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Heartland Wedding Ideas May/June Issue 2026 (Spring)

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WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS 2026!

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

As spring settles in, we’re stepping into one of the most joyful seasons of the year — wedding season! Longer days, fresh color palettes, and the energy of new beginnings make this time feel especially meaningful.

We’re kicking things off with a playful and elevated styled shoot at The Vineyard at St. Charles, where a talented team of vendors brought a strawberry matcha-inspired vision to life.

This issue also celebrates the incredible talent of Iowa’s wedding community as we announce the winners of the 2026 Central and Eastern Iowa Wedding Choice Awards. Now in its 8th year in Central Iowa — and marking our first awards ceremony in Eastern Iowa — this milestone reflects the strength and creativity of the vendors who help bring wedding days to life. Be sure to explore the winners as you build your own dream team!

We’re also honored to share two beautiful wedding stories that highlight just how unique every celebration can be. Rachel + Joey’s relaxed boho-inspired day was filled with faith, family, and meaningful touches, while Isabelle + Sean’s vibrant day blended eclectic design, colorful blooms, and heartfelt moments. Together, these stories are a reminder that the most unforgettable weddings are the ones that reflect who you are.

And for even more inspiration, plus a free mailed copy of the magazine, join the I-Do Crew at heartlandweddingideas.com/ido-crew-signup.

Here’s to a season of fresh beginnings, beautiful celebrations, and love stories unfolding.

lesha B. XOXO,

EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

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We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events, and vendor spotlights, follow our feed: @heartlandweddingideas.

HWI MAY/JUNE 2026

STYLED SHOOT: STRAWBERRY MATCHA DREAMS 4-7

CELEBRATE THE 2026 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS 8-20

IT’S MY BIG DAY: RACHEL + JOEY 23-27

IT’S MY BIG DAY: ISABELLE + SEAN 30-33

Special thanks to this crew:

Kelly Visser Copy Editor

Digital

EDITOR'S PHOTO: LEAH RIED PHOTOGRAPHY

HEARTLAND WEDDING

SUTHERLAND PRINTING

Strawberry Matcha Dreams

Breanna Maxwell Photography captured the most stunning portraits.

All the sweet, refreshing summer vibes shine in this styled shoot at The Vineyard at St. Charles. Led by Lydia of Dawn ‘til Dusk and venue owner Hannah, a team of talented Iowa wedding vendors brought an elegant, elevated strawberry matcha-inspired vision to life. With playful pinks, fresh greens, and thoughtful details throughout, this shoot is bursting with charm and creativity.

MEET THE WEDDING PROS

PLANNER + DÉCOR

Dawn ‘til Dusk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Breanna Maxwell Photography

VENUE

The Vineyard at St. Charles FLORAL

Lily & Co Wedding Floral

CONTENT CREATOR

Alyssa Kathleen, The Content Creator

HAIR

Kelsey Klein Hair

MAKEUP

Makeup by Morgan Dodds

LIVE PAINTER

Art by Leah Benson

LINENS, NAPKINS, FLATWARE Beyond Elegance

DRESS

Kalon Bridal Studio

SUIT

Citywide Cleaners

SPRAY TAN

Bare Tones

The textures and colors in these florals are so refreshing.

Love the boning in this corset.
Bigger and better!
The expanded venue can now accommodate 275 guests.

The finished painting!

Wood

and

Say no more.

beams
chandeliers?
Raise a glass to espresso martini towers!

CENTRAL & EASTERN IOWA

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Central and Eastern Iowa Wedding Choice Awards!

We’re celebrating our 8th Annual Wedding Choice Awards in Central Iowa, and our first award ceremony in Eastern Iowa! Over the years, we’ve proudly showcased the incredible talents of wedding professionals across Iowa, and now we’re thrilled to bring you the top vendors that couples agree are the best in the region. Be sure to check out the winners to help you create your perfect wedding day!

Central Iowa
Eastern Iowa
Eastern Iowa
Central Iowa
Eastern Iowa
Central Iowa
Central Iowa
Central Iowa
Central Iowa
Central Iowa
Eastern Iowa
Central Iowa
Central Iowa

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards! Explore this year’s winners and find the vendors who can make your special day truly unforgettable.

