Some wedding days feel extra special because you get to photograph people whose stories you’ve been part of for years. Kennedy and Jacob’s wedding was one of those days for me.
Kennedy was once my seventh-grade clarinet student. When she and Evelyn were both new to our district, I put them together for clarinet lessons, not knowing whether their playing abilities would be a good match. What I did know was that they were both finding their way in a new place.
Turns out, they clicked like peanut butter and jelly—or cheese on macaroni. And just like that, a lifelong friendship began.
Both girls eventually found their way into my high school photography classroom, too. Then life took them in different directions: Kennedy joined the Air Force, and Evelyn joined the Navy. Even with military schedules and time apart, they stayed close, visiting one another whenever leave allowed.
And somewhere along the way, Kennedy met Jacob, a fellow airman who stole her heart.
Getting to photograph their wedding felt like one of those full-circle moments that reminds me just how much life can change—and how meaningful it is to get to witness the next chapter.
“Ma’am” 😂
I don’t think I’ve ever been called “ma’am” so many times in my entire life as I was on Kennedy and Jacob’s wedding day!
Military habits die hard, apparently. I kept reminding Kennedy and Evelyn that they didn’t have to call me Mrs. Krupke anymore. They’ve known me since middle school, and while they’ve grown into incredible women, they still have that same zest and feistiness I remember so well.
There were so many touchpoints throughout the day that made me stop and marvel at the emotion of a wedding day. And they helped me get to know Kennedy even better. Her nickname as a young child was “Whale” – not for any other reason than it just happened. So how did her step-dad honor that little quirk of her’s? He found a tie that was a micro print of adorable pink whales. Kennedy’s reaction was beautiful. Lovingly, she and her dad surprised her step-dad when they got to the end of the aisle and brought him to the aisle with them to assist in giving her away. The tears were definitely flowing!
One of my favorite parts of the day was riding shotgun with Kennedy in my car as we traveled between family formals, bridal party portraits, and photos of the bride and groom. There was something surreal about having this former student beside me, chatting away as a bride—and now, someone I get to call a friend.
These are the moments that make this job so much more than taking pictures. I wanted to also document how the moments FELT.
Divine Light at the Des Lux ✨
Before the reception kicked off, we made a stop at the Des Lux Hotel in downtown Des Moines for portraits, and the light was absolutely divine.
You know those places where everything seems to come together just right? The setting, the light, the couple in front of your camera? Amazing ideas from your second shooter? This was one of those times.
My second shooter, Tessa, was right there helping fill in the gaps and catching moments I might have missed. She also keeps encouraging me to try some of the trendier flash work, which is always fun when you have someone beside you who helps you keep growing creatively!
And then it was time to head to the reception.
But Kennedy and Jacob weren’t about to ease into the party quietly. They had news to share—and they couldn’t keep it to themselves one moment longer.
The Big Announcement! 🎉
Kennedy and Jacob kicked off their reception at the Iowa Tap Room by giving a toast of their own.
And that’s when they shared the news!
Jacob had received a new station assignment, and the timing couldn’t have been more remarkable: they found out on their FOURTH wedding anniversary.
After their honeymoon, Kennedy’s first priority would be applying to the same station so they could be together. And the best part? They’d be just seven hours from family in any direction instead of needing multiple flights to see the people they love.
The crowd absolutely ROARED.
Seriously, it was one of the best reactions I’ve ever witnessed at a reception. You could feel how much this news meant—not just to Kennedy and Jacob, but to everyone who loves them and has watched them navigate military life together.
They had been holding onto this secret for ten whole days, and apparently, that was about as long as they could manage! 😂
Once the celebration was underway, Kennedy and Jacob shared their first dance to Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.” And then Jacob’s dad gave a toast that was so beautifully written and full of love for his son and this new chapter they were building together. There were tears all around. It was such a beautiful welcome for Kennedy into the family, and such a heartfelt reminder of the people standing behind these two as they begin this next season.
The Best Is Still to Come
Kennedy and Jacob, thank you for your service to our country. It’s pretty special that your shared love of country brought you together, and even more special to see the life you’re building side by side.
Kennedy, I still can’t quite believe that the seventh grader I once taught clarinet is now a married woman serving in the Air Force. Getting to photograph this chapter of your life was an honor I won’t forget. I pray that photographing the joy, the tears and laughter did the day justice. Your wedding day was one of the best days of your life—and I have a feeling the best is still to come.
Here’s to new assignments, fewer miles between you and your people, and all the adventures ahead.
Go Air Force! 🇺🇸
