As a photographer, you’re always going to have a list of secret dream locations to shoot. Some people dream of being flown off to exotic islands or romantic villages–I dream of the Drake Diner. Having grown up in Des Moines, diners were a big part of my childhood. From Stella's to the West End Diner, Des Moines used to be diner central. Unfortunately as time has passed, many of the beloved spaces that served up fried food and nostalgic vibes have closed, but Drake Diner has remained a constant. And with their retro vibe and delicious diner staples, I’ve always secretly hoped someone would want to go there as badly as I did.
Enter Becca and Emma.
When Becca and Emma reached out about their Christmas-themed elopement, the only thing they were certain about regarding photos was spending meaningful quality time together. We discussed the possibility of me coming to their home to document them getting ready, but nothing really seemed to spark their interest. As we chatted more, Becca and Emma shared one of their first dates in one of the booths at Drake Diner and both admitted that even that early in the relationship it was at that point they knew they had something special. I could see them both visibly relax as they shared stories about falling in love. From first dates at the Drake Diner and walks around Gray’s Lake, to their first home together in Sherman Hill–they recounted their love story and the joy building a life together has brought them.
“Would you two be interested in doing that?” I asked, knowing it would throw away all the plans they had come to the table with. “Would you want to just sort of…walk the path you went down to end up here?”
Which is how we ended up at the Drake Diner on a cold Saturday afternoon, sharing extra crispy French fries and Jones Sodas, before heading to Sherman Hill, where we hung out outside the first apartment they ever shared. The morning was relaxed–we chatted, we laughed, we took our time. It felt like a perfect reflection of falling in love: slow, easy, simple.
After our alone time together we headed to The Venue in Valley Junction, an excellent little spot for a cozy ceremony with close family and friends. And with the Christmas tree lights as their backdrop Becca and Emma shared beautiful vows highlighting the love they had built together and would continue to create together as spouses.
My only sadness as an elopement photographer is how little time I get to spend with such wonderful people. Being able to document people's weddings is special in of itself, but to be able to fully walk into people's lives is such a gift. And I am so grateful that Becca and Emma were the ones to check off a buck-list location with.
