JULY/AUGUST 2025
STYLED SHOOT
Heritage Center Styled Shoot
VENDOR
lust
OUR PREMIER
WEDDING PROS
IT'S MY BIG DAY CRYSTAL + BROCK JESSIE + CHRIS
Contents
H W I J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 5
4-7 ST Y L E D S H O OT: G A R D E N PA R T Y EDITORS' LETTER
Summer is flying and we can't wait for you to see what this issue has in store. We have a little bit of everything from classic elegance to vibrant vows.
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We kick things off with a garden party styled shoot by Yours Truly Weddings, captured perfectly by Sweet Story Photography. The flowers by The English Rose Floral & Decor are captivating and really set the tone.
I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : JESSIE + CHRIS
In “It’s My Big Day,” we spotlight two special celebrations. First, Jessie + Chris' vibrant Central Iowa wedding, featuring resort florals, lush greenery, and thoughtful personal touches that tell their love story. You can feel the warmth in the day with all the beautiful photography from KMP Photography. Meanwhile, Crystal + Brock's Eastern Iowa wedding brings classic elegance-from beautiful white florals to a classic white tux, this wedding is stunning. And finally, you'll find our full list of premiere wedding professionals, found in our Vendor LUST section. You can find all the talented pros to plan your big day! We hope these weddings bring you some inspiration and spark fresh ideas for your own plans. For a FREE copy of Heartland Wedding Ideas delivered straight to your door, sign up at
20-24 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : C R Y S TA L + B R O C K
28-30 VENDOR LUST: OUR PREMIERE WEDDING PROS
Special thanks to this crew:
Kelly Visser
heartlandweddingideas.com/ido-crew-signup, and let the inspiration continue. Happy planning!
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: RACHEL JEAN PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING
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Photo below Laura Wills Photography
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SCOTTISH RITE CONSISTORY PROUD LOCATION OF THE DES MOINES WEDDING SHOW
A STUNNING VENUE IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES
CEN TR
Choice of Caterer | Seating for 450
IOWA AL
SILVER for Historical Venue at Wedding Choice Awards!
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519 Park Street, Des Moines 515.288.8927 events@dmscottishrite.org
dmscottishrite.org
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Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY &DESIGN DESIGN CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY &&DESIGN CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY
Nothing Compares Nothing Compares othing Compares A WEDDING THE FAIRGROUNDS TO TO A WEDDING ATAT THE FAIRGROUNDS
O A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings,
Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. Enjoy free, close for your guests, an accessible location and a staff e your day at parking thefor Iowa Fairgrounds. buildings, Enjoyspecial free, close parking yourState guests, an accessibleHistoric location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail. ready tooutdoor assist you with every detail. acilities and picturesque settings await you and your guests.
ee, close parking for your guests, an accessible location and a staff To schedule your wedding at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit To schedule your wedding at theOff Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit ready to assist you with every detail. iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Season Events at 515-262-3111, ext 282. iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515-262-3111, ext 282.
To schedule your wedding at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit owastatefairgrounds.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 3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM
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CENTRAL IOWA
STYLED S HOOT
Garden Party
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Love love love the textures and colors in these florals.
The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and love is in bloom! This pastel, picture-perfect garden party styled shoot, created by Yours Truly Weddings, offers a fresh take on spring romance. With playful textures, airy vibes, and florals that pop, the day brought together a talented group of wedding pros. We're inspired by all the dreamy possibilities!
MEET THE WEDDING PROS PLANNING & DESIGN YOURS TRULY WEDDINGS
DRESS & EARRINGS ROSALIE
VENUE DES MOINES HERITAGE CENTER
HAIR JESSI, HELLO DARLIN' GLAM
PHOTOGRAPHER SWEET STORY PHOTOGRAPHY
MAKEUP ABBY, HELLO DARLIN' GLAM
FLORAL DESIGN THE ENGLISH ROSE FLORAL & DECOR
DECOR BEYOND ELEGANCE, YOURS TRULY WEDDINGS, THE ENGLISH ROSE FLORAL & DECOR
SUIT SKEFFINGTON’S FORMAL WEAR
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Sweet Story Photography captured the light, airy vibe just right.
The English Rose Floral & Décor nailed it with this lush floral chandelier! 8
These floral earrings are a sweet surprise.
This navy suit from Skeffington’s Formal Wear is so classy.
Such a gorgeous natural makeup by Hello Darlin’ Glam.
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CEN TR
IOWA AL
Catering, Events & Italian Restaurant michelle@barattas.com • 515.281.4658 • barattas.com
Des Moines, Iowa | 515.381.7361
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Bi
IT’S MY g DAY
Submit your wedding day photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue at heartlandweddingideas.com
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.
