Heartland Wedding Ideas — Summer Issue 2016

SUMMER 2016

THE STORY BEHIND THE STONE

NO SEW DIY BUNTING BANNER The Perfect Venue for You SEE PAGES 20-28 HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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Catering Award-Winning

Décor

Venues Alluring

CENTRAL IOWA’S PREMIER

WEDDING & EVENT PRODUCER CHRISTIANISCATERING.COM | 515-287-3169

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SCOTTISH RITE CONSISTORY Stunning Venue in Downtown Des Moines for

Ceremonies & Receptions Choice of Catering | Seating up to 450

519 Park Street | Downtown Des Moines 5 15.288.8927 | events@dmscottishrite.org dmscottishrite.org

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Create something unique for your special day.

515 -991 -1016

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mimissweetcakesnbakes c om

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mimissweetcakesnbakes@gmail c om Find me on Facebook!

Photo: Katie Lindgren

LOVE YOU MORE THAN ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY

515-975-4650 call or text dejongphotography@hotmail.com dejongphotography.com

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Ëš Find us on facebook and instagram HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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a letter from our

Brides & Grooms,

Editors

Summer is officially here and that calls for tan lines, beaches, boating, and our personal favorite – weddings... lots and lots of weddings! So, grab a frozen drink, take a snap with the flower crown filter, and let the inspiration begin. Our Summer Issue is filled with the top vendors in the industry, trends you won’t want to miss, plus tips & tricks for the important things... like choosing the engagement ring of your dreams and the venue that’s right for you.

Check out our first ever jewelry style shoot, designed & curated by our friends at TandemHart. This unique selection of engagement rings showcases summers hottest trends, and will have you drooling on our pages. We’re talking stackable rings, rose gold everything, and stunning vintage heirlooms that you won’t forget!

Have your ring, but still looking for the perfect place to marry the love of your life? Let us help! We mapped out 12 types of venues, as well as a list of questions to ask yourself, so you can be sure to choose the right venue for both your style and your budget.

Of course, not everything for your wedding needs to break the bank. Flip to our DIY Wedding Guide for a no-glue, nosew bunting banner that anyone can do. It’s fun, creative, and easy on the pocket book...the perfect DIY project for accomplished DIYers & DIY wannabes alike.

As always, we can’t wait to hear from you and see what your wedding day brings! Flip to our It’s My Big Day section for this issues featured brides and an inside look on their big day. You can see what brides just like you did for their wedding day and what top vendors made it happen. To submit your own wedding, visit us online at www.heartlandweddingideas.com and remember be authentic, be inspired, and most importantly be you!

Cheers to you, your fiancé, and your wedding day!

XOXO, Jenna and Liz COVER PHOTO PROFILE SHOTS

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// Kara Vorwald Photography

// Katie McDonald Photography MAGAZINE DESIGN

// TandemHart

10/ STORY STONES

30-33 MAKE YOUR OWN BUNTING BANNER DIY WEDDING GUIDE

34-41 IT’S MY BIG DAY! 36/ KELSEY + KIRK 38/ KATELYN + BRANDON 40/ THERESA + CHRIS

20-28/

WEDDING VENUE LOCATIONS

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT Liz Eimers | 515.291.1637 H E A R T L A N D W E D D I N G I D E A S .info@heartlandweddingideas.com COM 5

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CUSTOM WEDDING STATIONARY & EVENT ST YLING

INFO@TANDEMHART.COM

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THE STORY BEHIND THE STONE

Photography by Kara Vorwald Photography Rings provided by Josephs Jewelers Styled by TandemHart Jewelry boxes provided by The Family Joolz

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1) 4 .28 carat oval yellow sapphire with a 14k yellow gold and yellow sapphire inner halo and a 14k white gold diamond outer halo and diamonds down split shank.

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2) 2 .36 carat pear shape black diamond and two pear shape colorless side diamonds with colorless diamond halo and shank set in 18k white gold.

ALTERNATIVE RINGS

Put your own unique spin on a classic diamond ring by using a colored diamond, changing the orientation or keeping it raw, all while still getting the durability & hardness that diamonds have to offer. If you opt for a colored gemstone, sapphires are a great choice, because they’re still durable for every day wear and also come in an array of beautiful colors.

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Flip a marquise shape east to west rather than north to south for an unexpected look.

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3) 1 .56 carat round faceted rough brown diamond with colorless diamond halo and shank set in 14k white gold.

4) 2 .30 carat oval blue sapphire ring with two side oval diamonds set in platinum.

