The Dengler Wedding

The Dengler Wedding took place on June 10th, 2023, at the Elks Club in Waterloo Iowa. It was an elegant day filled with emotion, loved ones, and spontaneous adventure!

From the moment I talked to the bride, I knew Lori and Bryce were going to be a fun and laid back couple, and I couldn’t wait to document their wedding day. I mean, how many brides have “climbing up onto a blue USPS mailbox” as one of their must-have images on their shot list!? (Lori explained that she works for the USPS and that a mailbox photo would be epic for her wedding day!)

As their wedding day approached, I was thrilled to pack up and head to Waterloo for my first time photographing at the Elks Club. With a little rain on the forecast, I prepped my gear for the day throwing in a couple of umbrellas. I always have my umbrellas and I knew rain wasn’t going to keep us from that mailbox shot! I’m also an overly cautious person, so I left a bit early to get situated and scout my new-to-me venue. And thank goodness, because as I pulled up to turn where the GPS instructed, the road was closed for a huge town celebration. Calm and excited, I drove around and found a perfect parking spot. Walking by a giant ferris wheel positioned at the front of the venue, I thought, ‘How perfect!’ Y’all, seriously… a ferris wheel by chance on your wedding day? Yes, please!

As soon as I stepped onto the grounds, I was in awe. The Elks Club is beautiful inside and out. A kind greeter welcomed me in, showed me around the gorgeous spaces, introduced me to the DJ, and showed me toward the bride’s preparation area. I got situated and started right away with images of the venue, the details, a few last touches of Lori getting ready with her future mom-in-law and maid of honor, and finally an artistic portrait of the bride and her lovely MOH in what felt like a retro bar scene from a classic film. Then I made my way to the ceremony space to capture images as Lori and Bryce’s family and friends began to arrive and be seated.

The moment came. It was time. Bryce’s face was filled with emotion when Lori was escorted down the aisle by her son in uniform. She looked absolutely stunning. The emotion was felt throughout the ceremony. It was joyful and overflowing. Tears, laughter, and of course the celebration after their first kiss as husband and wife filled the room. It was perfection.

A cocktail hour followed the ceremony, where family formal portraits were taken in front of the Elks grand fireplace. As guests enjoyed mingling and cocktails, the bride and groom stepped outdoors for their Mr. and Mrs. portraits and a few minutes to soak in the moment together. The couple’s portrait time on a wedding day is so special as it gives the new couple beautiful images on their day, but also a few minutes away with each other.

Another important image for Lori was to attempt to photograph the ENTIRE group of wedding guests as they entered the reception. The Elks Club’s glamorous staircase leading into the reception area made this possible. It was so fun when editing through their images to come across this amazing shot capturing almost every single person who showed up on their day to support them. Lovely idea, Lori! Through all of their thoughtful details and special touches, it was obvious that these two were focused on wanting their guests to have an amazing time.

The Dengler Reception kicked off with a delicious dinner and heartfelt toasts. There was a table filled with the most delectable desserts, a fun high-tech photo booth, and a party that knew how to let loose on the dance floor! It was all together (altogether) awesome!

Enough words… enjoy this glimpse back at their day through my lens:

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Dengler!

May you always feel the love and support of your friends and family surrounding you. May you always remember the way you felt on this magical day. May you always find joy in each other.

Thank you for putting your trust in me to document your wedding day! I wish you the very best and hope you’ll reach out the next time you visit northeast Iowa!

XO
Jillian

The Vendors who Made this Day Exquisite!

VENUE | Waterloo Elks Club | Waterloo, IA
THE DRESS | An Elegant Affair | Cedar Falls, IA
FLORALS | Peterson & Tietz | Waterloo, IA
THE CAKE + DESSERTS | Bambino’s | Waterloo, IA
THE DJ | Holly Harward + Ultimateentertainment.cc | Cedar Falls, IA
THE PHOTOBOOTH |Smiling Dog Entertainment | Des Moines, IA
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | JWEBBART.COM | Saint Olaf, IA