2013 Bride and Groom of the Year- Dubuque Iowa Wedding Photographer

I'm so super excited to introduce you to my newest blogging couple.  I think Megan and I have been Facebook friends for years, but it wasn't until I met her at Jen and Ryan DeShaw's wedding- and met Jamie, that I knew I had to be their photographer someday.  Who knew how quick that day would have actually come?!  The funniest part to me about this story is I had no idea that they were even a couple until the reception of that wedding- I had hoped, since I sensed some intense chemistry- that they would be but it was a huge surprise to me when I found out that they already were- YAY!  :) And then I saw they were engaged and crossed my fingers I would get a message soon...it came- but I was booked...so they moved their date- seriously- I about pinched myself!   So they earned couple of the year for 2013 (although I have about 18 amazing couples in 2013- they were the ones who moved their wedding for me :)

So enjoy- phase one- Jamie and Megan!

I am Megan Riniker and I am marrying Jamie Kenkel on August 17^th, 2013. Jamie and I met about 4 and a half years ago at the racetrack in Dubuque. I came with my friend who wanted me to meet her new boyfriend. Jamie just happened to be her boyfriend’s friend and they were all there to watch Jamie’s best friend Ryan DeShaw who races. When I first seen Jamie I was instantly drawn to him, and at the same time in denial that he would ever feel the same. But the funny thing is he WAS feeling the same thing! I know this is really cheesy but Jamie says, “When I seen you walking down those stairs I felt like it was an angel coming down from Heaven”. What a romantic he is!! And so it began, through the years we have had our up’s and down’s like every other couple, but we have made it through and have become a stronger pair and our love has grown deeper with each trial. The thing that I love most about us is our ability to laugh with one another about almost anything. We just click and that is the way it has been since day one.

When Jamie asked me to be his wife on October 26^th, 2012 at the 4^th Street Elevator I was so in shock I didn’t know what to say at first. He pulled off the impossible, I am never surprised because I like to creep around and find out what is going on, I hate being surprised or not knowing what is going on. But this surprise was the best one I have ever had. He had both of our families and our best friends there. It was a truly beautiful and emotional moment.

After getting engaged it is really weird to call your boyfriend of 4 and a half years you fiancé, it something that I am still trying to get used to! I can’t imagine calling him my husband in just a short 8 months! Since getting engaged not much has changed, but the process to becoming husband and wife has been very fun and exciting! My favorite part yet is meeting Alissa! For the past few years I have gotten to see her amazing work, all of her pictures turn out beautiful! This past September I actually got to see her in her element, when my best friend Jen DeShaw got married. I absolutely loved her enthusiasm and creative ideas, I just knew from then on that I NEEDED to have her photograph my future wedding! What can I say she is absolutely brilliant! We had our first engagement session and her ideas we truly amazing! My favorite was her idea of using Christmas lights! It is mine and Jamie’s favorite holiday so it fit perfectly!! We of course had a blast and felt so comfortable in front of her, and that was a big thing for us. We have more sessions yet to come and we are so excited about each one!

We can’t wait to share these memories with everyone! Thanks for reading :)