Heartland Wedding Ideas — March/April 2020 (Early Spring)

MAR/APR 2020

IT'S MY BIG DAY KELLY + HOUSTON CARLA + JOSHUA

STYLED SHOOT

OBSESSED!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT TAMORY HALL

EMILY KOWALSKI PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDING CHOICE WINNERS H E AAWARD RTLANDWE DDINGIDEAS.COM

HALBERSTADT'S MEN'S CLOTHIERS 1

Contents

H W I M A R /A P R 2 0 2 0

4-8 EDITORS' LETTER

Spring is finally here! We're so excited for warmer weather, plus patio season and margaritas are right around the corner. We've been busy at Heartland Wedding Ideas with weddings and award shows. We just hosted the 2nd annual Wedding Choice Awards. We had a great time awarding wedding pros in Central Iowa with top honors.

You can find the results on pages 16-21. And thanks to all our couples who voted!

We have lots of things to be inspired by this issue. First, we have a springy, boho feature at a new luxury venue, Tamory Hall. It's a gorgeous event space in Pella, IA, and a team of wedding professionals really showed off the new space with a perfectly styled shoot on pages 4–8.

Next, we have Carla + Joshua's entertaining I-do's at Scottish Rite Consistory, followed by a reception at Meadows Event Center. The bride lived in Vegas previously, so entertainment was a must! Their guests were thoroughly entertained between a live band, blackjack tables, and acrobatic performances. See it all on pages 23–29.

Finally, we feature, moody, boho I-do's by Kelly + Houston at Little Lights on the Lane. We loved their color palette and florals. Plus, a lot of unique personalization, (that jacket!) made their day perfect. See pages 30–35.

And remember, HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com is an excellent resource for planning your big day. Check out our Vendor Lust pages for the best professionals for your day. Enjoy our spring issue!

ST Y L E D S H O OT: TA M O R Y H A L L

12-14 OBSESSED: E M I LY K O W A L S K I P H OTO G R A P H Y & H A L B E R S TA D T ' S M E N ' S C LOT H I E R S

16-21 2019 WEDDING CHOICE AWA R D W I N N E R S

23-29 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : CARLA + JOSHUA

30-35 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : K E L LY + H O U S T O N

X OX O,

A lesha & Lisa CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com COVER PHOTO: GRACE T. PHOTOGRAPHY

Follow us!

We’re on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events and vendor spotlights, follow our feed. @heartlandweddingideas

PROFILE SHOT: LEAH RIED PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: TANDEMHART LICENSING & PRINTING: HIDDEN VALUES, INC. & SUTHERLAND PRINTING

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STYL ED S HOOT

S PRING HAS S PRUNG AT

TAMORY HALL A new luxury venue in Pella, Iowa, is a favorite among couples and wedding vendors alike. (Formerly Boat's Furniture) The professionals involved in this styled shoot showcased the beauty and versatility of the space. Tamory Hall has large windows, so there is no shortage of natural light. It's a wide-open space so you can truly bring your vision to life. Warm tones and boho styling remains a strong trend in 2020, so the shoot utilized pops of tangerine shades and tropical florals paired with textures of rattan and macrame to really pull together the perfect Spring look!

@tamoryhallevents venue is a photographer paradise, as there is natural light everywhere! Windows in the space creates a great opportunity for portraits.

Photography // @verdigrisphotographydesign

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Naked cakes are not only stunning in their own right, but provide a beautiful background for floral adornments.

Cake // @littleblackbirdbakery

Pops of tangerine bring warmth and joy to space and plays off the tropical florals well.

Coordinator + Stylist // @honeyandjoyevents @karlalewenczuk

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A lace dress captures the boho vibe.

Bridal Dress // @moderndress Model // @kristinrundle Hair + Makeup // @mallory.salon814main

You don't have to have a destination wedding to use tropical florals. We just love all the textures and color in this floral arrangement, especially paired with a macrame runner.

Florals // @shellysarverdesigns

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Hand lettering is a perfect touch for wedding signage.

Calligraphy // @paintingforcheese

We love this rattan mat seating chart.

Rental // @pellarental

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SAINTS CENTER FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS

Located in Stuart, Iowa Just 30 minutes west of Des Moines, IA

515.523.2921 | saintscenter.com

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obsessed NOT SO SECRETLY

It could be that new trend, that pin-worthy thing we can’t stop thinking about. It could be one of our wedding pros who have stood out from the crowd. Whatever we're obsessing about, you can see it all right here.