5) 1 .06 carat marquise diamond with pavĂŠ diamond halo and shank set in 18k white gold.

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4) 1 4k white gold vertical ring with three diamonds set down center and engraving detail, from the early 1900’s 5) 1 8k white gold ring with four blue princess cut sapphires set in center with geometric diamond halo and shank

One of the benefits of rocking a replica?

You’ll be creating your own future heirloom to be passed down for generations to come.

6) 0 .98 carat oval ruby vintage-inspired ring with diamonds set in 14k white gold 12

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VINTAGE Channel something old for a truly unique engagement ring.

1) 0.52 carat old European cut diamond with side diamonds and engraving detail set in 18k white gold, from the early 1900’s 2) 14k white gold engraved vintage-inspired wedding band 3) 1.05 carat round enhanced yellow diamond surrounded by a 14k yellow gold bezel and 14k white gold and diamond vintage-inspired mounting

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STACKERS

Have fun stacking different shapes, colors and bands to create an interesting texture and curated look.

1) 14k rose gold bands with diamonds and one marquise blue sapphire.

2) 14k white gold bands with colorless and black diamonds.

3) 14k yellow gold bands with diamonds.

A super sweet way to add stacked bands to your collection over the years is with the birth of a child or a big anniversary.

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Add personalization to your engagement by getting your initials engraved on a special jewelry box. www.etsy.com/shop/ TheFamilyJoolz

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CLASSIC

Classic, timeless diamond jewelry designs transcend fashion trends and will always be in style.

1) 0.92 carat round diamond with diamond halo and shank set in 14k rose gold 2) 1.02 carat round diamond solitaire set in 14k yellow gold 3) 3 .01 carat princess cut diamond with channel set side diamonds set in 14k white gold 4) 4.04 carat round diamond solitaire set in 14k yellow gold 15

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hana rake

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not so secretly

Obsessed

It’s that new trend, that pin worthy thing we just can’t stop thinking about. See what we’re obsessed about in this issue. Want more?

Find us on Pinterest.com/HeartlandWed

Wine Smoothies Wine + Smoothie = Two of the best things ever, and the fact that they are showing up together this season is pretty genius, if we do say so ourselves. Add your favorite fruit and customize it how you like. What could be more refreshing at a hot summer wedding than a little Cabernet or Chardonnay mixed up into the perfect smoothie for you to sip on at your wedding? Yes please!

Find the recipe on www.heartlandweddingideas.com/ be-inspired

The Hearten Suite!

Dame & Maiden

For the bride looking for something she can’t find, who refuses to wear what every other bride is wearing, Dame & Maiden has your back. These custom wedding dresses are handmade by Iowa's own, Sarah Beale, and are a unique alternative to what you may find in a store. Visit her Etsy Shop today for a custom look for any bridal occasion! www.etsy.com/shop/DameandMaiden Photography: Raelyn Ramey Photography

The Hearten Suite is Iowa’s first and only mobile bridal suite. With more and more weddings happening outside or in unique locations, it’s the perfect hang out for you and your maids to prep and beautify yourselves before the big day. If that’s not enough to obsess about, when you book The Hearten Suite you are giving back! A percentage of every booking goes to an Iowa charity or organization.

Photography: Simple Bloom Photo Co.

See the inside of this mobile bridal suite at www.heartlandweddingideas.com

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The perfect venue for you Finding the perfect venue is at the top of our list of things to do once the wedding is in the works! Have a certain date or popular venue in mind? We recommend booking anywhere from 18 months to 2 years in advance. Don’t have that much time? Don’t panic. We’ve got a list of questions that will help guide you to the perfect location for you, whether that’s a wedding in your backyard, or on a tropical beach next to the ocean. Weddings, both ceremonies and receptions, seem to be everywhere these days – each with their own unique twist, so cheers to whatever you and your fiancé fancy,

because your big day is all about you!

FLIP TO PAGE 28 FOR A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO HELP GUIDE YOU TO YOUR PERFECT VENUE! 20

Destination Bright sunshine? Warm beach? What could be better than that?! While there may be some drawbacks to a destination wedding, having the ocean as a backdrop is definitely not one of them! If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, pack your bags and book your tickets for an unforgettable wedding adventure with your closest family and friends.

Photography: Justin Salem Meyer Photography Location: Sandos Finistrerra Los Cabos

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Campus From the football field, to historic campus buildings, couples are choosing to bring their love story back to campus, where it all began. With a rich history and scenery you can’t recreate, this is a popular choice for

Photography: Andrea Dahlberg Photography Location: Iowa State Campanile

sports lovers and couples who met during their college years.

