Heartland Wedding Ideas Jan/Feb Issue 2026 (Winter) by Heartland Wedding Ideas

JAN/FEB 2026

STYLED SHOOT

Limoncello Love

VENDOR

lust

IT'S MY BIG DAY

SPOTLIGHT ON

NATALIE + VINCE

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

ANNA + ALEX

Contents

HWI JAN/FEB 2026

6-10 ST Y L E D S H O OT: LIMONCELLO LOVE

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

As the new year begins, so does a fresh season of love stories — and we’re honored to be part of yours. This issue of Heartland Wedding Ideas is full of cozy inspiration, heartfelt moments, and personal touches that make a wedding day truly one-of-a-kind. From Anna + Alex’s snowy celebration in Iowa City to Natalie + Vince’s vibrant, eclectic I-Dos in Des Moines, each story reminds us that weddings don’t have to look alike to be gorgeous and unforgettable. We’re also excited to feature a bright and joyful styled shoot at The Chateau at White Oak, brimming with lemony charm and Italian flair — it’s the kind of sunshine we all need this time of year! This season also brings change behind the scenes. After many years of building this brand together, my co-editor and createive partner, Lisa B., is leaving the Heartland team. I'm grateful for the ways she pushed this magazine forward and the fun we had along the way. Speaking of changes — we’re expanding! This year you’ll see Heartland Wedding Ideas at wedding shows in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and now Omaha! If you’re newly engaged or just starting to plan, attending a local show is a great way to meet vendors and gather ideas.

15-19 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : N ATA L I E + V I N C E

22-25 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : ANNA + ALEX

27 V E N D O R S P OT L I G H T: G E T T H AT P E R F E C T F I T, M E R C I ' S TA I L O R I N G

28-32 VENDOR LUST: S P OT L I G H T O N M U S I C & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Special thanks to this crew:

And for even more inspiration (plus a free mailed copy of the magazine), join the I-Do Crew at heartlandweddingideas.com/ido-crew-signup.

Kelly Visser Copy Editor

Here’s to love, laughter, and your best year yet.

X OX O,

A lesha B.

EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events, and vendor spotlights, follow our feed: @heartlandweddingideas.

Marissa Sakakhanone Designer + Digital Media Manager

COVER: JACKELYNN NOEL PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR'S LETTER: SWEET STORY PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING

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CREATE

Lasting Memories AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS

Let our expert event coordinators bring your vision to life with elegant spaces, customizable menus, and exceptional service. Call 515-967-8550 or scan the QR code. Banquets • Galas • Weddings • Holiday Gatherings Celebrations • Fundraisers • Business Meetings • Trade Shows T HE

MEADOWS EVENTS & CONFERENCE CENTER

PRIVATE DINING

ST Y L E D SHOOT

Limoncello Love

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So many wonderful details on this stationery suite by TandemHart.

Bold, bright, and full of Italian charm, this styled shoot turns every lemon into pure sunshine. Led by the talented Katie McDonald Photography, an all-star team of Iowa wedding vendors crafted a coastal-inspired day, overflowing with playful patterns and glimmering golden details. Sweet and stylish, this shoot is the perfect inspo for a joyful wedding celebration at The Chateau at White Oak.

MEET THE WEDDING PROS VENUE The Chateau at White Oak

GROOM ATTIRE Skeffington’s Formal Wear

HAIR & MAKEUP Powder Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY Katie McDonald Photography

STATIONERY SUITE TandemHart Paperie

CONTENT CREATION Katie McDonald Photography

BRIDAL ATTIRE Celebrations Couture

FLORALS & DECOR Bella Flora Event Design

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ST Y L E D SHOOT

These bright yellow florals from Bella Floral are too perfect.

Katie McDonald Photography always catches the beautiful, airy details.

This dress from Celebrations Couture is perfectly elegant.

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The Chateau at White Oak provides a perfect setting for a dreamy day.