Want more?

Find us on Pinterest.com/HeartlandWed

We had the pleasure of meeting a new Iowa resident and photographer Emily Kowalski. With her love of capturing wide open spaces with her couples at the heart of it all we knew she'd be one to watch into 2020.

“I'm lucky to be in this business,” Emily told us. “I adore wedding cake and Chai lattes, which are regular indulgences when you're a photographer,” she smiles and laughs. In all seriousness, Emily is most passionate about making couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. “They’re nervous about having their photo taken, they don’t think they’ll be 'good at it.' Once the trust is there and we shake off some jitters, I make them look fabulous!" We love it! Every couple deserves that special attention on their wedding day.

SEE MORE AND BOOK WITH

EMILY KOWALSKI PHOTOGRAPHY

308.991.5667 emilykphotos.com | emilykphotos@outlook.com

HALBERSTADT'S MEN'S CLOTHIERS When you go to Halberstadt's you can be assured that they will meet all of your clothing needs, from everyday casual wear to your wedding day they’ve got you covered. It truly is a one-stop-shop! Whether you're a first time customer or a regular, their knowledgeable staff will always greet you with a smile and will keep you looking your best!

A floral or

halberstadts.com Circle Photo: Kara Vorwald Photography

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colorful bow tie is always a winner in our book!

The most daring and the most on trend grooms of 2020 will be wearing BOLD CHECK WEDDING SUITS. Lexi Buckley Photography

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2019

Congratul

ations

Congrats to the winners of the 2nd Annual Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards.

In 2019, couples voted for their favorite wedding professionals! That means you should check them out to for your wedding too!

ENGAGEMENT RING JEWELER GOLD // Josephs Jewelers SILVER // Greenberg's Jewelers BRONZE // Jared

WEDDING CAKE GOLD // Little Blackbird Bakery SILVER // Hy-Vee BRONZE // Molly's Cupcakes

WEDDING BAND JEWELER GOLD // Josephs Jewelers SILVER // Greenberg's Jewelers BRONZE // Kay Jewelers

GUESTBOOK GOLD // Jordan Design Co. SILVER // Shana Drake Photography SILVER // Painting For Cheese BRONZE // Red Door Photography

WEDDING INVITATIONS GOLD // Ephemera SILVER // Jordan Design Co. BRONZE // Samantha Owenson Photography & Design

DRINKS & BARTENDING GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // Red Acre Barn BRONZE // Des Moines Embassy Club BRONZE // The Iowa Taproom – Marquette Room BRONZE // Your Private Bartender

CALLIGRAPHY GOLD // Painting For Cheese SILVER // Sara Perez DAY OF WEDDING COORDINATOR GOLD // Make It Happen Events SILVER // Mostly Becky BRONZE // White Willow Events

BACHELOR PARTY LOCATION GOLD // Ironside Axe Club SILVER // The Operating Room BRONZE // Lumber Axe BRONZE // High Life Lounge BRONZE // iCubs BRONZE // Pole Position Racing

WEDDING PLANNER GOLD // Make It Happen Events SILVER // White Willow Events BRONZE // Mostly Becky

BACHELORETTE PARTY LOCATIONS GOLD // Ironside Axe Club GOLD // Shotgun Betty's SILVER // AR Workshop SILVER // Pinot's Palette

FLORIST GOLD // CamBam Custom Floral SILVER // The English Rose BRONZE // Love Blooms Floral & Events by CJ BRONZE // Shelly Sarver Designs CATERING GOLD // Lidderdale Country Store SILVER // Hickory Park BRONZE // Hy-Vee WEDDING DESSERT GOLD // Little Blackbird Bakery SILVER // Hy-Vee BRONZE // Molly's Cupcakes

HAIR SALON OR STYLIST GOLD // Salon Spa W SILVER // I Do Pretty BRONZE // Hair and Makeup

by Stacy MAKEUP ARTIST OR SALON GOLD // After Glow Pro Studio SILVER // I Do Pretty SILVER // Kelsi Ziemann Artistry BRONZE // Beauty Of All Faces

