Juice 2012 Wedding Guide - June

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE Get ready for your wedding Three venues for the newly engaged. Take a look at these unique venues in Des Moines.

Even more venues: Find the one that fits your budget and needs for your special day.

Do it yourself. See how three local couples put personal touches on their weddings and receptions.

Determine how to get there. Getting the bride and groom, VIPs or the wedding party from ceremony to reception can be fun.

Two local weddings Scott and Samantha Gratton embraced tradition with a church wedding and music.

Steven and Jana Rood mixed Zen and contemporary with Converse sneakers at People’s Court and noshed on Jimmy John’s sandwiches.

Style beyond the aisle See fresh fashions for wedding events, from the engagement party to the honeymoon.

Get ideas for gifts for family, friends and the wedding party.

BY

515.276.5448 2951 86th STREET URBANDALE, IA info@OccasionsMadeRight.com

PHOTO

Exceptional Catering Exquisite Affairs

AMY ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY

JUSTIN SALEM MEYER/SPECIAL TO JUICE

OCCASIONSMADERIGHT.COM 30 Wednesday, June 13, 2012

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Erica and Greg Luna held their wedding at Living History Farms in Urbandale. JOE CRIM-

Best kept secret in town!

Weddings Receptions Capacity 500 Full Bar / seats 50 In-house catering Check out our rates Also, available for Corporate Events Holiday Parties Reunions Charity Events

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Venues with style The first step toward walking down the aisle is booking a venue.

Take a look at these locations, but be prepared — they fill up fast.

RIANE MENARDI

Conveniently Located off Park Ave at 4343 George Flagg Parkway Des Moines Izaak Walton League

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515-244-3773 Ask for Carolyn Berndt.

L Under New Management M

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You want your special day to be as unique as you are — and in Des Moines, you don’t have to be tied to a traditional wedding location. There are plenty of picturesque (and interactive) locations to make your special day unforgettable. Some venues not only make you and your other half look great, but they also

encourage your guests to explore Des Moines, connect with each other, and maybe even learn something. Check out these three quirky-cool spots to get hitched: Living History Farms, West End Architectural Salvage and The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.

Living History Farms Whether you want an indoor or outdoor affair,

the classic agriculture vibe at Living History Farms is perfect for quirky Iowa couples — and there are several facilities to choose from. The Grand Hall in the visitor’s center is airy and open, with exposed beams and skylights — and it opens to a stone courtyard with evergreen trees. The modern William G. Murray Conference Center is good for small celebrations (about 50-75 people), with high ceilings and a balcony

that overlooks a pond. The Church of the Land is a “Prairie Gothic” church with a basement reception area. And the classic Flynn Barn is a historic wooden building constructed in the late 19th century. It features open beams, a white oak floor and large barn-style doors.

What’s the wedding vibe: “It is a nice relaxed atmosphere that can be more formal with a few dmJuice.com

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Inside West End Architectural Salvage during a wedding reception. BEN BLOOD/SPECIAL TO JUICE location is convenient for traveling guests, with hotel accommodations nearby and easy access to Interstate 80/35.

Price: Prices vary with locations and times, but rates range from $600 to $1,000 per building.

Size: Most buildings can accommodate 150 to 180 guests.

Erica and Greg Luna’s wedding at Living History Farms in Urbandale. JOE CRIMMINGS/SPECIAL TO JUICE added touches to any of the locations,” says Debby Canfield, scheduling coordinator at Living History Farms. “People find it to be a great environment with an easy location to celebrate.” dmJuice.com

Why you should get married here: Some couples who grew up going to Living History Farms as kids choose this venue for its nostalgia, says Canfield.

Or they come simply for the relaxed, historic feel. The

What you should know before you book: Since Living History Farms is a museum, there are some time and size limitations for some of the buildings.

There’s also a strict beverage policy that requires you to provide a certificate of insurance protecting the property from general liability.

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Where it’s at: 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale.

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For more information: Visit lhf.org or email scheduling@LHF.org.

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For the urban chic couple, this quirky warehouse and coffee shop in the heart of downtown is an exciting place to get hitched. The shop’s mission is to rescue good craftsmanship and repurpose it for modern use, so the building is filled with vintage and repurposed items from all over the world. There are old doors, funky couches, stained glass and all manner of items that have been hand-altered by the

Ring Bearer Tuxedo Rental

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE skilled builders at West End. And there’s a lot of stuff — it spans four floors, so guests will have a blast exploring and discovering new finds. The main floor has an open seating area and coffee bar that serves drinks and baked goods.

What’s the wedding vibe: Eclectic, fun, free-spirited and non-traditional. The building is a 100-year-old warehouse full of architectural finds, but the staff will help couples tailor the event to their liking.

The World Food Prize is set up for a wedding in May. LAURA BEEKMANN, LIFE ART PHOTOGRAPHS/SPECIAL TO JUICE

Why you should get married here: West End isn’t just a venue — it’s an experience. With so much to explore, it provides a way for guests to mingle, meet and discover the new (and old). The inventory can also make funky wedding gifts or party favors, and West End is within walking distance of the Court Avenue district, so the party can continue long after you

leave the building.

Price: Prices range from $800 to $3,000 depending on the planned number of attendees and how many of West End’s resources are required.

Size: 120 guests for a seated affair and 300 for a standing reception.

What you should know before you book: Call ahead — dates fill up fast, and they’re nearly booked for the next two years.

Where it’s at: 22 Ninth St., downtown.

For more information: Visit westendsalvage.com and fill out the submission form on the “parties and events” page to discuss pricing and availability.

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates The newly renovated World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE elegant, ornate building and is full of historic charm and unique artwork,” says Megan Forgrave, director of communications at The World Food Prize Foundation. After a $30 million restoration, it’s now a beautiful museum as well as an education and events center.

