Katy and Wyatt’s wedding day at Sun Valley Venue in Pella, Iowa was filled with laughter, happy tears, and the kind of gratitude that only comes from gathering family and deep, lifelong friendships in one place. Every moment overflowed with joy — from hilarious stories about how Katy swore she’d never date Wyatt (and now here she was, marrying him!) to the heartfelt toasts that celebrated their friendship-turned-forever-love.
Their story began at Drake University, where their connection grew out of countless classes, rehearsals, and a little friendly sass. They were friends for years before realizing that this love — built on laughter, honesty, and a mutual love of music & education — was the real thing.
If you know Katy, you know she’s equal parts easygoing and decisive. She knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to say it — but she’s also the first to create a safe, calm space where everyone around her feels seen and cared for. Her maid of honor said it best: “Katy makes you feel like everything is going to be okay.”
For me, this wedding was ridiculously special and meaningful.
I’ve had the honor of watching Katy grow up — from a toddler running through the stadium seats at Drake while her dad directed our marching band, to a high school drum major under her mom’s direction, to a college student studying under her dad in the Wind Symphony. And now, to a fellow educator and beautiful bride.
To be trusted by her parents — both incredible instrumental music educators — to capture their only child’s wedding day was profoundly humbling. I’ll never forget what it felt like to serve my former Wind Symphony director and his family in this way. (And to be honest, it was awesome to finally be able to tell HIM what to do a few times!) 😉
Their First Look was in the bright sun of the day with a strong breeze, but Katy & Wyatt were unaware of their surroundings as they took each other into view. All the details that had been decided upon months prior were finally coming all together and it was so sweet to watch them be in lock step with one another.
As it came time for the ceremony to start, Katy had an entrance unlike any I had ever seen. The perfectly placed balcony of Sun Valley allowed for a friend to sprinkle rose petals down to Katy as she entered the ceremony space, her dad joined her partially down the aisle and then her mom joined at the front of the aisle so they could jointly give her to Wyatt. It went seamlessly and it was moments like this that I was so thankful for my second shooter for the day, Tessa, so we could cover all the intricate moments wrapped up in about a two minute span of time.
Katy and Wyatt’s day felt like the joining of two families who truly see and celebrate one another. Katy gained three new brothers (and a few sisters-in-law she’s already thrilled about!), and Jacqui & Bob gained a son. Every embrace, every laugh, every teary-eyed glance said, “This is exactly as it should be.”
What a gift to witness — and what a joy to document.
I’m so excited to share these images that tell the story of such an extraordinary day.
They flipped the ceremony location to become the reception hall while guests enjoyed a cup of coffee and lawn games outside. It kept the day’s logistics so simple and just as breezy-easy as the wind rustling the leaves.
The toasts were incredibly heartfelt and so well spoken – I wouldn’t have expected any less of educators accustomed to spending their days speaking in front of others. What was outside the norm, was that after Katy shared a first dance with her husband and then with her father, she invited all the moms & daughters onto the dance floor so that she could have time with her mom intentionally. And gurl, did they rip up the dance floor!
We snuck out right at sunset for the last 10 minutes of light for the day as well.
A gorgeous day, a fantastic couple and a family I dearly love & cherish. Thank you, Katy & Wyatt, for entrusting me with this moment in your family’s story. I am so honored and humbled. It’s been absolute joy to work with you, get to know you more and serve you in this way.
Take care in this school year and congratulations!
Carrie
PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE.