SPA / SKINCARE / MASSAGE / NAILS GOLD // Top Nails and Spa SILVER // Bliss Nails and Bar BRONZE // Andy's Nails BRONZE // Salon Spa W TANNING SALON GOLD // Sun Tan City SILVER // Bronze515 BRONZE // Tanique HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE GOLD // The Tea Room SILVER // Rollins Manson BRONZE // Lutheran Church of Hope BRONZE // St. Augustin Catholic Church BRONZE // Temple For Performing Arts BARN OR RURAL VENUE GOLD // Red Acre Barn SILVER // Clover Barn by Irishman Acres BRONZE // Carper Vineyard & Winery WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // The Chateau BRONZE // The Iowa Taproom – Marquette Room COUNTRY CLUB VENUE GOLD // Glen Oaks Country Club SILVER // Des Moines Golf and Country Club SILVER // Tournament Club of Iowa BRONZE // Hyperion Field Club BRONZE // Wakonda Club

Note: We awarded ties in some of the categories based on votes.

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THANK YOU TO ALL THE WEDDING PROS WHO HELPED MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE:

PHOTO BY GRACE T. PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTDOOR CEREMONY SPACE • RECEPTION VENUE • CORPORATE PARTIES

CAMBRIDGE, IOWA WWW.WHITEOAKCHATEAU.COM • 515.367.7933

PHOTO BY KEY OF A STUDIOS

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2019 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED FITNESS, HEALTH & WELLNESS GOLD // Aspen Athletic Clubs SILVER // Power Life Yoga Barre Fitness BRONZE // Life Time Athletic HOTEL AS A VENUE GOLD // Gateway Hotel and Conference Center GOLD // Hotel Renovo GOLD // West Des Moines Marriott SILVER // Courtyard by Marriott Ankeny SILVER // Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center BRONZE // Embassy Suites

by Hilton BRONZE // Hilton Garden Inn and Suites BRONZE // Hotel Grinnell HOTEL FOR GUEST'S OVERNIGHT STAY GOLD // Embassy Suites

by Hilton SILVER // Hotel Renovo SILVER // Des Moines Marriott Downtown BRONZE // Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center

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TRANSPORTATION GOLD // Luxxor Limousines SILVER // Absolute Transportation SILVER // Chauffeurs of Distinction SILVER // Hogan's Limousine BRONZE // Royal Rides VIDEOGRAPHER GOLD // Leah Rose Productions SILVER // Graphic Formation Films BRONZE // The Vine Productions OUTDOOR VENUE GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // Harpors Vineyard BRONZE // Rollins Mansion REHEARSAL AND SHOWER LOCATIONS GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // Exile Brewing Co. BRONZE // The Iowa Taproom – Marquette Room BRONZE // Red Acre Barn

CEREMONY MUSIC GOLD // A Special Event DJ SILVER // Quartet 515 BRONZE // DJ DAS Entertainment RECEPTION MUSIC GOLD // A Special Event DJ SILVER // The Sound Doctor Mobile DJ BRONZE // DJ DAS Entertainment BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER GOLD // Modern Boudoir SILVER // The Farmhouse Studios BRONZE // Elaina Rose Boudoir PHOTO BOOTH GOLD // A Special Event DJ SILVER // BD Photo Booth BRONZE // Complete Wedding + Events PHOTOGRAPHER GOLD // KMP Photography SILVER // Wild Soul Weddings BRONZE // Kara Vorwald Photography

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2019 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED WEDDING SHOW OR PLANNING EVENT GOLD // Des Moines Wedding Show SILVER // Mostly Becky — Capture the Essence SILVER // Your Wedding Iowa — Bridal Forum BRONZE // The Amazing Wedding Race

ACCESSORIES GOLD // Weddings By Design SILVER // Something Blue BRONZE // Pure Bridal ADDITIONAL ATTIRE GOLD // Weddings By Design SILVER // Something Blue BRONZE // Amour BRIDAL GOWN GOLD // Pure Bridal SILVER // Weddings By Design BRONZE // Schaffer's

TRAVEL AGENT OR SERVICE GOLD // Iowa Roots Travel SILVER // TBD Travel BRONZE // Pink Pineapple Travel Co.

BRIDESMAID GOWNS GOLD // David's Bridal SILVER // Weddings by Design BRONZE // Schaffer's

DECOR, SETUP & RENTALS GOLD // White Willow Events SILVER // Baqara SILVER // Beyond Elegance BRONZE // Bliss Events and Staffing Co.

