JULY/AUG 2026
STYLED SHOOT
Cottagecore Charm
VENDOR
lust
SPOTLIGHT ON
Cake & Catering
IT'S MY BIG DAY ANNA + BRANDON HALEIGH + JASON
Contents
H W I J U LY/A U G 2 0 2 6
6-9 ST Y L E D S H O OT: C O T TA G E C O R E C H A R M LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
From golden hour garden parties to meaningful family traditions and creative details, these pages capture so many of the reasons we love weddings in the Midwest. This issue’s styled shoot at The Cottage at Woodland Farm leans fully into dreamy summer picnic vibes with soft yellow hues, crisp whites, and fresh greenery. It's the perfect backdrop for couples looking for a wedding day that feels relaxed, romantic, and completely their own. We’re also excited to share Anna + Brandon’s vintageinspired garden party, blending colorful florals, and
13-18 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : ANNA + BRANDON
20-24 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : HALEIGH + JASON
meaningful heirlooms into a joyful Cedar Rapids homecoming celebration. Meanwhile, Haleigh + Jason’s elegant Des Moines wedding incorporated subtle nods to their love of live music while centering family and heartfelt moments throughout the day. And because great celebrations almost always involve great food, this issue also shines a spotlight
26-30 VENDOR LUST: S P OT L I G H T O N C A K E & C AT E R I N G
on wedding catering and cakes — from artistic cake trends to thoughtful menus that help create unforgettable guest experiences.
Special thanks to this crew:
We hope this issue inspires you to create a wedding day that feels authentic, joyful, and full of moments
Kelly Visser
worth remembering. Here’s to long summer nights,
Copy Editor
beautiful celebrations, and love stories that bring everyone together.
X OX O,
A lesha B.
EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com
Marissa Sakakhanone
Designer + Digital Media Manager
WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com
Follow us!
We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events, and vendor spotlights, follow our feed: @heartlandweddingideas.
COVER: CLAIRE ZELLMER PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR'S PHOTO: ANNA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING
DES MOINES / URBANDALE
Our professional planning and culinary teams work with you to take your wedding to the next level. Contact us today to get started. 8600 Northpark Drive, Johnston desmoinesurbandale.gardeninn.com | 515.270.8890
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Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY &DESIGN DESIGN CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY &&DESIGN CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY
Nothing Compares Nothing Compares Nothing Compares othing Compares TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS A WEDDING THE FAIRGROUNDS TO TO A WEDDING ATAT THE FAIRGROUNDS
Celebrate your specialAT day atTHE the IowaFAIRGROUNDS State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, O A WEDDING Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests.
Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and and your aguests. Enjoy free, close parking for your guests, an accessible staff modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await youlocation and your guests. Enjoy free, close parking for your guests, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail. e your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, Enjoy free, close parking for your guests, an accessible 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.
To schedule your wedding at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit ee, close parking for your guests, anOffaccessible location and a staff iowastatefairgrounds.org contactat Season EventsFairgrounds, at 515-262-3111, To schedule yourorwedding the Iowa State visit ext 282. To schedule your wedding at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit ready to assist you with Off every iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Seasondetail. 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 | IOWASTATEFAIRGROUNDS.ORG 3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGROUNDS.ORG 3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGROUNDS.ORG
STYLED S HOOT
Cottagecore
Charm
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What a simply elegant three-tiered cake.
Soft, whimsical, and kissed by golden hour light, this styled shoot at The Cottage at Woodland Farm captures the charm of a countryside summer romance. Led by Picturesque Photography, a talented team of Iowa wedding vendors brought rustic cottage magic to life through fresh greens, dreamy picnic details, and glowing pasture sunsets that leave us feeling like we stepped into a storybook love story.
MEET THE WEDDING PROS VENUE The Cottage at Woodland Farm PHOTOGRAPHY & DECOR Picturesque Photography
FLORALS Pocket Full of Posies
HAIR Rustic Edge Salon
WEDDING DRESS & SUIT Mara Brides
CAKE Sweet Alexia's
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ST Y L E D SHOOT
We love the way Picturesque Photography captured the sunbeams.