CRYSTAL + BROCK
JESSIE + CHRIS
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FROM
TO THE PERFECT DAY, WE HAVE IT ALL Engagement Party • Bridal Shower • Rehearsal Dinner Ceremony • Reception • Morning After Brunch
C O N TA C T P R A I R I E M E A D O W S E V E N T S S TA F F F O R M O R E D E TA I L S BY CALLING 515-967-8550 OR SCAN THE QR CODE. SCAN HERE
T HE
MEADOWS EVENTS & CONFERENCE CENTER
We support responsible gaming. 800 BETS OFF
IT’S MY
Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
JESSIE + CHRIS
VIBRANT VOWS
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The weather turned out absolutely perfect for this all-outdoor wedding!
Jessie and Chris’ wedding day was nothing short of magical, filled with heartfelt moments, unexpected surprises, and the love of their closest family and friends. It was an absolute reflection of their personalities — vibrant, fun, and completely unforgettable. The couple’s story began back in high school, where they met through a mutual friend at swing dance nights at the Val Air Ballroom. Though they went their separate ways after high school, fate brought them back together ten years later at AJ’s Karaoke Bar in Des Moines. Chris pulled out all the stops for the proposal, and he absolutely nailed it, creating a perfectly coordinated surprise in Las Vegas for Halloween. While watching street performers that he had secretly coordinated, Chris jumped in to join a rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Halfway through the performance, about 30 of their friends and family members removed their Halloween masks, and Chris dropped to one knee. Jessie and Chris are no strangers to the wedding industry. They own a wedding entertainment business, Vows & Vibes, specializing in providing live music, DJing, and officiating services for weddings! So, they were heavily involved in bringing their vision to life and making it uniquely their own. “My advice is to do your wedding your way. It is your wedding. You can do whatever you want to celebrate your love,” Jessie shares. The couple chose to have an outdoor wedding at Annett Nature Center near Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola. The spot was naturally beautiful, and the perfect setting for the laidHEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM
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IT’S MY
Big
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CENTRAL IOWA
back garden party vibe — tropical shirts, vibrant florals, yet personal and intimate. Instead of starting with the ceremony, they decided to host a relaxed cocktail hour and food truck dinner, then the ceremony at 8:15 p.m. followed immediately by an incredible dance party. Such a fun twist on the traditional timeline. Sadly, Jessie’s father passed away the day before the wedding. She walked down the aisle solo, with Chris singing “A Boy Like Me” as a tribute to her dad. She also wore a bike earring to honor her father and one of their favorite things to do together. Jessie says it really felt like her dad was “there” in these moments. Their close friend who officiated the wedding, rigged fireworks to go off during Chris and Jessie’s first kiss as a married couple. He also asked their families and wedding party shared what “love” meant to them during the ceremony.
And obviously, their dance party was one for the ages. Chris surprised Jessie with a special wedding gift — he had learned an hour of new music she had never heard before and he took over the dance floor. How incredible to have a couple that DJ’d, performed, and emceed their own wedding day! They also leaned on their community of talented friends and family to make it possible. Jessie’s close friend Katie, who works at Scenic Route Bakery, made the desserts. Jessie’s aunt and mom made the floral arrangements, and friends helped decorate the space with thousands of string lights. Kendra from KMP Photography captured every magical moment of the day, while the talented Amanda with Sweet Story Photography brought it all together on film. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We couldn’t have done it without all the help from the people we care about most,” Jessie shares.
What a fun twist to have food trucks before the ceremony. Your wedding, your way!
Jessie surprised Chris with a rap she wrote — showstopper! So many special moments captured by Kendra at KMP Photography. This charcuterie is incredible.
V IS I T H E ARTLA N DW E DDI N GIDEAS.COM TO SE E AL L OF J E SSI E & C HR I S' BIG DAY! 16
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JE SS IE + CHR I S
WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E VIBRANT, JOYFUL, RESORT
CO LO R PA L ET TE
We love all the floral prints!
VEN D O R LU ST PREMIER VENDORS Videographer Amanda,
Sweet Story Photography Ceremony & Reception Music The groom Chris Powell, Vows & Vibes ALL VENDORS Photographer Kendra, KMP Photography Venue Annett Nature Center | Caterer CharcuteMe, The Cheese Wagon, Best Spudz Food Truck | Cake & Dessert 3 Bean Bakehouse Floral Jeri Sims, bride’s aunt, and Jody Elwell, bride’s mom | Houseplant Rental Renovation Jungle | Wedding Dress Budget Bridal Outlet Hair Ashley, Pure Salon AVEDA | Makeup The bride | Nail Salon T&D Nails | Engagement Ring Family heirloom | Jewelry Morphew Designs | Rehearsal Dinner Scenic Route Bakery
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
CRYSTAL + BROCK
CLASSIC ELEGANCE
Crystal says seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle was one of the most special moments of the day.
