Personalized wedding experiences celebrating what makes you unique

Cheers to crafting your unique love story!

Each and every relationship is unique. Your wedding or elopement experience should be just as exciting and memorable as you are.

bride popping champaign with bridesmaids celebrating
creative groomsmen portrait
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couple kissing silhouette in mountain landscape
Bride and groom at magnolia omaha old market
Sioux Falls Wedding Party at Icon Event Hall
Bride getting ready make up
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timeless wedding party portrait
bride first look in forest
dancing at wedding reception
Groom in love with bride artfully posed
Wedding Getting ready
tattooed hipster couple cutting cake with a sword at wedding reception celebration
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Colorado Elopement
bridesmaids editorial pose
tattooed alternative couple holding hands
wedding dress hanging on cabin in the woods
Grand Tetons destination elopement in front of lake and mountain
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Husband and wife black and black
bride and groom walking in front of grand teton mountain range
first look
Creative wedding portrait
Wedding sunset Portrait
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moody detail photo of bride dress and necklace
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Emotional wedding photography
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couple running across the road
private vow exchange in the forest

The possibilities are as endless as your imagination

Navigating the vast array of possibilities for your wedding should feel fun not overwhelming.

You want to prioritize the artistic elements that reflect your personalities while ensuring a fun and stress-free celebration.

I get it!

I am here every step of your wedding journey, as a friend and resource to collaborate in crafting a day and a story for you to look back on that best represents you and your partner’s remarkable connection.

You deserve someone who gets you, your vibe, your quirks, and your vision for a day that's authentically yours.

My goal is to arrive as not just your photographer but as a friend on your journey. Getting to know you personally is more than a formality; it's the cornerstone of the experience I aim to create. Taking the time to understand your unique story is what allows us to have fun crafting an experience that authentically represents you

All the fun and excitement of planning without the stress

Let's transform this confusion into clarity and excitement.

Instead of feeling lost in the endless options, picture this: together, we'll curate an experience that's a perfect reflection of your unique bond. No more uncertainty about how to prioritize your artistic vision while ensuring a stress-free planning process.

You can relax knowing that I'm here to be your guide and resource throughout the planning process ensuring that every decision aligns with your desires.

How do we make this happen?

  • Personal Connection

    As your photographer, I understand that we will share some of life's most significant moments together—and that can be vulnerable.

    My goal isn't to arrive as a stranger but to be a friend on your journey. Getting to know you personally is more than a formality; it's the cornerstone of the experience I aim to create. Taking the time to understand your unique story allows us to have fun facilitating an exciting & memorable wedding experience

  • Artistic Integrity

    Your love story is far from ordinary, and so should your photos be.

    I'm here to capture YOUR extraordinary –from tuxedos and tattoos to gowns and getaways, no two love stories are alike, and I'm all about tailoring your photo experience to reflect the authentic, unapologetic YOU with art that stands out from the crowd.

  • Empathetic Guidance

    Planning your wedding shouldn't be a stress-filled, rushed process full of cookie-cutter options.

    Instead, it should be an unfolding adventure where both of you revel in being yourselves. Together we'll craft an experience where both of you revel in being completely yourselves with the person you love most.

Start our journey!

Meet Your Photographer

Hi, I’m Mike!

I can’t wait to talk to you about your vision for your big day!

You may have noticed by now, I’m not a cookie cutter photographer. I’m a has-been musician, artist by nature, & photographer by trade. I’m a travel junkie, dog-lover, & adventure seeker. I specialize in immortalizing the extraordinary love stories of couples who break the mold.

Having grown up as a black sheep myself, I understand the beauty and significance of individuality. I’m a lover of all things weird and untraditional. Give me a reason to push the boundaries and try something new or out of the box and I’m in!

Mike Kessel owner and photographer at kessel kreations

Kind words from couples like you

  • “Mike did our engagement and wedding photos!! We just received the gallery from our wedding and let me just say, AH-MAZING work!!! He captured things I would have never even thought of and I’m so glad he did!! He seriously went above and beyond during the whole process! Hands down his work is one of the best, I highly recommend him!! Thanks Mike and team for capturing the best memories we could ask for!”

    Cassy + Matt

  • “Every interaction has been amazing. Mike is detailed, communicates well, puts you at ease during your shoot, and really works with you to let your true self come through. I can't recommend Kessel Kreations enough. There is insane value that you're getting from Mike paired with such high results.”

    Jeff + Natali

  • “We hired Mike for a destination elopement and couldn't be happier with the results. I'm a photographer myself, making choosing someone to capture my wedding much more difficult. Mike was and is an excellent communicator and professional in every aspect. He took a ton of notes on what we wanted, sat down with us to make sure we had as much of a plan as you can make on a wedding day and made it seem simple and straightforward the whole time.”

    Seth + Cece

  • “Mike at Kessel Kreations was professional, kind, and made our experience fun! We are located in Colorado Springs, CO. The beautiful scenery of the rocky terrain paired with Mike's awesome photography skills left us speechless when we recieved our photos. We are very happy.”

    Sharae + Mike

  • “We hired Mike to capture our wedding day and he blew us away! He was very kind and professional, he had great suggestions for our shoot, and the end result was breathtaking! He was very easy to work with and responded immediately when we reached out to him and was happy to accommodate us in any way possible. 10/10 highly recommend Kessel Kreations for all of your photography needs!”