Tables await reception guests for a wedding at the World Food Prize in May. LAURA BEEKMANN, LIFE ART PHOTOGRAPHS/ SPECIAL TO JUICE

on the bank of the Des Moines River is a majestic place to hold a ceremony.

The building includes stained glass windows, paintings and statues celebrating the World Food Prize, its founders and past laureates, and the challenges and opportunities of combating world hunger.

The main level of the hall features a rotunda and two ballrooms with state-of-theart audio-visual equipment.

The Iowa Gallery upstairs and the Mural Room in the lower level offer artistic reception spaces.

What’s the wedding vibe: “The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates is a very

Why you should get married here: The Hall of Laureates is brand new (it opened just this year). The building is historic-butmodern and was designed to be incredibly energy efficient (LEED platinum certification standards). The hall is also centrally located in downtown and has picturesque outdoor gardens — great for taking photos.

Price: Contact the World Food Prize for specific pricing.

Size: 140 to 250 ceremony guests (depending on the

The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates opened earlier this year. SPECIAL TO JUICE room). But the building can comfortably fit 300 guests for a standing reception.

What you should know before you book: The hall offers free public tours on

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Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is open for exploration 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

More central Iowa venues Popular dates at local venues can fill up fast, sometimes years in advance. Because of this, it might be easier to book a date now, even if you’re not dating someone, and attempt to steer the relationship toward marriage on that date.

OK, that’s a bad plan. It might just be easier to call around to these popular wedding venues and see what they have open.

Hearing “No pressure, but I have a reception booked for Aug. 8, 2015” could be a dealbreaker on a first date.

Des Moines Art Center Where: 4700 Grand Ave. Professional event planners Complimentary bridal suite Complimentary cake cutting Large dance floor & stage Free parking

Spacious foyer for hors d’oeuvres & cocktails Special sleeping room rates for guests Indoor pool and whirlpool

About the venue: Works by world-renowned artists fill the museum walls and modern architecture and well-manicured grounds offer a plethora of pretty photo spots. The Art Center does not hold wedding ceremonies, only receptions.

Capacity: Lobby accommodates 300 for a stand-up reception, 125 for a sit-down. Courtyard can hold 200 for stand-up, 100 for sit-down.

Booking: Depends on the date. Spots are available anywhere from six months to two or three years. Best to secure a prime month weekend date up to two years in advance.

Catering and alcohol:

DM-9000339377

36 Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Chairs are lined up for a wedding ceremony at the Botanical Center. SPECIAL TO JUICE Handled by the Des Moines Art Center restaurant or Embassy Club.

Des Moines Botanical Center

depending on the time of the event. Events must end by midnight.

Setting up and tearing down: Parties can normally be in by 3:30 p.m., but the building remains open to the public until 4 p.m.

Ceremonies must end by midnight.

Where: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive

Cost: Packages go up to $2,090 with half due at time of booking.

Cost: $2,250 for the lobby and reflecting pool, auditorium $400, restaurant $1,000 and $3,000 for the entire museum with discounts for members. The entire fee is paid when the space is booked.

Capacity: The dome seats 85 for a ceremony and 80 for dinner. 225 for dinner receptions in the Oak and Willow banquet rooms.

Info: Debra Kurtz, 271-0336, dkurtz@des moinesart center.org; desmoinesartcenter.org.

About the venue: Lush plants fill the domed garden year-round, so cool-weather weddings can still feel outdoorsy.

Info: Michelle Watson, 323-6290, botanical center.com.

Des Moines Embassy Club Downtown

Booking: 12-15 months out for popular dates.

Where: Top of the Ruan Center, Seventh Street and Grand Avenue.

Catering and alcohol: Great Midwestern Catering is the exclusive caterer and provider of alcohol.

About the venue: Banquet room on the 34th floor offers spectacular views of the city.

Setting up and tearing down: Set up time varies

Capacity: 200 for a seated meal, 225 for a cocktailstyle reception. dmJuice.com

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE Booking: Some dates are still available for 2012, now booking for 2013.

Info: Becky Migas, 244-0507; hoytsherman.org.

Catering and alcohol: The Club handles all catering accommodations and beverages.

Jasper Winery

Setting up and tearing down: The club handles most accommodations.

Venue rentals are for fiveor six-hour time frames.

Additional hours are available.

About the venue: A contemporary take on a big red barn, with multiple room options and a grassy area outside. The location is a working winery.

Info: Kristy Maras, k.maras@embassyclub.com, 245-3769 or Diane Larson: d.larson@embassyclub.com, 245-3763.

Chairs adorned with gold ribbons are set up for a wedding at Hoyt Sherman Place. SPECIAL TO JUICE

457-8993, ext 508.

javajoescoffeehouse.com.

Where: 520 Market St., West Des Moines.

Fourth Street Theatre

Gortz Haus Gallery

Capacity: 250-300 for a seated meal, 400-plus for a cocktail-style reception.

Booking: Some 2012 dates still available, now booking for 2013.

Catering and alcohol: Des Moines Embassy Club will handle all catering accommodations and beverages.

Setting up and tearing down: Des Moines Embassy Club will handle accommodations. Venue rentals are for five or six hour time frames.

Additional hours are available.

Info: Contact Natalie Lancial at n.lancial@ embassyclub .com or dmJuice.com

Capacity: 258.

Booking: Currently booking through the end of 2013.

Where: 2400 George Flagg Parkway

Embassy Club West

About the venue: Indoor and outdoor event spaces are available. An outdoor ceremony venue also is available.

Lake.

Where: 214 Fourth St. About the venue: This space is adjacent to Java Joe's, and is often used for concerts, poetry slams and stand-up comedy.

Capacity: 100-150 Booking: Prefer at least three months in advance Catering and alcohol: All handled through Java Joe's.