Chandeliers in a barn — absolutely.
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The layers of yellow flowers and greenery bring a fresh feel.
The checkered tablecloths are so charming.
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IT’S MY DAY
Big
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. And we want to feature it!
HALEIGH + JASON
ANNA + BRANDON
IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
ANNA + BRANDON
V I N TA G E G A R D E N PA RT Y
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The Italian lace choker is such a special element to her gorgeous wedding day fashion.
Hy-Vee put the cherry on top with this cake!
Ummm … can we talk about these shoes?! They are pink perfection.
Vintage details, Italian-inspired touches, and plenty of personality came together to create a wedding day that perfectly reflected Anna and Brandon’s love story. Their joyful celebration delivered an eclectic garden aesthetic layered with meaningful traditions, colorful florals, and a whole lot of love. Anna is a Cedar Rapids native and she first met Brandon at Iowa State University after he “hollered” at her across a tailgate (the start to any good love story if you ask us). What started as a fun college connection eventually grew into their forever. Brandon proposed during a trip to Positano, Italy, in a moment Anna says she could see coming from a mile away. “I knew it was about to go down because I could see his heart beating through his shirt, but I was so excited,” she shares. “It was special because it was private, just us two on a balcony.” That trip later inspired several details throughout the wedding day. Anna described the overall vision as a “vintage / eclectic garden party theme” with subtle Italian influences woven throughout the design. As a designer professionally, she especially loved the creative side of planning. “I loved designing my wedding and incorporating so many personal details and meaningful touches throughout,” Anna shares. “As a designer in my day-to-day job, it wasn’t surprising that the creative process was my favorite part of planning!” Anna spent months sourcing vintage décor, thrifting pieces, and working on DIY projects that were stored in her parents’ basement. She also partnered with Borrow My Vintage to help complete the layered, collected look she envisioned.
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
Photographer Claire Zellman captured detail photos on Anna’s grandpa’s ’56 Chevy, styled with her great-grandma’s floral plate and vintage Italian stamps from Positano where the couple got engaged. Brandon also wore a pin on his tailored suit in memory of his late grandparents. Her stunning orchid bouquet was inspired by the bouquets her mom and grandmas carried on their own wedding days, and the floral details on her dreamy pink ballet shoes perfectly matched the bouquet colors. The couple made sure family members played an important role throughout the ceremony at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Both of Anna’s parents walked her down the aisle, while her cousin and her husband performed during the church ceremony. Brandon’s aunt served as lector, their nieces were flower girls, and cousins participated in the processional.
The wedding party, close family, and friends kicked off the weekend with a rehearsal dinner at Big Grove Brewery before continuing the celebration at Ashton Hill Farm in Cedar Rapids the next day. Surrounded by the Iowa countryside, the venue created a relaxed yet elevated atmosphere for the couple’s garden-inspired reception. Anna’s vision came to life through candlelit tables, colorful florals, cheering family and friends, and a classic heartshaped wedding cake with cherries on top, beautifully decorated by Hy-Vee. “Everyone we love in one room at once,” Anna says. “We live on the West Coast, so this felt like a very special homecoming.” Join us in raising a glass for the happy couple! Congratulations to Anna and Brandon on their beautiful wedding day and lifetime of love ahead.
Anna had her dad’s tie custom made with a favorite childhood photo.
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Claire Zellmer Photography perfectly captured the vibe of this ’56 Chevy detail shoot.