Classic If you are looking for a sophisticated setting for your big day, consider a classic venue that will set the tone for your elegant affair. With timeless decor and always pin-worthy pictures, the venues that fit this category are never going out of style.

Photography: Katie Lindgren Photography Location: Temple of Performing Arts

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Country Club/Golf Course Known for their perfectly manicured lawns, fancy banquet rooms, and upscale conveniences, country clubs and golf courses are a popular choice to consider. The natural setting makes for a picturesque background for your ceremony and all pictures you will take throughout your big day.

Photography: Shana Drake Photography Location: Glen Oaks

Historical Whether it’s a mansion on a grand estate or a once famous building that’s been brought back to life, historical buildings are a new favorite spot for couples to tie the knot. With original decor and architectural details from floor to ceiling, your guests will enjoy stunning views with a rich history, allowing you to keep decorations to a minimum.

Photography: Amanda Basteen Photography Location: Rollins Mansion

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Barn It’s official. The barn wedding is here to stay! Newly engaged couples are flocking to barns, both old and new, for their casual setting and laid-back atmosphere.

With rustic wood and lots of room for decorating, these beautiful buildings are making their mark on the wedding industry. Perfect for the bride who likes to DIY! Photography: Seneca Epley Photography

Tent

Location: Bessie's Barn

More and more brides are moving outdoors for their big day, and a tent can be the perfect solution to alleviate any fear of what Mother Nature may do on your special day – and we promise, your guests will thank you! Tents can be a simple or elaborate affair, so coordinating with local wedding pros will be your go-to for arranging the rental of tables, chairs, linens, and whatever else you may need to bring in.

Photography: Shana Drake Photography Location: Brenton Skating Plaza

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Vineyard/Winery There’s something romantic about getting married next to beautiful rows of grapes with twisty vines and leaves for as far as the eye can see. Whether you love wine or not, if you’re looking for a place to have both your ceremony and reception, a winery is a great place to consider with both indoor and outdoor options.

Photography: Ali Leigh Photography Location: The Chateau at White Oak Vineyard

Hotel Hotels have always, and continue to be, a popular choice to host your wedding. With top-notch service, large ballrooms to accommodate your guest list, and a location for all of your family and friends to stay, how can you beat it?

Photography: Ryan Damman Photography Location: Downtown Marriott

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Backyard Having a wedding in your backyard can be a truly intimate celebration with the perk of being able to do whatever you want! From a low-key barbecue to a simple soiree, couples are turning their digs into the perfect location for a wedding.

Photography: Amanda Basteen Photography

Industrial Envisioning a modern vibe for your dream wedding? You’ll love the steel, exposed brick, and clean lines of an industrial building. Keep it chic and modern for an urban feel with a whole lot of character!

Photography: Amanda Basteen Photography Location: Sticks

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Garden/Park Create the wedding of your dreams with very little dĂŠcor, using the natural beauty of a blooming garden! Surrounded by luscious green space, ponds, and fountains, gardens and parks offer a relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy as they celebrate your big day.

Photography: Everlasting Love Photography

Location: Reiman Gardens

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The perfect venue for you Picking the perfect location for your wedding day is one of the first things you'll want to do after you get engaged and begin planning. Venues come in all shapes, sizes and styles, and they all have different rules, so here are some things to think about before you going shopping.

VENUE

CHECKLIST:

□D o you want your ceremony and reception at the same location?

□W hat other rentals do they include, if any? (i.e. china, flatware, glassware, etc.)

□H ow many does your guest list consist of?

□A re there bride and groom’s suites for your wedding party?

□W hat style of building are you going for? (i.e. rustic chic, vintage, industrial, outdoor, etc.)

□A re a lot of your guests from out of town? If so, is there a hotel or conference center nearby? These might be great options for you to consider, with rooms available for them in the same building.

□D oes the venue provide tables, chairs, and linens? □C an you use any catering company?

Does your caterer need to be licensed and insured? Do you have to select from a preferred catering list? These are all great options, just make sure it is the right option for you and your guests!

□W hat day of the week do you want to get married? Will your venue accommodate Friday and Sunday weddings? □D o they provide china, flatware, and glassware?

□W hat is the facility rental time? Are there particular hours? Do you get the facility for the day or weekend? □D oes your venue include a coordinator?

This can be helpful if you are choosing not to use a wedding planner. □A re you interested in an outdoor ceremony space?

Visit www.heartlandwedding ideas.com

to see our vendorlust page on venues!