Setting up and tearing down: On Saturdays during the summer, the Downtown Farmers’ Market limits access to 4 p.m. The coffee shop closes at midnight.

Cost: $145 for four hours, but rates vary depending on food and drink purchased.

Info: Amy Brehm, 288-5282. Go to

Where: 408 E. First St., Grimes About the venue: A historic church that has been converted into a restaurant and gallery, featuring works by local artists. Space is available indoors and outdoors for weddings.

Capacity: 180 for a wedding ceremony, 125 for a reception with dinner.

Odgaard, 986-3340, info@ gortzhausgallery.com. Or go to gortzhausgallery.com.

Hoyt Sherman Place Where: 1501 Woodland Ave. Capacity: 200 for ceremonies, about 150 for receptions Booking: Availability varies depending on events at the theater. Generally two months to a year out.

Booking: Dates are available for anywhere from six months to two years out.

Catering and alcohol: The venue provides a list of preferred caterers, and alcohol is provided through Hoyt Sherman Place.

Catering and alcohol: Gortz Haus is the exclusive caterer and can provide beer and wine for receptions.

Setting up and tearing down: The wedding party can have access at 9 a.m. the day of the event, and must be out by midnight.

Setting up and tearing down: Gortz Haus handles all setting up, decorating and tearing down.

Cost: Packages range from $1,700-$3,000. Twenty five percent deposit is due at time of signing, with the balance due two weeks prior to the event.

Info: Contact Betty Gortz-

Catering and alcohol: Both are handled by Christiani's Catering.

Setting up and tearing down: Lodge handles it.

Guests must leave by midnight.

Capacity: 150 people for a sit-down dinner, more than 200 for a less formal reception.

Cost: Rental fees start at $1,350 for Saturdays, with additional costs starting at $15 per person.

Booking: Dates are being booked for 2013

Info: 287-3169; jesterparklodge.com.

Catering and alcohol: Any licensed caterer is allowed. The winery handles all beer and wine sales. Hard alcohol is allowed through a caterer's liquor license, but can't be served in tasting room.

Reiman Gardens

Setting up and tearing down: The wedding party gets access at 10 a.m. and must be out by midnight.

Where: 1407 University Blvd., Ames About the venue: Year-round facility with multiple walkable gardens, an indoor conservatory and butterfly house, and multiple site options for picturesque ceremonies.

Capacity: 75-250, depending on the area.

Cost: $2,700 for more than 100 people, $2,200 for under 100. $200 off November-April. A 50 percent deposit is due at booking, with the remainder due before the wedding.

Booking: Dates usually need to be booked 18 months in advance.

Catering and alcohol: A list of preferred vendors is available on the Reiman Gardens website.

Info: Jean Groben, jean@jasperwinery.com, 282-9463; jasperwinery .com.

Setting up and tearing down: Everything must occur within the set rental time.

Jester Park Lodge Where: 11407 N.W. Jester Drive, Granger About the venue: A rare waterfront wedding spot in central Iowa, on Saylorville

Cost: Prices range from $500-$3,200, depending on the area of the gardens needed. For the smaller size, a $150 deposit and half the rental fee is due at

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE Setting up and tearing down: Wedding parties can access the venue in the morning and must be out by 1:30 a.m.

Cost: $3,000 for the entire day. A $500 deposit is required at time of booking, with payment in full one week before the event.

Info: 223-6152; valairballroom.com.

Zart 1312 Guests enjoy a sit-down reception at the Sticks Warehouse. SPECIAL TO JUICE booking. For the larger package, a deposit of $500 and half the rental fee is due at booking.

Info: Lee Champman, 515294-8994 or lee@iastate .edu; reimangardens. iastate.edu.

Sticks Studio Where: 3631 S.W. 61st St. About the venue: Modern meets woodsy, with a full wall of windows in the secluded workspace of the studio artists.

DM-9000339376

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their own wine or beer, or purchase through a caterer.

Setting up and tearing down: Caterers will help with set up. Space must be cleaned by Sunday evening.

Cost: $1,000-$3,000, with an additional $500 fee for the use of the drawing room. Half the fee is due to reserve the date, and final payment is due two weeks prior to event. No refunds.

Info: Anthony Marinaro, events@sticks.com; 710-6658.

Capacity: Up to 300 guests for a sit-down dinner, or 400 for a standing reception.

Temple for Performing Arts

Booking: Now booking for 2012 and 2013.

About the venue: The 1913 Masonic temple is a spot for elegant weddings.

Catering and alcohol: Preferred options include Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Gateway Market, Taste to Go, Occasions Made Right, Becky Smith Catering, Great Caterers of Iowa, Embassy Club and Out of Box Catering.

Non-preferred caterers are allowed for an additional fee. Guests may supply

Where: 1011 Locust St.

Capacity: Grand Hall seats 325, recital hall accommodates 200.

Booking: Now booking for 2013, with some 2012 dates still available.

Catering and alcohol: Catering DSM handles all catering and alcohol.

Setting up and tearing down: The space is flexible for setting up. Guests must be out by midnight.

Cost: $2,500 for the Grand Hall, $500 for the recital hall or $2,800 for both.

Discounts for Thursdays and Sundays.

Info: Jeff Duncan, 508-0829, info@catering dsm.com; templeforperformingarts .com.

Val Air Ballroom Where: 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines About the venue: A popular spot for concerts that is so big that your extended-extended family will be able to fit.

Capacity: 2,650.

Booking: Normally five to six months in advance.

Catering and alcohol: Any caterer is allowed, beer, wine and alcohol must be purchased through the Val Air. The party's first four kegs of beer are available for purchase at half price ($250 each).

Where: 1312 Locust St. About the venue: A downtown space on the National Historic Registry with large front windows providing an excellent view of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Zart has more than 8,000 square feet and includes a mezzanine level with a double staircase that overlooks the lower level.