ANNA + BRA N DON
WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E ROMANTIC, VINTAGE, ECLECTIC
CO LO R PA L ET TE
VEN D O R LU ST PREMIER VENDORS Rehearsal Dinner Big Grove Brewery
& Taproom | Cake Hy-Vee ALL VENDORS Photographer Claire Zellmer Photography Videographer Torey Rhode | Ceremony Venue St. Patrick’s Catholic Church | Reception Venue Ashton Hill Farm | Caterer Peppercorn Food Company | Floral Ella Floral Design | Bride’s Attire Mira Couture, custom choker and veil, Prada ballerina flats | Groom’s attire Black Lapel | Hair Oasis Salon, Elevate Salon | Makeup Melissa Votroubek | Invites/Paper Products The bride | Officiant Jerry Hogan, bride’s uncle | Ceremony Music Molly and Tyler Hackman, bride’s cousins | Reception Music DJ Davin | Day of Coordinator MJ Colby, Ashton Hill Farm | Extra Rentals Borrow My Vintage | Photobooth Center Stage Productions | Transportation Entour LLC | Hotel Double Tree Hilton, Downtown Cedar Rapids
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
Such a dreamy and unique bouquet — the orchids are perfect.
V I S I T H E ARTLA N DW E DDI N GI DEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF ANNA + B RANDON'S B I G DAY !
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
HALEIGH + JASON
JUST THE TICKET
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White Willow Events always creates the most gorgeous bouquets.
Live music inspiration, timeless elegance, and heartfelt family moments made Jason and Haleigh’s wedding day an unforgettable celebration of their relationship. Both proud Iowa natives, the couple first met while working at the Iowa Events Center, unknowingly beginning a relationship rooted in shared passions for entertainment and live events. Fittingly, Jason decided to pop the big question just before they attended a Justin Timberlake concert in Kansas City. “The proposal itself was intimate and private — just the two of us,” Haleigh says. For their wedding day, the couple embraced a timeless aesthetic featuring whites and creams accented with soft pops of yellow. Meaningful details were thoughtfully woven throughout every part of the celebration, beginning with their rehearsal dinner at the Casey’s Center — a sentimental nod to where they first met. “It was fun to enjoy the night with our friends and family in the place that started it all,” she shares. As professionals in the events industry, Jason and Haleigh wanted to fully enjoy their wedding day without feeling like they were working. With support from White Willow Events, they were able to do exactly that. “We wanted to plan the best day, but also didn’t want it to feel like ‘work,’” Haleigh explains. “With them in control, we were able to sit back and enjoy the day without any worry.”
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
What a fun way to find your seat — ticket escort cards from TandemHart!
Their reception at Curate with catering by Taste! To Go blended elevated style with warmth and hospitality. Meanwhile, TandemHart Paperie incorporated the couple’s love of concerts into the design with creative ticket-inspired escort cards and a statement seating display wall. From start to finish, family remained at the center of the celebration. One especially emotional moment came on the morning of the wedding when Haleigh’s mother surprised her by sewing a piece of her own wedding dress into Haleigh’s gown. Her niece, nephew, and goddaughter were the flower girls and ring bearer ceremony, while the couple’s siblings read verses. The couple also honored Jason’s late mother throughout the day with subtle tributes featuring her favorite flower, pink roses. A single rose was tucked into Haleigh’s bouquet, while additional roses marked her seat during the ceremony. “We missed her physical presence but felt her spirit everywhere,” she shares. Later in the evening, Haleigh surprised Jason by inviting the women in the room onto the dance floor in honor of his mother — an emotional moment for all. 22
Haleigh also says the couple’s first dance, performed live by two of Jason’s longtime friends, was one of the most special moments of the day. And thankfully, every detail and heartfelt moment throughout the day was captured beautifully by the talented Katie Lindgren Photography for the couple to reflect on for years to come. Haleigh’s advice to other couples planning their wedding day? “Don’t get too wrapped up in the to-do list to miss the season of excitement. There are many things to do, vendors to secure, and invite lists to solidify, but the fun in planning and picking details for your favorite day truly is a blast.” Congratulations to the couple on creating an unforgettable start to their lifetime together!
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H ALE IGH + JASON
WEDDI N G M OOD W E DDI NG ST YL E CRISP, PERSONAL, MODERN
CO LO R PA L ET TE
VEN D O R LU ST PREMIER VENDORS Stationery TandemHart Paperie ALL VENDORS Photographer Katie Lindgren Photography | Ceremony Venue Lutheran Church of Hope Reception Venue Curate | Caterer Taste To Go! | Wedding Planner White Willow Events | Floral & Decor White Willow Events DJ Jaide Knight | Hair Melissa Ingratta Makeup Breiyan Lanea
A kiss at the Beechwood — a throwback to their first kiss!
