Some wedding days are pretty. Some are emotional. And some? Some are just straight-up unforgettable.

May 17th, 2025, was all of the above.I rolled up to The Monroe in West Des Moines before the coffee even kicked in—first time shooting there, and I wanted plenty of time to scout it out (aka wander around like a nerd with a camera and heart eyes). And holy moly, I was NOT disappointed. The indoor light was literal perfection. Outside? Gale-force winds. But did we panic? Nope. Makyla and Tyler embraced it like champs—flowy veil moments and all. The weather didn’t stand a chance against their vibe.And speaking of vibes…Let’s talk about the groom and his guys making their entrance like it was a playoff game. High fives, sunglasses, and MVP energy included. Then flip the switch to the bride’s first look with her dad—cue the tissues. That moment? Straight out of every bride’s dream Pinterest board. The whole day felt like one big warm hug mixed with confetti. From Jimmy John’s lunch with the crew (elite choice, if you ask me) , Makyla and Tyler reminded me why I do this job—to capture the kind of love that laughs in the wind and dances through life together.


Vendor Team

If there were a wedding dream team draft, this squad’s going first round:

Venue: The Monroe – 10/10, would film there again

Florals: Something Chic Floral – Danielle’s work was chef’s kiss

Art: Wedding Painter - The best

Catering: Kue’d BBQ – because love is important, but so is brisket

Desserts: Sugar Hill, Lindsey – the sugar crash was worth it

Photography: Kay Eileen Photography – captured all the real, raw moments

Videography: Jade Made Films – hi, it’s me

DJ: JM3 DJs – kept the dance floor hotter than a summer rodeo

Hair: Madison Howe

Makeup: Emma Hielle – serving face all day long


Jade’s Hot Take Favorite Moments:

The bride squad hype sesh pre-first look (iconic)

Tyler’s sports tunnel walk-in with the boys (where’s the ESPN coverage??)

Makyla’s dad seeing her in the dress (pure tears, zero chill)

Sunset stroll + forehead kisses + cinematic glow = swoon





A romantic couple shares tender moments in a moody setting with dramatic lighting and intimate poses at dusk.
Close-up view of documents and paperwork spread across a dark wooden surface.
Collage of candid moments from an outdoor celebration event with guests enjoying festivities near a brick building.
Blurry abstract view of papers or documents with text visible.
Wedding preparation candids showing joyful moments and laughter during pre-ceremony celebrations.
Side profile of someone wearing headphones while working in a recording studio.
Group of colleagues in dark suits exchange documents and engage in conversations in corporate office setting.
Group of people wearing casual clothing sitting on outdoor benches at an urban gathering area.
Open book or document pages showing handwritten text and printed materials.
Four stacked wedding photographs showing close-up details of bride's veil, ring, and candid moments creating a collage effect.
Dark silhouettes of people meeting and working together against a backlit window background.
A collage of black and white photos and papers featuring The Monroe signage and various printed materials.
Bride in beautiful white lace wedding gown and veil poses against brick wall at golden hour.
Guests laugh and enjoy drinks together during an outdoor celebration at a brick venue in warm afternoon light.
Panoramic view of an outdoor wedding ceremony with pink balloons and white draping against a brick building.