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These chandeliers over the head table are incredible.
When Crystal and Brock met in college at Northwest Missouri State University, it didn’t take long for them to realize they were meant to be. Their connection was immediate, and over the years, it only grew stronger as they shared birthday celebrations, vacations, career growth, and special life moments big and small. Fast forward to the big moment — the surprise proposal! Crystal thought she was headed to meet friends for happy hour, but a call threw everything into chaos: Brock had crashed his bike at a park in Iowa City. She rushed to go help him, only to be completely caught off guard to see him dressed up waiting for her, ready to pop the question. It was an immediate “Yes!” and the couple celebrated with family and friends after. Crystal and Brock knew they wanted something timeless for their wedding day — an elegant celebration that would never go out of style. They envisioned a sophisticated black and white theme that would give the day a classic, romantic feel. And that’s exactly what they got. Every detail of the day was thoughtfully crafted to reflect their vision, and they worked closely with an incredible team of vendors to bring it all to life. Lauren from Elizabeth Bliss Events was the mastermind behind the smooth coordination, making sure every element was perfectly aligned. “Lauren was amazing,” Crystal says. “She kept everyone in the know to make the dream day come true.” Carly from Monarch Events was another essential part of the process, transforming their venue with luxurious, elegant décor. Pulling together elements like bows, glass vases, HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM
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IT’S MY
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EASTERN IOWA
chandeliers, and geometric iron elements absolutely created the dreamy, classy atmosphere they had always imagined. Bella Sala in Tiffin, Iowa, was the perfect backdrop for their celebration, offering a mix of modern elegance and a touch of warm rustic charm. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it provided the ideal setting for their timeless wedding just outside of Iowa City. One of the couple’s favorite parts of the planning process was planning the music with DJ Clife. They wanted to make sure it set the perfect tone and created good vibes for their celebration, so creating the perfect soundtrack was key. “DJ Clife set the bar super high and he did not disappoint,” Crystal shares. Brock and Crystal decided to have an adults-only wedding, so instead of a typical
flower girl and ring bearer they asked Brock’s grandparents to step in for the duty! It was such a lighthearted yet meaningful way to start their wedding ceremony. Another unforgettable moment was the cake-cutting ceremony, which incorporated Crystal’s African heritage. Her mom and aunts presented the cake-cutting knife while a traditional wedding song played, and the room erupted in clapping, dancing, and cheers. Reflecting on the day, Crystal shares some advice for other couples: “The day goes by FAST. Savor every moment. You’ll remember the love and happiness surrounding you for the rest of your life.” Cheers to the happy couple and their life together!
V IS I T H E ARTLA N DW E DDI N GIDEAS.COM TO SE E AL L OF C RYSTA L & B R OCK'S BIG DAY! 22
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All white floral goodness from Beautifully Bloomed.
Crystal’s full-length veil is perfection.
We’re swooning over this white tux.
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA CRYSTAL + B R OCK
WED DI N G MOO D W E DDI NG ST YL E CLASSIC, NATURAL, EARTHY
CO LO R PA L ET TE
VEN D O R LU ST PREMIER VENDORS Ceremony & Reception Music DJ Clife had the dance floor rocking.
Clife DJ Company ALL VENDORS Photographer Rachel Jean Photography | Event Planner & Coordinator Lauren, Elizabeth Bliss Events | Videographer Andrew, Legacy Media Venue Bella Sala Events | Caterer Graze Gourmet To-Go | Late Night Snacks The Airliner | Cake & Desserts Molly’s Cupcakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes Floral Beautifully Bloomed | Tux Men’s Warehouse | Wedding Dress An Elegant Affair Bridesmaid Dresses Lulus | Groomsmen Suits SuitShop | Hair Taija, The Industry Color + Extension Bar | Makeup Callista, Aurora Blush Nail Salon My Nail Escape | Invites Canva Stationery Minted | Engagement Ring & Bride’s Wedding Band Jared Jewelers | Groom's Wedding Band Elegance on 5th | Décor Design Carly, Monarch Events | Extra Rentals Bella Sala Events | Painter Create by Kait | Photobooth Pixel Pop Photobooth | Transportation Night Train Party Bus | Officiant Friend of the groom, Jake Lemming | Hotels Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City, hotel Vetro Iowa City
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CELEBRATE AT A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE IN SWISHER, IOWA
CedarRidgeDistillery.com | Events@crwine.com
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VENDOR
lust
Meet our Heartland Premier Wedding Pros
This is your go-to guide for the most trusted and talented wedding professionals in the area. Handpicked for their creativity, professionalism, and passion for weddings, these are the experts who bring big-day dreams to life. Whether you're just starting to plan or putting on the finishing touches, this is where your perfect vendor match is waiting.
