Telling the stories of your life through emotional, authentic, and timeless photography. Courtney is Iowa based Wedding and Lifestyle Photography serving clients worldwide.
at heart
playful
for the
Imagery
authentic & Joyful
central iowa | destination
Courtney Rae has a true passion for connecting with people and celebrating what makes them unique. I’m thinking about you — your love, your laughter, your relationships, and the moments that matter most.
courtney
Get to know
capturing couples in love since 2019.
behind the lens
darren + sarah
Working with Courtney was unreal — her vision and artistic eye was everything, and there was never a moment where she didn't have our complete trust. Our wedding day was magical, and she captured every detail and moment impeccably.
They are everything we dreamed of and more...
STeven + emily
We are so grateful for every photo captured by Courtney. They were kindhearted, personable, thoughtful, and so creative. Her unique blend of artistry and creativity is what set her apart from other photographers. We're so grateful.
We are so grateful for every photo captured...
past clients
As told by
what you can expect
look amazing, feel relaxed.
Your vision before
'I dos'
Building a connection with each of my couples is incredibly important to me. What I love about my couples is that they’re fun-loving, adventurous, and full of life. They understand that to capture authentic, joyful moments that truly reflect their love story, we need to have a real connection and relationship. I always say I want to show up on your wedding day feeling more like a friend or an extra bridesmaid than just a hired vendor. That’s why our first step is always a Zoom call—so we can get to know each other and start building that bond from the very beginning!
I understand that having your photos taken can be a nerve-wracking experience, so I take a gentle approach to direct you during our sessions. I want to capture genuine emotions, not force you into awkward, cheesy poses. I believe that every family and couple has a unique story to tell, and I promise to honor that by authentically capturing your family or relationship.
Whether we're taking engagement photos in the city or running around the park with your children and furry friends for a family photo shoot, I will make sure we have a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. I want to get to know you and your loved ones and work together to create images that reflect your personalities and the life you lead. So rest assured, I will tell your story with honesty and authenticity, and photograph images that are a true reflection of you.
I'm passionate about
capturing the
moments
we remember for a
lifetime
MY HOPE AND MY MISSION
Experience
The
My business isn't about pictures, it's about people. It's not about weddings, it's about marriages. It's not about transactions, it's about relationships. And it's not about one day, it's about a lifetime.
CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF LIFE
Once we’ve had our connection call and we are a good fit, I’ll send over the contract for you to review and sign. It’ll outline all the details we’ve discussed, so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way. I believe in clear communication and transparency, so if you have any questions about the contract, I’m here to help and make sure everything feels right. After that, we’ll be all set to start planning your session and making your vision a reality!
three: contact + deposit
I believe in kind-hearted communication, being open with expression, and staying approachable when it comes to your vision and values. To me, that means truly getting to know my clients on a personal level, understanding what’s important to you, and creating a space where you feel comfortable sharing your ideas and dreams for your day. Building that connection helps me capture the moments that matter most to you, in a way that feels authentic and true to who you are as a couple. I’ll reach out to you soon, and we’ll schedule a Zoom to chat and see if we are a good fit.
two: connection call
Inquire, say hey! I would love to hear from you. If you're ready to start planning your session or wedding or just have some questions, feel free to reach out.
one: contact me
HOW IT WORKS
You can trust me to know your vision, work seamlessly with your vendor team, and capture your day with elevated and emotive imagery. All you need to do is have the best time with your people — I’ll do the rest.
When it comes to your wedding day, I want you to know this:
don't sweat the details
Kyle + Rachel
sophistication.
yet filled with
was joyful,
The Experience
Kayla and Hunter
Sue and Derick
Emma and Ryan
sioux Falls, south dakota
DES MOINES
glen oaks, des moines
Galleries
Featured
SUBMIT
OTHER INQUIRY
WEDDING INQUIRY
SENIOR INQUIRY
PLEASE SELECT THE APPROPRIATE FORM:
Thank you so much for your interest in having me be your photographer! Whether you're planning your dream wedding, next chapter, or a family session, I'm here to capture those cherished moments for you.
I cannot wait to hear more about you!
based in des moines, iowa
to begin
Inquire
serving joyful couples
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