In memory of those we lost this past year, we honor Pastor Joseph Karge and Skylar Faust.

Their passion for couples and love of this wedding community will live on in our hearts in the work we do for couples for years to come.

ALTERATIONS AND PRESERVATION GOLD // Glorious Alterations SILVER // Jude Dickson Alterations BRONZE // Designed by Kanya Marie GROOMSMEN ATTIRE GOLD // Skeffington's Formal Wear SILVER // Men's Wearhouse BRONZE // The Tux Shop GROOM'S ATTIRE GOLD // Skeffington's Formal Wear SILVER // Men's Wearhouse BRONZE // The Tux Shop

OFFICIANT GOLD // Joseph Karge SILVER // Jaime Paca BRONZE // Michael Walrod IN MEMORIAM Skylar Faust

Congratulations

Taylor Boesen White Willow Events

2019 VENDOR CHOICE AWARD

Taylor Boesen is dedicated to making every event a success. She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and is one of the hardest working talents in central Iowa. Our wedding community is proud to award this year's Vendor Choice Award to Taylor.

The Vendor Choice Award is voted on by wedding professionals to honor one of their own for their talent and drive to be a leader in this community.

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IT’S MY DAY

Big

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!

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

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CARLA + JOSHUA

KELLY + HOUSTON

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

CARLA + JOSHUA

E N T E RTA I N I N G I -D O' S

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Carla was a single mom of two boys, putting herself through college at Iowa State when the thought of dating started to cross her mind. Even with all the busy days and schedules, Carla decided she wanted to find another role model for her boys, and that’s when she joined Match. com. It was her first date (and only date), where she met Joshua, another time-crunched person, working on running his business. She knew that night, she had met the one for both her and her kids.

And when the moment came to propose, her boys were right there with her. Carla and Joshua decided they wanted family photos. During the shoot, the photographer asked Carla if she could turn around for one shot. When she turned back, Joshua was on one knee, and the boys even had a wedding band each to give her. It was a fantastic surprise, and she said, “YES!” When the couple started planning, they knew they wanted their personalities, interests, and styles represented. A lot of Carla’s inspiration came from her hometown of Las Vegas.

She wanted to create a very theatrical event that heightened the senses and left a lasting impression on their guest. This was not going to be your typical wedding.

It was important for Carla to see her vision through, to stay organized since she plans other couple's weddings too! A great tip that we see, and she used as well, is to create an email address JUST for wedding-related conversations. That way, it keeps it all together, and (hopefully) you don’t miss a thing!

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

For the ceremony, Beauty and the Beast was

Dick Danger Band played from cocktail hour

her vision. Under 60-lit candles, Joshua and

on and merged with DJ, House of Leopold,

Carla said “I do” in the Consistory Auditorium

to create a spectacular evening with a live

of the Scottish Rite, with pianist and violinist

performance from Cirque Wonderland! The

performing. It was like a fairytale. The space

troop performed in the air, high above the

is like none other in Des Moines, with high

guests. It was simply magical, like the entire

ceilings and columns that set a dramatic mood.

wedding had been transported to Las Vegas.

The reception was constant stimuli and

Carla’s biggest piece of advice: hire a

entertainment for their guests, just like the

wedding planner! And not just because she is

Vegas strip. They couldn’t have picked a

one. At the very least, designate an individual

more perfect setting at Prairie Meadows,

for communication and being the point

where they could enjoy the casino floor as

person. You want your day to be YOUR DAY!

well as design the giant ballroom to their

Then you can relax and enjoy it all.

every desire. The night was full of energy. The

We heart these shoes and feather tassel!

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VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF CARLA & JOSHUA'S BIG DAY!

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

VENDOR LUST // Find all the pros we're LUSTING after.

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS: Ceremony

Venue: Scottish Rite Consistory Reception Venue: The Meadows Events & Conference Center

Photographer Vantage Nine19 | Videography Twelve One Projects | Caterer The Meadows | Cake Crème Cupcake Floral The English Rose and floral by bride | Hair Brianne Cummins | Nail Salon Nail’d It (Ankeny) Wedding Dress Affinity Bridals | Menswear Affinity Bridals | Bridesmaid Dresses David’s Bridal | Ceremony Music Drake University Music Department | Live Music The Dick Danger Band | Ring Anglo Diamond | DJ Seth Leopold — House of Leopold | Rentals Eventfully Yours | Transportation Luxxor Limousines | Entertainment Cirque Wonderland Planning, Decor & Design Carla Coyle, bambamglam@yahoo.com, 515-201-8538 | Hairpin Something Blue Bachelorette Party Dinner: Eatery A

WEDDING COLOR PALETTE

Talk about entertainment!

