Heartland Wedding Ideas May/June Issue 2022 (Spring)

MAY/JUNE 2022

IT'S MY BIG DAY

STYLED SHOOTS

BLACK & WHITE AND MODERN ALL OVER

CHRIS + MARCO VICTORIA + CLAY

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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

GLORIOUS DESSERTS 1

Contents

H W I M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 2

4-9 Ballet Des Moines Gravity Gala EDITORS' LETTER

Warmer weather is finally here and we couldn't be more excited as we look out to a full social calendar, including weddings! We continue to be amazed with each couple's creativity and the wedding professionals who make it possible.

First we feature a beautiful styled shoot near Iowa City, led by Olivia Katherine Photography and Gems & Joy planning. They created a modern twist on a black and white wedding and we loved how it all came together. What an A+ cast of wedding professionals who pulled off this modern look!

Victoria + Clay's wedding palette is so pretty.

We swooned over every flower and detail at this beautiful venue, Walker Homestead, just west of Iowa City. There were many touches that made this a standout wedding.

We end with a very personal, celestial wedding for Chris + Marco's special day. The amount of personalization and thought that went into their wedding was truly special. The Saint Center for Culture and the Arts, west of Des Moines in Stuart, Iowa, provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening under the gorgeous sky blue dome.

ST Y L E D S H O OT: BLACK & WHITE AND MODERN ALL OVER

12-13 V E N D O R S P OT L I G H T: GLORIOUS DESSERTS

18-25 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : V I C T O R I A + C L AY

28-33 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : CHRIS + MARCO

Special thanks to: Kelly Visser Copy Editor

We hope you enjoy the latest magazine as we love featuring our readers' big days! Please continue to send us your photos for a chance to be featured.

X OX O,

A lesha

& Lisa

Sophia Lacy

Copywriter Intern

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

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

COVER PHOTO: JASPER CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS' LETTER PHOTO: JOE CRIMMINGS PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS LICENSING: HIDDEN VALUES, INC. PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING

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ST Y L E D SHOOT

BLACK & WHITE

MEET THE WEDDING PROS: VENUE: Little Lights on the Lane

AND MODERN ALL OVER Olivia Katherine Photography got the ball rolling on a styled shoot at Little Lights on the Lane and enlisted the services of Denise of Gems & Joy for planning and design. The duo got to work right away and landing on the perfect theme.

The inspiration for the shoot was to put a modern spin on a classic black and white wedding. Denise wanted to create a fun blend of timeless and trendy, fusing both sophistication and fun! They selected an incredible group of vendors who they could trust to take their vision and their own personality and create something truly unique.

Finally, they had a real couple model for the shoot, Jake and Tierney Wombacher. Their love was undeniable on camera! Plus, their friend Denise wanted to give them a chance to relive the magic of their wedding and come away with incredible pictures they can cherish forever.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Olivia Katherine Photography PLANNING: Gems & Joy VIDEOGRAPHER: Graphic Formation Films RENTALS: Borrow My Vintage TABLEWARE: Unique Events of Iowa MARQUEE LETTERS: Alpha-Lit Iowa BALLOONS: Stellar Events SIGNAGE: Blush and Birch NEON: Mariglow Neon STATIONERY: EmDesign FLORAL: Midwest Blooms & Co. CAKE: Little Blackbird Bakery RINGS: Siebke Hoyt Jewelers DRESS: Heart to Heart Bridal TUX: Skeffington’s Formalwear HAIR AND MAKEUP: Essence Salon, Olivia Allen SPECIAL EFFECTS/DJ: Clife DJ Company HARPIST: Abigail Brower

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We love a good NEON! Mariglow Neon Stellar Events created a picture-perfect moment with a magical balloon arch.

Borrow My Vintage provided decor rentals which added black and white with pops of gold accents.

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The tableware from Unique Events of Iowa created a modern, clean tablescape.

Olivia Katherine Photography had every angle of the shoot covered, showing every little detail.

Hair and makeup by Essence Salon in Cedar Rapids.

The simple grace in Blush and Birch's signage and place cards set the tone!

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The bride's dress from Heart to Heart Bridal was the epitome of elegance.

Skeffington's Formalwear always has the perfect classic tux.

Graphic Formation Films showcased everyone involved in making the day a raving success. The video highlights were upbeat and fun!

Little Blackbird Bakery brought artistry to the table with a show-stopping cake!

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Midwest Blooms & Co. created drama with her big, beautiful bouquets.

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The marquee letters from Alpha-Lit Iowa added such a modern, standout element to this day!

Clife DJ Company brought the special effects and music, with a cloud machine and dancing! You can always count on a good time with Clife.

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EmDesign provided the elegant stationery and Siebke Hoyt came through with the jewelry.

There is nothing more romantic than a harp played by Abigail Brower.

Little Lights on the Lane is the perfect location for a black and white styled day!

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obsessed NOT S O SECR ETLY

It's that new trend, that "pin-worthy" thing we can’t stop thinking about or that wedding pro who stands out from the crowd. See everything we're obsessing about right here and on Pinterest.com/HeartlandWed.

