Some of my favorite sessions start with a plan… and then completely change.
This engagement session at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden was one of those days—and honestly, it’s the perfect example of why I believe so strongly in photographing real life as it unfolds.

Originally, I was hired to photograph the proposal itself. Rachel’s best friend had reached out to me to help coordinate everything, and she and Cyrus had been planning this sweet, thoughtful proposal after traveling from Arizona to Des Moines. The timing, the location, the surprise—it was all coming together beautifully.

And then… life happened.

I received a text that Cyrus had gone rogue—in the best way possible—and proposed to Rachel before they even got on the plane. He followed his gut, lived in the moment, and asked the love of his life to marry him when it felt right. No cameras. No timeline. Just real, joyful, unfiltered life.

And honestly? I loved that for them.

My Job Isn’t to Control the Moment—It’s to Capture It

Instead of photographing the proposal itself, I ended up documenting their engagement party in Des Moines. There was laughter, hugs, and that unmistakable just-got-engaged energy buzzing through the room. At one point, we snuck away to the Botanical Garden for fresh engagement photos—and it was SO much fun.

This is something I tell my couples all the time:
Your life does not need to revolve around photography.

My job is not to stage or manufacture moments. My job is to show up, adapt, and document what’s actually happening. Your job is to live fully, be present, and soak it all in. When you do that, the photos naturally become more meaningful—because they’re rooted in something real.

Why Real Life Always Wins

Planned moments are beautiful, but real moments are powerful.

Rachel and Cyrus didn’t worry about how things were “supposed” to happen. They followed their instincts, celebrated big, and trusted that the memories would be captured along the way. And because of that, their images are full of genuine connection, ease, and joy.

The Botanical Garden was the perfect backdrop—lush greenery, warm light, and quiet corners that let them simply be together. No pressure. No expectations. Just two people, freshly engaged, enjoying the moment they were in.

That’s where the magic lives.

A Note for Future Couples

If you’re planning an engagement session, a proposal, or even your wedding day, here’s what I want you to remember:

Don’t perform for the camera.
Don’t stress about perfection.
Don’t feel like you need to slow down or speed up for photos.

Live your day. I’ll take care of documenting it.

That approach is how we create images that feel timeless—photos that don’t just show what things looked like, but what they felt like. And those are the images that become heirlooms.

If you’re looking for a Des Moines wedding photographer who values authenticity, flexibility, and storytelling over rigid timelines and posed perfection, I’d love to connect. Real life is beautiful—and it deserves to be photographed that way. 🤍

Take a look at some of my favorite photos from this evening!