Kyra and John wanted a romantic summer wedding in Iowa. So when they told me they’d booked the Rollins Mansion in Des Moines, I screamed for an hour. Ok, not really (but kind of). Having grown up in Des Moines, I was familiar with the mansion and was beyond excited to shoot there.

The venue was built in 1925 and is gorgeous *everywhere*. From fountains and lush flower gardens on the grounds outside to 16th-century wood beams inside, Rollins Mansion is THE place to choose if you’re looking for a classy and romantic vibe for your wedding.

Iowa summers usually have blindingly bright sun, suffocating heat, and humidity so high you feel like you’re in a pool. The weather gods were on our side for John and Kyra’s day, and you would never be able to tell it was a July wedding. The constant cool breeze and cloud coverage gave us relief from the heat and flattering natural light to work with.

It was important for John and Kyra to have a private first look between the two of them, but they still wanted those moments to be documented. Kyra was understandably concerned that by seeing photographers, certain genuine emotions could get blocked by camera-induced anxiety. And honestly, who doesn’t become hyper self-aware when cameras are around?? My second shooter and I were happy to honor their request. We chose a private space away from friends and family, and gave the couple distance. We stayed out of sight and used our telephoto lenses to get close if we needed to.

Finally, check out some more frames from the rest of this gorgeous day:

It takes a village, y’all:

Photographer: Rebel Diamonds Studios

Venue: Rollins Mansion

Coordinator/Entertainment: TBM Entertainment

Shoes: Vans

Dress: Stacy’s Bridal

Tux: Skeffington’s Formal Wear

Hair: Local Hair Co

Catering: Tangerine Food Co

Flowers and cake: Kyra’s family

Here’s what Kyra and John had to say about their experience:

“We were looking for a photographer who made both of us feel comfortable and who we knew would bring that compassion and respect to our most intimate and special day. We felt completely at ease with Janet! Who isn’t nervous for their wedding, but she was so thoughtful and helped us be intentional and celebrate us. We also got so many compliments on her willingness to take pictures of our guests and how beautiful our photos were. She focused on what mattered most to us, each other & our family.”

To book your own romantic summer wedding in Des Moines, Iowa reach out here!