Heartland Wedding Ideas Mar/Apr Issue 2024 (Early Spring)

We are excited to kick off the issue with a beautiful winter white wedding at Magnolia Farms. You'll be booking a vintage bus from Dahlia Darling when you see the photo opportunities. From pearls to fur you'll be wishing for snow.

Our first 'It's My Big Day' is in Eastern Iowa features a celebration of floral for Aleisha + Clayton's wedding. Shelly Sarver's florals provided a romantic ambiance that was sure to wow.

Next, we go to Central Iowa for Ann-Charlotte + Jeffrey's nuptials. Luckily, Hotel Fort Des Moines provided the architectural details for their historic moment. The venue was a perfect fit for their classic style.

Finally, we celebrate this year's 2024 Wedding Choice Award Winners. See this year's top wedding professionals and find who took home GOLD!

We hope that you find some inspiration and ideas and vendors for your upcoming wedding. And please continue to send us your beautiful photos and love stories for a chance to be featured in our 'It's My Big Day' section. Don't forget to visit us at heartlandweddingideas.com for additional content and wedding professionals. Happy spring!

XOXO,

A lesha & Lisa

CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

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IT’S

EDITORS'

2024 DES MOINES WEDDING SHOW ON THE RUNWAY!

| Events@crwine.com

CELEBRATE AT A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE IN SWISHER, IOWA CedarRidgeDistillery.com

CENTRAL & EASTERN IOWA

STYLED SHOOT

Loving this green tux from Skeffington’s.

Magnolia Farms

Nothing is warmer than true love in the winter! We can’t get enough of this classy, trendy, cold weather styled shoot led by Carly from The Wedding Trailer at Magnolia Farms in Adel, Iowa.

The snow-white color palette layered with textures of pearls, greenery, and fur add dimension and intimate inspiration. And can we talk about the vintage charm this VW bus brings? It’s a show-stopping addition to this winter wedding wonderland.

MEET THE WEDDING PROS

PLANNING, DESIGN & DECOR

The Wedding Trailer @theweddingtrailers

PHOTOGRAPHER

Ilderina Suljic Photography @ilderinasuljicphoto

VENUE

Magnolia Farms @magnoliafarms_ia

FLORAL

Evergreen & Lily Floral Studio @evergreen_lilyfloral

VINTAGE BUS

Dahlia Darling @dahliadarlingandco

MAKEUP

Breiyan Reed @breiyanalanea

HAIR

Hair by Lauren Elizabeth @hairbylaurenelizabeth

DESSERTS

The Cake Stand @thecakestand515

BRIDAL GOWN

Embody Bridal @embodybridal

SPRAY TAN

Tanned by Chloe @tannedbychloe_

MODELS

Karlie & Grant @karliewosepka, @_g_henderson_

TUX Skeffington's @skeffingtonsformalwear

The sweater over the perfect dress from Embody Bridal created the right wintertime feel without sacrificing style.

Lauren used the sweetest, most delicate little pearls on the bride’s hair, which looked like newly fallen snow.

Yes, yes, yes, to these cake pops on acrylic sticks from The Cake Stand.

BigDAY IT’S MY

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!

ALEISHA + CLAYTON

ANN-CHARLOTTE + JEFFREY

ALEISHA + CLAYTON

FLORAL ROMANCE

Hey Herky! How fun to make sure this favorite mascot was on the guest list.

You'll find little Lego details everywhere!

In high school, Clayton asked Aleisha to prom with a sign saying – “Lego to prom?” – a cutesy play on his last name. Little did he know that Lego blocks would one day be a building block for their gorgeous, joy-filled wedding!

Much like that promposal, the engagement was a total surprise for Aleisha. Clayton arranged a double date night to Park Farm Winery with woodfired pizza, local wine, and romantic countryside views. When the moment was just right on the patio of the winery, Clayton popped the big question! He even arranged for a photographer friend to capture the moment and their families joined for the celebration.

