a bang, and bringing you inspiration from Classic to French Rococo. We couldn't be more excited about the trends that are unfolding for 2025. Decadent cakes, lace, and over-the-top florals, are all things you'll see in our featured weddings.
We kick things off with a styled shoot at Hotel Fort Des Moines that’s full of wow, with details crafted by a talented team of vendors, including The English Rose, and Yours Truly Weddings & Events who brings floral elegance to every corner.
Our Vendor Lust section is packed with tips on finding the perfect stationery and other talented wedding pros.
In “It’s My Big Day,” we celebrate Emily + Ford’s wedding day in Central Iowa. A beautiful ceremony filled with French flair and a pastel color palette that makes you swoon. Check out the groom's pastel pink suit. The World Food Prize paired with Shelly Sarver's flowers transforms the day with elegance and style.
Next, we highlight Laura + Michael's Eastern Iowa wintry wedding, infused with classic touches, it was an intimate affair. Bella Sala Event Center created a warm backdrop for the wedding I do's.
We hope these stories inspire your planning journey. Don't forget to sign up to get the magazine FREE by mail at heartlandweddingideas.com/ido-crew-signup for more inspiration. Happy planning!
&
CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com
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.
STYLED SHOOT: CLASSIC ROMANCE 6-12
VENDOR EDITORIAL: WHAT ARE BUSTLES? REALLY?! 22
IT’S MY BIG DAY: EMILY + FORD 24-32
IT’S MY BIG DAY: LAURA + MICHAEL 36-41
Special thanks to this crew:
Marissa Sakakhanone
Designer + Digital
Media Manager
Kelly Visser Copy Editor
Classic Romance
We can't think of a better way to say "I Do" than being surrounded by delicate blooms from The English Rose at the altar.
Inspired by the joy of a soft, romantic, and bright wedding day – Clare from The English Rose and Camrynn from Yours Truly Weddings & Events teamed up for this delightful styled shoot at Hotel Fort Des Moines. They assembled a team of incredible Central Iowa wedding vendors to create a charming affair that brought a fresh feel to time-honored tradition.
MEET THE WEDDING PROS
VENUE: HOTEL FORT DES MOINES
PHOTOS: BROOKE PAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
DÉCOR:
YOURS TRULY WEDDINGS & EVENTS
THE ENGLISH ROSE
FLORAL: THE ENGLISH ROSE
LINENS/FLATWARE/CHARGERS: BEYOND ELEGANCE RENTALS
HAIR & MAKEUP: I DO PRETTY
DRESS: ROSALIE
SUIT: SKEFFINGTON’S FORMAL WEAR
STATIONERY: Y OURS TRULY WEDDINGS & EVENTS
The pop of citrus colors are delightful.
This ballroom at Hotel Fort Des Moines is the perfect romantic canvas for this intimate affair.
This navy suit from Skeffington’s Formal Wear is the perfect addition to a warm orange and pink color palette.
Brooke Pavel always delivers perfectly framed and airy photos.
The sleeves on this gown are swoon-worthy.
Beyond Elegance provides the perfect accents to complete your table setting.
VENDOR lust
SPOTLIGHT ON STATIONERY & LIVE PAINTING
YOUR WEDDING INVITE
Your wedding invite is more than just a piece of paper — unless you've sent a Save the Date, it's the first hint of the celebration to come! It sets the tone, reflecting not only your style and décor but also the vibe of your big day — whether it’s a formal, grand affair or a laid-back, casual party. Guests might even use it as inspiration for their attire — imagine showing up in a chic tropical leaf print for a “Boho Palm Springs” styled wedding day! Make it count, because it’s your guests’ first impression of the beautiful day in store.
LIVE PAINTING AT RECEPTIONS
A live painter at your wedding reception isn’t just a trendy addition — it’s an unforgettable experience that captures the magic of your day in real time. Whether they’re painting a portrait of you on the dance floor or each guest gets their own quick portrait to take home, each stroke of the brush becomes a keepsake that lives beyond the celebration. Plus, it’s a unique and personal way to entertain your guests and send them home with a memory they’ll cherish!
OUR PREMIER STATIONERS:
Humble Hands Calligraphy & Live Painting // TandemHart Paperie
of TandemHart Paperie provided by Lauren Konrad Photography and Jennifer Weinman Photography
Meet our Heartland Premier Wedding Pros
Etching a champagne glass or metal compact can also be part of a unique wedding day favor for guests.