    Brant + Tenise

  • “Mike is a top-notch professional and a remarkable artist with immense creativity and attention to detail. He is very knowledgeable about the fundamentals of videography and he captured our day so beautifully, all single-handedly as a one-man band! We are sooooooo thankful and happy that we chose Kessel Kreations for our wedding! Thank you so much for the beautiful work that you do and sharing it with us!!!”

    Jetske + Rueben

Check Out 60+ Five Star Google Reviews

Wedding & Elopement Collections

How a couple chooses to celebrate their wedding day can look many different ways. You deserve an experience tailored to your dream day!

We all have a unique story to tell.

Let’s write yours today!

Destination Collections

My curated collection of destination elopement & intimate wedding packages ensure that your special day is everything you've envisioned, no matter where your dreams take you.

All Collections Include:

  • Free consultation

  • Half day to full weekend coverage

  • Timeline creation

  • Location scouting and permit assistance

  • Customized planning resources

  • Sneak peak photos within 1 week

  • Professional editing & retouching

  • Personalized online gallery to view, download, and share you photos)

  • Digital & print rights release

  • No hidden travel fees!

I will capture your love story anywhere in the world! Reach out for a comprehensive quote tailored to your chosen destination. Unsure about where to say 'I do'? We're here to assist in finding the ideal location to exchange your vows!

International Investment starting at $4200
Anywhere in the U.S. Investment starting at $2800

Regional Collections

(Colorado, Black Hills, Minneapolis, Kansas City & Eastern IA)

Explore our thoughtfully selected regional wedding packages, ensuring your special day mirrors your envisioned perfection, no matter the distance.

All Packages Include:

  • Free consultation

  • 1-2 photographers

  • 4-10 hours of coverage

  • Timeline creation

  • Customized planning assistance & resources

  • Sneak peak photos within 1 week

  • Professional editing & retouching

  • Personalized online gallery to view, download, and share you photos)

  • Digital & print rights release

  • No hidden travel fees! 

Investment starting at $2400

Local Collections

(Omaha, Sioux City, Sioux Falls, & surrounding areas)

Where unforgettable weddings await within a 2.5-hour radius of our home base in Iowa. Our handpicked selection of local wedding packages ensures that your special day is everything you've envisioned.

All Packages Include:

  • Free consultation

  • 1-2 photographers

  • 4-10 hours of coverage

  • Timeline creation

  • Customized planning assistance

  • Sneak peak photos within 1 week

  • Professional editing & retouching

  • Personalized online gallery to view, download, and share you photos)

  • Digital & print rights release

  • No hidden travel fees! 

Investment starting at $2000

Engagement Sessions

Your engagement session is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better and allows you to get to know my workflow and posing so you can be more comfortable on your special day. Plus, you can use the photos for Save the Dates, wedding websites, and more!

All Packages Include

  • Free consultation

  • 1-2 hours of coverage

  • Locations scouting and permit assistance

  • Professional editing & retouching

  • 30 High Resolution Digital edits

  • Personalized Online Gallery

  • Digital & Print Photo Release

Investment starting at $400

(Ask about packaging your wedding and engagement photos together for a discounted rate!)

Your wedding day should be (and I can’t stress this enough)…

Whatever you want it to be!

I thrive with all of the unique, weird, & alternative couples. Life is more fun when you show up as who you are authentically and try new things.

If your vision for your day doesn’t fit into the packages listed above, I would love to hear about it!

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Add-Ons & Customized Collections Available

A simple, stress-free process from initial inquiry to grand exit!

  • A consultation is an important first step to ensure I arrive, not as a hired hand but also a friend, so that you can have the best experience possible.

    During the consultation we'll talk about how you envision your perfect day and what we can do to make that a reality. We will get to know each other, make sure we are a great fit, establish expectations, discuss specific requests, and answer any questions you may have.

  • As soon as you submit your contract, your date is secured on my calendar, and you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you just found your wedding photographer!

  • As soon as you book you will receive my in depth wedding planning guide available only to Kessel Kreations clients.

    During the months leading up to your wedding, I’ll act as a personal guide, offering vendor recommendations, tips and tricks, and more.

  • The big day has finally arrived. It’s going to be great!

    I’ll get to your venue early to scout out the layout and lighting. Throughout the day I will keep track of time to ensure all your important events are captured, guide you on posing and creating natural, relaxed moments, catch all the in between candid moments you might not have noticed yourself, all while offering support and comfort.

    Thanks to all the planning and prep we’ve done, you can simply relax and enjoy the moment while I do my thing!

  • You will receive a sneak peak gallery with highlight from your with within one week of your wedding. Your full personalized gallery will be delivered in 4-8 weeks.

Custom Wedding Collections for couples that don’t fit the mold!

I'll say it again (because it's true): your big day is about creating your dream day, your way. If my standard collections don't quite match your vision, we've got endless options. I refuse to confine your day with limitations; let's explore all possibilities together.

If you can envision it, I'm here to curate and capture it.

Testimonials Celebrating Memorable Moments

I’m thrilled you're considering me to capture your moments.

Your vision matters. I can’t wait to meet you and bring it to life

 

Phone
(712) 204-2885

E-mail
kesselkreation1@gmail.com

Connect with me!

We all have a unique story to tell.

Let’s write yours today!