The special atmosphere of the winery provided inspiration for wedding planning. Aleisha and Clayton wanted to choose a venue that incorporated nature and supported the community, plus had airy, earthy, romantic vibes – and they found just that at Walker Homestead outside of Iowa City.

“It has beautiful views, wonderful food and wine, and such friendly staff. The idea of farm to table was also something that we were so happy to incorporate into our wedding day,” Aleisha says.

The couple worked hand in hand throughout the whole wedding process, which was a special way to begin their lifelong journey together. They coordinated closely with Emily and Gracie of Soiree Wedding Planning to put a fine point on every detail, identify additional vendors, and ensure the day ran smoothly.

When envisioning their special day, Aleisha and Clayton had a lot of fun playing with their future last name. They had a Lego groom’s cake, Lego bouquets, and even Lego shoe charms!

In a more subtle nod, they incorporated a bright jewel-tone palette into their invitations, bridesmaid dresses, linens, and of course, the stunning florals. Shelly Sarver Designs picked up the bright color palette and created the perfect earthy, yet playful bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony altar.

“Shelly made our absolute dream vision come to life! I was so excited about the bright colors of our florals being everywhere, and she made that happen,” Aleisha shares. “I still look at the pictures of the floral in awe because it was even better than I ever could have imagined.”

Aleisha had long admired the photographer Ivory + Bliss, so Lindsay was one of the first vendors the couple booked.

“She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. We never had our photos professionally taken, so we were initially nervous, but Lindsay put us at ease right away,” she shares.

They also worked with Madisen Lynn Videography to capture a video of the wedding day that included all the special “real” moments that made the day perfect. She quickly became a friend to the couple, sharing positive and infectious energy throughout the day.

Reflecting on what worked well throughout the planning process Aleisha credits her and Clayton’s teamwork.

“The partnership between the two of us during the planning process was special and it was also so meaningful for us to have our loved ones collaborate with us as well,” Aleisha says. “We loved having pieces of them in the planning and throughout the day because they mean so much to us.”

VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF ALEISHA + CLAYTON'S BIG DAY!

We love seeing bright jewel tone florals!

Walker Homestead delivered the earthy, airy, romantic countryside vibes.

ALEISHA + CLAYTON

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

AIRY, EARTHY, ROMANTIC

COLOR PALETTE

VENDOR LUST PREMIER WEDDING VENDORS

Floral

Shelly Sarver Designs

ALL WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer Ivory + Bliss | Videographer

Madisen Lynn Videography | Ceremony & Reception Venue Walker Homestead | Cakes & Dessert Elida’s Bakery, Valerie’s French Cooking

Wedding Dress Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Galia Lahav Gown | Bridesmaid Dress

Cheryl-Ann Bridals & Tuxedos, Jasmine Bridal

Tuxes Graham’s, Michael Kors | Hair & Makeup

Thompson & Co. Salon Parlor, Kristen

@cosmokristintco | Nail Salon Pearl Nails Harbor Stationery Allegra, Iowa City | Jewelry Kay Jewelers, James Martin Jewelers | Ceremony Music String

Poets | Reception Music Nova Sounds | Event

Planner Soirée Wedding Planning Décor Design

Soirée Wedding Planning Transportation Express

Midwest | Officiant Bride’s Grandfather | Hotel

SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Coralville

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, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail.

To schedule your wedding at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515-262-3111, ext 282.

Kristin Imboden Photography

ANN-CHARLOTTE & JEFFREY

TIME-HONORED GRACE

For Ann-Charlotte and Jeff, a perfect wedding day was all about tradition, elegance, and celebrating with their loved ones. Together, with the help of their families and stellar wedding vendors, they pulled off a gorgeous affair that perfectly suited their very own love story.

While the couple knew marriage was in their future, Ann-Charlotte was completely surprised when Jeff got down on one knee to propose. With a gorgeous ring in hand and the blessing of her mother, the proposal was an incredibly special way to begin their engagement.