□W hen can you decorate? What are the rules? (i.e. no glitter, or open flames) Photography: Seneca Epley Photography

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DI Y

W ED D I NG

You'll need:

G UI D E

Scrapbook paper

RULER

DIY No Glue, No Sew Bunting Banner: Handmade by: Heartland Wedding Ideas Photography: Sarah Rooney Photography

Bunting Banners have been all the rage for the last year and we are seeing them incorporated into all aspects of the wedding celebration! Use it as a welcome sign for guests, a backdrop for a photo shoot, or anything else you can think of! Whether it is behind the head table at the reception, or an accent to your cake table, bunting banners are a fun way to add color, texture, and pattern to your already fabulous event! And let's be honest, life is always better when there is no glue or sewing involved!

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RIBBON SMALL CLOTHES PINS

CARDBOARD

Scissors

turn the page to LEARN HOW 31

STEP ONE: On your piece of cardboard, starting in the top corner, measure 12 cm across on the top of the page and make a mark. Then, measure 16cm down from the top and make another mark.

Lastly, measure 12 cm from the previous mark. Next, find the 6cm point between your two bottom marks. This will be the point of your triangle. Use a ruler to connect the point of your triangle to your first mark and the starting corner.

STEP TWO: Trace the pattern on the back of the scrapbook paper of your choice, and repeat as many times as needed for your desired length.

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STEP THREE: Cut out traced pieces and organize them in the order you want them hung.

STEP FOUR: Use the clothes pins to attach the pieces of the bunting banner onto the ribbon of your choice.

We used burlap ribbon for ours.

STEP FIVE: Hang the banner wherever your heart desires! The options are endless!

STEP 6: Most importantly‌.

ENJOY!

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IT’S MY

BIGDAY

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

Big or small. Boho or rustic chic. Small budget or unlimited. And everything in between. We know you poured your heart and soul into it.

You submit. We publish.

Everyone gawks.

Justin Salem Meyer Photography

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IT’S MY

BIG

DAY

KELSEY + KIRK Kirk & Kelsey may not have had their driver’s licenses when they first caught each other’s eye at the Iowa State Fair, but their instant connection, along with rides from their parents, turned their summer meeting into a lasting romance. Months would turn into years, seasons would change, and the couple would find themselves once again creating the memory of a lifetime, this time in the cold of winter.

It was Christmas Eve and the lovebirds paired up for a game of Taboo against his parents. Giving Kelsey one last clue, Kirk asked, “What is something two people do when they love each other very much and have been together a long time?” Responding quickly, Kelsey replied, “get married?!” With excitement swirling in the air as she prepared

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to get the question right, Kirk got down on one knee and asked Kelsey to marry him. Completely surprised, she said yes, and after celebrating with family and friends the happy couple wasted no time planning their simple, elegant, shabby chic wedding.

Their favorite moments from their big day were waiting to see each other until they walked down the aisle, having the ceremony performed by the groom’s father, a pastor of 30 years, and celebrating with family and friends. A live country band kept the party going, and Kirk’s sister, Kelsey,

e Look lov

Shabby Chic

coordinated all of the décor and decorated the venue from top to bottom with colors of teal, mint, peach, coral, beige and navy. Mercury glass vases, romantic taper candles, gold chargers, champagne sequin runners, and flowers, designed by a family friend, could be seen all throughout the reception.

Advice from the bride and groom would be to, “Enjoy being engaged. It is a truly happy time and there is no need to be stressed. I guarantee there will be a hiccup along the way with planning, but remember, no matter what, everything is going to work out. Just keep in your mind that at the end of your wedding day, you are marrying your very best friend and that is what is most important. Your day will be perfect!

VENDOR LUST Photography // Seneca Epley Photography | Bridal Attire // Bridal Dreams Cake // Kimmi's Creation | Décor Coordinator // Kyla Burton Ceremony Venue // Sugar Grove Vineyards Florals // Kathy Gorsuch | Hair // Dolce Vita Salon (Kiegan Sheets) & Nicole Stevens Tuxes // The Backroom | Live Music // Cowboy Jukebox | Catering // Greater Caterers of Iowa Invitations // Love Style Design – Kyla Burton

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IT’S MY

BIG

DAY

KATELYN + BRANDON Best friends, and inseparable since their first date, Brandon planned an unforgettable proposal off the beautiful shore of West Oahu.

They were on vacation with Katelyn's family and best friend, Mandi, when the fishing crew coaxed her into reeling in the 'next big catch'. Fishing wasn’t really her thing so she told Mandi to do it, but the crew insisted.

