Heartland Wedding Ideas — Nov/Dec 2019 (Early Winter)

NOV/DEC 2019

IT'S MY BIG DAY MOLLIE + COLBY KRISTIN + SPENCER

ROLLINS MANSION

STYLED SHOOT

SOMETHING BLUE

INK & OAK CALLIGRAPHY

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HARPORS VINEYARD VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

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Contents

H W I N O V/ D E C 2 0 1 9

6-11 EDITORS' LETTER

The holidays are just around the corner! We hope you find time to relax in-between family gatherings and holiday shopping. Who knows, maybe there will be a proposal in your future?! We know that the cooler temps bring on holiday engagements, so CONGRATS in advance!

This issue is bigger so there is even more to be inspired by!

We're so excited for you to see our real wedding features, but first, we have a gorgeous, winter blue styled shoot.

Mostly Becky pulled vendors from Eastern to Central Iowa and the result is one-of-a-kind. One of our favorite elements of this styled shoot is Little Blackbird Bakery's water cake. We've never seen anything like it!

See pages 6–11.

Next, it's everyone's favorite section, "It's My Big Day," where we feature real Iowa weddings. We start with middle school sweethearts Mollie + Colby who after several years apart found each other and rekindled the flame. Their rustic, vintage wedding at Sherwood Forest Event Center felt warm and inviting. Kara Vorwald Photography captured the personalities of the couple perfectly. Featured on pages 21–27.

ST Y L E D S H O OT: SOMETHING BLUE

14-19 V E N D O R S P OT L I G H TS : ROLLINS MANSION, I N K & O A K C A L L I G R A P H Y, H A R P O R S V I N E YA R D

21-27 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : MOLLIE + COLBY

30-35 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : KRISTIN + SPENCER

Finally, we close the magazine with an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration with Kristin + Spencer's I-Do's at Curate. We are huge fans of NYE weddings, because why not make your wedding a huge party?! 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 in the wedding industry. Enjoy the issue!

X OX O,

A lesha & Lisa

Sawyer Elwell Copywriter Intern

CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@heartlandweddingideas.com WEBSITE: heartlandweddingideas.com

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COVER PHOTO: ANNIE’S EASEL PROFILE SHOT: ALLIE REED PUBLISHER: TANDEMHART LICENSING & PRINTING: HIDDEN VALUES, INC. & SUTHERLAND PRINTING

C ATERED TO YOUR NEEDS

From a beautiful, intimate ceremony and the timeless elegance of your reception, to 24/7 entertainment options – we have it all.

Call 515.967.1000 to start planning your big day!

T HE

MEADOWS EVENTS & CONFERENCE CENTER

Prairie Meadows is located just minutes from downtown Des Moines. // prairiemeadows.com

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S OMETHING OLD, SOMET H ING NEW, SOMET H I N G BOR R OWED,

Something Blue ZOE Y MA RIE PH OTOGRA PH Y

Is a big fan of natural light and capturing those in-between moments where you’re your most authentic you.

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Specializes in wedding cakes and dessert bars.

Whitney makes everything from scratch. No pre-made mixes and all fresh ingredients make her cakes taste as good as they look.

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Inspired by ocean blues and crashing waves

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L ITT L E B L A CK B I R D B AK ERY

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P U R E BR I DAL They believe that all brides deserve an enjoyable, one-on-one experience when shopping for their dream wedding dress.

H ydrangea Bloom Allison knows that each bride has a different budget and style. So she designs based on your desires and needs.

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A mixture of white roses, thistles and dusty miller makes a perfect seasonal bouquet.

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N O R T H E R N V ESSE L CO F F EE CA R T

This venue creates a stunning, minimal backdrop for your big day. It features a Bride's Room with Private Bathroom, Full Kitchen & Bar and 3,800 Square Feet of Wedding & Event Space.

They offer well cared for coffee and hand-crafted cocktail alternatives. Your guests will love the extra perk!