As the couple embarked on wedding planning, they were inspired by the historic elements of their wedding day venues — Central Presbyterian Church and Hotel Fort Des Moines. They knew they wanted a

The bride has always loved sealing her letters with wax – so a wax seal was a must when designing invitations with TandemHart Paperie.

sophisticated and timeless style, and it was important to create a memorable day that felt like it reflected the couple and their love.

“My favorite part of planning was thinking about all the little details that really set our wedding apart and made the day so unique and special,” Ann-Charlotte shares.

Ann-Charlotte glowed in her classically beautiful wedding dress, paired with diamond earrings that were a gift from her dad to her mom, and a Jennifer Behr headband to complete her bridal look.

The couple was married at Central Presbyterian Church — the church they both attended while growing up. Family was an integral part of their ceremony, with Ann-Charlotte’s mom walking her down the aisle, a single rose on the altar to honor her late father, the couple’s siblings standing by their sides, and adorable nieces

and nephews as flower girls and page boys.

One of Ann-Charlotte’s favorite parts of the day was exiting the church after the ceremony, and being showered by floral confetti.

“It was so joyous and special, better than I could have imagined,” she says. “I love the memory of our ceremony exit in a cloud of flowers.”

With the help of trusted recommendations and the expertise of wedding planner Gina Cramer of Make it Happen Events, the couple assembled a team of vendors who brought their wedding day vision to life.

They worked with Alesha at TandemHart Paperie to design their stationery, including a gorgeous letterpress invitation suite with a hint of dusty blue and a golden wax seal. Jane with Boesen the Florist created absolutely stunning florals, filled with delicate roses and never-ending baby’s breath throughout both the ceremony space and reception. And the icing on the cake was a gorgeous vintage

tiered wedding cake created by Gloria with Glorious Desserts.

“We had such a lovely time at our cake tasting and Gloria helped refine the style of Lambeth cake I was looking for based on other elements of our wedding,” Ann-Charlotte says. “She exceeded all of our expectations — the cake was absolutely stunning and delicious too!”

The party reached a high note with the eightpiece band that kept the dance floor packed until the final “Country Roads” singalong. Guests snapped fun memories at the Snap XP photo booth and the celebration continued at the speakeasy in the Hotel Fort Des Moines, In Confidence, where the afterparty kept the fun going late into the night.

Ann-Charlotte and Jeff’s wedding was not just a celebration of their love but also a tribute to the enduring spirit of romance and cherished memories. Cheers to the beautiful couple and a lifetime of happiness!

VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF ANN-CHARLOTTE & JEFFREY'S BIG DAY!

How cute are these custom matchbooks?! We love the ones with a portrait of their dog Moose.

What an incredible floral arch created by Boesen the Florist.

Always in love with changing into a reception dress! The perfect vibe for dancing the night away.

The escort cards were designed to look like vintage hotel keys with a tassel.

ANN-CHARLOTTE + JEFFREY

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

HISTORIC, ELEGANT, TRADITIONAL

COLOR PALETTE

VENDOR LUST

PREMIER WEDDING VENDORS

Cake

Glorious Desserts

Stationery

TandemHart Paperie

Groomsmen Tuxedos

Skeffington's Formal Wear

Photo booth

SnapXP

Extra Rentals: Chiavari Chairs

Beyond Elegance

ALL WEDDING VENDORS

Photographer Lauren Konrad Photography

Videographer Carli Call at Gather Films

Ceremony Venue Central Presbyterian Church

Reception Venue Hotel Fort Des Moines |

Event Planner Make it Happen Events | Caterer Hotel Fort Des Moines/Proudfoot & Bird

Floral & Décor Design Boesen the Florist

Wedding Dress Bridal Boutique, Pronovious

Gown | Alterations Lou's Tailoring | Bridesmaids’