Beauty Op
ATTIRE & TAILORING Celebrations Couture ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
WEST DES MOINES, IA
celebrationscouturedsm.com Merci's Tailoring
DECOR & RENTALS
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
mercistailoring.com
Beyond Elegance Party Rentals
Skeffington's Formal Wear
beyondelegance.com
DES MOINES, IA
WEST DES MOINES, IA
Era Events & Design
skeffingtons.com
DES MOINES, IA
BEAUTY & WELLNESS Beauty Op
eraeventdesign.com Royal Rental Co., Restrooms IOWA
NORTH LIBERTY, IA
beautyopbysm.com Hello Darlin' Glam
rentwithroyal.com
DRINKS & BARTENDING
DES MOINES, IA
hellodarlinglam.com
Apres Bar Co.
Indian Creek Dental
apresbarco.com
MARION, IA
DES MOINES, IA
smileinmarion.com
Your Private Bar
vIVid Life Spa
yourprivatebar.com
WEST DES MOINES, IA
NORWALK, IA
vividlifespa.com
EVENT PLANNING
CATERING
Complete Weddings + Events
Baratta's
completewedo.com
CLIVE, IA
DES MOINES, IA
Des Moines Wedding Show
barattas.com Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA
cedarridgedistillery.com
CENTRAL IOWA
desmoinesweddingshow.com Eastern Iowa Wedding Show IOWA CITY / CEDAR RAPIDS
CAKE & DESSERT
easterniowaweddingshow.com
ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery
Era Events & Design
DES MOINES, IOWA
DES MOINES, IA
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eraeventdesign.com
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MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Complete Weddings + Events
Complete Weddings + Events
CLIVE, IA
CLIVE, IA
completewedo.com
completewedo.com
DJ DAS Entertainment
Katie McDonald Photography
DES MOINES, IA
DES MOINES, IA
dj-das.com
katiemcdonaldphotography.com
MicDrop Entertainment
Studio Anne Photography
DES MOINES, IA
DES MOINES, IA
micdropentertainment515.com
studioanne.co
Silver Fox DJ
Sweet Story Photography
DES MOINES, IA
DES MOINES, IA
dj-silverfox.com SnapXP Photobooth WEST DES MOINES, IA
sweetstoryphoto.com
STATIONERY & GIFTS
snapxp.com
Humble Hands
Vows & Vibes
humblehandsjg.com
DES MOINES, IA
vowsandvibes.com
OFFICIANT
DES MOINES, IA
TandemHart Paperie DES MOINES, IA
tandemhartpaperie.com
Vows & Vibes
TRAVEL & HONEYMOON
DES MOINES, IA
Mosaic Shores Travel Co.
vowsandvibes.com
DES MOINES, IA
mosaicshores.com
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VENDOR OUR PREMIER WEDDING PROS
lust
VENUES (CONTINUED) Windsor Heights Community Center and Pavilion
Royal Rental Co.
WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA
windsorheights.org WineStyles WEST DES MOINES / JOHNSTON / ANKENY / CORALVILLE / CEDAR RAPIDS
winestyles.com World Food Prize, Hall of Laureates
VENUES
DES MOINES, IA
1868 Farmhouse
halloflaureates.org
BOONE, IA
1868farmhouse.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
Barnes' Place
Filmmaking Masters
ADEL, IA
CENTRAL IOWA
barnes-place.com
filmmakingmasters.com
BeerStyles Taproom & GastroPub WEST DES MOINES, IA
beerstyles.com
vIVid Life Spa
Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA
cedarridgedistillery.com The Chateau CAMBRIDGE, IA
whiteoakchateau.com Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden DES MOINES, IA
dmbotanicalgarden.com Iowa State Fairgrounds DES MOINES, IA
iowastatefairgrounds.org
TandemHart Paperie
Pella Opera House PELLA, IA
pellaoperahouse.org Prairie Meadows Event Center ALTOONA, IA
prairiemeadows.com Scottish Rite Consistory DES MOINES, IA
dmscottishrite.org Sherwood Forest Event Center WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA
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Cedar Ridge Distillery
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