Photos
TandemHart Paperie
Humble Hands
VENDOR
lust
CAKE & DESSERT (CONTINUED)
ATTIRE & TAILORING
Celebrations Couture
WEST DES MOINES, IA celebrationscouturedsm.com
Merci's Tailoring CEDAR RAPIDS, IA mercistailoring.com
Skeffington's Formal Wear DES MOINES, IA skeffingtons.com
BEAUTY
& WELLNESS
Beauty Op NORTH LIBERTY, IA beautyopbysm.com
dsm salon DES MOINES, IA dsmsalonandspa.com
Hello Darlin' Glam DES MOINES, IA hellodarlinglam.com
Indian Creek Dental MARION, IA smileinmarion.com
vIVid Wellness / Aesthetics / Lifestyle DES MOINES & NORWALK, IA livin-vivid.com
CATERING
Baratta's DES MOINES, IA barattas.com
Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA cedarridgedistillery.com
Hy-Vee Catering & Deli IOWA hy-vee.com/stores
CAKE & DESSERT
ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery DES MOINES, IOWA chachashilandbakery.com
Glorious Desserts WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA gloriousdesserts.com
Hy-Vee Bakery IOWA hy-vee.com/stores
DECOR & RENTALS
Beyond Elegance Party Rentals WEST DES MOINES, IA beyondelegance.com
The English Rose DES MOINES, IA theenglishrosedsm.com
Era Events & Design DES MOINES, IA eraeventdesign.com
Royal Rental Co., Restroooms IOWA rentwithroyal.com
DRINKS & BARTENDING
Apres Bar Co. DES MOINES, IA apresbarco.com
Your Private Bar WEST DES MOINES, IA yourprivatebar.com
EVENT PLANNING
Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA completewedo.com
Des Moines Wedding Show CENTRAL IOWA desmoinesweddingshow.com
Eastern Iowa Wedding Show IOWA CITY / CEDAR RAPIDS easterniowaweddingshow.com
Era Events & Design DES MOINES, IA eraeventdesign.com
Yours Truly Weddings and Events DES MOINES, IA yourstrulyweddingsandevents.com
FLORAL
The English Rose DES MOINES, IA theenglishrosedsm.com
Hy-Vee Floral IOWA hy-vee.com/stores
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA completewedo.com
DJ DAS Entertainment DES MOINES, IA dj-das.com
MicDrop Entertainment DES MOINES, IA micdropentertainment515.com
Silver Fox DJ DES MOINES, IA dj-silverfox.com
SnapXP – Photobooth WEST DES MOINES, IA snapxp.com
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT (CONTINUED)
Vows & Vibes DES MOINES, IA vowsandvibes.com
OFFICIANT
Vows & Vibes DES MOINES, IA vowsandvibes.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA completewedo.com
Katie McDonald Photography DES MOINES, IA katiemcdonaldphotography.com
Studio Anne Photography DES MOINES, IA studioanne.co
Sweet Story Photography DES MOINES, IA sweetstoryphoto.com
VENDOR
lust
STATIONERY & GIFTS
Humble Hands
DES MOINES, IA humblehandsjg.com
TandemHart Paperie
DES MOINES, IA tandemhartpaperie.com
TRAVEL & HONEYMOON
Mosaic Shores Travel Co. DES MOINES, IA mosaicshores.com
VENUES
1868 Farmhouse BOONE, IA 1868farmhouse.com
Barnes' Place
ADEL, IA barnes-place.com
BeerStyles Taproom & GastroPub
WEST DES MOINES, IA beerstyles.com
Cedar Ridge Distillery SWISHER, IA cedarridgedistillery.com
The Chateau CAMBRIDGE, IA whiteoakchateau.com
Greater Des Moines
Botanical Garden DES MOINES, IA dmbotanicalgarden.com
Iowa State Fairgrounds DES MOINES, IA iowastatefairgrounds.org
Northbridge Event Center DES MOINES, IA northbridgedsm.org
Old Brick
IOWA CITY, IA oldbrick.org
Pella Opera House
PELLA, IA pellaoperahouse.org
VENUES (CONTINUED)
Prairie Meadows Event Center ALTOONA, IA prairiemeadows.com
Scottish Rite Consistory DES MOINES, IA dmscottishrite.org
WineStyles
WEST DES MOINES / JOHNSTON / ANKENY / CORALVILLE / CEDAR RAPIDS winestyles.com
Windsor Heights Community Center and Pavilion
WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA windsorheights.org
World Food Prize, Hall of Laureates DES MOINES, IA halloflaureates.org
VIDEOGRAPHY
Filmmaking Masters CENTRAL IOWA filmmakingmasters.com
WHAT ARE BUSTLES? REALLY?!
