We were blessed to be able to share in Aaron and Alyssa’s wedding day this weekend by documenting the pretty awesome event with what we think are some pretty awesome photos. 🙂 When they set to planning the event over a year ago, what took place this past Saturday was not exactly what they had in mind. Right in the heart of the COVID pandemic, when we were at the height of social gathering restrictions, Aaron and Alyssa had to make a call on what they were going to do for their wedding two months out. They took a leap of faith and went for it, and I think I can confidently say that they are now glad that they did, even despite having 90% of their guest list not in attendance. There’s always time to party in 2021, right?
They had their wedding at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, and it was the hotel’s first post-COVID wedding this year. The hotel was not its usual, busy self, and we practically had the entire facility to ourselves. It was our first time laying eyes on the newly renovated spaces, and everything is stunning! Not that the hotel was even in need of a desperate update from before! The beautiful flowers, decor and rentals for the day were handled by Unique Events. They did a bang up job making a small event still look really amazing.
Really for us, the day felt very similar to a typical wedding, just without a reception dance party (which they weren’t planning on anyway). We started the day capturing hair, makeup and details at the hotel. Then before the ceremony, Alyssa shared a first look with her dad and brought him to tears. Several times he mentioned to us that this was his only daughter, so you knew it was a special moment and special day for him. Alyssa wasn’t done—she was about to make more grown men cry as she walked down the aisle for the ceremony as well. They were encouraged and challenged by their Parkview Church family during the ceremony before they exchanged rings and vows to each other. It was a meaningful time that I’m sure they won’t forget.
Afterward, we had lots of precious time for photos. Rarely do we ever have so much time to think and be creative with portraits on a wedding day. It’s certainly a bonus for us with smaller weddings, and I think we were able to deliver some “wow” images of these two. Weddings are never about photos, but it’s fun to create some killer photos to cherish and remember the day by.
We returned to the hotel for a delish dinner, and toasts by each of the dads. We finished up the night in a random country field that Aaron and Alyssa had spotted earlier in the week for sunset photos. It was right off a highway and 75% of the cars that sped past blasted congratulatory honks, or in some cases, screamed out congratulatory expletives. Again, a time I’m sure they won’t soon forget. 🙂
Aaron and Alyssa, thank you for having us along on the crazy journey to get to your wedding day, and then trusting us to capture the beautiful day itself. We are so happy for you guys and we wish you all the best in your new journey together!
