A Whimsical & Modern Botanical Garden Wedding in Des Moines
Rachel and Patrick’s wedding at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden was a beautiful reflection of who they are as a couple: nature lovers, cat parents, and two people so obviously in love that it radiates out to everyone around them.
When they first reached out to me, they shared why they felt drawn to my work, and I knew because we were so value-aligned that we would make a great match from the beginning.
“We love your work because of how inclusive it is—not only LGBTQ+ inclusivity but so many different energies, body types, etc. Everyone feels like they’re being themselves. We love that your photos are all so unique and show real personality.”
The wedding day began at the Surety Hotel, where Patrick and Rachel got ready in separate suites with their loved ones. Rachel’s mom and best friends helped her into her stunning gown from Bridal Extraordinaire—a modern white dress with cascading ruffles, floral details, a dramatic plunging neckline, and the coolest detachable sheer sleeves which will live rent-free in my head forever. 😍
Patrick’s wedding band was his late stepfather Michael’s wedding ring, and Rachel’s engagement ring from Waldo Jewelers featured her great-grandmother’s European-cut diamond. She wore a gorgeous double-strand of pearls with matching earrings that originally belonged to her great-grandmother as well. These heirlooms were beautiful reminders of people who were deeply missed on this important day. I was amazed that Rachel had brought along the original sales receipt, dated 1962, from Joseph’s Jewelers in Des Moines. She even had a handwritten note from her grandmother to her mom that read: “Bernice, my mother’s pearls. I hope the girls can wear them at their weddings, and their daughters!”
Rachel and Patrick’s first look at the Surety Hotel was one of the most emotional moments of the day. When Patrick saw Rachel for the first time, he audibly gasped and said she was “a whole entire moment.” I was (unsuccessfully) fighting back tears as they held each other close, taking a minute to breathe before things really began.
Their intimate ceremony took place in the lush conservatory at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a venue Rachel and Patrick chose for its vibrant, living atmosphere. They’re both nature lovers who spend their time outdoors and even go birding together, so being surrounded by towering, tropical greenery and the sound of a waterfall in the background felt completely right. Their green and white color palette blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Conservatory.
After the ceremony, Rachel and Patrick joined family members on the Katherine C. Meredith Courtyard Terrace for family photos, and signed their marriage license beside the Ladany Bonsai collection. Fun fact: the oldest tree in the collection is a Ginkgo biloba dating back to 1865.
Before their dinner party reception, Rachel and Patrick climbed to the overlook above the waterfall to exchange a second set of personal vows. It was already dark, and we were surrounded by blooming pink bougainvillea and deep shadows from the massive tropical plants. Their vows, the setting, and the emotion of that moment were unforgettable, it was truly one of my favorite parts of their entire day. (I was dropping tears behind my camera, yet againnn).
Their reception at Trellis, the Botanical Garden’s on-site restaurant, felt like an intimate dinner party, with good food, good conversation, and no rigid timeline. Guests enjoyed a plated meal and shared toasts in the cozy restaurant before being encouraged to explore the gardens at night. Wandering through the darkened Conservatory was magical—guests ate macarons and wedding cake and found quiet corners to admire the plants in the moonlight, and they even had a fun temporary tattoo station out in the gardens.
I had the best time working with with a couple who brought so much intention and care to their day. They also chose to include film photography in their package, and I loved how the vibrant colors and rich textures of real film added depth to their gallery. They clearly have the best style and planned a gorgeous wedding, but the love they share and they way they cherish one another above all else, that’s what made their wedding day perfect.
After their wedding day, they shared these incredibly kind words:
“Alyssa was everything we could’ve hoped for and more! She made us feel at ease with her great vibes, which helped us relax and get the best photos of both me and my husband that I’ve ever seen. She provided way more emotional support than I ever could’ve expected day of and delivered photos quickly. Alyssa was exactly who we needed—not only made us feel comfortable but the photos were truly incredible. She worked great with our guests and can pivot like nobody’s business if needed. Most of all, she provides a warm, welcoming, safe and inclusive space for her clients to be themselves. If you’re considering booking Alyssa, DO IT. I would book her a thousand times over without hesitation.”
Vendors
Rachel’s Dress: Bridal Extraordinaire
Pat’s Suit: Todd's Clothiers
Rachel's Engagement Ring: Waldo Jewelers, with her Great Grandma's old euro cut diamond for the center stone. Rachel's earrings and necklace are her great grandma's, passed on to her from her grandma for her wedding day.
Pat's Ring: His late stepfather Michael’s wedding ring.
Florist: Wildflower
Dessert: Doré Bakery
Caterer: Trellis Café
Videographer: John Hennessey Baker and Bruce James Bales
A couple weeks before the wedding, Rachel and Patrick asked me if I could help them find a last-minute videographer to capture their ceremony. I was able to connect them with my friends John and Bruce to document their ceremony and their private vows, and oh boy, I’m so glad they were there to capture the audio for Rachel and Patrick in that moment.
I saw the final cut of the video after the wedding and you already know I cried, again. I love that we were able to team up and preserve this special interaction in so many different formats for them, and I love to help my clients find their perfect vendors!