Capacity: 760 standing, 400 seated.

Booking: About a year and a half in advance.

Catering and alcohol: Any providers must be licensed, insured and approved by the venue.

Setting up and tearing down: Guests have access at 8 a.m. the day of an event and must be out by midnight. If there is no event at the venue the day before, the wedding party can set up then.

Cost: $1,750. $1,375 is due at booking, with the remainder due 75 days before the event.

Info: Maribeth Trevillyan, 468-0498; zart1312.com.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Katie Langel created folded paper fortune programs for their wedding. JUSTIN SALEM MEYER/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE

DIY Weddings

How three local couples threw weddings with personal touches while maintaining their sanity.

SARAH DAY OWEN

DIY TIPS OF THE TRADE

sarahdayowen@dmJuice.com

Katie and Joe Langel Where they got hitched: St. Francis of Assisi Church, 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines; Reception at Hy-Vee Conference Center, 5820 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines.

When they got married: Oct. 8, 2011 The decision to go DIY for Katie, 27, was one of numbers. Her parents wanted to pay for her wedding to Joe, 29, but the guest list neared the upper 300s. She was already a crafty person — a gift for friends who had gotten married, personalized dmJuice.com

Trust others: Katie Langel delegated some glass

Katie and Joe Langel created DIY items to cut costs for their wedding. toasting glasses, had turned into a little side project. But that also kicked up expectations once she got engaged.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

decorating to friends and other tasks to her mother.

Embrace technology: Langel didn’t have mailed RSVPs. They set up a Google Voice account for guests to call, which is free, and a website. An electronic spreadsheet kept track of who had RSVPed, with no paper to deal with.

Brooches and a hot glue gun: This combo can make any look cohesive. Langel used brooches for her dress, her bridesmaids and the flower girl.

Hire a day-of coordinator: Doing a lot of things yourself means working with different vendors and not having built-in cleanup help, Danny and Katy Heggen said. Delegating to an organized friend so VIPs can take part in the day is a good idea.

Put it on paper: Keeping in contact with multiple vendors is important, as is getting a contract written up, the Heggens said. If a vendor switches management, your verbal contract with a previous manager may not fly.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Katie and Joe Langel used decorative bird cages as centerpieces for the tables at their reception. JUSTIN SALEM MEYER/

Katie and Joe Langel gave guests painted glasses, which Katie is known for making. JUSTIN SALEM MEYER/SPECIAL TO JUICE

SPECIAL TO JUICE

Katie Langel’s mother created paper balls from old books.

JUSTIN SALEM MEYER/SPECIAL TO JUICE

40 Wednesday, June 13, 2012

“Everyone was like, ‘I cannot wait to see what you’ll do for your wedding,’ ” Langel, of West Des Moines, said.

So she started planning.

One of the first big projects: The invitation.

Langel hunkered down over a Fourth of July holiday and compiled 387 slides to create an animated invitation that told the couple’s story, set to music. She searched on Etsy for CD holders and found a maker who could create a holder from cardstock for an invite. A friend created the design for the invitation, which opens like a card to hold the CD and invite info.

The DIY invites ended up costing less than $1.50 an invite, even less than she anticipated for traditional invitations.

More DIY projects

developed with help from family and friends. The friend who designed her invite also created her cake topper. Next, chalkboard conversation bubbles were created for the photo booth.

Then Langel decided she wanted something unique for the program.

She spotted a paper-folded fortune online and decided to make one herself.

“It was so cheap, it was just a matter of me and my mom going through and folding them all,” Langel said. Baskets held the folded programs at the ceremony for presentation.

The next big project: The reception. Langel decided to go without flowers, and instead to carry the blue and bird theme that started with the invites through to the

decor. She found decorative birdcages, two for $24, and made them into centerpieces. Her mother made paper balls from old books, and doves and Dollar Tree candles rounded out the look.

“When you walked in, it looked very whimsical,” she said, and it also saved money.

She wanted to give painted glasses, like she’s known for, to her guests as favors. They served as table assignments as well, with a drawstring bag inside that indicated their meal, table and a note.

Chalkboard spray-painted dollar store frames sat on each table for the table number.

It saved Langel money, but going the DIY route gave her the wedding she wanted.

“I wanted it to be different — I wanted it to be an experience,” she said.

It also helped her bond with her bridesmaids and other friends and family.

“I felt like I really had ownership over my wedding by doing it.”

knowledge to do something.

“If you don’t know a lot about it, find someone who does,” Katy said.

So they enlisted the help of creative friends — people who had the tools to make their DIY dream a reality. People want to help, Danny said.

“It just means more,” Katy said.

A friend helped edit their stop-action video save the date. Katy’s co-worker Erin Cusack helped design and source the invitations and programs. Instead of a guestbook, guests wrote their names and a piece of advice on the back of shipping tags hung around wine bottle necks. A screenprinted box held the notes, made with help from a friend, Sarah Wolfgang of Urban Posture. Katy’s dad arranged the flowers, which they picked up in a van from Tschetter’s Flowers in Oskaloosa. Old wine bottles also served as vases.

Danny and Katy Heggen Where they got hitched: Ceremony at Simpson Barn, 6169 Northglenn Drive, Johnston. Reception at Zart 1312, 1312 Locust St. When they got married: Aug. 27, 2011 For Danny and Katy Heggen, doing DIY decor was about highlighting what was important.

“The most important thing for our wedding day was for it to be ‘us,’ ” Katy said.

Katy dug in to research at the start of their ninemonth engagement. They quickly realized the difference between the ability to do something and the working

Danny and Katy Heggen walk out of Simpson Barn in Johnston after their ceremony. JOE CRIMMINGS/ SPECIAL TO JUICE

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Glass Ball jars served as candle holders at Katy and Danny Heggen’s wedding.

Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the Heggens opted for a variety of flavors and several cakes. A friend made the wedding cake topper and the caterer provided old boxes. JOE CRIMMINGS/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE

“We’re lucky that we have a lot of friends with a lot of different skill sets,” Katy said.

Music was important to the couple, especially since Danny is a member of the band Seedlings.

Friends Ryan Stier of the River Monks, sister Mallory and friend Nick

Frampton provided the music for the ceremony.

Danny played ‘Everyday’

by Buddy Holly for Katy.

Though the Sam Salomone trio played the cocktail reception, a carefully arranged playlist by Danny and CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE friend Andy Cusack was run by friend Scott Gratton at the reception to keep people on the dance floor. At the reception, several cakes took the place of one traditional towering confection. Wine crates from Gateway Market, the caterer, set the cakes on different levels.

They’d recommend enlisting help on the wedding day for those planning to go that DIY route so important friends and family can balance helping out and enjoying the wedding day. But good food, good people and good music was the motto for the couple’s wedding, so being able to pick and choose which vendors they wanted to use helped tailor it to what they wanted.

“I think it was because we had our hands on everything,” Danny said.

Danny and Katy Heggen used shipping tags in lieu of a guest book. They asked guests to write their names on one side and advice on the other.

One of the things Danny Heggen is most proud of was the playlist at the reception: A mix of familiarity and danceability.

JOE CRIMMINGS/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Mitchell and Brittany Smith held their reception at Zart in Des Moines.

Mitchell and Brittany Smith Where they got hitched: Ceremony and reception at Zart 1312, 1312 Locust St. When they got married: June 1, 2012 Mitchell and Brittany, both 22, decided they’d forgo cake for a s’mores bar. So they built it.

The four-tier pyramid of graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars and a toasting station was a hit, they said.

“We had people there pretty much all night,” Mitchell said.

Other touches of DIY included the s’mores packets for favors. Their mothers tackled table runners, made from burlap and yellow material. The two also built a photo booth for guests that tied in with the

colors and patterns of the wedding.

Another fun activity for guests was tying in the table numbers to facts about the couple. Mitchell said people walked around the tables to read the different facts.

For the Smiths, going DIY wasn’t about saving money.

“If there had been something that we had liked, we may have bought it,” Mitchell said. It was about creating higher quality items for their wedding.

There was no pre-made altar for the ceremony at the venue, so the two found a dresser from Goodwill for $30 and painted it the wedding colors.

“It served a great purpose and it was cool looking,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell and Brittany Smith gave guests the fixins for S'Mores as a favor. dmJuice.com

Mitchell and Brittany Smith built a S'Mores bar for their reception in lieu of having a cake. BEN EASTER/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE

Brittany and Mitchell Smith had handmade table runners for their wedding, made out of burlap and yellow fabric.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Start the journey Get from your ceremony to your reception in style. Here are a few popular options in Des Moines. — Jess Knight Downtown trolley Try: PR Party Lines Cost: $150 per hour; $550 for a two-hour wedding package; $750 for a four-hour wedding package; $450 for a six-hour ride on Fridays Details: An old-school trolley will lend a San Francisco feel to your wedding day. The trolley seats up to 30 passengers with wood benches and polished brass fixtures.

Wedding packages include champagne, a chauffeur and wedding-planning service. As a bonus, it’s air conditioned, so your party

can stay cool during hot summer months.

Info: desmoinestrolley.com

Limousine Try: Majestic Limo & Coach, 4300 S.E. Capital Circle Cost: Rates and hourly minimums vary depending on vehicle and day.

Details: Majestic Limo & Coach offers more than just limousines (they also have mini buses and a motorcoach) to transport you and your guests to the reception. Vehicles include an eight-passenger limo, 10-passenger limo and 20-passenger Hummer H2

much space, the company also offers 14-passenger and 10-passenger limos.

Party bus Try: PR Party Lines

limo to whisk you away in style. Reservations fill up fast — the company is already booking into next year — so book as soon as possible.

Info: majesticlimo.com

Hummer and SUV limo Try: Luxxor Limousines, 2604 Delaware Ave., Suite 200 Cost: Rates vary for wedding reservations, but standard rates for the 14-passenger Exursion limo start at $330 for one hour, $185/hour hour for two hours, $160/hour for three

Cost: $100 per hour; $275 for a wedding package; $450 for a six-hour ride on Fridays, $550 for a six-hour ride on Saturdays Adam and Mickie Stringer and their party arrived in style to the reception. HARDING VIDEOGRAPHY/SPECIAL TO JUICE hours, $150/hour for four hours and $135/hour for five or more hours .

Details: Luxxor Limousines offer a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a 10-passenger Town Car .

Book a 14- or 22-passenger Exursion stretch limo for a more room in a party atmosphere; bring your own booze.

Also: Smithson Limousines, 2904 S.E. 14th St. Cost: Rates vary depending on vehicle.

Details: Smithson has a 20-passenger H2 Hummer limo, and other 20-passenger SUV limos for a luxe party atmosphere between ceremony and reception, with plenty of room. If you don’t need as

Details: If you don’t want to limit the ride to just your wedding party, invite the whole gang (or just family) and book a party bus. PR Party Lines offers several buses with seating for 35-40 people. Some include sound-activated dance lights, built-in coolers, stereos, TVs and more. Or, book the bus for after the reception, for more fun when the venue closes.

Info: prpartylines.com

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Embracing tradition

The couple: Samantha, 22, and Scott 24, Gratton SOPHIA AHMAD Special to Juice

Wedding Date: October 2, 2010 Eight Seven Central project manager Samantha Gratton first cast eyes on husbandto-be, Scott Gratton, at a battle of the bands show at Valley Church in West Des Moines.

“When I first saw him, he was dancing while playing the piano, and I thought that was very cute,” she said.