WEDDING GOWN

GOLD // Rosalie

SILVER // Schaffer's Bridal BRONZE // Modern Dress

TUXEDO

GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse BRONZE // Halberstadt's

SUIT

GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse BRONZE // Halberstadt's

WEDDING PARTY – DRESSES

GOLD (Tie) // Modern Dress

GOLD (Tie) // Rosalie

SILVER // David's Bridal BRONZE // Weddings by Design

ADDITIONAL ATTIRE

GOLD // Von Maur

SILVER // Dillard's BRONZE // Modern Dress

ALTERATIONS OR DRESS PRESERVATION

GOLD // Glorious Alterations

SILVER // KN Custom Sewing BRONZE // Busy Bee Tailor

ENGAGEMENT RING JEWELER

GOLD // Josephs Jewelers

SILVER // Anglo Diamond BRONZE // Kay Jewelers

WEDDING BAND JEWELER

GOLD // Josephs Jewelers

SILVER // Anglo Diamond BRONZE // Helzberg Diamonds

ACCESSORIES

GOLD // Von Maur

SILVER // Modern Dress BRONZE // Josephs Jewelers

HAIR SALON, STYLIST, OR BARBER

GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam

SILVER // LM Hair & Makeup

BRONZE // Blush Parlour & Co.

MAKEUP ARTIST OR SALON

GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam

SILVER // LM Hair & Makeup

BRONZE // After Glow Pro Studio

NAIL SALON

GOLD // Premier Nail Bar

SILVER // Stiletto Nails & Lashes

BRONZE (Tie) // Oscar Nail Bar

BRONZE (Tie) // Pon Nail Spa

SPA – FACIAL, SKINCARE, MASSAGE

GOLD // Coachlight Clinic & Spa

SILVER // East Village Spa

BRONZE (Tie) // Beautifully YouEsthetics

BRONZE (Tie) // Koch & Carlisle

Plastic Surgery & Spa

TANNING SALON

GOLD // Tanique

SILVER // Bronze515

BRONZE // Glow On Girl Beauty

FITNESS, HEALTH, & WELLNESS

GOLD // Lifetime Fitness

SILVER // Planet Fitness

BRONZE (Tie) // Elite Edge

Transformation Center

BRONZE (Tie) // Power Life Yoga — Downtown Studio

CATERING

GOLD // Lidderdale Country Store

SILVER // Great Caterers of Iowa

BRONZE // Whatcha Smokin? BBQ

WEDDING CAKE

GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes

SILVER // Crème

BRONZE // Glorious Desserts

WEDDING DESSERT

GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes

SILVER // Nothing Bundt Cakes

BRONZE // Crème

DRINKS / BARTENDING

GOLD // Apres Bar Co.

SILVER // Your Private Bar

BRONZE (Tie) // Sips In Motion

BRONZE (Tie) // Tipsy Wildflower

MOBILE BARTENDING

GOLD // Apres Bar Co.

SILVER // Your Private Bar

BRONZE // Sips In Motion

FLORIST

GOLD // The English Rose

SILVER // Boesen The Florist

BRONZE // CamBam Custom Floral

WEDDING PLANNER

GOLD // White Willow Events

SILVER // Jade + Ivy Events

BRONZE // Simply Stunning Events

DAY OF WEDDING

COORDINATION

GOLD // White Willow Events

SILVER // Jade + Ivy Events

BRONZE // Simply Stunning Events

Thank You!

TO THE EVENT SPONSORS IN CENTRAL IOWA

PA PE RI E
STEPHEN JANOUSEK

CENTRALIOWA

DECOR, SET UP, & RENTALS

CENTRAL IOWA

GOLD // White Willow Events

SILVER // Budget Bride Iowa BRONZE (Tie) // Monarch Events BRONZE (Tie)// The English Rose

WEDDING SHOW OR PLANNING EVENT

GOLD // Des Moines Wedding Show

SILVER // Forever In Love: Des Moines Bridal Show

BRONZE // Pella Wedding Extravaganza

TRANSPORTATION

GOLD // Bus Guys

SILVER // 515 Party Bus

BRONZE // Majestic Limo & Coach

WEDDING INVITATIONS

GOLD // Jordan Design Co.

