorgeous florals, a bubble exit, tearful speeches, delicious pizza, the most beautiful Iowa golden hour, the most beautiful Iowa blue hour during their first dances outside under the string lights, and my favorite—a first look between Frankie and Nate where he was expecting it to be Leah but Frankie was standing there instead, quietly waiting before running to give him a hug. Truly one of the cutest and most special moments I’ve ever witnessed and photographed on a wedding day!

Scroll on down to see the vendor team who was a part of their day (and the father/daughter first look that will melt you).

Venue and Catering: Walker Homestead

Photography: Marissa Kelly Photography

Videography: K. LaFleur Films

Florals: Willow and Stock

Dress Designer: Jenny Yoo

Dress Boutique: Ready or Knot

Menswear: Men’s Warehouse

Decor: Borrow My Vintage

Hair: Wildflower Hair Studio

DJ: Tyler Sean Entertainment

Cake: Bread Garden Market