Turns out that Scott, a jack-of-all-trades musician for Canby and Mint, won her vote in the contest that night. They became friends and dated three years before getting married in the very church where they first met.

“We had a lot of similar values, which was important to both of us,” Samantha said.

Proposal Samantha attended a play one night with a friend while Scott secretly decorated her house with lights, candles and flowers.

“All of my roommates were out of town, so he left a flower on the door so I’d know something was up and wouldn’t get scared,” she said.

When Samantha walked into the house, he plugged in the lights to reveal a CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Samantha, 22, and Scott, 24, Gratton hosted their ceremony and reception at Valley Church in West Des Moines, which is also where they met. JON LEMONS/SPECIAL TO JUICE

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Scott found Samantha’s 1920s antique engagement and wedding rings on eBay. When the couple couldn’t find an antique ring for Scott, they decided on a plain white gold band, also on eBay.

Music was a big part of Samantha and Scott Gratton’s wedding day. Scott plays with Canby and Mint, and all his groomsmen are also musicians. JON LEMONS/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE

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Scott was stationed at the bottom of the stairs.

“At this point it seemed this was clearly the proposal. (But) he sat me down ... and made me tell him the entire plot of the play!” Samantha said.

Scott eventually played a song for her and then popped the question.

Ceremony At first, Samantha wasn’t enthusiastic about getting married at Valley Church.

She liked the church, but it didn’t have that “cute little wedding chapel feel” she wanted.

“But when it came down to it, this was the church I grew up in and when it’s filled with people you love, it doesn’t matter

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Samantha and Scott Gratton hosted their ceremony at Valley Church in West Des Moines. Friends and family transformed the ceremony space into a reception area while the couple took photos after the ceremony. JON LEMONS/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE where you get married,” she said.

Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, 226-1103, vefc.com

Reception The couple was on a budget, so the large church came in handy when they realized they could book both the ceremony and reception in the same place. Friends helped transform the space to a reception area while pictures were taken. dmJuice.com

Bridal Party The bridal party consisted of friends and family — there were five on each side, plus two personal attendants and two ushers.

Samantha found her bridesmaids’ dresses at Target.

“I scooped up a dress in every size then and there because I knew I’d be hard-pressed to find a better dress for $40,” she said.

Target, various metro locations, target.com They wanted to find a similar deal for the guys

and realized that for around the same price, everyone could purchase department store suits instead of renting tuxes.

To save money on corsages, they made a few themselves, then crafted their own pocket squares for the groomsmen. For gifts, Samantha gave her bridesmaids a jewelry set, and the groomsmen, all musicians, received harmonicas.

Suits were from J.C. Penney, 1551 Valley West Drive, West Des Moines,

Samantha Gratton found her bridesmaid’s bright blue dresses at Target for $40 each.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

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Samantha’s bouquet was from Hy-Vee floral, and the bridesmaids’ arrangements were made from artificial flowers purchased from Michael’s.

For the centerpieces, artificial flowers from Hobby Lobby were set into glass Ball jars and surrounded by grapevine wreaths.

Hy-Vee, various metro locations, hy-vee.com Michaels, 1404 22nd Street, West Des Moines, 223-8877 Hobby Lobby, 4080 Merle Hay Road, 251-4700 and 1160 E. Army Post Road, 953-1023

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Samantha chose a lace dress from The Bridal Connection for the right balance of tradition and elegance.

Samantha knew she wanted a lace dress, but she was a bit indecisive at first.

“I wanted to find the right balance between tradition and elegance but still wanted to look like

myself,” she said.

After visiting many shops, she found “the one” at The Bridal Connection.

Her mother made the veil, which she wore over her face until the pastor said “kiss the bride.”

“I know that’s not a common trend anymore, but I just liked the sentiment and tradition,” she said.

The Bridal Connection, 710 N. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, 964-5683.

Rings Scott found his bride’s 1920s antique engagement ring and wedding band on eBay. They also wanted an antique ring for Scott, but couldn’t find one. Instead, they opted for a simple white gold band with a milgrain edge, also from eBay.

Food Mama Lacona’s catered the wedding with a few different varieties of pasta, including lasagna dmJuice.com

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE with meatballs and chicken alfredo, plus salad and rolls. Scott’s dad made wine that guests enjoyed at the rehearsal dinner.

Mama Lacona’s, 3825 121st St., Urbandale, 270-0022, mamalacona.com

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Music “Music has always been a part of our relationship and is a big deal, especially to Scott,” Samantha said.

“In fact, when I met his parents, one of the first few things they asked was, ‘What does she play?’ ” All of Scott’s groomsmen are musicians and each played a short set at the reception. The wedding favors were CDs of original music featuring a song Samantha wrote for Scott, a song he wrote for her and a song from each of the groomsmen.

The ceremony featured music from the couple’s favorite soundtracks like a song by Mark Mothersbaugh from “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “The Winner Is” by Mychael Danna and DeVotchKa off the “Little Miss Sunshine” soundtrack. Samantha walked down the aisle to “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Ros and the couple recessed by dancing out of the room to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen.

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Photography Jon Lemons shot the day’s action. Ever since she was a little girl, Samantha wanted her photos after the wedding ceremony, but not before. She wanted to see her groom for the first time when she walked down the aisle.

“It’s just what I wanted to do. I stuck to my guns on that one,” she said.

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At first, Samantha wasn’t enthusiastic about getting married at Valley Church. She liked the church, but it didn’t have that “cute little wedding chapel feel” she wanted. “But when it came down to it, this was the church I grew up in and when it’s filled with people you love, it doesn’t matter where you get married,” she said. JON LEMONS/SPECIAL TO JUICE

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE Jana, 23, and Steven, 24, Rood take their vows at People's Court in Des Moines. The Rood’s are active members of the music scene. JOELLE AND JAKE BLOMBERG/SPECIAL TO JUICE

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Wedding date: May 28, 2011 Wedding vows often include the words “in sickness and in health.”

