043016-075 After our time at the beautiful Memorial Union at Iowa State University, we headed to the Reimen Gardens just a few blocks away for Ryan and Mitzi's family portraits, wedding ceremony, and reception.  I had not previously had the pleasure of visiting the gardens.  They are beautiful!  I kept hoping there would be a break in the rainy drizzle and cold wind so we could go out and explore.  Unfortunately, Iowa weather had a different idea.  

Even without going out into the main gardens, we still had plenty of gorgeous locations.  In the Hughes Conservatory area of the main building, we set up for the family portraits.  Not that there was much setting up to do.  The overcast skies created gorgeous soft light filtering in through the glass ceiling of the conservatory.  As family arrived, there were some great moments.  I love the images below of Mitzi and her mother pinning on her father's boutonniere and Ryan and his mother hugging.  Lovely! 

043016-082 We took a quick moment to get some more portraits of Ryan and Mitzi in the greenhouse, I love the portraits of them through the branches. 043016-127 Mitzi walked down the aisle to "A Thousand Years" sung by her niece and accompanied by her sister on the guitar.  You could see the joy on her face as her father escorted her down the path to where Ryan was waiting.

043016-227 043016-259 Their ceremony was witnessed by 50 of their close friends and family.  It was an intimate event and you could feel the love in the room.  Through the ceremony, an interpreter signed for Ryan's parents who are both deaf.  It was beautiful to watch.  

043016-288 043016-283 Their reception was held in the Garden Room, next to the conservatory.  Ryan works as a police officer in Iowa City and Mitzi works at Integrated DNA.  Throughout the reception were nods to their professions, the cakes had helix and handcuffs on them.  Their custom napkins had an M & R monogram connected by handcuffs.  Cute!

043016-189 Toasts were given by close friends and many of Mitzi's sorority sisters.  They were beautifully heartfelt.  You could really tell how loved these two are. 043016-437 Ryan and Mitzi had spent several months prior to their wedding taking dance classes.  They definitely paid off!  Their first dance was wonderfully done.  Love it! 043016-465 043016-476 Congratulations again to Ryan and Mitzi!  Thank you so much for having Geno Photography there to capture your beautiful wedding day.  Also a big thank you to Shuva Rahim for assisting me!