Coffee please.

C OPPER C R EEK R IDGE

B O R R O W M Y V I N TAG E Is a rental styling company that offers some amazing and unique pieces that will complete your perfect day!

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Milt o n P r i n t Co m pan y Your invite is the first impression you make on your guests! Jessica can take some pressure off you and help with your invite, decor, gifts and all the little things in-between.

Grab a signature drink and a table number!

C LI F E ENTER TAI NMENT Will bring the entertainment along with an enthusiastic personality and passion for music on your wedding day.

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Uni que Ev ents OF I OWA Offers an extensive list of services for all of your wedding needs.

Including beautiful decor rentals, furniture, dance floors and more!

They will help you create an event that’s truly unique.

B re ad Ga r d en M a r k et From appetizer bites to custom entrées and miniature desserts to tiered cakes, Bread Garden Market has the knowledge and experience to execute flawlessly catered events.

Create cozy corners for your guests to relax in!

M OS T LY B E CK Y Offers full and partial planning packages,min addition to offering customized planning for your wedding weekend experience. They'll expertly guide you in navigating the services and details you’ll want to include on your big day.

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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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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

Your home for celebrations Join us as we stroll the grounds to discover the historic beauty of this 1920's Tudor style home turned venue.

Maggie Gulling Photography

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VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDING IDEAS.COM TO SEE MORE OF THE ROLLINS MANSION.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

The Rollins Mansion is the perfect venue

Bingham Photography

to host your ceremony, reception and dance all in one location. Your guests will have an extraordinary time exploring this beautifully historic venue full of unique architecture in each of its gorgeous rooms.

Along with the friendly, detail-oriented, professional staff, this location is the premier venue in the Des Moines area to host your wedding.

The Rollins Mansion is complete with two romantic and enchanting gardens with a stairway separating them, which is a picture perfect spot to exchange vows. This absolutely stunning venue can accommodate your wedding guest size of 30 – 350 people. The elegant details will provide you the perfect location for many happy memories to be made on your special day.

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR TODAY

515.657.7288 rollinsmansion.com 2801 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA info@rollinsmansion.com

Maggie Gulling Photography

Dronography Iowa

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VE N D O R SP OTLI GHT

inkandoakcalligraphy.com tome@inkandoakcalligraphy.com

From traditional to modern, classic or stylized, every beautiful stroke at Ink & Oak comes from the pen of Tome Plaza-Hope. Adding the hand touch of calligraphy makes any stationery set much more personal and inviting.

We're always amazed at Tome's steady hand and seemingly limitless styles. Talk with her to create something unique for your big day!

VISIT HEA RTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO S EE MORE OF INK & OAK'S WORK.

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IOWA IOWA STATE STATE IOWA STATE

FAIRGROUNDS FAIRGROUNDS FAIRGROUNDS

NOTHING NOTHING COMPARES COMPARES NOTHING COMPARES TOTO A WEDDING A WEDDING AT AT THE THE FAIRGROUNDS FAIRGROUNDS TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

Celebrate Celebrate your special your special day atday theatIowa the Iowa StateState Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds.

Historic Historic buildings, buildings, modern modern facilities facilities Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque and picturesque outdoor outdoor settings settings awaitawait you and youyour and guests. your guests.

EnjoyEnjoy free, free, closeclose parking parking for your for your and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. Enjoy free, close parking for your guests, guests, an accessible an accessible location location and aand staff a staff readyready to assist to assist you with you every with every detail.detail. guests, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail.

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

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17 30TH H E AVENUE AR TELAA NTD LMOINES, W AN ED D DIA IEN|DP GD515.262.3111 ID I NEGAISDEXT .E CA O SM .C O M | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 17 EAST EAST &30TH EAST& UNIVERSITY EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE |HDES MOINES, | RDES IA | PW 515.262.3111 282 EXT | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 282 EAST 30TH & EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | P 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG

V E N D O R SP OTLI GHT

Redefined Luxury.

