Heartland Wedding Ideas — July/August 2017 (Summer)

JULY/AUGUST 2017

To have and to

hold!

SEE PAGES 8 – 13

MEGAN + JAKE

Her inspiration came from creative kid’s birthday parties

SEE PAGES 18 – 21

SEE PAGES 22 – 25

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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

Main Photo: Ben Easter Photography Circle Photo: Aly Kristenmacher Photography

Meghan Spomer | Event Director | mspomer@hyperionfc.com | 515.278.4711

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photo credit: Red Door Photography

ARRIVE IN STYLE 1.800.712.8518 • absolutetransportation.org prpartylines@gmail.com HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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Editors

a letter from our

(and design team!)

Dear couples,

Congratulations on your engagement!

Wedding season is in full gear and we love seeing all the different ways couples are showing off their personalities. Take a look at Jessica and Don's wedding, (pp. 22 – 25) wow, what a party! From vibrant colors to the unconventional wedding decor, this wedding made all our unicorn dreams come true. Next, we feature Megan and Jake's picturesque wedding, those lake shots are beyond beautiful and that weeping willow, gaaahhh. (pp. 18 – 21).

Our contributing editor, Justin Salem Meyer, reminds us to take care of the grooms too, and provides "5 tips to looking great on your wedding day." (pp. 6 – 7) We love bringing you inspiration from local artists and vendors and when a team like Peach Polka Dot and Raelyn Ramey pair up, magic is bound to happen.

Who doesn't want to wrap their arms around their man and drive off into the sunset. (pp. 8 – 13) Don't forget our "Obsessed" page, which includes our vendor spotlight and wedding trends we love. (p. 16) We hope this issue inspires you to create a day that represents YOU. Let the planning begin!

XOXO, Alesha & Lisa

COVER PHOTO // ANNA JONES PROFILE SHOTS // JAMI MILNE MAGAZINE DESIGN // TANDEMHART

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6-7 WEDDING SUIT: DON'T FORGET THE GROOM!

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8 – 13/ STYLE SHOOT:

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

NOT SO SECRETLY OBSESSED

22 - 25/ JESSICA + DON

18 – 21/ MEGAN + JAKE FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT Lisa Braden or Alesha Burgraff | 515.635.1608 info@heartlandweddingideas.com

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W E D D I N G S U I T : D O N'T F O R G E T T HE G R O O M !

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHY: JUSTIN SALEM MEYER

For her wedding day, the bride will have her hair done ($75), her makeup done ($50), her nails and toenails done ($50), a spray tan ($50), a dress (~$2000), and a veil ($200). Believe me, it all pays off. But then the groom shows up in an ill-fitting $100 rental tux that was measured by a high school student?!? May I suggest a better way.

Rent, buy, borrow, but please get something that fits gentlemen!

Rent – There are great options out there for rent but make sure it fits! Try it on when you pick it up.

Buy & Get it tailored – Grab something off the rack from a department store and take it to get it tailored.

Go Custom – Most fine menswear stores do a made-to-measure program. This is an expensive option but it is obviously the best fit you can get. Keep in mind, this can take a few months to get your suit/tux made.

Don't Forget: There are a few ways to make your suit more personal. ACCESSORIES: Tie bar, pocket square, lapel pin/ flower or CUSTOMIZE IT: Have your name/wedding date 6

embroidered inside the jacket.

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FIVE TIPS TO LOOKING GREAT ON YOUR WEDDING DAY: 1. No gap between shirt collar and jacket lapel. | 2. Shoulder should be fitted.

3. Make sure pants hit at the right length. (A slight break is how I personally prefer it.)

4. Sleeve lengths are intentional. (I like about .5" showing.) | 5. Get shoes that feel good and don’t let your wedding day be the first time you try them on.

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ST Y L E S H O OT

TO HAVE AND TO

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hold

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Raelyn Ramey Photography

|

FLORALS: The Peach Polka Dot

MODELS: Madeline Muhlenbruck - @madelinemuhlenbruck

|

Josh Adams - @joshthewolf

FASHION: Dornink

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hoop bouquet

Ditch the traditional bouquet for a hoop bouquet. Traditional

bouquets can sometimes be cumbersome to carry, whereas the hoop bouquet allows you to be comfortable and carefree. It can be easily hooked on your arm while you're posing for photos. Bonus: It also doubles as wall dĂŠcor when the wedding is over! thepeachpolkadot.com | etsy.com/shop/thepeachpolkadot

flower crown

We'll always love a flower crown. It's one of the prettiest, easiest accessories to wear with your wedding dress.