SILVER // Invited DSM

BRONZE (Tie) // Humble Hands BRONZE (Tie) // TandemHart Paperie

CALLIGRAPHY

GOLD // Humble Hands

SILVER // Ink & Oak Calligraphy

BRONZE (Tie) // Anna Frederick BRONZE (Tie) // Laura Ellefson Designs

OFFICIANT

GOLD // Vows and Vibes

SILVER // DJ DAS Entertainment BRONZE // Forever and Ever, I Do!

HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE

GOLD // The Tea Room

SILVER // Surety Hotel BRONZE // The Rollins Mansion

MODERN OR CONTEMPORARY VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Toast BRONZE // Alta House Event Center

BARN OR RURAL VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn BRONZE // Alta House Event Center

WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE

GOLD // Red Acre Barn

SILVER // The Iowa Taproom

BRONZE // Jasper Winery

COUNTRY CLUB VENUE

GOLD // Glen Oaks Country Club

SILVER // The Clubhouse at Talons BRONZE // Hyperion Field Club

OUTDOOR VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn BRONZE // Alta House Event Center

HOTEL AS A VENUE

GOLD // Surety Hotel

SILVER // Hotel Fort Des Moines

BRONZE // Gateway Hotel & Conference Center

HOTEL FOR GUEST’S STAY

GOLD // Surety Hotel

SILVER // Hotel Fort Des Moines

BRONZE // Gateway Hotel & Conference Center

REHEARSAL DINNER OR WEDDING SHOWER LOCATION

GOLD (Tie) // The Iowa Taproom

GOLD (Tie) // Rose Farm

SILVER // Fresko

BRONZE // District 36 Wine Bar & Grille

CEREMONY MUSIC

GOLD // DJ DAS Entertainment

SILVER // The Sound Doctor

DJ & Photobooth

BRONZE // JM3 DJ's & Productions

RECEPTION MUSIC

GOLD // DJ DAS Entertainment

SILVER // JM3 DJ's & Productions

BRONZE // The Sound Doctor

DJ & Photobooth

PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Shelby Sawyer Photography

SILVER // Jason Thomas Crocker

Photography

BRONZE // Everlasting Photo

VIDEOGRAPHY

GOLD // The Proper Collective

SILVER // Masterson Media

BRONZE // Twelve One Projects

PHOTO BOOTH

GOLD // SnapXP

SILVER (Tie) // A Special Event DJ

SILVER (Tie) // Complete

Weddings + Events

BRONZE // VIPIowa

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Elaina Rose Boudoir

SILVER // Everlasting Photo

BRONZE // Allie Lou Photography

LIVE PORTRAIT PAINTER

GOLD // Fruited Paint Co

SILVER // Humble Hands

BRONZE // Suz, Des Moines

Live Painting

TRAVEL AGENT SERVICES

GOLD // Good Trip, A Travel Co.

SILVER // TBD Travel Services

BRONZE (Tie) // All About Travel

BRONZE (Tie) // Allied Travel

CENTRAL IOWA

Congratulations!

THE CENTRAL IOWA VENDOR CHOICE AWARD WINNER IS ...

Ben Lochard, snapXP

Kind, generous, and endlessly supportive, this wedding pro goes above and beyond for both clients and fellow vendors. His professionalism, positivity, and heart make a lasting impact on the wedding community.

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.

Ben Lochard, snapXP

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Eastern Iowa Wedding Choice Awards! Explore this year’s winners and find the vendors who can make your special day truly unforgettable.