GLORIOUS DESSERTS

Just look at this texture. We are head-over-heels for this cake!

Your wedding cake (or dessert) can bring so much style and flavor to your day — both literally and figuratively. It can be the centerpiece to the dance floor, ready for you to walk in and cut it at the reception. Its style and grace will reflect the vibe you created for your day. And if guests are like us, they're just WAITING to get through dinner for the perfect slice.

What we also know to be true, is when you order a cake from Gloria at Glorious Desserts, you'll not only have an artfully crafted beauty for your big day, but it could quite possibly be the most delicious cake you've ever had! (We apologize in advance for ruining other cakes and desserts for you.)

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Glorious Desserts 515-279-4944

gloriousdesserts.com See more of Glorious Desserts at HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

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And because every wedding day is special and unique, your cake can be too! We love that Gloria's talent is to create a cake that can vibe with your day, whether it's texture and layers, simply smooth butter cream perfection, or organic touches, she will work with you to find the look you're after.

So ... back to flavor. We love traditional almond, but what about lemon or even strawberry? No doubt you'll find your favorite flavor with Gloria. Actually, she doesn't even have a "flavor list" because she'll create just about anything for you!

At your consultation you can taste nine of the most popular flavors. While not all flavors are for tiered cakes, sheet cake flavors are limitless!

Be sure to meet Gloria and try some samples at the next Des Moines Wedding Show. She is for sure one of the most popular booths at the show!

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PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • DJ PHOTO BOOTH • LIGHTING • COORDINATION 515.266.1355 • Sue@CompleteDesMoines.com

COMPLETEDESMOINES.COM #partywithcomplete

Catering, Events & Italian Restaurant • barattas.com 2320 S. Union Des Moines, IA • 515.243.4516 16

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

3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG

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!

VICTORIA + CLAY

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

CHRIS + MARCO

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IT’S MY

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DAY

VICTORIA + CLAY

A HA RVE ST W E D DING

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Victoria’s gown from Modern Dress, was absolutely stunning! She wore an elegant A-line dress with a long, flowing train.

Since high school, Victoria and Clay were always near each other, but never truly had a chance to connect. It wasn’t until Victoria came back to Iowa after her graduate work that they started to make that connection. One evening, the two happened to run into one another in Grinnell, and after an evening of catching up, the two were inseparable. “It was truly an instant connection and sparks that we had never experienced before!” Victoria told us.

Harvest time was the inspiration for the wedding. So the couple chose a fall celebration with a focus on food and drink. Clay grew up on a farm and both are passionate about cooking and cuisine, so the menu incorporated seasonal produce, venison they hunted, locally grown produce, and wine made by their venue, Walker Homestead. Each guest got to take home a little bit of harvest time, with home-harvested honey from Victoria’s grandpa, complete with the colors of fall in the ribbon and a wax seal.

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IT’S MY

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Victoria’s gown was absolutely stunning and fit

a special verse. One of the most perfect

the tone of the wedding perfectly. She wore an

moments could not have been planned, was

elegant A-line dress with a long, flowing train

when a flock of birds flew over the couple

from Modern Dress. “They made me feel like an

after they said “I do.” Victoria told us it was

absolute star, and pumped me up as I tried on

truly breathtaking.

all the beautiful dresses,” she says. Designed by Matthew Christopher, her dress had lace details trickling down from her shoulders.

Victoria was her own wedding planner, owning V. Darling Events, she created their special day with her top picks for the BEST vendors in

Family traditions added a special touch to

Iowa, including Shelly Sarver Designs. “Shelly

Victoria’s wedding day glow. She wore her

was so much fun to work with and truly made

grandma’s opal ring – which had been worn

the floral arrangements stunning,” Victoria

by three generations on their wedding days –

says. Blooming peonies, roses, daisies, and so

and paired her mother’s veil and wedding day

many magnificent greens were show stopping,

clutch to complete her look.

from the bouquets to the arrangement over

The ceremony was a lovely outdoor affair at Walker Homestead in Iowa City, which was the perfect setting for their harvest feel.

Victoria’s brother played Amazing Grace on his bagpipes and Clay’s sister recited

the aisle. But Victoria’s favorite part of the process was planning it with Clay. “We had so much fun cake tasting, planning our menu, and getting to know one another on a deeper level during the process.”

The couple is passionate about cuisine, so the menu incorporated seasonal produce, venison they hunted, locally grown food items, and wine made by their venue, Walker Homestead.

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Victoria says, “Shelly Sarver Designs was so much fun to work with and truly made the floral arrangements stunning!”

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IT’S MY

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Weddings are all about the celebration, and the reception was truly a celebration! The two popped open the champagne, gifted to them by Modern Dress, to celebrate their big day with friends and family. It was the special touches paired with their love and happiness that made the wedding spectacular.

“Have fun with it and enjoy every moment,” Victoria says. “You end up making beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.”

Victoria was her own wedding planner, owning, V. Darling Events, she created their special day with her top picks for the BEST vendors in Iowa.

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The couple were married at this little bit of "Napa Valley" in the Iowa countryside, Walker Homestead.