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
Love the after dinner jumper still with a nod to her beautiful wedding dress.
V I S I T H E A RTLA N DW E DDI NGIDEAS.COM TO S EE A L L O F HA L E I GH + JASON'S BIG DAY!
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CREATE
Lasting Memories AT PRAIRIE MEADOWS
Let our expert event coordinators bring your vision to life with elegant spaces, customizable menus, and exceptional service. Call 515-967-8550 or scan the QR code. Banquets • Galas • Weddings • Holiday Gatherings Celebrations • Fundraisers • Business Meetings • Trade Shows T HE
MEADOWS EVENTS & CONFERENCE CENTER
PRIVATE DINING
VENDOR
lust
Cedar Ridge Distillery Meet our Heartland Premier Wedding Pros
SPOTLIGHT ON
CAKE & CATERING From the first bite of dinner to the last forkful of cake, food plays a major role in the overall guest experience.
GETTING YOUR WOW WEDDING CAKE Whether your day leans classic, modern, romantic, rustic, or bold and colorful, your cake can echo that aesthetic through shape, texture, color, florals, piping, or custom details. We’re seeing incredible trends, from table-length cakes to decorative piping and meringue details that look more like art than dessert. Of course, the inside matters too. Classic flavors are always crowd-pleasers, but your baker may offer unique flavors like lemon raspberry, salted caramel, champagne, or seasonal fruit flavors. Fillings, buttercreams, mousses, and preserves can add even more personality. Think through size and serving, too. A tall tiered cake creates a beautiful focal point, but many couples choose a smaller cutting cake paired with sheet cakes, cupcakes, or assorted desserts to manage budget while still giving guests something delicious. We also love the micro-wedding cake trend — a tiny cake used just for the cake cutting moment. Fabulous!
PLANNING YOUR WEDDING CATERING Catering sets the tone for one of the most memorable parts of your reception: gathering around the table. Whether you’re planning a plated dinner, buffet, or stations, 26
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
your menu should support the flow and personality of your day. Start by thinking about the experience you want guests to have. A plated meal can feel formal and elegant, while buffets and stations create movement and variety. Your caterer can also help you think through timing, service, guest count, dietary needs, and how your meal fits into the overall reception schedule. This is especially helpful when balancing all the other things of the night like cocktail hour, your grand entrance, speeches, and cake cutting. When choosing your menu, look for food that feels personal but still approachable. Maybe that means a favorite comfort food, a nod to your culture, seasonal ingredients, local flavors, or a late-night bite that feels fun and unexpected. Great catering does more than feed your guests — it helps create the atmosphere. With the right team, your wedding meal can feel seamless, thoughtful, and completely your own.
OUR PREMIER CATERING & CAKE PROFESSIONALS: Baratta's // Big Grove Brewery & Taproom // Cedar Ridge Distillery // Cha Cha's Hiland Bakery // Glorious Desserts // Hy-Vee Catering & Bakery
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Glorious Desserts
Hy-Vee Catering & Bakery
Baratta's
Everything you need for your
For store locations, please visit Hy-Vee.com
HY-VEE CATERING
HY-VEE FLORAL
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HY-VEE BAKERY
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VENDOR
OUR PREMIER WEDDING PROS
lust
ATTIRE & TAILORING Bridal Connection ANKENY, IA
bridalconnectiondsm.com D'Luxe Tux
Cha Cha's Hiland Bakery
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
dluxe-tux.com Langel & Woods Clothiers WEST DES MOINES, IA
DECOR & RENTALS
langelwoods.com Skeffington's Formal Wear DES MOINES, IA
skeffingtons.com
Beyond Elegance Party Rentals WEST DES MOINES, IA
beyondelegance.com Era Events & Design
BEAUTY & WELLNESS Hello Darlin' Glam
DES MOINES, IA
eraeventdesign.com Royal Rental Co., Restrooms
DES MOINES, IA
hellodarlinglam.com
IOWA
rentwithroyal.com
DRINKS & BARTENDING
CATERING Baratta's
Apres Bar Co.