You'll find a perfect fit with this navy suit from Skeffington’s.

Layers of lemon and blue! We love these placesetting cards are made to look like leaves.

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ST Y L E D SHOOT

the

c u te s t .

Th i s R S VP

She absolutely shines with the Powder Studio glam.

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CELEBRATE AT A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE IN SWISHER, IOWA 1441 Marak Road, Swisher, Iowa | CedarRidgeDistillery.com | Events@crwine.com

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IT’S MY DAY

Big

Submit your wedding day photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue at heartlandweddingideas.com

ANNA + ALEX

NATALIE + VINCE

Lavishly large or quietly quaint. Boho, rustic, or modern. Small budget or unlimited. And everything in between. We know you poured your heart and soul into it. And we want to feature it!

IT’S MY

Big

DAY

CENTRAL IOWA

NATALIE + VINCE

E C L E C T I C , E L E C T R I C I- D O S

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This orchid bouquet is absolutely stunning.

When Natalie and Vince met on Tinder, neither expected a double date to spark a lifelong connection. Their first outing at The Hall — playing games and sharing fried pickles (even though Vince hates them) — set the tone for their playful, heartfelt relationship. After a year of long-distance between Des Moines and Waterloo, their bond only grew stronger. Vince proposed on Christmas Eve in a quiet, intimate moment with just the two of them and their cats. Though they had discussed engagement before, Natalie was completely surprised. The next day, they celebrated with family, making the announcement an extra special Christmas gift. When dreaming up their wedding day, the couple envisioned a day that was “colorful~eclectic~unique~glam.” They wanted to honor Vince’s Mexican and Black heritage and Natalie’s Italian roots with vibrant decor, Italian-inspired cuisine, and music that reflected both families. “Take your time in the planning process and focus on what you really want,” Natalie says. “Use the crazy colors, play the sappy song, dance all night, and enjoy every minute of it.” Natalie thoroughly enjoyed planning their day. A highlight was building vision boards and seeing her aesthetic ideas come to life at The Loft DSM. The urban, loft aesthetic was a blank slate to make their own — plus their coordinators Wendy and Derek helped everything run smoothly. The talented Stuart Alexander Productions worked closely with the couple to transform the space and the vision boards of colorful, over-the-top décor into a magical reality. The end result included everything from bold, bright florals to drapery, panels, and … disco balls!

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

CENTRAL IOWA

Natalie and her mom also got into the DIY spirit and had fun bringing the little details to life. Her mom Debbie created over 100 paper flowers to hang from the ceiling, tended to every detail, and planned the rehearsal dinner. Natalie designed all the stationery herself, experimenting with fonts, borders, and layouts. The couple says their photographer Colby Campbell made them feel like they were walking on air, feeling totally at ease in front of the camera. We love the unposed, joyful moments and emotion he captured — especially during the ceremony, which was full of personal touches that meant oh so much to the couple. Vince began his vows by asking guests to crack their knuckles, and both he and Natalie shared complementary promises: supporting each other through vulnerability, waking up (or sleeping through) alarms, and sharing tears and laughter. There were many teary eyes in the room.

And of course, no celebration is complete without DJ DAS in the house! He turned their carefully curated playlist into an unforgettable dance experience, mixing, emceeing, and bringing energy that kept the floor alive all night. “From the moment we met him, we knew we would hire him,” Natalie shares. “Music is extremely important to us, we both play several instruments and come from families of musicians. DJ DAS appreciated how important the music was to us and was able to emcee a perfect night.” This wedding was a true reflection of who Natalie and Vince are as people and as a couple — vibrant, joyful, and authentic. Cheers to their beautiful life together!

V IS I T H E ARTLA N DW E DDI N GIDEAS.COM TO SE E AL L OF N ATA L I E + VI N CE'S BIG DAY! 18

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NATALIE + VI N CE

Chandeliers, vines, paper flowers — incredible!

WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E COLORFUL, ECLECTIC, ATTITUDE

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VEN D O R LU ST PREMIER VENDORS Ceremony & Reception Music

DJ DAS ENTERTAINMENT ALL VENDORS Photographer Colby Campbell Photography Videographer The Proper Collective Stuart Alexander Productions took the floral to such a fun place.

Ceremony & Reception Venue The Loft DSM Caterer Great Caterers of Iowa | Cake Let Them Eat Cake, Vicente Diaz | Bartending Top It Off Liquid Catering | Floral & Décor Design Stuart Alexander Productions | Attire Weddings By Design + The Tux Shop | Hair Partners in Hair | Makeup The Altered Hour Jewelry NyFineJewelery | Shoes Betsy Johnson | Day of Coordinators The Loft DSM, Wendy and Derek | Extra Rentals Stuart Alexander Productions | Officiant Forever and Ever I Do, Lisa Apolonio

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

EASTERN IOWA

ANNA + ALEX

SNOW-KISSED C E L E B R AT I O N

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Anna and Alex’s wedding day was like a romantic, cozy snow globe. In a crimson red, evergreen, and love-filled celebration, the couple said I-Do to forever together surrounded by their dearest friends and family. The couple first met through a dating app. While chatting online, the pair quickly realized they were both working at the Iowa City Veteran’s Hospital — and that Anna had even been reading Alex’s patient notes during his rotation there! As they got to know each other, they discovered another surprising connection they had many mutual friends and shared memories from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Alex pulled off a stunning surprise proposal during Anna’s family trip to Galena, Illinois. With help from her sisters, he created a beautiful picnic setup in an archway at a winery — complete, of course, with sentimental touches from their relationship. As they walked through the vineyards, Alex gave a heartfelt speech and dropped to one (very muddy) knee. Anna said yes, and the newly engaged couple celebrated with her family right after. Their wedding vision came to life in February — a time of year they both adore. “We love the cold and snow, so a winter wedding just felt right,” Anna shares. Drawing inspiration from cozy winter scenes and candlelit gatherings, their color palette featured evergreen, burgundy, antique bronze, and dark navy. HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

IT’S MY

Big

DAY

EASTERN IOWA

Wilson’s Ciderhouse and Venue in Iowa City was the perfect setting for both their ceremony and reception — especially because they allowed for an outdoor ceremony even in the winter. After the meaningful nuptials officiated by a close friend, guests came inside for a warm and inviting family-style dinner on long wooden tables draped with fresh garland and candlelight. “The venue was beautiful on its own with minimal décor, the staff were so helpful in planning our big day and the food was amazing,” Anna shares. Personal touches made the day uniquely theirs. She, her mom, and sisters had fun DIY’ing most of the décor, florals, and invites. Anna wore her mother’s veil, her sister’s jewelry and hair comb, and a repurposed fur stole for the outdoor ceremony. The couple toasted with thrifted bronze goblets they once found in Des Moines and vowed to use on their wedding day.

“Both of our families helped so much in the whole process, and all had some special part to play on the big day, whether it was being in the wedding party or helping out with the Polaroid camera to take candid photos of the night,” Anna shares. Each beautiful moment was perfectly captured by Jackelynn Noel Photography. You can feel the warmth and love in each photo — even on the cold snowy day. She captured one of their favorite moments, sitting together as husband and wife, looking out at their loved ones enjoying dinner. “We just felt so loved and content,” Anna remembers. Congratulations to the couple on living out their dream winter wonderland wedding day!

This fur stole is the perfect addition for the outdoor ceremony.

V IS I T H E ARTLA N DW E DDI N GIDEAS.COM TO SE E AL L OF A N N A + A L E X 'S BIG DAY! 24

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ANNA + ALEX

WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E WINTER, CANDLELIT, FARMSCAPE Anna baked the almond wedding cake herself.

