043016-022 On the last Saturday of April, my assistant, Shuva, and I headed to the Iowa State University campus in Ames to capture Ryan and Mitzi's wedding day.  After a streak of gorgeous weather, the skies decided to open up and the chilly rain lasted all day.  The gray skies didn't put a damper on their wedding day.  While it would have been lovely to go outside, there were plenty of gorgeous locations indoors on campus.

043016-002 Their first look took place in the hallway overlooking the lobby of the Gateway Hotel.  The gorgeous natural light from the skylights beautifully illuminated this simple hallway.  I had Ryan stand beneath one of the skylights, awaiting Mitzi's arrival.  Mitzi rode the elevator down from her room and joined him for this beautiful moment.  Ryan is not a "smiler," at least not willingly in portraits without some coaxing, but the smile on his face when he saw Mitzi for the first time on their wedding day was perfect. 

I love First Looks.  I really do.  I completely understand that they're not for everyone, each wedding is unique.  But to me, there is just something so special about a First Look.  The moment you see each other for the first time on one of the happiest days of your lives, each looking their very best and glowing with happiness.  Yes, this happens when you see each other as the ceremony begins, but during a First Look you get the opportunity to be together without 200 pairs of eyes on you.  You get the moment to hug and say "I love you."  A moment away from the hustle and bustle of the day to be together and share in each others' joy.  It is beautiful!

043016-008 After their first look, we headed to the Iowa State Memorial Union.  I personally had never been to the ISU campus, aside from a swift visit during high school.  Thankfully, Shuva had graduated from ISU and was quite familiar with their campus so I didn't get lost!  I have to say, their union building was GORGEOUS!  Loved the architecture, loved the doors, loved it!  In one of the entryways, the one with the zodiac seal (which I'm sure has some more official name, but I went to Luther so forgive me for not knowing it), I found these doors.  I mean seriously, check out the gorgeous doors below.  Love the angular pattern and texture!  043016-048 We were very lucky and were able to get into the Campanile Room.  It had stunning windows with a gorgeous view on the clock tower (which I think is in face the Campanile, but I could totally be wrong...).  The budding trees on campus were a beautiful backdrop of spring green and pink. 043016-062 I found another lovely door (directly on the other side of the entryway, go figure) and the light coming in from the large windows was perfect.  I think one of my absolute favorite shots from the day is the black and white image below, of them snuggling together in front of the door way.  Love it! 043016-069 Check back soon for more from Ryan and Mitzi's beautiful April wedding!