Interestingly, my first wedding shoot of 2021 was not in Minneapolis, or even Minnesota!
Tyler and Cheyanne’s original wedding plans fell through due to COVID-19 restrictions. They were able to reschedule, however, to the newly-opened Surety Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa! The venue is a modernized hotel fixed in a renovated building dating back to 1913. Modern touches accent the building’s original bones with huge open windows around open brick walls. 21st century urban meets Midwestern heritage. I was more than happy to make the trip down from the Twin Cities.
There may have been a few tears shed during the first-look in the gorgeous ceremony hall. After these, the couple’s portraits were a dream — formal poses in the modern, airy lobby mixed with passionate kisses in the building’s original iron-wrought staircase.
The wedding itself was an intimate affair. Close friend and immediate family were attendance, making the ceremony small, but that much more personal. And the ceremony was elegantly decorated–black tablecloths with small candles and warm light glowing from overhead.
At the end of the night, we braved the winter took portraits outside in front of the gorgeous Polk County courthouse, which was light up in stunning blue lights.
Congratulation, Tyler and Cheyanne!
Vendors:
Venue: Surety Hotel
Rings: Josephs Jewelers
Dress: Bridal Connection
Photography: Rachel Lahlum Photography
Planning a wedding at Surety Hotel? Let’s chat photography!
Rachel Lahlum is an award-winning Minneapolis wedding photographer with experience in hundreds of weddings and engagement sessions. She takes a guided approach towards working with couples, from helping with planning and scheduling, to guiding with poses and prompts during the session. Her photography is crisp, clean and bright, with true-to-life colors and a mix of traditional poses and candid moments.