Jana Rood and Holy White Hounds drummer Steven Rood had that covered

within a few months of dating. Steven was hospitalized for Crohn’s Disease and Jana developed a digestive disorder that required her to have most of her colon removed.

“We’re kind of two peas in a pod with our weird diseases. We became loyal early on,” she said.

The couple met through

mutual friends during a concert Steven was playing at Cup O’Kryptonite. It was Jana’s dad who told her to date people with the same qualities she’d want in her future mate.

“He (Steven) was the first person that didn’t make me feel like I was wasting my time,” she said.

Proposal Steven and Jana had been dating four years when they realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. But, they wanted to tie the knot in style: in Las Vegas with “Elvis” officiating.

Their families caught wind of the plans, and the couple was “guilt-tripped” dmJuice.com

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE into having their wedding in Des Moines. Since his bride-to-be wasn’t getting her Vegas wedding, Steven wanted to give her an extra special proposal.

With the help of her boss and a few co-workers, Steven dressed in scrubs and snuck into Methodist Hospital, where Jana works as a surgical technologist, and surprised her.

“I totally didn’t recognize him at first. It was hilarious and spectacular,” Jana said.

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Reception The couple wanted to make sure everyone was entertained between the ceremony and reception, so they opened the bar, and friend Matt Garcia from Cashes Rivers serenaded everyone until dmJuice.com

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Ceremony The couple considered numerous venues before settling on People’s Court.

It was a nice personal touch, since Steven’s band had played there before.

A friend of the couple’s performed the ceremony, which included the Oathing Stone custom. In Scottish culture, it’s believed that oaths taken near stone or water cast the promise into that element forever. Steven and Jana held a stone between their hands as they said their vows.

Guests also held stones, prayed a silent blessing and placed their stones in Zen gardens the couple crafted as centerpieces.

“We thought it was a fun way to make the ceremony interactive, and our guests felt like they were actually a part of it instead of just being there to watch.”

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Steven, pictured, and Jana both wore Converse sneakers on their wedding day. JOELLE AND JAKE BLOMBERG/PHOTOS SPECIAL TO JUICE

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Jana aked her bridesmaids to find a tea-length black dress. Each bridesmaid chose a different neckline. photos were finished.

“We had quickly vetoed having any kind of organized events (conga lines, bouquet and garter tosses, etc.) pretty early on in the planning process, and no one seemed to miss them. We wanted our wedding to feel like a big party, and that was achieved without much effort,” Jana said.

Bridal Party The bride and groom each had three people stand up with them. Bridesmaids were instructed to purchase a black, tea-length dress. Each chose different necklines and the whole look came together nicely. Steven’s mother-in-law makes jewelry , so for the

“Go ahead and talk behind my back.”

bridesmaids, she designed custom necklaces inspired by ivory stones from a bead shop in Valley Junction.

Dress Jana found her perfect dress — Alfred Angelo’s Snow White gown from CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

5525 MILLS CIVIC PARKWAY WEST DES MOINES, IA 50266 515-288-0356

WWW.SCHAFFERS.COM DM-9000339382

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE the Disney FairyTale Wedding line — at Weddings By Design. The bodice and organza skirt were covered in small, Swarovski crystaladorned cherry blossoms, which tied in nicely with the Zen gardens the couple used as centerpieces. The skirt also artfully hid her Converse sneakers, which she and Steven both wore.

Weddings By Design, 2020 Grand Ave., No. 400, West Des Moines, 222-9662, weddingsby designdm.com.

Tuxes

Jana Rood found her perfect dress — Alfred Angelo’s Snow White gown from the Disney FairyTale Wedding line — at Weddings By Design in West Des Moines. JOELLE AND JAKE BLOMBERG/SPECIAL TO JUICE

For a guy whose wardrobe revolves around two pairs of jeans and four T-shirts, Steven was pretty picky about his tux, Jana said.

He chose a black tux with black satin pin stripes, a black button-up shirt and an ivory vest from Weddings By Design. His groomsmen mirrored his look.

Rings Jana can’t wear jewelry at work, so the idea of a huge rock wasn’t for her.

Before she passed away, her grandmother gave Jana her wedding ring, a simple gold band with three small diamonds that needed some restoration.

Steven had the band replaced with an equally simple silver band.

Steven didn’t want anything too shiny, heavy or dark, so his was harder to find. The last place the couple looked was Jared and they found a silver band with mother-of-pearl inlays.

Jared, The Galleria of Jewelry, 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 12560, West Des Moines, 222-5351

Flowers A family friend made beaded bouquets, since Jana didn’t like the idea of real flowers.

“The thought of them dying in a day or two absolutely broke my heart.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE I didn’t like the hidden symbolism there,” she said.

Jimmy John’s, various metro locations, jimmyjohns.com

Cake

Music

The cake, with the exception of the top tier, was fake. Guests indulged in a dessert bar consisting of cheesecake, cake pops, fruit and candy. Treats were made by the couple and friends or purchased in bulk to make sure there was enough.

Neither the bride nor the groom wanted a DJ, so Steven compiled a special playlist that played over the stereo system. It was the perfect mix of modern rock, oldies, dance and show tunes, Jana said. The first dance was to “Baby, I’m Yours” performed by the Arctic Monkeys, which the couple had been planning to dance to even before they were engaged.

Food People’s Court didn’t require a particular caterer, so the couple purchased side dishes like potato salad, fruit, giant pickles and chips at Sam’s Club. They chose Jimmy John’s sandwich shop to cater the main meal.

“It was easy, cheap and we didn’t have to order it until the day before,” Jana said.

Sam’s Club, 1101 73rd St., 255-2252, samsclub.com

Photography Friends Joelle and Jake Blomberg of Figment Art Photo snapped photos.