Reeling in what she thought was a fish, Katelyn noticed something popping out of the water. As it got closer, she realized it was a champagne bottle with something inside, so she grabbed it and popped open the cork to find a rolled piece of paper that read, “I love you. Will you marry?” Shocked, she turned around to find Brandon down on one knee with a ring. Katelyn said of course and tears were shed. It was the perfect moment and the best part of all was that they got to share it with their families.

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The couple’s engagement lasted almost a year, and from day one, Katelyn knew she wanted to get married on a beach. The water is where she is happiest and shoes would be optional at their beach wedding in Cabo.

She went all out with fun, bright colors that looked gorgeous set against the blue ocean, and worked with a wedding planner to get the boho, tropical vibe she was going for.

Hiring an event planner was one of the best decisions she made, and worked with them on décor, rentals and day of coordination. “It was such an easy process and worth every penny!”

Katelyn tells us.

Most of Brandon and Katelyn’s guests had a pretty full day of traveling to get to Cabo, so they knew they wanted to spoil them and thank them with as many goodies as they could when they arrived. They hand delivered nearly 75 welcome bags to each

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guest to greet and thank them for coming; and knowing they could never thank them enough, the afternoon before the wedding, arranged a private cocktail cruise before treating them to a delicious welcome dinner.

The wedding day, and realizing that people loved them enough to travel across the country to celebrate with them, was their most memorable moment of the trip.

The couples advice to other people getting married is, “It’s really easy to get caught up in the flowers and décor. You can spend an endless amount of money on one day, but remember what that day is really, truly about—each other and the love you have. Just like any big life change or decision, it’s not always easy or pretty but if you’re in love and have your best friend by your side, you can do anything. All in all, just remember that it’s not the Chiavari chairs or expensive blooms around you that will make your day, but the people who surround you that will bring you true happiness.”

See more of Katelyn + Brandon's Big Day at www.heartlandweddingideas.com or the bride's blog at www.katalinagirl.com

VENDOR LUST Photography // Justin Salem Meyer Photography | Videographer // Estuary Motion Hair & Makeup // Penelopie Beauty Bar | Wedding Invites // Minted | Florals // Cabo Floral Studio Location // Sandos Finisterra, Los Cabos | Dress // Watters via Rhylan Lang

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IT’S MY

BIG

DAY

THERESA + CHRIS

Chris and Theresa first met at the Tulip festival in Pella through friends of friends. They bonded over a love of Anchorman, and Chris’s first line on Theresa was actually a quote from the movie.

She thought it was pretty bold! They started going on road trips and mini-adventures around central Iowa and started dating soon after. They were on their seven-year anniversary date to Reiman Gardens having, what Theresa thought was a relaxing day trip, when Chris pulled this beautiful ring out of his pocket and got down on one knee. “He actually never got to technically ask me to marry him,” Theresa tells us, “I said yes before he could!”

Planning their wedding for July 27th, their 10 year anniversary, the couple wanted to keep it simple, and envisioned something fun and whimsical. Living History Farms was the perfect fit and they ended up dubbing their style “Rustic Whimsy”. Their main colors were teal and brown with highlights of purples, greens, blues, and gold. With the help of Theresa’s mom and sister-in-law, they decorated with handmade paper flowers, pennant flag banners, birchwood and fairy light vases, a wedding arch, and lots of burlap.

Theresa’s dad and a friend even chipped in making beautifully polished wooden slabs for the mini-cupcakes, and a little stump for the wedding cake. Finally, Theresa worked with Eventfully Yours on the ‘big stuff’ like chairs, table runners, and some ambient décor.

giant balloons make great photo props

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VENDOR LUST The wedding party was very small and intimate and on the day of the wedding, they had a blast visiting the Des Moines Art Festival and Mayhem Comics and Collectibles, before chowing down at Wendy’s in full wedding garb! The most important thing for Chris and Theresa was that it was a celebration. They wanted people to be there having fun, and even welcomed a few wedding crashers with open arms. Theresa’s biggest piece of advice to newly engaged couples is, “Accept all the help you can get. People are going to offer to help you with your wedding, because they’re excited for you and want to be apart of this huge milestone in your life!”

Photographer // James A Stepp Photography Wedding Gown // The Bridal Connection Jewelry // Dornink Reception // Living History Farms Catering and Cake // Hy-Vee

We heart personalized cake toppers!

Event Planning // Eventfully Yours Florist // Hy-Vee Photobooth // The Wandering Pixels DJ // LS Entertainment

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