Heartland Wedding Ideas May/June Issue 2021 (Spring)

MAY/JUNE 2021

STYLED SHOOT

TRUE LOVE AT IRIS AISLE

IT'S MY BIG DAY KRISTIN + KYLE JIABEI + DAVID

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MEET WEDDING PROS WE LUST FOR HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM/ ALL-VENDORS

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Contents

H W I M AY/J U N E 2 0 2 1

6-13 EDITORS' LETTER

At HWI, representation matters, and it is one of our core values. We work to bring you weddings that reflect every person and every kind of love. We believe love and equality conquer all. We promote acceptance and active celebration of all peoples regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, country of origin, religion, and citizenship, with zero tolerance for hate. We have chosen to kick off this issue by celebrating true love with a styled shoot at the new Iris Aisle venue. Jenni Chung and Karla Janette put together a team ready to do just that! It was essential to them that the vendors chosen weren't simply tolerant of all love but actively celebrating it. They carefully selected each one and worked extremely close with the couple to create a day just for them. The love of Ashley and Haley inspired the team, and it shows in every image.

Our first feature wedding in "It's My Big Day," is Kristin + Kyle.

Their wedding was held at the stunning Tamory Hall. The lighting was perfection, and you'll see how it complimented the couple's decor and color palette perfectly.

The second wedding is Jiabei + David's global celebration.

The couple had guests from all over the world, and they took their role as hosts very seriously. We had to feature not only their wedding day but their Iowa-themed "Welcome Party" too. Their wedding weekend looked like an absolute blast, complete with traditional Chinese entertainment.

ST Y L E D S H O OT: TRUE LOVE AT I R I S A I S L E

18-35 GET INSPIRED WITH I T ' S M Y B I G D AY !

20-27 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : KRISTIN + KYLE

30-35 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : AMBER + WILL

We know that things haven't been easy, but with spring comes a breath of fresh air, and we're taking it in. We hope you flip through these pages to remind yourself that love is all around us.

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: JENNI CHUNG PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: TANDEMHART LICENSING & PRINTING: HIDDEN VALUES, INC. & SUTHERLAND PRINTING

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STYL E D S HO OT

CELEBRATING

True Love at Iris Aisle Planning + Photography: Jenni Chung Photography + Karla Janette Photography Videography: The Lumen Studios Venue: Iris Aisle Floral Design + Arch: Bella Flora Event Design Gown: Modern Dress Suit: The Tux Shop, at Weddings By Design Hair + Makeup: Powder Studio IA Cake: Little Blackbird Bakery Earrings: Midwest Moons + Modern Dress Neon sign: Mariglow Neon Couple: Haley + Ashley

Iris Aisle, an Intimate, victorian, conservatory tucked in the middle of a cedar tree forest preserve in Madison County Iowa.

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Jenni Chung Photography (they/them) A non-binary queer wedding photographer based in Des Moines — always on the road and ready to travel any place you’re getting married.

Karla Janette Photography (she/her) A queer wedding and portrait photographer based in Iowa City.

For laid back souls and those daring to be their authentic selves.

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Gown from Modern Dress

Suit from The Tux Shop

We’re celebrating the love of two amazing

wedding. You know we’re fans of the perfectly

humans, Haley and Ashely! This spring-styled

cut tuxedo. Those All-Stars complete the look

shoot came to us from the hearts of Jenni

for Ashley. And Haley’s dress?!? Come on now;

Chung and Karla Janette Figueroa, who saw

it’s a showstopper. The experience was sweet,

the lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in the

thoughtful, and full of laughs. We adore the

Iowa wedding industry. Together they created

way Ashley looks at Haley (and the way they

a day with a real queer couple, showing real

make her laugh). It melts our hearts. Now the

queer love authentically and genuinely. They

couple can’t wait for their ACTUAL big day,

gathered trusted and supportive vendors

coming soon with family and friends!

who weren’t just tolerant but part of the celebration. We’re thrilled to share in their beautiful day!

A big shoutout to Bella Flora Event Design, Kelly and her team artfully helped bring together the lovely details of the day. We

Jenni and Karla didn’t pick a theme or a

adore the vintage black couch. It’s the perfect

trend; they built the styled shoot specifically

statement piece as a photo booth for the

for Ashley and Hayley. They collaborated to

couple and guests!

capture their personal style for their dream 8

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We're over the moon for this light and airy gown. It is simply a masterpiece.

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We love the floral and stunning arch by Bella Flora Event Design.

An award-winning, full-service event and floral production company.