Acrobats from Cirque Wonderland performed for their wedding guests!

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ALWAYS play Photos courtesy of: VantageNine19, and Amy Doerring Photography

FOR

KEEPS

Wedding Receptions | Ceremonies | Rehearsal Dinners | Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties Call 515.967.1000 to speak to an event planner today. prairiemeadows.com // Altoona, IA

T HE

MEADOWS EVENTS & CONFERENCE CENTER

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

This collection of rugs for the aisle runner couldn't be more perfect!

KELLY + HOUSTON

MOODY, BOHO VIBES It was a cloudy, rainy day when Kelly and Houston decided to take a trip up to Galena, IL. They spent it hopping from shop to shop, trying to stay dry. While grabbing a drink at a brewery, they met a sweet woman, also enjoying her day off. They talked for a bit before continuing through town. As it stopped raining, Kelly thought they should get some pictures.

She saw the same woman they had met earlier and asked her to take their photo. With the streets quiet, they took a couple of shots in the middle of the street. The woman asked, 30

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We are obsessed with this leather jacket!

“Okay, do something different!” That’s all

capture their special day. “I got really lucky

Houston needed; he was ready. He got down

that she was available. She knows how

on one knee and proposed. It was the perfect,

to capture the best moments, and she is

spontaneous surprise.

AWESOME to work with,” Kelly told us. We

Kelly wanted a moody yet colorful day. She worked with her florist to come up with a

can’t agree more, every shot is real and beautiful.

unique color palette. They decided on colors

Some of the new and fun ways Kelly and

like mustard, burgundy, and mauve, with hints

Houston celebrated was with pizza for dinner

of black and gold, like in the candles and

with cookies and ice cream for dessert. It was

candlestick holders. It really gave the whole

their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who

wedding a great moody vibe.

made their signature cookies to share. Kelly

It was years before the couple was engaged that Kelly found Grace T. Photography. Once she got engaged, Kelly knew Grace would

and Houston had 12 different cookie jars, each in their own cookie jar with the baker’s name on it, so everyone knew who made

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

that cookie. What a fantastic way to honor

into stuffing their faces with pizza before

the wonderful women who made Kelly and

heading to the reception. He couldn’t stop

Houston who they are today.

laughing and smiling the entire time.

One of Kelly’s favorite moments was the

Kelly’s biggest piece of advice for

impromptu dance party the bridal party had

planning your day: decide on what parts

in the groom’s lounge before the reception.

are the most important, and plan them

As well as her dad’s heartfelt speech that

first! People are planning much farther in

had them both tearing up. Houston loved

advance, so book your favorite wedding

walking his bride down the aisle, out the

pros as soon as you can!

door with their bridal party, and right

VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF KELLY & HOUSTON'S BIG DAY!

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Personalized mini Coke bottles are too cute!

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VENDOR LUST // Find all the pros we're LUSTING after.

Photographer Grace T. Photography | Videographer Jared Mills and Josh Sparks | Ceremony & Reception Venue Little Lights on the Lane | Floral Studio Bloom Iowa: Tiffany Landuyt | Caterer Stonewall Pizza Oven | Dessert Hynes Ice Cream, Iowa City | Hair True Roots Salon: Leah Coates | Makeup 100% Pure Pro Makeup, Cedar Rapids Wedding Dress Stillwhite.com, Brand: Rue De Seine | Menswear Ewers Men’s Store, Iowa City | Bridesmaid Dresses Show Me Your MUMU, Fame and Partners, Shona Joy, Reformation | Jewelry Von Maur | Stationery Goodfellow Printing, Mariah Koster (Designer) | Rentals Borrow My Vintage, Harvest and Dock (Napkins and Fork/Knives) | Spray Tan Nicki Boyd | Nails Elite Nails, Iowa City

WEDDING COLOR PALETTE

Trend alert! Neon signs are great photo props, plus you can have a special reminder of your day!

We love this cookie bar!

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