WEDDING GOWN

GOLD // Hope's Bridal

SILVER // Embody Bridal

BRONZE // Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

TUXEDO

GOLD // Men's Wearhouse

SILVER // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

BRONZE (Tie) // Bauman & Company

BRONZE (Tie) // Holley's Shop for Men

SUIT

GOLD // Men’s Wearhouse

SILVER // Skeffington’s Formal Wear BRONZE // Holley's Shop for Men

WEDDING PARTY – DRESSES

GOLD // Hope's Bridal

SILVER // Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

BRONZE // Heart to Heart Bridal

ADDITIONAL ATTIRE

GOLD // Hope's Bridal

SILVER // Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

BRONZE // Heart to Heart Bridal

ALTERATIONS OR DRESS

PRESERVATION

GOLD // Merci’s Tailoring

SILVER // Alterations by Diane BRONZE // Leia's Dreamworks

ENGAGEMENT RING JEWELER

GOLD // Riddle's Jewelry

SILVER // Hands Jewelers BRONZE // Ginsberg Jewelers

WEDDING BAND JEWELER

GOLD // Riddle's Jewelry

SILVER // Greenberg's Jewelers BRONZE // Siebke Hoyt Jewelers

ACCESSORIES

GOLD // Heart to Heart Bridal

SILVER (Tie) // Embody Bridal

SILVER (Tie) // Hopes Bridal

BRONZE // Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

HAIR SALON, STYLIST, OR BARBER

GOLD // Beauty Op

SILVER // Bespoke Beauty BRONZE // Aurora Blush

MAKEUP ARTIST OR SALON

GOLD // Beauty Op

SILVER // Aurora Blush BRONZE // Lashes by Lydia

NAIL SALON

GOLD // Galaxy Nails Iowa City

SILVER // Pretty Nails And Spa BRONZE // LV Nails & Spa

SPA – FACIAL,

SKINCARE, MASSAGE

GOLD // Radiance Medical Spa

SILVER (Tie) // Elevate Salon & Spa

SILVER (Tie) // The Sanctuary Spa BRONZE // Ritual Med Boutique

TANNING SALON

GOLD // Your Tanning Bar

SILVER // Radiant Road Studio + Mobile Spray Tans

BRONZE // Bare Tones

FITNESS, HEALTH, & WELLNESS

GOLD // HOTWORX Cedar Rapids

SILVER // Radiance Medical Spa

BRONZE // The Recenter

CATERING

GOLD // Peppercorn Food Company

SILVER (Tie) // Bread Garden

Market & Bakery

SILVER (Tie) // Zest Catering Company

BRONZE (Tie) // Hy-Vee

BRONZE (Tie) // Main Events Catering

WEDDING CAKE

GOLD // Classic Cakes by Design

SILVER // Molly's Cupcakes

BRONZE // Scratch Cupcakery

WEDDING DESSERT

GOLD // Take The Cake Desserts

SILVER // Scratch Cupcakery

BRONZE (Tie) // Deluxe Cakes & Pastries

BRONZE (Tie) // Molly's Cupcakes

DRINKS / BARTENDING

GOLD // The Tipsy Traveler's

SILVER // Wheely Boozy

BRONZE // Catered By Charlotte

MOBILE BARTENDING

GOLD // Wheely Boozy

SILVER // The Tipsy Traveler's

BRONZE // The Wandering Crowd

FLORIST

GOLD // Ella Floral Design

SILVER (Tie) // Hydrangea Bloom

SILVER (Tie) // Unique Events

BRONZE // Beautifully Bloomed

WEDDING PLANNER

GOLD // Elizabeth Bliss Events

SILVER // Unique Events

BRONZE (Tie) // Soirée Wedding Planning

BRONZE (Tie) // Sower & Seed Event Co.

DAY OF WEDDING COORDINATION

GOLD // Elizabeth Bliss Events

SILVER (Tie) // Soirée Wedding Planning

SILVER (Tie) // Sower & Seed Event Co.

BRONZE (Tie) // Complete Weddings + Events

DECOR, SET UP, & RENTALS

GOLD // Unique Events

SILVER // Borrow My Vintage

BRONZE // R & D Events

Thank You!