Far from ordinary, Harpors is the perfect backdrop for your special event.

Our staff is here to serve, and our greatest desire is to tailor the arrangements to your personal preferences.

Harpors is famous for a hybrid experience of the great outdoors and indoor bliss. Onsite Harpors features a luxury bridal suite that will be customized to your preference. The bridal courtyard space is secluded, with the ultimate comfort and privacy.

Harpors has the perfect location beyond the metro so you can get away and enjoy the party longer without any city restrictions.

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FEATURES: Upfront pricing – zero fees ever Indoor/outdoor experience Luxurious bridal suite Private groom’s bin Easy drive from Des Moines Custom Lighting Multiple ceremony locations

HARPORS.COM 3014 SCOTT STREET NEW VIRGINIA, IA

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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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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!

KRISTIN + SPENCER

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

IT’S MY DAY

MOLLIE + COLBY

Big

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

MOLLIE + COLBY

MI D D L E S CH OOL S W E E TH EA RTS S AY “I - D O”

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We love Sherwood Forest's Bridal Suite, complete with plenty of photo opps!

So. Two people walked into a bar. Stop us if you’ve heard this one. But no joke, Mollie and Colby couldn’t believe their eye when they ran into each other at The Ridgemont in Windsor Heights, IA. They dated back in middle school, and like most middle school relationships, it just wasn’t meant to be. The two seemed destined for different paths, Mollie moved to Iowa City and Colby to Las Vegas. But the stars aligned when they were back in Des Moines. At the time, they were too shocked by seeing each other after all these years. However, after telling friends about this random run-in, their friends could tell where the story was headed.

Mollie’s grandmother decided to gift each granddaughter a diamond from her ring. “I was the only granddaughter left unmarried,” Mollie told us, “so I asked my grandmother if we could use it for an engagement ring — of course, she said yes!”

The engagement ring sat patiently in the closet for 3 months and during a 4th of July celebration, Colby got down on one knee and asked. Yes, there were fireworks!

The venue was a no-brainer. Since their relationship started at the Ridgemont, it only felt right to have their wedding close to where it all started. The owners of the HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

Ridgemont, Sean and Dory opened a wedding venue, Sherwood Forest Event Center, so it was the perfect spot for them to tie the knot. They were there every step of the way to help the couple transform the space into everything they envisioned. The couple had a lot of fun during the planning process and as Mollie and Colby searched for the perfect photographer, they found Kara as they were scrolling through Instagram. They fell in love with her eye for capturing every moment. Kara spent time with the couple to get to know them, making it easy for her to know exactly how to shoot their day.

The one thing that Mollie knew would be tough, was not having her father there to walk her down the aisle. She had dreamt of it all her life, but her family lost him over twelve years ago. She never realized how hard it would be without him. Her friends Russ and Lanette had created a pendant with a picture of him and attached it to her bouquet. It was such a special touch that her friends went out of their way to do. It made her so happy that her father was a part of her memorable day.

We love seeing how brides honor their family!

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VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDI NGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF MOLLIE & COLBY'S BIG DAY!

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

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS:

Photographer: Kara Vorwald Photography | Venue: Sherwood Forest Event Center Shower Venue West End Architectural Salvage | Catering Taco Bar: El Barco / Charcuterie Board: Berry & Brie (berryandbrieomaha@gmail.com) / Jam on Charcuterie: Eggs & Jam West Des Moines | Cake HyVee (Windsor Heights) | Floral HyVee (Windsor Heights) | Hair & Makeup Salon TEC (Rona Jacobs) | Wedding Dress Stacey’s Bridal | Menswear Men’s Wearhouse | Ceremony & Reception Music Elegant Entertainment

WEDDING COLOR PALETTE

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Voting now open!

Honor the talented wedding professionals who helped create your 2019 wedding.

VOTE AT WEDDINGCHOICEAWARDS.COM!

