The Tea Room Wedding

Des Moines, Iowa

Alex and Abbie’s Tea Room Des Moines wedding was one of the most beautiful days I’ve photographed. From the amazing wedding party, the awesome vendors, their sweet families and all of the stunning details, it was a photographer’s dream. However, the best part is that Abbie and Alex are the most kind, joyful people on the planet I think. I don’t know about you, but awesome people trump anything else on a wedding day. Lucky for me, this wedding had it all.

I first met this sweet duo when we met up at Donovan Park in Peoria for their first engagement session. We had so much fun getting to know each other and taking photos around the park. Their photos by the willow trees are some of my favorite engagement photos. So dreamy!

On the day of their wedding, I met Abbie in her suite at the Des Lux Hotel in downtown Des Moines. This historic, upscale hotel was the perfect place for the wedding party to start their day. When I walked into Abbie’s room, hair and makeup was underway and everyone was so welcoming and sweet. Once Abbie had her hair and makeup ready and looking fabulous, we walked around the block to The Tea Room for her to get into her dress.

Another historic and iconic located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, The Tea Room is a beautiful venue for weddings, complete with jaw-dropping windows and a bunch of Juliet balconies. We loved taking full advantage of those balconies for portraits. Abbie slipped into her dress with the help of her mom, and there was not a dry eye in the room as her mom saw her for the first time as a bride. But, the real tear-jerker for me was the first look with Abbie and her dad. These moments always get me, but when the dads start to cry, it just melts me.

Alex and Abbie also shared a sweet, emotional first look. I’m pretty sure there was a tear or two, but you’ll have to ask Alex to be sure. The last first look was with Abbie and her bridesmaids. Can I just say they had the BEST reactions to seeing Abbie? I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better reaction to photograph. These girls were so sweet and so happy for her.

After all of the first looks, we headed over to the beautiful St Ambrose Cathedral for the ceremony. Catholic churches are always so filled with beauty, and St Ambrose is no exception. Following the ceremony, we photographed family group portraits and a few photos of the newlyweds under the arches of the church before heading out for wedding party photos and photos of the new Mr and Mrs.

Thanks to the recommendation of the videographers, we found a cool parking garage with a great view of the city where I got some of my favorite photos of the day. It was a bit warm, but everyone was so willing to be a little warm for a while so we could get these epic photos.

Photo time ended with just Abbie and Alex, and then we were off to The Tea Room for the reception. My favorite part of the reception is oftentimes when the speeches are given. It’s fun to hear stories and sentiments from those closest friends and family of the couple. It gives me a little insight into more of who they are, and usually results in some laughter or tears.

I think it’s fair to say that every one of the speeches given at this wedding were in the top ten I’ve heard. They all made people laugh and were so sweet in their love and honor of Abbie and Alex. Abbie’s adorably sweet maid of honor, Alex’s two witty brothers, and both of their dads should be hired out to teach people how to give good speeches. 🙂

We finished up our time at the wedding with the first dances and some portraits out on the Juliet balconies. What a unique photo opportunity!

Abbie and Alex, thank you for having me be a part of your day! It’s evident by the people that surround you, how much you are loved and cherished. I wish you all the best in life and your marriage, and hope to capture more of your life moments throughout the years.

 

Incredible Vendor Team:

Venue: The Tea Room

Getting Ready Location: Des Lux Hotel

Church: St Ambrose Cathedral

Videography: Masterson Media

Photography: Karen Shoufler

Florist: Boesen the Florist

DJ: Lonumn

Hair: Emily Bakker

MUA: Hello Darling Glam

Bridal Boutique: Schaffers Bridal

Designer: Maggie Sottero Designs

Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Rentals: Beyond Elegance

Bridal Glow: Ember Glow Tanning

Best Attendant and Hostess Ever: Kirsten & Jo

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To see more weddings like this Tea Room Des Moines wedding, click here.

If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Chicagoland area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.