CLAIRE KATAN CREATIVE

Behind The Lens

Stephanie & Kristian | The Tea Room Des Moines

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Client Stories

A bride and groom kissing on the balcony of The Tea Room in Des Moines before their wedding reception photographed by Claire Katan Creative.

It was an honor to be a part of Stephanie and Kristian’s stunning wedding, a modern, romantic celebration in the heart of Des Monies. As an Omaha-based wedding photographer, I was thrilled they chose to book my destination wedding photography services, trusting me to travel from Omaha to capture their engagement and their wedding day.

The day started with Kristian getting ready at the chic Hotel Fort, while Stephanie spent the morning preparing at their venue, The Tea Room. My team, including a second photographer and a complimentary content creator, was able to capture the morning at both locations before heading to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for the First Look, Stephanie and Kristian’s couple’s portraits, and family photos. It was a beautiful summer day, and the gardens were in full bloom, offering the perfect backdrop for their romantic photos, from the tree-lined path of their First Look to the vibrant flowers and even a picturesque waterfall

The ceremony and reception took place at The Tea Room, an upscale Des Moines venue with beautiful windows and French doors lining the walls. The natural light was incredible, and we even had access to the balconies for some private photos of Stephanie and Kristian. A private violinist filled the space with music, and the reception was a wonderful celebration of their love.

The couple continued the festivities with an afterparty at Hotel Fort, starting in one of their event rooms before ending in the hotel’s speakeasy. I was able to surprise the couple by showing up at the speakeasy after they thought my coverage was done for the night, capturing a few final memories of them celebrating with their closest friends.

It was a beautiful day from start to finish, and I am so grateful they trusted me and my team to come to Des Moines to capture their love story.


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Behind the Camera

claire
katan

My job is to capture your love the way it feels — romantic, funny, sometimes chaotic, and always real.

I believe in love without rules, labels, or expectations. Queer, straight, loud, quiet, wild, tender —  you deserve photos that capture your love in all its beauty.

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