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VEN D O R LU ST ALL VENDORS Photographer Jackelynn Noel Photography Videographer Laurel Murphy | Ceremony & Reception Venue Wilson’s Ciderhouse and Venue | Caterer Wilson’s Ciderhouse and Venue Décor Kelli Venjohn, bride’s mom | Cake Bride Attire Weddings by Design & The Tux Shop Alterations Altered | Hair Alice + Arbor Apple cider donuts are a must at Wilson’s.

Makeup Lindsey Michelle Rolling | Jewelry Herteen & Stocker Jewelers | Reception Music Pro Beatz Entertainment | Transportation Night Train Party Bus

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VENDOR S POTLIG HT

GET THAT PERFECT FIT AT

Finding that perfect gown, dress, tux, or suit for your big day is a magical moment. To look your best, you'll still need the final touch of a tailor to make sure it fits like a glove. Unless you happen to fit the designer's exact measurements (and let's face it, who does?!), adjustments are often necessary. Even if you

think it fits perfectly, a professional will give it that final polish. While many specialty shops offer in-house alterations, if yours didn't or you didn't purchase your attire locally, that's even more

Merci's Tailoring will get you that flawless fit and reflect your style perfectly!

reason to find an expert independent tailor.

Their process is meticulous

Merci's Tailoring in Cedar Rapids can step in.

yet personal. Beginning with

Whether it's a wedding gown, a formal suit,

precise measurements, they

bridesmaid dress, or a casual outfit, Merci's

work closely with you to understand

Tailoring ensures every detail is handled

your vision. From simple tweaks to complex

with precision.

alterations, Merci's Tailoring will get you that flawless fit and reflect your style perfectly.

Merci's Tailoring CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

319-377-0751 mercistailoring.com

No matter where you find your dream attire, Merci's Tailoring, which has served the Cedar Rapids community for over 30 years, is your destination for achieving the perfect fit. Because when it comes to your special day, every detail matters.

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VENDOR Meet our Heartland Premier Wedding Pros

lust

BRING THE PART Y: MUSIC, DJS & RECEPTION FUN Great music is one of the most powerful ways to shape the energy of your wedding. Whether you're hiring a DJ, a vocalist, a pianist, a full band, or a mix of it all, your music pros are key players in making your celebration unforgettable. The right entertainer helps set the tone, keeps the flow moving, and brings your vision to life from ceremony to last dance. At your reception, your music pro will guide more than just the music. They’ll time your entrances, cue special dances, make announcements, and help guests transition from dinner to dancing. Whether they’re mixing your favorite throwbacks or crooning your first dance song live, they help anchor the emotional beats of the evening.

Want another

Be clear on the vibe you're going for —

crowd pleaser?

laid-back cocktail hour, full-blown dance party,

Rent a photo booth!

or something in between. Share your “must

Guests can snap pics,

plays” and “do not plays,” and talk about the

text them to themselves,

energy you want to create. Many entertainers

and YOU get a copy of every

offer added extras like lighting, cold spark

single one. Some DJs and musicians

fireworks, fog machines, or even karaoke.

offer photo booths as part of their

Ceremony music also deserves some thought. From string quartets and

packages, complete with guest books and custom backdrops.

solo guitarists to live vocals or curated

No matter your style, wedding music sets

soundtracks, music helps tell your love story.

the tone and makes memories. So find the

Don’t be afraid to mix live and recorded

pros who match your energy, and let the

elements to get the best of both worlds.

celebration sing.

