Micah + Muje

After a few years of photographing Upwards Basketball team photos, Muje pulled me aside and so kindly, humbly, requested that I edit her team's photo a smidge to account for her skin color. I'm not sure I will ever forget her words, "I just want to be seen." I didn't realize that the printed form of the photos I had edited caused her skin to look a bit too dark. 

I just want to be seen.

Fast forward a handful of years and Muje was definitely seen by her friend, Micah, on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. It wasn't the typical we're-in-a-faraway-place-let's-start-a-romance kind of relationship. Micah remembers God distinctly nudging him to "take care of her; watch out for her; protect her". Now, Muje will not only be seen for the rest of her life by her best friend, but she will be protected, cherished and cared for by Micah. And I was honored to help document their first day as husband and wife.

I love when couples opt to see each other before the ceremony. Not once has a couple regretted this decision and it always helps get all the photos taken care of before the real party gets started! 

For Micah + Muje, we had their First Look at Des Moines' Art Center and it couldn't have been a more beautiful fall morning-yes, a bit cold, but the colors were wonderful!

Muje's twin brother had the honors to give his sister away and you can see in his expression that he couldn't be prouder:

As they became officially Mr. & Mrs, Micah's best man purposely dropped a bunch of change on the stage and into the sound system grate to make everyone in the congregation think he'd lost the rings too. Never fear, he knew what he was doing, and was the perfect comedic relief for a "high stakes" moment. 

Micah + Muje: Your day was nothing short of stunning and heartfelt. Thank you so much for having me be a part of your beautiful day. And Muje, I hope you always, always feel seen and cherished in these images. I greatly enjoyed creating them for you both! 

Blessings, 

Carrie

You can see their slideshow, with more images from their day, HERE. 

You can see their full gallery HERE. 

Vendors of Note:

First Look: Des Moines Art Center

Florals: Carol Albatche

Ceremony + Reception: Walnut Creek Church Windsor Heights

Dress: David's Bridal

Tuxes: Men's Warehouse