It's one of the only days you'll have everyone you love in the same place. Be there for it.
I'll document the hugs you didn't see, the people losing it on the dance floor, the quiet seconds before the ceremony, your grandparents together, the way your people look at you and yes, we'll make some really beautiful portraits, too.
Iowa wedding photography that's candid when it matters, guided when you need it, and centered around actually experiencing your wedding.
Your wedding isn't a photoshoot
Your wedding doesn't need to stop every twenty minutes so we can manufacture another moment.
My approach gives you room to experience what's actually happening, while I pay attention to everything around you. I'll step in when direction makes the photograph better. I'll help with family portraits, wedding-party photos, flattering light and the portraits you'll want framed. But I also know when to stop directing and let something real happen.
The goal isn't fewer beautiful photographs. It's beautiful photographs without sacrificing the experience to get them.
Be at your wedding. Not at a photoshoot.
I don't believe you have to choose between photographs that look beautiful and photographs that feel like your wedding.
We'll make time for the portraits that deserve a frame. The rest of the day, I'm watching for everything you couldn't possibly see yourself.
You'll get the beautiful portraits. And everything that happened between them.
A photographer who knows when to step in and when to disappear
I'm Alex McCrary, an Iowa based wedding photographer of over 8 years and I've photographed enough wedding days to know that things rarely happen exactly according to the spreadsheet. A timeline shifts. Someone can't find the boutonnière. Family portraits get complicated. It rains. Your bustle refuses to cooperate. You don't need another person adding stress to the room.
I'll help when you need help, give direction when you need direction, and quietly document when you don't. My job is to make the photography feel like one of the easiest parts of your day.
However you're planning your day, you shouldn't have to spend it watching the clock. Choose the amount of coverage that fits the story you're creating.
Wedding Collections
Wedding-day photography
Timeline collaboration
48-hour sneak peeks
Curated high-resolution gallery
Printing rights
Planning support
Engagement Session
Wedding-day photography
Timeline collaboration
48-hour sneak peeks
Curated high-resolution gallery
Printing rights
Planning support
Engagement Session
Wedding-day photography
Second Photographer
35mm Film
Timeline collaboration
48-hour sneak peeks
Curated high-resolution gallery
Printing rights
Planning support
6 Hours - $3200
8 Hours - $4200
*most popular
10 Hours - $5200
LOCK IN YOUR DATE: Once you're ready, a signed contract and retainer secures your wedding date on my calendar.
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BOOK A CALL: We'll hop on a quick call to talk through your vision, your venue, and make sure we're the right fit before anything's official.
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INQUIRE: Fill out my contact form with your date and a little about your day. I respond within 24 hours.
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Here's How It Works -
Don't Just Take My Word For It
"Alex is AMAZING, and I can not speak highly enough about her! From the planning before the wedding to the day of, Alex is a quick responder and made our day run so smooth! She captured our day beautifully and intentionally and the photos and videos are something we will cherish forever. We are so thankful she was apart of our day, thank you for making it so special!"
Baylee and Colden
"Alex was absolutely amazing to work with! From the moment we booked, she made the whole process so easy and stress-free. Alex caught every special moment on our wedding day... big and small! Our photos are everything we hoped for and more. They’re gorgeous, natural, and really capture the joy of the day. We just got our gallery back yesterday and have looked through them multiple times. Each time we keep finding new little moments we absolutely love! We’re so grateful to Alex for giving us photos we’ll cherish forever. Couldn’t recommend her more!"
Andrea and Blake
"Alex photographed our wedding and we could not be happier with how the photos turned out! Right when we met Alex, we felt comfortable in front of a camera. She was literally a fly on the wall during our wedding day and caught every single special moment on camera. I love that she focuses on capturing the little moments rather than posed photos. We’re able to relive our special day for the rest of our lives now, and for that, we are eternally grateful to Alex:)"
Maddie and Robbie
A hand reaching for yours without thinking. A laugh caught mid-sentence. The second right before a first kiss, when nothing else exists yet. These are the moments you'll want to come back to, again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on how much of your day you want documented, but here's a quick guide:
6 hours — Best for shorter or more intimate wedding days.
8 hours — The most popular choice. Usually enough for getting ready through the main reception events without feeling rushed.
10 hours — Best if you want the fuller story, from getting ready through the dance floor, with more breathing room throughout the day.
Still not sure? I’ll help you choose based on your timeline, priorities, and what you actually want photographed.
Yes! I'm based in Waverly, Iowa, and happily travel throughout Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota within about two hours of home. If your venue is further out, reach out and I'll let you know if it's a fit. I do take a limited number of travel and destination weddings each year.
Yes, a second photographer is included in my full-day collection and available as an add-on for other packages.
Absolutely, for the things I wouldn't know otherwise.
Family combinations — I’ll ask for these ahead of time so portraits run smoothly.
Important people or details — Tell me about anything or anyone with special meaning that you want documented.
Pinterest-style shot lists? — I do like to see how you picture your day, however remember this day is all your own! You hired me to watch for the moments happening naturally, not spend your wedding checking photos off a list.
You can be present with your people. I’ll pay attention to the rest.
Yes. Film is included in my full-day collection and available as an add-on for the 6-hour and 8-hour packages. There's something about the way film renders light and color that digital just can't replicate, it adds a timeless, slightly nostalgic feel to certain moments throughout your gallery.
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