They're very easy to personalize, from oversize flowers to a few simple green sprigs and mini spray roses. thepeachpolkadot.com | etsy.com/shop/thepeachpolkadot

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ST Y L E S H O OT

alternative

With bridal separates, you are able to mix

and match bridal skirts with bridal tops to

create your very own unique wedding dress.

There are plenty of options, so you can make a style statement that represents you.

Skirt is Dornink | dornink.com

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ST Y L E S H O OT

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Think of this exit as a fresh take on the classic sparkler send-off. Surprise your guests with an unexpected getaway on the back of a motorcycle — and just think of the photo ops!

Raelyn Ramey Photography | raelynramey.com

grand getaways

forever and

ever

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ACTION MULTIMEDIA

~

DJ and Photobooth for Central Iowa Face to face consultationOnline planner and timeline builder Large digital music collection High end speaker and lighting systems Wireless mic DJ/Emcee $550 for 6 hours or $595 for unlimited 515.537.6430 |support@actionmultimedia.biz |www.actionmultimedia.biz

CUSTOM WEDDING STATIONARY & EVENT ST YLING

INFO@TANDEMHART.COM

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•

TANDEMHART.COM

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IOWA STATE

FAIRGROUNDS

NOTHING COMPARES TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. Enjoy free, close parking for your guests, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail.

To schedule your wedding at the incomparable Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515.262.3111, ext 282.

EAST 30TH & EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | P 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 15

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

Reception Games

In an effort to entertain guests, couples are turning to the tried and true: games. From Jenga to lawn games at outdoor cocktail hours, games are being used as a way to break the ice between guests. This playful trend is a great way to get your friends and family mingling.

Photographed by // Left Photo: Amanda Basteen Right Photo: Anna Jones Photography

Adventure Honeymoon: New Zealand With scenery like this, it's no surprise that New Zealand is the new hotspot for adventurous honeymooners. Plan your honeymoon in New Zealand and you'll begin the rest of your life with your soulmate in one of the most romantic places in the world.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT:

Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory We heart this stately beauty that has been a fixture in Des Moines since 1927. Its towering columns, historical tapestries, and ornate ceilings make Scottish Rite Consistory the perfect spot for your grand entrance.

If you’re looking for one location for all your needs, this venue can handle it. Many couples get married in the Consistory Auditorium and hold their reception in the Grand Banquet room. Both spaces impress with their high ceilings.

And the building’s smaller rooms, some with original woodwork, make great spaces for getting ready or enjoying time with your bridal party. We also love the flexibility of bringing your own caterer or choosing from their approved vendors to get you going.

Find out more about this Downtown Des Moines 16

location for your big day at dmscottishrite.org

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IT’S MY

BIGDAY

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

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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.

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IT’S MY

BIG

DAY

MEGAN + JAKE Megan, a Pennsylvania girl, met Jake, an Iowa boy. Both studied music at the University of Iowa. It was a music fraternity party that brought them together. With their families scattered all over the states, they wanted to get married in Iowa City where they had met.

The couple just wanted to make their day fun and easy-going for their guests. Megan’s dad made a giant wooden Jenga set and a toss game of “Bags” for their guests to enjoy. Megan’s mom scoured every garage sale looking for antique glass bottles and centerpieces. Megan’s dad even surprised her with a momento from childhood, a worn-down yellow matchbox school bus that Megan took everywhere with her.

As Megan looked for her vendors, she met Macy with Borrow My Vintage. Then things quickly fell into place. Macy helped her find all the right pieces to bring her eclectic tablespaces together. Tiffany, at Studio Bloom, created gorgeous bouquets and centerpieces VISIT H E ART LANDWE D D ING IDEAS.COM TO SE E T H E RE ST OF ME GAN + JAKE' S B IG DAY!

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with tons of greenery texture and soft garden flowers. Megan also fell in love with the photography of Amanda Basteen and knew almost instantly that she would be the perfect fit to memorialize their big day.

Planning was a little harder since the couple was living in Washington, D.C. Luckily with one trip to Iowa City, they were able to coordinate with all their vendors to taste and consult on all the details. Then everything started to feel much more exciting and real to the couple.