TO THE EVENT SPONSORS IN EASTERN IOWA

EASTERNIOWA

EASTERN IOWA

WEDDING SHOW OR PLANNING EVENT

GOLD // Eastern Iowa Wedding Show

SILVER // The Jaycees of the Quad Cities' Wedding Expo

TRANSPORTATION

GOLD // Hawk Bus Properties

SILVER // Express Midwest

BRONZE (Tie) // T & D Party Wagon

BRONZE (Tie) // VIP Transportation

WEDDING INVITATIONS

GOLD // RSVP

SILVER // Noted Design BRONZE // Humble Hands

CALLIGRAPHY

GOLD // Humble Hands

SILVER // Dry Creek Artworks BRONZE // Letters from Elliott

HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE

GOLD // Palmer House Stable

SILVER // The Carriage House

BRONZE // The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

MODERN OR CONTEMPORARY VENUE

GOLD // The Harmac

SILVER (Tie) // Eastbank Venue

SILVER (Tie) // The Midnight Gem BRONZE // Little Lights on the Lane

BARN OR RURAL VENUE

GOLD // Koru Berry Farm

SILVER (Tie) // The Celebration Farm

SILVER (Tie) // Walker Homestead Farm and Winery

BRONZE // Ashton Hill Farm

WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE

GOLD // Wilson's Ciderhouse & Venue

SILVER // Cedar Ridge Distillery

BRONZE (Tie) // Big Grove Brewery & Taproom Cedar Rapids

BRONZE (Tie) // Big Grove Brewery & Taproom Iowa City

COUNTRY CLUB VENUE

GOLD // Cedar Rapids Country Club

SILVER // Elmcrest Country Club

BRONZE // Davenport Country Club

OUTDOOR VENUE

GOLD // Little Lights on the Lane

SILVER // The Midnight Gem

BRONZE // Koru Berry Farm

HOTEL AS A VENUE

GOLD // DoubleTree by Hilton

Cedar Rapids

SILVER // Hotel Blackhawk, Autograph

Collection

BRONZE // Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University

HOTEL FOR GUEST’S STAY

GOLD // DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids

SILVER // The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

BRONZE (Tie) // Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University

BRONZE (Tie) // Hyatt Regency

Coralville Hotel

REHEARSAL DINNER OR WEDDING SHOWER LOCATION

GOLD // Big Grove Brewery & Taproom Iowa City

SILVER // Orchard Green Restaurant and Lounge

BRONZE // Tavern Blue

CEREMONY MUSIC

GOLD // Madison Loree, Violinist

SILVER // Clife DJ Company

BRONZE // DJ Obie Entertainment

RECEPTION MUSIC

GOLD // Clife DJ Company

SILVER // DJ Obie Entertainment

BRONZE // Complete Weddings + Events

PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Emily Crall Photography

SILVER // AP Film & Photo

BRONZE // Ivory+Bliss

VIDEOGRAPHY

GOLD // Rhoads to Memories

Videography

SILVER // Arbor + Light

BRONZE // Elegant Visuals

PHOTO BOOTH

GOLD // Clife DJ Company

SILVER // The Snap Wagon

Photo Booth

BRONZE // Pixel Pop Photo Booth

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Amanda Dee Photography

SILVER // Stephanie Marie Boudoir

Photography

BRONZE // Maryam Thompson

Photography

TRAVEL AGENT SERVICES

GOLD // Marvelous Mouse Travels

SILVER // Ovations Travel

BRONZE // Sol Sisters Luxury Travel

EASTERN IOWA

Congratulations!

THE EASTERN IOWA VENDOR CHOICE AWARD WINNER IS ...

Clife Estores, CLIFE DJ COMPANY

Energetic, professional, and deeply client-focused, this wedding pro creates unforgettable experiences while uplifting fellow vendors. His skill, heart, and ability to bring people together leave a lasting impact on every celebration.

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.

Clife Estores, Clife DJ Company
ISABELLE + SEAN
RACHEL + JOEY

BOHO BLISS RACHEL + JOEY

Rachel and Joey’s love story began in a classroom at Simpson College. Rachel had just transferred for her sophomore year and, when it came time to choose a partner for a class assignment, she spotted Joey across the room. She took a chance and asked him to team up. He agreed — though he promptly left her with the assignment while he headed to Wisconsin for the first football game of the season.

What started as a simple classroom connection quickly grew into a relationship built on a foundation of faith, family, and a shared sense of humor that has carried them through every season of life.