barattas.com
apresbarco.com
DES MOINES, IA
DES MOINES, IA
Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA
cedarridgedistillery.com Hy-Vee Catering & Deli DES MOINES // CORALVILLE
hy-vee.com
EVENT PLANNING Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA
completewedo.com Des Moines Wedding Show CENTRAL IOWA
desmoinesweddingshow.com
CAKE & DESSERT Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery DES MOINES, IA
chachashilandbakery.com
Eastern Iowa Wedding Show CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
easterniowaweddingshow.com Era Events & Design
Glorious Desserts
DES MOINES, IA
gloriousdesserts.com
Fort Dodge Regional Bridal Show
DES MOINES, IA
eraeventdesign.com
Hy-Vee Bakery
CENTRAL IOWA
hy-vee.com
Omaha Wedding Show
DES MOINES // CORALVILLE
fdbridalshow.com OMAHA, NE
omahaweddingshow.com 28
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CELEBRATE AT A TRULY UNIQUE VENUE IN SWISHER, IOWA 1441 Marak Road, Swisher, Iowa | CedarRidgeDistillery.com | Events@crwine.com
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VENDOR
OUR PREMIER WEDDING PROS
FLORAL
lust
Hy-Vee Floral
VENUES 1868 Farmhouse BOONE, IA
1868farmhouse.com Barnes' Place
DES MOINES // CORALVILLE
ADEL, IA
hy-vee.com
barnes-place.com
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA
completewedo.com
biggrove.com/ICPrivateEvents biggrove.com/CRPrivateEvents
DJ DAS Entertainment
Cedar Ridge Distillery
dj-das.com
cedarridgedistillery.com
DES MOINES, IA
snapXP Photobooth
IOWA CITY // CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
SWISHER, IA
The Chateau at White Oak
WEST DES MOINES, IA
CAMBRIDGE, IA
snapxp.com
whiteoakchateau.com
Vows & Vibes
Country Lane Lodge
DES MOINES, IA
ADEL, IA
vowsandvibes.com
countrylanelodgeiowa.com
OFFICIANT
The Era Wedding & Event Venue
Vows & Vibes
theeraiowa.com
SCRANTON, IA
DES MOINES, IA
vowsandvibes.com
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden DES MOINES, IA
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
dmbotanicalgarden.com
Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
completewedo.com
thehotelatkirkwood.com
Katie McDonald Photography DES MOINES, IA
katiemcdonaldphotography.com Sweet Story Photography DES MOINES, IA
Iowa State Fairgrounds DES MOINES, IA
iowastatefairgrounds.org Prairie Meadows Event Center
sweetstoryphoto.com
ALTOONA, IA
STATIONERY & GIFTS
Scottish Rite Consistory
TandemHart Paperie
dmscottishrite.org
DES MOINES, IA
tandemhartpaperie.com
prairiemeadows.com DES MOINES, IA
Sherwood Forest Event Center WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA
TRAVEL & HONEYMOON
sherwoodforesteventcenter.com
Mosaic Shores Travel Co.
World Food Prize, Hall of Laureates
mosaicshores.com
halloflaureatesevents.org
DES MOINES, IA
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DES MOINES, IA
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CELEBRATE YOUR DAY AT THE
Hall of Laureates From the first look to the first dance, the Hall of Laureates is the perfect location to celebrate every moment of your special day. This historic building in the heart of downtown Des Moines radiates a rich history with every modern amenity necessary for your entire wedding.
YOUR RENTAL INCLUDES Hall of Laureates - 3 Levels! Private Garden 250 Gold Chiavari Chairs 75 Tables in a Variety of Sizes Numerous Photo Locations Space for Dancing!
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WWW.HALLOFLAUREATESEVENTS.ORG
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