Family did so much for Megan and Jake, of course all the sisters were in the wedding, even helping her with hair and makeup, but also Jake’s uncle traveled from overseas to be their officiant. Jake’s mother even drove their two dogs Peanut and Snoopy all the way from Washington, D.C. to be with them!

There was a lot of love at the Celebration Farm that day. The finale of the night was the release of over a hundred LED balloons to quietly light up the night sky. The perfect ending to a perfect day!

VENDOR LUST Photographer // Amanda Basteen, amandabasteen.com | Venue // The Celebration Farm – Amphitheater, thecelebrationfarm.com | Floral // Studio Bloom, studiobloomiowa.com | Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Dresses // BHLDN, bhldn.com | Men's Suits // JCREW, jcrew.com | Stationary // Minted, minted.com | Event Planning & Decor, Calligraphy // Borrow My Vintage, borrowmyvintage.com | Ceremony Music // Dana Starkell, danastarkell.com | Reception Music & Rentals // Unique Events – Rob Abellana, uniqueeventsiowa.com

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IT’S MY

BIG

DAY

JESSICA + DON

We love THAT JESSICA ON WENT ALL IN ND COLOR, FUN A WHIMSY! VISIT H EA RTL A N DWED D INGID E AS.COM TO SE E THE R EST O F J ESSICA + D O N'S BIG DAY!

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A roof top engagement was the perfect start to Don and Jessica’s urban wedding adventure! During a trip to Minneapolis where the couple used to live, Don suggested a detour to their old apartment building and a climb up to the roof “for old time’s sake”. With a beautiful view of the city, he proposed to Jessica, completely taking her by surprise and starting them on their new lives together.

Jessica didn’t turn to traditional mood boards to plan. A lot of her inspiration came from creative kid’s birthday parties. “Which is funny in hindsight!” the bride told us.

“They were just so much more colorful and vibrant than most wedding boards — so I gravitated toward them.” She wanted to use everything they loved, bright colors, metallics, an urban backdrop complete with graffiti, balloons, tassels everywhere, and … unicorns!

Okay, let’s explain! Don’s nickname for Jessica has always been “Jessicorn,” and so she had a ton of fun working in little unicorn details everywhere she could. She even splurged on Sophia Webster unicorn heels. (We’re in love!) By the end of the night, all their friends were using the hashtag #unicorngarden, which couldn’t have made

We heart the back of her dress!

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Jessica happier. “It will be known forever as

Jessica and Don felt truly blessed to share the

the ‘Unicorn Garden Wedding,’ at least to us!”

vows they wrote in front of family and friends

When you’re a bride with such a vision for your day, it’s important to find the vendors that can see it through. When Gastro Grub came to them and suggested fried chicken

who poured so much into helping that day.

From setup and decorating to playing music that set the tone of their day, they couldn’t have asked for more.

and waffle cones, it was a no-brainer for

What advice does Jessica have to other

the couple. Anna Jones, with her unique

brides? “Break tradition if it doesn’t suit you.

and artistic perspective, was the perfect

You’ll never regret those extra moments of

photographer to capture their day. Brenda,

planning that made your day uniquely yours.”

from As You Wish Floral, was thrilled to not

We couldn’t agree more.

only create a bouquet with stunning colors and greens, but also giant balloons with florals for Jessica’s bridesmaids.

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Trend Alert: BIG BALLOONS

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VENDOR LUST Photography // Anna Jones Photography annajon.es Ceremony Venue // Des Moines Social Club desmoinessocialclub.org Caterer // Gastro Grub gastrogrubtruck.com Dessert // Crème Cupcake cremecupcake.com

Floral // As You Wish Floral – Brenda McGinnis asyouwishfloral.com Hair // Stylist: Anna Mason, Salon W salonspaw.com Wedding dress // Behati Gown – Hayley Paige jlmcouture.com Stationary and Calligraphy // Sunny Yang Reception Music // Seth Leopold Rentals // Beyond Elegance beyondelegance.com Tent // Classic Events & Parties cep-ia.com

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Venues Alluring

Décor

Catering Award-Winning

CENTRAL IOWA’S PREMIER

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

BRENTONEVENTS.COM (515)-287-3169

OUTDOOR WEDDING OR EVENT?

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.

DOWNTOWN DES MOINES. ON THE RIVERWALK.

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