Joey’s proposal perfectly reflected their playful dynamic and their love for their dog, Rosie. After celebrating Rosie’s birthday with a pup cup, the couple headed to Saylorville Lake for a sunset walk. Along the trail, Joey got down on one knee with a handwritten sign that read, “Fur my birthday, I want my pawrents to be married.” It was completely them.

When it came to planning their wedding, Rachel envisioned a relaxed boho-chic aesthetic with soft rose, pink, gold, and tan tones layered with a subtle country charm. Personal details were woven into every part of the day — from the décor and music to the ceremony and menu.

The couple chose The Hive at Busy Bee in Indianola as their venue, a charming setting nestled among rolling rural hills. The June celebration featured a sunny outdoor ceremony and beautiful indoor reception.

How fun is this marquee announcing the couple?
A photoshoot at Simpson College took the wedding day back to where it all began.

CENTRAL IOWA

Rachel found her dream dress at Bridal Connection. The lace bodice gave the gown a breezy summertime feel while still feeling timeless as she walked down the aisle. She also carried a sentimental locket from her sister with photos of her grandparents, ensuring they were present in spirit.

Faith and family were at the heart of the ceremony. Centered around a wooden cross, the service included worship songs performed by Rachel’s cousins, creating a deeply meaningful start to their marriage. Surrounded by their closest friends and family — including their beloved niece and nephews — the event was both intimate and joyful.

One of the highlights of their day was being able to personalize their reception menu. With no catering restrictions at the venue, they brought in Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ to serve up their favorite comfort foods. Guests also enjoyed a beverage cart featuring a signature drink named after Rosie and a latenight ice cream truck — perfect for a warm summer evening.

Photographer Missie Lafrenz helped coordinate a special photo session back at Simpson College between the ceremony and reception, where the couple took portraits on campus — including the football field where Joey and some of his groomsmen once played.

As the night came to a close, Rachel and Joey shared a private last dance to “That’s What Love Is” by Alexandra Kay. It was a quiet, emotional moment to reflect on a day they had long prayed for, carefully planned, and finally experienced together.

Looking back, Rachel offers simple but heartfelt advice for future couples: “Don’t rush the process. Everything will come together how it is supposed to and not necessarily maybe how you planned it. The main thing to focus on is having fun and remembering the reason behind the day, marrying your forever person.”

Missie Lafrenz captured the couple’s playful day perfectly.

RACHEL + JOEY

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

BOHO-CHIC, COUNTRY CHARM

COLOR PALETTE

VENDOR LUST

PREMIER VENDORS

Wedding Dress Bridal Connection

Linens Beyond Elegance

ALL VENDORS

Photographer Missie Lafrenz Photography

Videographer Twelve One Projects, Donovan

Carboney | Ceremony & Reception Venue

The Hive at Busy Bee | Shower Revival House

Des Moines | Rehearsal Dinner Trostel’s

Greenbriar | Caterer Whatcha Smokin' BBQ

Dessert Michele Gavin | Ice Cream Truck

Outside Scoop | Cake Laura Calvert

Floral Bee Kind Florist | Tuxes Men’s

Warehouse | Bridesmaid Dresses Azazie

Hair & Makeup Copper & Fringe Beauty Co,

Morgan and Madison | Tanning Tanique

Nail Salon Premier Nail Bar | Invites & Paper Products Truly Engaging | Jewelry

Greenberg’s Ankeny | Ceremony Music

Lenny and Karley Crouse | Reception Music

A Special Event DJ, Cody Weidman

Photobooth A Special Event DJ, Savannah

Bryan | Planner and Coordinator Budget

Bride, Jenna Pauley and Rachel Van Wyk

Rentals Good Co. DSM, Vowed Vintage

Transportation 515 Party Bus | Officiant Jason

Burns, Grace Alive Church | Hotel Country Inn + Suites

Nothing Compares

Nothing Compares

TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

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.

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.

Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. free, close parking for your guests, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail.

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.

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

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

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

Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Photo Credit: CINDY BAUER PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

Eclectic inspiration, summertime vibes, and a whole lot of love made Isabelle and Sean’s wedding day an unforgettable celebration of their story.

Both from Cedar Rapids, the couple first met in high school drawing class before officially starting their relationship senior year. Their connection only deepened during their time at Iowa State University and continued to grow as they built their life together in Tiffin. After nearly a decade side by side, they were more than ready for the next chapter.