OUR PREMIER MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS: Complete Weddings + Events // DJ DAS Entertainment // SnapXP Photo Booth // Vows & Vibes 28

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Vows & Vibes

Complete Weddings + Events

DJ DAS Entertainment

snapXP Photo Booth

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VENDOR ATTIRE & TAILORING

Meet our Heartland Premier Wedding Pros

CAKE & DESSERT

Bridal Connection

ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery

bridalconnectiondsm.com

chachashilandbakery.com

Celebrations Couture

Glorious Desserts

celebrationscouturedsm.com

gloriousdesserts.com

D'Luxe Tux

Hy-Vee Bakery

dluxe-tux.com

hy-vee.com

ANKENY, IA

DES MOINES, IOWA

WEST DES MOINES, IA

DES MOINES, IOWA

DES MOINES // CORALVILLE

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

Langel & Woods Clothiers

DECOR & RENTALS

langelwoods.com

Beyond Elegance Party Rentals

WEST DES MOINES, IA

beyondelegance.com

Merci's Tailoring CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

mercistailoring.com Skeffington's Formal Wear DES MOINES, IA

skeffingtons.com

NORTH LIBERTY, IA

beautyopbysm.com Hello Darlin' Glam DES MOINES, IA

hellodarlinglam.com vIVid Life Spa

eraeventdesign.com Royal Rental Co., Restrooms

DRINKS & BARTENDING Apres Bar Co. DES MOINES, IA

apresbarco.com

EVENT PLANNING Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com

NORWALK, IA

vividlifespa.com

Des Moines Wedding Show CENTRAL IOWA

CATERING

desmoinesweddingshow.com

Baratta's

Eastern Iowa Wedding Show

DES MOINES, IA

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

barattas.com

easterniowaweddingshow.com

Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA

cedarridgedistillery.com Hy-Vee Catering & Deli hy-vee.com

DES MOINES, IA

rentwithroyal.com

Beauty Op

DES MOINES // CORALVILLE

Era Events & Design

IOWA

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

lust

Fort Dodge Regional Bridal Show CENTRAL IOWA

fdbridalshow.com Era Events & Design DES MOINES, IA

eraeventdesign.com

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VENDOR

OUR PREMIER WEDDING PROS

FLORAL

lust

VENUES

Hy-Vee Floral

1868 Farmhouse

DES MOINES // CORALVILLE

BOONE, IA

hy-vee.com

1868farmhouse.com

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Barnes' Place

Complete Weddings + Events

barnes-place.com

CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com

ADEL, IA

Big Grove

DJ DAS Entertainment

IOWA CITY & CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

DES MOINES, IA

dj-das.com

biggrove.com/ICPrivateEvents biggrove.com/CRPrivateEvents

snapXP Photobooth

Cedar Ridge Distillery

snapxp.com

cedarridgedistillery.com

Vows & Vibes

The Chateau at White Oak

vowsandvibes.com

whiteoakchateau.com

SWISHER, IA

WEST DES MOINES, IA

CAMBRIDGE, IA

DES MOINES, IA

Country Lane Lodge

OFFICIANT

ADEL, IA

Vows & Vibes

countrylanelodgeiowa.com

vowsandvibes.com

The Era Wedding & Event Venue

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

theeraiowa.com

DES MOINES, IA

SCRANTON, IA

Complete Weddings + Events

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

completewedo.com

dmbotanicalgarden.com

Katie McDonald Photography

Iowa State Fairgrounds

katiemcdonaldphotography.com

iowastatefairgrounds.org

Studio Anne Photography

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

studioanne.co

thehotelatkirkwood.com

Sweet Story Photography

Crown Hall of Pickle Palace

sweetstoryphoto.com

playpicklepalace.com

CLIVE, IA

DES MOINES, IA

STATIONERY & GIFTS

DES MOINES, IA

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

Prairie Meadows Event Center ALTOONA, IA

TandemHart Paperie

prairiemeadows.com

tandemhartpaperie.com

Scottish Rite Consistory

TRAVEL & HONEYMOON

dmscottishrite.org

Mosaic Shores Travel Co.

Sherwood Forest Event Center

mosaicshores.com

sherwoodforesteventcenter.com

DES MOINES, IA

WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA

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completedesmoines.com 515.266.1355

DJ • PHOTO • VIDEO • PHOTO BOOTH • COORDINATION

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Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY &DESIGN DESIGN CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY &&DESIGN CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY

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