On January 4th, 2025, I had the pleasure of capturing the most magical winter wedding in Boone, Iowa. The snow-covered streets and crisp air set the stage for a day that felt as serene and beautiful as the couple, Shelby and Adam, themselves. As the videographer of the day, I got to be in the midst of all the excitement and love, witnessing every little moment unfold from behind the lens. Here’s a look at how the day came together:
The Calm Before the Storm – 9:00 AM: Scouting the Locations
I arrived in Boone around 9:00 AM, and the first thing that struck me was how the snow made everything feel like a scene straight out of a winter fairytale. With the weather at a crisp 20°F, I spent a few minutes scouting the church, Ledges State Park, and some nearby areas for the perfect shots. This part of the day is always important, especially in winter, as the lighting and weather conditions can change quickly.
Once I had a solid plan in place, I met up with the rest of the team—Kayla, the photographer—to make sure everyone was aligned on the vision for the day.
The Bride and Groom Get Ready – 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM
The morning kicked off early for the bridal party with hair and makeup starting at 6:30 AM. The excitement was palpable as the girls began to transform into the stunning bridesmaids they were destined to be. The energy was lively, with the buzz of hairspray and laughter filling the air.
By 9:45 AM, Kayla and I were on-site, ready to document every detail. The bride had her trusty pink tote bag on hand with all the props .This was when everything started to feel real—Shelby’s wedding dress hanging delicately on the wall, the bridesmaids’ elegant gowns ready to be slipped into, and the sparkle in everyone’s eyes as the day began to unfold.
At 10:15 AM, I shifted focus to the boys’ getting-ready shots. Adam and his groomsmen were in high spirits, cracking jokes and sharing memories while getting dressed. It’s always fun to capture the more laid-back moments of the guys as they prepare, contrasting with the more sentimental atmosphere surrounding the bride.
By 10:30 AM, I was back with Shelby and the girls, capturing those intimate moments as they zipped up dresses and helped each other with jewelry. The energy in the room was a beautiful mix of excitement and calm. Everyone was eager for the day to truly begin.
The First Look – 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
One of the highlights of the day was the series of first looks. At 11:00 AM, Shelby’s bridesmaids were dressed and ready to go, and I was there to capture the moment she stepped into her dress. The reveal of her in that gown was breathtaking, and you could see the pride and joy in everyone’s eyes.
At 11:15 AM, we moved into the first look sequence. First, Shelby shared a heartfelt moment with her dad, followed by Adam’s reaction when he saw her for the first time. Then, Tyler, Nathan, and Kevin had their own personal moments with the bride, making the first look even more special. This was a deeply emotional time, and as a videographer, it’s always such an honor to capture those raw, unscripted reactions.
The Ceremony – 1:00 PM
After the first looks, the bridal party loaded onto the party bus at 12:15 PM, and we were on our way to the church. The anticipation was building. The moment I walked into the church and saw Adam standing at the altar, waiting for Shelby, I knew we were about to witness something incredible.
The ceremony itself was pure perfection. It’s always a challenge to find the right balance between getting close-up shots of the couple while maintaining the reverence of the moment, but I made sure to document every smile, every tear, and every “I do.” At 2:15 PM, we took family photos and made sure to capture a few shots with the littlest members of the family, who were absolutely adorable in their little outfits.
Wedding Party Photos – 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
After the ceremony, we all piled back into the party bus and made our way to Ledges State Park for wedding party photos. The snow-covered landscape was the perfect backdrop for the group shots, and the contrast of the bride’s white dress against the winter wonderland made for some truly stunning visuals. At 4:15 PM, I grabbed some intimate moments of Shelby and Adam, just the two of them, at a nearby location.
Reception – 5:15 PM Onward
As we headed back to MJ’s for the reception, the energy was electric. The bridal party entrance was a blast, especially when the cold sparks went off for the couple’s grand entrance. You could feel the love and excitement in the room. The first dances followed shortly after, and once again, I was there to capture every tender moment. From the soft look Shelby and Adam shared during their first dance to the heartfelt speeches that followed, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
The rest of the evening was filled with cake cutting, food, dancing, and fun. By 6:30 PM, Shelby and Adam were joined by the littles for a special moment, and after that, the dance floor truly opened up, with everyone celebrating until 11:00 PM.
A Perfect Day
As I packed up my gear and said my goodbyes, I couldn’t help but reflect on how perfect the day had been. From the snowy start to the heartfelt moments and laughter shared throughout the day, this winter wedding was one for the books. Being a part of such a special day and being trusted to capture it on film is something I’ll always cherish.
Shelby and Adam’s love story was nothing short of magical, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to document it all. Winter weddings may be cold, but they sure do bring warmth to your heart.