They were originally meant to be in the bridal party, but they graciously stepped down to document the day’s events, Jana said.

Figment Art Photo, Joelle@figmentart photo.com

The Rood’s good friends Joelle and Jake Blomberg graciously stepped down from wedding party duties to document the couple’s wedding day. JOELLE AND JAKE BLOMBERG/SPECIAL TO JUICE

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE

What to wear Adorn yourself for the important moments of your wedding celebration with hot new trends and local finds.

— Megan Fitzgerald, special to Juice Channing Cason, 23, and Luis Saldana, 21, show off a classic-yetsimple look for an engagement party. ERIC ROWLEY/JUICE PHOTOS

Engagement Dinner For her: Feel fancy in a two-toned, pastel-inspired cocktail dress paired with black pumps and gold accessories. Mint and gray dress, $48, and black peep toe pumps, $30, at Mint LA Boutique, 340 S.W. Fifth St.; Cork and gold clutch, $170, and cuff, $50, at Aimee, 426 E. Locust St. For him: Keep it simple with a pressed light blue shirt, dressy denim and designer canvas sneakers. Light blue dress shirt, $32 at Raygun, 400 E. Locust St.; Denizen denim, $29.99 at Target, various locations; True Religion canvas sneakers, model’s own.

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2012 WEDDING GUIDE Rehearsal Dinner

Bachelorette and Bachelor parties For her: Hit the town in a two-toned, color-blocked party dress with a short, flowing skirt. Pair with black pumps and minimal jewelry. Black and red dress, $100 at Aimee, 426 E. Locust St.; Black pumps, $30 at Mint LA Boutique, 340 S.W. Fifth St., No. 122. For him: Hit the town with the guys in a fitted, printed tee and black jeans. Cleavage shirt, $19 at Raygun, 400 E. Locust St.; black denim jeans, $29.99 at Target.

For the bride: Let your inner bohemian chic shine at the rehearsal in a beautifully constructed crocheted cocktail dress. Add a dramatic element by pairing wedges in a deep jewel tone or a color from your wedding theme.

Crocheted dress, $158 at Aimee. For the groom: Dress it up with a crisp dress shirt with light patterns, paired with a jacket and white pants. Dress shirt, $32 at Raygun, 400 E. Locust St.; white pants, $29.99, and jacket, $49.99, both from Target.

Honeymoon

ERIC ROWLEY/JUICE PHOTOS

For her: Relax with a silk shirt dress and add shape with a chunky belt.

Throw on wedges and a floppy hat and enjoy the relaxing week ahead. Shirt dress, $29.99, and hat, $14.99, both from Target; white belt, $24.99, and wedges, $30, both from Mint LA Boutique. For him: Pair an ombre blue shirt with bright coral shorts. Ombre shirt, $29.99, and coral shorts, $29.99, both from Target.

ay Yes....

The Bridal Boutique 515-244-2266 www.bridalboutiquedm.com Kara and Noah Swanson found their ‘WOW’

DM-9000339387

56 Wednesday, June 13, 2012

412 E 6th St (East Village) Des Moines, Iowa photo by Oceanwide Studios

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Time: 06-11-2012 16:23 Product: DESTab PubDate: 06-13-2012 Zone: Juice

Edition: 1 Page: Juice-AT

Color: C K Y M

2012 WEDDING GUIDE

Gift your guests

Make gifting easier this wedding season with local finds and sweet surprises for favors or wedding party thank-yous.

— Megan Fitzgerald

Remind guests or special people at your wedding how much they mean to you with a colorfully labeled candle with a meaningful word. Candles, $12.99 each at Target, various locations. ERIC ROWLEY/JUICE PHOTOS

What guest doesn’t love candy? Send guests home with memorable candies that remind guests of the bride and groom.

Lollipops, $3.49 each at Target, various locations.

Remind guests of the love you have for your hometown with stickers or postcards to take home. Stickers, $1.50, Postcards, $1, RAYGUN, 400 E. Locust St. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Betts Bridal Accessories Your One Stop for Everything Beyond the Dress!

Veils • Tiaras • Jewelry • Cake Toppers • Collections Unity Candles • And much more....

Rentals for Vases • Mirrors • Lighted Arches Props • Card Boxes • candelabras

www.bettsbridal.com

Mention this ad for 10% off in-stock items

204 1/2 5th Street Historic Valley Junction (515) 271-9405 DM-9000342187

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012 57

User: ahollada

Time: 06-11-2012 16:23 Product: DESTab PubDate: 06-13-2012 Zone: Juice

Edition: 1 Page: Juice-AU

Color: C K Y M

2012 WEDDING GUIDE A sweet, scented lotion is the perfect summer wedding favor. Choose from a variety of scents.

Lotion, $8 at Eden, 418 E. Sixth St. ERIC

I DO

ROWLEY/JUICE PHOTOS

FEMININE. ELEGANT. TIMELESS.

bridal

Treat your wedding guest right with cute and quaint wedding favors upon their arrival to Des Moines.

11161 Plum Dr. Urbandale, IA 50322

515.226.9336 WWW.STACEYSPROM.COM DM-9000339386

Get out of your

Mom Jeans and into your

SkinnyJeans

DM-9000341898

Prices as low as

$79

per month!

495 SE Alices Rd. Ste. E, Waukee IA

Waukee, IA | 515-987-8100 | LEAN-BODY-BOOT-CAMP.COM 58 Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Contact local printer RAYGUN, and have journals printed to celebrate your nuptials. Journals, $5, RAYGUN, 400 E. Locust St., call for pricing on bulk orders.

Surprise guests with tiny moleskin journals to remember the day. Select from a variety of colors that coincide with your wedding theme and colors. Moleskin journals, $5.95 for two at Target, various locations. dmJuice.com