You must have been a part of an event or used the professional service in 2019 to vote. If you are having problems voting contact us at info@weddingchoiceawards.com

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

KRISTIN + SPENCER

NEW YEAR’S EVE WEDDING

You know we love a good party! Kristin and Spencer did it right with a New Year’s Eve wedding! Most weddings are winding down come at 11 pm, maybe not even making it till midnight, but that was just when this party started hopping. They, of course, had a big NYE countdown and surprised guests with confetti poppers. And the dueling pianos kept the guests dancing and laughing all night long.

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These shoes are New Year's Eve GLAM

It was essential to the couple to have

details was the cake topper from Kristin’s

their friends and family involvement

grandparent’s wedding, 69 years ago!

throughout the wedding planning, making memories along the way, and having them feel like they were a part of the big day.

So many people were there to help with their fantastic day. Kristin’s dad was adamant they find the right music to rock the night away. So he searched and

Kristin included two pins on her bouquet,

found Black and Whyte Dueling Pianos

one from each grandmother, to be with

out of Minneapolis. They were a huge hit

her as she walked down the aisle.

and worth the extra hunt for the perfect

Her grandmother Rose’s brooch was her

wedding entertainment. Kristin’s sister

“something blue” too. For the rehearsal

helped with all the décor and stationery

dinner, Kristin added lace from her

details (we love great paper products!),

mom’s wedding dress to hers to make

everything from drink cards to invites,

it extra special. And one of our favorite

to custom acrylic signs. And what’s a

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wedding without a signature cocktail?!

created by Shelly Sarver Designs, so you

So the couple’s family friend Charles

know there were beautiful bursts of reds,

Ryherd (also from Clyde’s Fine Diner,

purples, and greenery throughout the

in the East Village) with his homemade

ceremony and reception. And it was all

bitters was mixing up Spencer’s favorite,

framed up by the space of Curate with

Old Fashions and champagne cocktails

delicious bites from Taste! To Go and

for Kristin.

The Bake Shoppe.

Kristin and Spencer’s wedding pros

What a day, night and celebration!

made sure every detail was in place. Gina

We adore having a New Year’s Eve

Cramer of Make It Happen Events was

extravaganza to celebrate two people’s

there every step of the way. She made

love. Now that New Year’s Eve kiss each

sure everything was on track, from décor

year will mean even more to Kristin and

to food tasting to tiny details. Floral was

Spencer. Cheers!

Confetti poppers to kick-off the day's festivities are a must on NYE!

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The bride's dad (and Sprayer Specialties) built a greenery wall and constructed custom acrylic flower holders.

WE LOVE that they incorporated Kristin’s grandparent’s cake-topper from 69 years ago!

Dueling Pianos will have your guests dancing all night long, we highly recommend!

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

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDOR:

Wedding Planner: Make It Happen Events | Floral: Shelly Sarver Florals Photographer Annie’s Easel | Ceremony Venue St. Joseph Chapel at Dowling Catholic | Reception Venue Curate | Caterer Taste! To Go | Cake The Bake Shoppe | Hair Blush Salon (Courtney Goodrich) | Makeup Vanity and Glamour Wedding Dress Modern Dress, Badgley Mischka | Menswear The Black Tux | Stationery & Calligraphy Kimberly Killian (Bride's Sister) | Entertainment Black and Whyte Dueling Pianos (Minneapolis) | Linens Beyond Elegance | Transportation NPI Limo Service | Wedding Ring Blue Nile | Health & Fitness Power Life Yoga Barre Fitness

WEDDING COLOR PALETTE

Ring in the New Year with the one you love most! We love NYE weddings, plus your guests get the ultimate party!

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Planning and styling for a party. mak eit h a p pwhen e n dlife s m calls .com

make it happen events

Planning and styling when life calls for a party.

gina @ makeithappendsm . com

P LA N N I NG AND ST Y LI N G W H E N L I FE CA LL S FOR A PART Y

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