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

MAR/APR 2024

IT'S MY BIG DAY

STYLED SHOOT

Magnolia Farms

ALEISHA + CLAYTON 2024 AWARD WINNERS

ANN-CHARLOTTE + JEFFREY

Contents

H W I M A R /A P R 2 0 2 4

6-10 2024 DES MO I NES WEDDI NG SHOW ON THE RU NWAY!

EDITORS' LETTER

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!

ST Y L E D S H O OT: M A G N O L I A FA R M S

12-19 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : A L E I S H A + C L AY T O N

22-27 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : A N N - C H A R LOT T E + JEFFREY

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Special thanks to this crew:

Kelly Visser

Copy Editor

X OX O,

A lesha & Lisa

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

Marissa Sakakhanone

Designer + Digital Media Manager

Follow us!

We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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

COVER: LAUREN KONRAD PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING

CELEBRATE AT A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE IN SWISHER, IOWA

CedarRidgeDistillery.com | Events@crwine.com

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CENTRAL & EASTERN IOWA

STYLED S HOOT

Loving this green tux from Skeffington’s.

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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

BRIDAL GOWN Embody Bridal

@dahliadarlingandco

@embodybridal

MAKEUP Breiyan Reed

SPRAY TAN Tanned by Chloe

@breiyanalanea

@tannedbychloe_

HAIR Hair by Lauren Elizabeth

MODELS Karlie & Grant

@hairbylaurenelizabeth

@karliewosepka, @_g_henderson_

DESSERTS The Cake Stand

TUX Skeffington's

@thecakestand515

@skeffingtonsformalwear

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

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

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

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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!

ALEISHA + CLAYTON

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

ANN-CHARLOTTE + JEFFREY

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IT’S MY

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ALEISHA + CLAYTON

FLO R A L RO M A NC E

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

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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.

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IT’S MY

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The couple worked hand in hand

Aleisha had long admired the photographer

throughout the whole wedding process,

Ivory + Bliss, so Lindsay was one of the first

which was a special way to begin their

vendors the couple booked.

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!

“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,

In a more subtle nod, they incorporated

sharing positive and infectious energy

a bright jewel-tone palette into their

throughout the day.

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

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.”

than I ever could have imagined.”

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We love seeing bright jewel tone florals!

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

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ALE IS H A + CLAYTON

WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E AIRY, EARTHY, ROMANTIC

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST 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

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Historic Iowa City Event Venue Located in the Heart of Downtown 26 E. Market Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245

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oldbrick.org 319.351.2626

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Main Hall has a capacity of up to 300 guests

Kristin Imboden Photography

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, 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.

3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES IAD|W515.262.3111 EXT H EMOINES, ARTLAN EDDINGIDEA S . C282 O M | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 21

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ANN-CHARLOTTE & JEFFREY

TI ME - H O N O R E D GR AC E

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

For Ann-Charlotte and Jeff, a perfect

sophisticated and timeless style, and it was

wedding day was all about tradition,

important to create a memorable day that felt

elegance, and celebrating with their loved

like it reflected the couple and their love.

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.

“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.

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

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

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

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

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and nephews as flower girls and page boys.

One of Ann-Charlotte’s favorite parts of the

tiered wedding cake created by Gloria with Glorious Desserts.

day was exiting the church after the ceremony,

“We had such a lovely time at our cake

and being showered by floral confetti.

tasting and Gloria helped refine the style

“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.”

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!”

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.

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

They worked with Alesha at TandemHart

the speakeasy in the Hotel Fort Des Moines,

Paperie to design their stationery, including

In Confidence, where the afterparty kept the

a gorgeous letterpress invitation suite with a

fun going late into the night.

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

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!

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How cute are these custom matchbooks?!

We love the ones with a portrait of their dog Moose.

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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.

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AN N -C H A R LOT T E + J EFFRE Y

WEDDING MOOD W EDDIN G ST Y L E HISTORIC, ELEGANT, TRADITIONAL CO LO R PA L ET TE

VEN D OR LU ST 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

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Photos by Leah Ried Photography

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!

WEDDING GOWN GOLD // Schaffer's Bridal SILVER // Modern Dress BRONZE // Bridal Boutique

ACCESSORIES GOLD // Pure Bridal SILVER // Modern Dress BRONZE // Bridal Boutique

WEDDING CAKE GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes SILVER // Little Blackbird Bakery BRONZE // Dutch Oven Bakery

TUXEDO GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse BRONZE // Halberstadt's

HAIR SALON, STYLIST, OR BARBER GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam SILVER // I Do Pretty BRONZE // Blush Parlour & Co.

WEDDING DESSERT GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes SILVER // Dulce Vida Desserts BRONZE // Nothing Bundt Cakes

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

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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

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

FITNESS, HEALTH, & WELLNESS GOLD // Power Life Yoga SILVER // Lifetime Fitness BRONZE // Planet Fitness

DAY OF WEDDING COORDINATION GOLD // White Willow Events SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group BRONZE // A Special Event DJ

CATERING GOLD // Lidderdale Country Store SILVER // Baratta's BRONZE // Great Caterers of Iowa

DECOR, SET UP, AND RENTALS GOLD // White Willow Events SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group BRONZE // Weddings By ASPIRE

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2024 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED

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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

BARN OR RURAL VENUE GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse SILVER // Red Acre Barn BRONZE // Carper Vineyard & Winery

CEREMONY MUSIC GOLD // A Special Event DJ SILVER // DJ DAS Entertainment BRONZE // JM3 DJ's & Productions

WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // The Iowa Taproom BRONZE // Jasper Winery

RECEPTION MUSIC GOLD // DJ DAS Entertainment SILVER // A Special Event DJ BRONZE // Nystrom Productions

COUNTRY CLUB VENUE GOLD // Glen Oaks Country Club SILVER // Des Moines Golf and Country Club BRONZE // Wakonda Club

’24 WEDDING INVITATIONS GOLD // Ephemera SILVER // The Red Door Press BRONZE // TandemHart Paperie

OUTDOOR VENUE GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse SILVER // Red Acre Barn BRONZE // Carper Vineyard & Winery

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

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 HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE BRONZE (Tie) // The Rewind Hotel GOLD // The Tea Room BRONZE (Tie) // Embassy Suites by SILVER // Hotel Fort Des Moines Hilton Des Moines Downtown BRONZE // The Rollins Mansion REHEARSAL DINNER OR MODERN OR WEDDING SHOWER LOCATION CONTEMPORARY VENUE GOLD // The Iowa Taproom GOLD // Toast SILVER // Baratta's Restaurant SILVER // 1868 Farmhouse BRONZE (Tie) // Jasper Winery BRONZE // Willow on Grand BRONZE (Tie) // District 36 Wine Bar & Grille

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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.

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Officiant . DJ . Live Music We offer officiating, live piano/vocals, unlimited DJ hours, dynamic lighting, personal assistant and lasting friendship.

VowsAndVibes.com HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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2024 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED

Congratulations! ’24

THE VENDOR CHOICE AWARD WINNER IS ...

Clare Oleson The English Rose

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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.

Photo by Leah Ried Photography

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!

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TO THE AWARD SHOW SPONSORS:

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DJ PHOTOGRAPHY VIDEOGRAPHY PHOTO BOOTH COORDINATION Contact us to mix and match our services!

515.266.1355 • completedesmoines.com

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