While the proposal wasn’t a total surprise — thanks to a little ring shopping and some well-placed hints — Sean still managed to create a magical moment. During a European getaway, he found a quiet, picturesque corner of St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin to ask Isabelle to marry him. It was intimate, thoughtful, and the perfect beginning to their engagement. When it came to wedding planning, Isabelle and Sean focused on creating a day that felt authentically them. Drawing inspiration from their shared eclectic style and love of colorful, seasonal blooms, they infused personality into every detail — while also finding meaningful ways to include family, friends, and even their beloved pup.

Their venue, The Midnight Gem in Swisher, set the tone beautifully. With its modern black farmhouse aesthetic, lush gardens, and versatile indoor-outdoor spaces, it offered both elegance and ease. A vendor meet-and-greet hosted at the venue even helped the couple assemble their dream team of wedding vendors.

Big

“It was important to me that our vendors were local businesses and that we had a personal connection with them,” Isabelle shares. “We felt so supported throughout the process and couldn’t be happier with how things turned out.”

One of Isabelle’s favorite design elements — the bud vase look — became a labor of love. She spent months thrifting unique vases and collaborated with a florist to fill them with vibrant blooms. Family contributions added even more meaning: Isabelle’s stepsister created handwritten signage, and her brother designed a custom welcome display.

The ceremony itself stood out as one of the most heartfelt moments of the day. Officiated by Isabelle’s uncle, it was deeply personal and reflective of their relationship. In a touching moment, he asked the couple to turn toward their guests and invited everyone to voice their support — a gesture that made the entire group feel part of their union.

Photographer Colby Campbell captured every joyful, colorful detail, preserving the energy and emotion of the celebration.

Family and friends played a central role throughout the day, from siblings and close friends in the wedding party to their niece and nephew serving as flower girl and ring bearer. “We couldn’t have celebrated our day without them,” Isabelle says.

The couple also prioritized guest experience from start to finish. They kicked off the weekend with a rehearsal dinner at Cedar Ridge Distillery and arranged transportation with Wedding Choice Award-wining Hawk Bus, ensuring a seamless and fun celebration for everyone.

Every thoughtful detail came together to create a wedding day that felt vibrant, personal, and full of love — just like Isabelle and Sean’s story. Cheers to the happy couple as they continue building their forever together.

Yes, to pup kisses!

ISABELLE + SEAN

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

ECLECTIC, COLORFUL, ELEGANT

VENDOR LUST

PREMIER VENDORS

Rehearsal Dinner Cedar Ridge Distillery

ALL VENDORS

Photographer Colby Campbell | Ceremony & Reception Venue The Midnight Gem | Caterer Peppercorn at the Bank | Cake Deluxe Cakes and Pastries | Floral Hydrangea Bloom, Rhubarb Botanicals | Wedding Dress Heart to Heart Bridal | Hair Jaclyn Meyer, Virtue | Makeup Morgan Jess | Nails Michaela Keifer | Invites The Knot | Jewelry Herteen & Stocker, Diamond Leaf Jewelers | Ceremony & Reception Music Avery Karkosh | Transportation Hawk Bus Properties | Officiant Jerry Hogan, bride’s uncle

These bud vases are a fun look for banquet style tables.
COLOR PALETTE

OUR WEDDING

AT THE

HIMAGINE YOUR WEDDING AT THE

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Hall of Laureates

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fect location to celebrate ur special day. uilding in the heart of dow diates a rich history every modern amenity necessary for your entire wedding.

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:

YOUR RENTAL INCLUDES:

Hall of Laureates - 3 Levels!

Private Garden

Hall of Laureates - 3 Levels!

250 Gold Chiavari Chairs

Private Garden

75 Tables in a Variety of Sizes

250 Gold Chiavari Chairs

Numerous Photo Locations

75 Tables in a Variety of Sizes

Space for Dancing!

Numerous Photo Locations

Space for Dancing!

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Heartland Wedding Ideas May/June Issue 2026 (Spring) by Heartland Wedding Ideas - Issuu