Neon from Mariglow Neon

We are obsessed with these star/moon earrings from Midwest Moons.

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Why choose a black suit or tuxedo when you can have this gorgeous emerald green!

Go to the experts to get the fit and style you want.

Makeup + Hair Powder Studio IA

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Cake from Little Blackbird Bakery

Videography was shot by The Lumen Studios. They believe love is a celebration and they are in your corner to make you look good! Be sure to watch the video on our blog at heartlandweddingideas.com!

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IOWA STATE

FAIRGROUNDS

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 incomparable Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515.262.3111, ext 282.

EAST 30TH & EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | P 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG

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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!

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JIABEI + DAVID

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

KRISTIN + KYLE

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

BACKDROP ENVY! Floral created by Shelly Sarver Designs

KRISTIN + KYLE

E L E GA N T & WA RM

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One of Kristin and Kyle’s key elements to

feel — one of the best places to celebrate over

their intimate wedding was wanting everyone

the town.

to feel the abundance of joy and love.

The college lovebirds met in Sioux Center, Iowa, while working in the Dordt University admission office. It didn’t take long for Kyle to ask Kristin out and later asking her to marry him in his hometown in Colorado Springs.

Kristin and Kyle wanted a personal gathering, and after having to replan multiple times, they filled their day with unique details that made all the guests feel loved as they started their life together. The couple quite literally blended their love in a custom coffee roast from Iris

After narrowing the ceremony from 200

Coffee Company they named

people to 15, the couple had a fantastic time

“The Gaines Blend.”

with close family and friends celebrating in Pella, Iowa. They said “I do” next to Tamory Hall’s lovely large windows that flawlessly accented the alter with natural light. The exposed brick and open floor plan matched the wedding effortlessly with a warm, inviting

Kristin found her dress at Pure Bridal that fit perfectly. The exquisite silhouette with the V-line cut and custom sleeves by KN Custom Sewing was a beautiful, classic look for a wonderful evening. Shelly Sarver Designs

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IT’S MY

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created magnificent floral touches that made

The decor. The venue. The food. Everything

the wedding all the more perfect. With a more

was absolutely perfect for the couple.

neutral, bohemian style, both Kristin’s and

Captured by Verdigris Photography and

her bridesmaids’ flowers were unique to fit

Design, the couple were blown away by the

Kristin’s vision. With her stunning bouquet of

extraordinary photos and videos. Some of

blush and white roses, the bridesmaids had

their favorites were captured outside in a field,

a fan-like combination of flowers containing

highlighting the warmth and love between

pampas grass matching the decor.

them — something they will cherish for a

To add some sentimentality to the wedding,

lifetime.

a custom neon sign “Love You Bunches”

The couple truly wanted everyone to

hung over the couple at their dinner table.

remember the love on display that evening,

Kyle’s great-grandmother used to say it all

and they succeeded — an entire evening filled

the time, and now the entire family uses it in

with joy. After a small dinner with family and

remembrance. Everyone couldn’t stop talking

friends laughing, crying, and supporting the

about the amazing food and how nice it was to

couple, the two happily launched into their

gather with close family and friends under the

marriage, cherishing the fantastic memories

sign.

and details of their wedding.

Tamory Hall’s lovely large windows made the day feel warm and inviting.

Custom sleeves were added to the brides dress by KN Custom Sewing was a beautiful, classic addition.

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VIS IT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF KRISTIN + KYLE'S BIG DAY!

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY Pause.

Take it in.

Cherish the quiet moments.

The warm glow of an Iowa sunset can be the most gorgeous final shots of your special day.

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY A custom neon sign “Love You Bunches” hung over the couple, Kyle’s greatgrandmother used to say it all the time.

We LOVE a confetti celebration!

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K RISTIN + KYLE

WEDDI N G MOOD W E DDI NG ST YL E ELEGANT, WARM, INVITING

CO LO R PA L ET TE

The couple created a unique gift for guests — a coffee roast called "The Gaines Blend" to commemorate the day.

We adore this!