Dresses Bella Bridesmaids, Amsale | Groom’s

Tuxedo Mr. B’s | Bride’s Reception Dress Likely, Long Sleeve Marullo Dress | Hair Salon Spa

W, Katie Jo, Elle, Melanie Makeup Hello Darlin’

Glam, Morgan | Tanning Spray Tans by Megan

Facials Karli Funke at Koch & Carlisle |

Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands Joseph’s

Jewelers | Ceremony Music 515 Quartet, Lois

Harms, Organist | Reception Music Diamond

Empire Band | Extra Rentals BBJ linens | Dance

Floor Rhum Productions | Transportation

Majestic Limo | Rehearsal Dinner Django

Reinhardt Room | Officiant Rev. Wallace Bubar at Central Presbyterian Church

WEDDING GOWN

GOLD // Schaffer's Bridal

SILVER // Modern Dress

BRONZE // Bridal Boutique

TUXEDO

GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

’24 ’24

SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse

BRONZE // Halberstadt's

SUIT

GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse

BRONZE // Halberstadt's

WEDDING PARTY – DRESSES

GOLD // Modern Dress

SILVER // Bridal Boutique

BRONZE // Pure Bridal

ADDITIONAL ATTIRE

GOLD // Something Blue

SILVER // Amour

BRONZE // Designed by Kanya Marie

ALTERATIONS OR DRESS

PRESERVATION

GOLD // Glorious Alterations

SILVER // KN Custom Sewing BRONZE // Bridal Boutique

ENGAGEMENT RING JEWELER

GOLD // Josephs Jewelers

SILVER // Greenberg’s Jewelers

BRONZE // Jared

WEDDING BAND JEWELER

GOLD // Josephs Jewelers

SILVER // Greenberg’s Jewelers

BRONZE // Ames Silversmithing

Congrats to the winners of the sixth-annual 2024 Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards!

Couples voted for their favorite wedding professionals. That means you should check them out to help plan your perfect wedding, too!

ACCESSORIES

GOLD // Pure Bridal

SILVER // Modern Dress

BRONZE // Bridal Boutique

HAIR SALON, STYLIST, OR BARBER

GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam

SILVER // I Do Pretty BRONZE // Blush Parlour & Co.

MAKEUP ARTIST OR SALON

GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam

SILVER // I Do Pretty BRONZE // Blush Parlour & Co.

NAIL SALON

GOLD // Oscar Nail Bar

SILVER // Premier Nail Bar

BRONZE // Stiletto Nails & Lashes

SPA — FACIAL, SKINCARE, MASSAGE

GOLD // Coachlight Clinic & Spa

SILVER // East Village Spa

BRONZE // Beautifully You Esthetics

TANNING SALON

GOLD // Bronze515

SILVER // Tanique BRONZE // Spray Tans By Megan

FITNESS, HEALTH, & WELLNESS

GOLD // Power Life Yoga

SILVER // Lifetime Fitness BRONZE // Planet Fitness

CATERING

GOLD // Lidderdale Country Store

SILVER // Baratta's BRONZE // Great Caterers of Iowa

WEDDING CAKE

GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes

SILVER // Little Blackbird Bakery

BRONZE // Dutch Oven Bakery

WEDDING DESSERT

GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes

SILVER // Dulce Vida Desserts

BRONZE // Nothing Bundt Cakes

DRINKS / BARTENDING

GOLD // Your Private Bar

SILVER // The Iowa Taproom

BRONZE // Apres Bar Co.

MOBILE BARTENDING

GOLD // Your Private Bar

SILVER // Apres Bar Co.

BRONZE // Peach Cart Co.