VICTO RIA + CLAY

WEDDI N G M OO D W E DDI NG ST YL E BRIGHT, HARVEST, FAMILY TRADITION

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST Photographer Gigi Boucher Photography Videographer Andrew Ferren Photography Ceremony & Reception Venue Walker Homestead | Caterer Chef Chris Grebner, Walker Homestead | Cake Take the Cake Desserts | Floral Shelly Sarver Designs Hair Salon Ludic | Tanning Tanique | Nails Oscar Nail Bar | Wedding Dress Modern Dress, designer, Matthew Christopher Suits Skeffinton’s Formalwear | Stationery Ephemera Calligraphy Bride's Mother | Jewelry Hellberg's | Ceremony & Reception Music Riley Mullane | Reception Music STE Event Group | Transportation Fueled Party Bus | Officiant Pastor Mark Brandt

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Rent or Buy Suits or Tuxedos

CELEBRATE IN STYLE New for 2022, Ike Behar Yale Blue Suit Available now at Skeffington’s

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D E S M O I N E S // A N K E N Y W E ST D E S M O I N E S // CO R A LV I L L E

S K E FFI N GTO N S. CO M

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IT’S MY

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DAY

CHRIS + MARCO

C E L E ST I A L V OW S

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The couple said their “I Do’s” with rings made of a mix from dinosaur bone and meteorite.

Both rings represented each other perfectly.

A magical, celestial-themed wedding was the

the Iowa State Capitol, and said their

perfect celebration for Chris and Marco!

“I Do’s” with rings made from dinosaur

The two met at church camp when they were young and became very good friends. For

bone and one meteorite. Both rings represented each other perfectly.

years, they went back and forth, trying to keep

“I knew that Marco was my twin flame, my

in touch, but each time life just got in the way.

soulmate, the love of my life,” Chris says.

It was then years later in June 2013, Marco

“We dated for three months and knew it

decided he was over the dating scene for

was kismet.”

awhile and decided to delete his dating apps to take time for himself. As he was getting ready to hit delete, a message popped up from his old friend, Chris – what are the odds!

And it wasn’t long before the two decided they didn’t want to wait. In November 2013 the couple found a judge, met at the base of

Now, let’s fast forward to 2021 … the two decided it was high time to celebrate with family and friends.

Their cosmic connection made for the most magical wedding day! From the incredible crescent moon backdrop to the Saturn-shaped

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

cufflinks, there were so many memorable

Sibly Sophia Floral Designs. The couple

details that made their wedding absolutely

had wonderful centerpieces and florals

unforgettable and meant so much to them both.

everywhere, even on the crescent moon made

The couple took extra care in crafting their two NEW wedding rings. Marco’s custom ring has two strips of dinosaur bone and a single strip of meteorite, Chris’ ring is the inverse, with of two strips of meteorite and one strip of dinosaur bone. “We chose these rings

by their friend, Tom Whalley. And the two got a big CHEERS from friend and business owner, Jillian of Apres Bar Co., who supplied all the drinks and bartending for the evening.

Her traveling bartending service allows for you to set up your party anywhere.

to represent the continuation of us coming

Jasper Chung Photography captured all

together. Marco's has meteorite in his to

extraordinary details while catching the special

represent me. Mine has dinosaur to represent

moments of Chris and Marco’s wedding.

Marco. These rings are truly one of a kind and

The two cherish the photos and continue to

STUNNING,” Chris told us.

look back on their day. It truly was a night

The wedding was held at the Saint Center for Culture and the Arts in Stuart. It is has grand,

under the stars that will be remembered forever.

high ceilings and the two fell in love with it unexpectedly. They were taking an adventure to explore the town and food scene when they spotted the venue across the highway.

“We instantly fell in love with the outside, and after our tour, we were sold! It’s gorgeous,” Marco says.

Special touches at their ceremony and reception were the lovely florals by

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The grand, high ceilings in Saint Center are breath taking, and we love how a spotlight was used to completely focus on the couple for their vows.

We love the astronomy themed details, down to the menu cards created

by Ephemera.

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IT’S MY

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DAY CH RIS + M AR CO

WED DI N G MOO D W E DDI NG ST YL E CELESTIAL, MAGICAL, PERSONAL

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST Photography Jasper Chung Photography Ceremony & Reception Venue Saints Center for Culture and the Arts | Caterer Christiani’s Catering | Dessert Parinda Cupcakes | Floral Sibyl Sophia Floral Design | Hair Looks, Pleasantville | Bartending Apres Bar Co. | Event Planner Honey & Joy Events | Calligraphy Ink & Oak Calligraphy | Fitness Orange Theory Fitness | Stationery Ephemera Suits The Backroom | Jewelry Jewelry by Johan Ceremony Music Pianist, Francine Griffith | Reception Music The Charlson Trio (Steve Charlson – Bass, Julius Brooks – Saxophone, Scott Smith – Piano, Gary Jackson – Singer) Officiant Fr. Dave Doyle | Guest Book Paper Peach Shop | Cake Cutting Utensils Happily Ever Etched | Saturn Cufflinks Nite Lily Glamour

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Christiani΄s VIP Catering Service

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