VE ND O R LU ST PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS

Ceremony/Reception Venue Tamory Hall Floral Shelly Sarver Designs Photographer Verdigris Photography & Design, Morgan Terlow | Videographer Verdigris Photography & Design, Matt Terlow Rehearsal Dinner Liberty Street Kitchen | Caterer Country Catering, Julie Roose | Hair Salon 914, Holly Brandt | Makeup Salon 814 Main, @mallory.salon814main | Dessert Parinda Cupcakes | Wedding Dress Pure Bridal, custom sleeves by KN Custom Sewing Menswear The Black Tux | Bridesmaid Dresses BHLDN | Tanning Salon Emberglow Custom Spray Tanning | Invites Design by the bride, @kp_gaines | Event Planning Midwest Meets Design | Favor Iris Coffee Company | Ceremony Music Original song by Ray Badudu “Rest” Decor Rentals Pella Rental | Linens Event Essentials | Officiant Ali Cranmer, Third Church

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

JIABEI + DAVID

GLO BA L LOVE

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One beautiful clear day in NYC, Jiabei and David decided to enjoy the Whitney museum and visit the rooftop. While looking out at the skyline and their cozy NYC apartment just across the way, David knew this was the moment and asked Jiabei to marry him. Soon after, a woman quickly approached them. “Did you just get engaged,” she asked? She had been taking photos of the New York skyline and captured the entire thing. It was the perfect surprise to complement the perfect proposal.

The couple’s family and friends would be coming from all parts of the world — China, Lebanon, Australia, Nicaragua — any spot would be a destination wedding, and they wanted it to have special meaning. David went to school at Iowa State University as an undergraduate, and Jiabei’s parents came to the US and studied at ISU for their graduate degrees. Ames, IA was the first place Jiabei called home when she came to the US. It just felt right. So, they started planning their destination wedding to Iowa!

With so many people from out of town, they wanted them to have the Iowa experience. When the couple would visit David’s childhood home in Manson, IA, they would drive past a beautiful red barn at Sundae Morning Farms. It wasn’t a venue, but on a whim, Jiabei reached out to see if they would host the couple’s welcome party. They were happy to do it! So everyone got to enjoy HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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the comforts of an Iowa farm on their first day

Laura Wills Photography and Ryan Buck

in the state.

at Ascension Cinema were instrumental

The couple loved entertaining friends and family, so their wedding was no different.

They chose a planner they knew could handle it all. Taylor at White Willow Events is that planner. “I told Taylor I wanted something like an enchanted garden meets a disco. She did not disappoint.” Jiabei told us. The wedding was a grand masterpiece, beautiful florals

in capturing the vibe of the day. “Laura’s style helps everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. She captures the emotion of a moment so naturally, she's such a talent.”

Jiabei told us. “And Ryan went above and beyond with drones and spectacular panoramic shots. We were in awe and adore our wedding film.”

everywhere, and the band played against a

Jiabei and David couldn’t have asked for

backdrop of disco balls. It. Was. Stunning.

a more memorable night. With friends

Guests packed the dance floor all night long.

and family helping every step of the way

The couple also got to enjoy Allionce, a

and a party that didn’t want to end, it was

traditional Chinese Lion Dance Team. It was a

everything they had hoped. It set the stage

fantastic surprise for their guests.

for a lifetime of memories ahead.

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David went to school at Iowa State University, and Jiabei’s parents came to the US and studied at ISU for their graduate degrees.

Ames, IA was the first place Jiabei called home.

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The couple wanted Allionce, a traditional Chinese Lion Dance Team to entertain their guests. It was a fantastic surprise!

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The couple’s family and friends would be coming from all parts of the world — China, Lebanon, Australia, Nicaragua, and all across the USA.

J IABEI + DAVID

WEDDI N G M O OD W E DDI NG ST YL E GARD E N, D ISCO, GLOB A L

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST Photographer Laura Wills Photography Videographer Ascension Cinema, Ryan Buck Ceremony & Reception Venue Iowa State University, Memorial Union | Caterer ISU Catering | Cake & Dessert Hy-Vee | Floral Boesen the Florist | Hair Talking Heads Salon Wedding Dress Anomalie | Stationery Ceremony Flyover Design Co. | Music Kathy With family coming in from all over the word, they wanted to make sure their guests got a "Iowa Experience."

So they found the perfect barn between in the groom's hometown and Ames, to host a welcome party for their guests.

Naja | Ceremony Music KC Flo Event Planning, Decor Design, Rentals White Willow Events | Hotels Radisson Hotel and the Iowa House Historic Inn Transportation CIT Signature Transportation

W E LCO ME PART Y VEN D OR S Venue Sundae Morning Farms | Music Jay Clyde Band | Catering Hickory Park, appetizers

by Farmhouse Catering | Beer 515 Brewing Company | Ice Cream Truck The Outside Scoop | Caricature Artist Stephanie Ong | Planning, Florals and Rentals White Willow Events and Boesen the Florist

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