Wedding Photographer / Videographer / Owner

“I love to make. Whether it’s cooking crepes on a Saturday morning, creating a custom camera lens, or programing a project for a new website, I love to make. I also really enjoy business. Mix the two and I am blessed to make a living doing what I love to do! Sharing this with my wife, Mariah, and getting to work with her day in and day out is amazing. It is a goal of ours to spread this blessing to others by empowering them to also do what they love to do to make their living.

Wedding videos and wedding photography are just one more way I get to “make”. The best part of this is that I get to hang out with a couple on one of the most important days of their lives, and then give them something I made that they will appreciate and cherish for years to come. It’s a huge honor to be chosen for such important photos.

Before I started capturing weddings and freelancing full time, I worked with a video production company creating a television show for PBS called B. Organic. I was the second editor and videographer, as well as the web developer, graphic designer, photographer, and all around IT person. It was a great place to learn and develop skills, which I am very thankful for.

Other than The Wedding Format, I do a lot of business media and marketing under the name Des Moines Freelancer. I also get to take all sorts of random jobs when I get the call. One of my favorites has been producing a three day shoot for the Discovery Channel while watching a 100 ton brick museum building get moved.”

Editor / Coordinator / Content Manager / Photographer / Owner

“I’ve always held interest in photography and shot a little for fun. While Dave and I were dating, we spent a lot of time on photo excursions; which was really just finding excuses to go somewhere new and shoot photos. It wasn’t long after marrying Dave in 2009 that I began actively learning and developing my skills in this art (the dude talks about photography nearly constantly, how could I not?).

I love to capture folks taking in creation. There’s something beautiful to me about the juxtaposition of shooting people in desolate places. So, for example, take a really dreary landscape like charred tree trunks after a forest fire, and photograph a solitary man or even a bride in her gown standing in the midst. It’s provoking. I get teary eyed about every time I’m going through a batch of wedding photos for the first time. I find myself getting caught up in the anticipation and beauty of the day where a man finally gets his bride. I love it.

I love travel and seeing landscapes that are foreign to me. When it’s cold outside, I like to spend a lot of time knitting – handmade gifts feel the dearest. I like people and heartfelt conversation. One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon is at Mars Cafe (our favorite local coffee shop) with a latte and a new friend. I think that I like to cook and bake, but often my tiny kitchen makes me feel otherwise.”

Wedding Photographer / Photo Editing / Graphic Design

“I am excited to be working with Dave and Mariah at The Wedding Format. They have always done and continue to do a great job articulating what makes a gorgeous photo.

I have had a passion for art and beauty for as long as I can remember. While growing up, I spent my time exploring and finding ways to contribute to the beauty in this world. My first love is the fine arts (painting and sculpture) and my education is in graphic design. Over the past few years I have grown into a photographer, translating the foundational principals of color theory and composition in pursuit of the perfect photograph.

I absolutely love capturing moments in peoples lives. Specifically, candid moments of raw emotion. Whether it is the embrace and laughter of a couple on their big day or a family exuding the joy of just being together, these moments are beautiful.

A big part of me is being a husband, father, and friend. Sharing life with these people makes me truly happy. I also have a deep passion for cycling and commute by bicycle year-round. I love the way it keeps me connected to my neighborhood and surroundings.”

Wedding Planner & Designer / Wedding Desserts & Cake Baker

“As a Poyzer, I continue the creative genes. If I am not working on the next decor project, I’m in the kitchen trying out a new recipe.

In college, I studied Interior Design, Marketing, and Fashion Design Merchandising – all being a part of my creative mix. I love using my talents to creatively solve problems, making things both pleasing to the eye and functional. In the past, I used my skills to successfully develop interior spaces that would fuse two individuals tastes into one; a skill I now use as a wedding coordinator. It is important to me to incorporate an engaged couple’s personalities, interests, and traditions into their wedding day. These elements are what make their day truly, uniquely special.

In the kitchen you will find me and my Kitchenaid Mixer (we are best friends) covered from head to toe in flour. I scour through cookbooks and food blogs looking for new recipes to try out on all my family and friends. I find so much pleasure in baking for others and seeing the delight on someone’s face as they sample my latest baked good. I love to see how food brings everyone together and gives us a sense of tradition and family, especially at a wedding.

The days I am not in the kitchen or coordinating a wedding I am producing stories for Do It Yourself magazine, a Better Homes and Gardens publication. It’s yet another outlet for me to use the many talents I’ve been so blessed with.

I’m so excited to be working alongside David, Mariah, and Joey. We’ve been having a great time, and I can’t wait to get started on your next wedding project.”