FLORIST

GOLD // Boesen The Florist

SILVER // The English Rose

BRONZE (Tie) // Wildflower

BRONZE (Tie) // Shelly Sarver Designs

WEDDING PLANNER

GOLD // White Willow Events

SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group

BRONZE // A Special Event DJ

DAY OF WEDDING COORDINATION

GOLD // White Willow Events

SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group

BRONZE // A Special Event DJ

DECOR, SET UP, AND RENTALS

GOLD // White Willow Events

SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group

BRONZE // Weddings By ASPIRE

Photos by Leah Ried Photography

2024 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED

’24

WEDDING SHOW OR PLANNING EVENT

GOLD // Des Moines Wedding Show

SILVER // Pella Wedding

Extravaganza

BRONZE // The Wedding Open

House – West End Salvage

TRANSPORTATION

GOLD // 515 Party Bus

SILVER // Bus Guys

BRONZE // Majestic Limo & Coach

’24

WEDDING INVITATIONS

GOLD // Ephemera

SILVER // The Red Door Press

BRONZE // TandemHart Paperie

CALLIGRAPHY

GOLD // Ink & Oak Calligraphy

SILVER // Dusty Blue Lettering

BRONZE // Cheryl Jacobsen

OFFICIANT

GOLD // Forever and ever, I do!

SILVER // Mike Janes - Ankeny First

United Methodist Church

BRONZE (Tie) // Vows and Vibes

BRONZE (Tie) // DJ DAS

Entertainment

HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE

GOLD // The Tea Room

SILVER // Hotel Fort Des Moines

BRONZE // The Rollins Mansion

MODERN OR

CONTEMPORARY VENUE

GOLD // Toast

SILVER // 1868 Farmhouse

BRONZE // Willow on Grand

BARN OR RURAL VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn

BRONZE // Carper Vineyard & Winery

WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE

GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery

SILVER // The Iowa Taproom

BRONZE // Jasper Winery

COUNTRY CLUB VENUE

GOLD // Glen Oaks Country Club

SILVER // Des Moines Golf and Country Club

BRONZE // Wakonda Club

OUTDOOR VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn

BRONZE // Carper Vineyard & Winery

HOTEL AS A VENUE

GOLD // Surety Hotel

SILVER // Hotel Fort Des Moines

BRONZE // Hilton Des Moines Downtown

HOTEL FOR GUEST’S STAY

GOLD // Hotel Fort Des Moines

SILVER // Surety Hotel

BRONZE (Tie) // The Rewind Hotel

BRONZE (Tie) // Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

REHEARSAL DINNER OR WEDDING SHOWER LOCATION

GOLD // The Iowa Taproom

SILVER // Baratta's Restaurant

BRONZE (Tie) // Jasper Winery

BRONZE (Tie) // District 36 Wine

Bar & Grille

CEREMONY MUSIC

GOLD // A Special Event DJ

SILVER // DJ DAS Entertainment

BRONZE // JM3 DJ's & Productions

RECEPTION MUSIC

GOLD // DJ DAS Entertainment

SILVER // A Special Event DJ

BRONZE // Nystrom Productions

PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Jason Thomas Crocker

Photography

SILVER // Morgan Moon Photography

BRONZE // Laura Wills Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY

GOLD // Proper Films Co.

SILVER // Masterson Media

BRONZE // Twelve One Projects

PHOTO BOOTH

GOLD // A Special Event DJ

SILVER // SnapXP

BRONZE // The Good Co. DSM

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Elaina Rose Boudoir

SILVER // Modern Boudoir

BRONZE // Everlasting Photo

TRAVEL AGENT SERVICES

GOLD // All About Travel

SILVER (Tie) // Allied Travel

SILVER (Tie) // Good Trip, A Travel Co.

BRONZE // Mosaic Shores Travel Co.

Congratulations!

THE VENDOR CHOICE AWARD WINNER

IS ...

Clare Oleson, The English Rose

Clare is passionate, caring, personable, and of course talented! She always has a positive attitude and a "go get 'em" spirit. She truly is a team player in a group of other vendors, making sure everyone has a helping hand to make the day come together flawlessly.

The English Rose

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

Thank You!

TO THE AWARD SHOW SPONSORS:

Clare Oleson

Photo by Leah Ried Photography