Wedding & Portrait Photographer Amanda Howse

Sanders Mansion is one of my favorite hidden wedding locations. I say hidden because I drove by it for years not knowing what was behind the gates. It is an old renovated house, sitting on an amazing property. You get a lake with a boat, swans, lots of greenery, flowers, trees, fountains, a great outside tent, on-site parking, a fun ceremony site, and more! The bride’s getting ready room has great window light and colors, and the owners are wonderful too! I met Nachelle in May when she was a bridesmaid in a wedding I had the pleasure of shooting. So this day was like a mini-reunion for me, getting to see everyone again! Her details were amazing, from Report shoes engraved with her wedding date, to a hanger spelling out “Mrs. G” love it! Nachelle looked so amazing in her mermaid dress, I could have taken photos of her all day. I loved when she braved the lake with her hubby for a few minutes alone after they said “I Do.” The “love” umbrella provided made for great images too. She had a “just married” banner that many friends had also used, “thank you” signs, and a smile all day. It was a pleasure spending this hot summer day with you guys, I’m glad I was able to capture your sparkler exit too!

This wedding was shot for Events With Integrity.

One stunning old fashioned beauty. Her prince charming, a la gansta era. Two engagement rings, one meat eater, one vegan. A castle. These are just a few things to describe Holly & Charlie on their wedding day. The mid-week wedding afternoon was perfect. The sun lazily heating up the sunken gardens as they said their “I Do’s.” The sunlight decided to help me out when the groomsmen, groom and the “men” (along with a few bridesmaids) whipped out the cigars to celebrate. The appetizers and vegan cake very AH-MAZING (not to mention the plush pillow softness that the cake appeared to be). The fun non-alcoholic drinks were very summer-y: Mock Mojito and Berry Lemonade, complete with the popular striped straw I keep seeing this year… So glad I finally got to see this location.

This wedding was shot for Events With Integrity.

Katie & Chris were married at Emerald Downs race track and casino, in the beautiful outside garden. The ceremony took place just before sunset, so the light was buttery and glowing. The sky was filled with hues of pink and orange, and we had a blast playing after the ceremony with many fun wedding party photos! But I get ahead of myself. The day began at Katie’s sister’s house in Kent. Make-up, dresses and women were everywhere when I walked in. So was a cutie-patootie baby girl and their shaved Pomeranian (my fav kind of dog) to complete the scene. Meanwhile, the guys were getting all spiffy and having their photos taken down at the Des Moines Marina. The day was perfect, as was the weather, and they were still dancing when I left them around midnight…

This wedding was shot for Events With Integrity.