You’ve probably heard the word bustle while wedding dress shopping, and you know it has something to do with the train — but what is it, exactly?
LET’S TALK TRAINS
A train is the fabric that trails behind your gown — stunning for the ceremony, but less practical for dancing. That’s where the bustle comes in!!
WHAT A BUSTLE ISN’T
First, a bustle isn’t the thin ribbon loop under your dress — that’s a hanger strap, meant for hanging the gown, not wearing it. It’s delicate, sewn inside the train, and not designed to last through dancing. You can add a wrist loop, which is sturdier and designed for wearing. Sewn on the outside of the train, the loop lets you carry it on your wrist while walking or posing. While convenient, it can get uncomfortable if your train is heavy, so it’s best paired with a proper bustle.
SO … WHAT IS A BUSTLE?
A bustle uses discreet buttons, snaps, or ties to lift your train off the floor, keeping your dress elegant and trip-free. Different styles work for different gowns:
• Over Bustle: The train is pulled up and secured outside the gown, creating pretty drapes.
• French Bustle: The train is tucked in one or multiple levels, forming soft, layered folds.
• Ballroom Bustle: The train disappears completely, making the dress look floor-length.
• Combination Bustle: A blend of multiple styles to make it work for your dress!
At Merci’s Tailoring, we have a resident Bustle Queen! After altering and bustling countless gowns, she knows the options that will work — and look — best with your dress.
BALLROOM BUSTLE
EMILY + FORD
EMILY + FORD
FRENCH ROCOCO ROMANCE
With the utmost elegance and dreamy romantic details, Emily and Ford’s big day was a grand celebration fit for a queen and king. Inspired by the French Rococo style, the couple’s wedding featured gorgeous, personal touches that set the perfect stage for the beginning of their forever love story.
Both Des Moines natives, Emily and Ford’s paths first crossed on Tinder. While things didn’t take off right away, a chance meeting at a local bar ignited a spark. Shortly after, Emily reached out with a bold message asking, “Are we getting coffee, or what, dude?” That initial conversation quickly turned into many more, leading to their first date and a whirlwind of love that followed.
The couple made the intentional decision to forgo a traditional surprise proposal. Instead, they chose to plan it together. They celebrated their engagement with a joyful party at Aposto in Des Moines, surrounded by family and friends. After a delicious meal, Ford officially asked Emily to spend forever by his side.
For their wedding, Emily and Ford were inspired by the French Rococo style, particularly the opulent, dramatic vibes of Marie Antoinette’s era. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in
Ford looked so sharp in this custom pink tux.
CENTRAL IOWA
Des Moines, with its stunning architecture and elegant spaces, was the perfect venue for their celebration.
“The best part of planning was talking about our vision,” Emily shares. “We wanted it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone and focused on bringing in elements that would keep everyone comfortable.”
The couple worked closely with Emily’s mom and a talented group of vendors to bring that vision to life. Gina Cramer from Make It Happen Events guided them throughout the planning process, ensuring every detail fell into place.
“Gina is brilliant at what she does. She is so passionate about ensuring the event goes well,” says Emily. “I met her at the perfect time, and I am so happy she worked with us to create such an amazing, unforgettable event.”
Shelly Sarver Designs elevated the wedding’s beauty with stunning floral arrangements,
including a custom-built pergola adorned with flowers and lights above the head table — a true showstopper. Gloria from Glorious Desserts created an exquisite tiered cake with ornate golden elements that perfectly complemented the theme.
Emily and Ford also made sure their wedding day was filled with personal touches. Two of their best friends officiated the ceremony, which added a unique and meaningful dimension to the day. The couple’s heartfelt, self-written vows brought tears to everyone’s eyes — even from Emily’s typically reserved brothers.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the father-daughter dance. Initially hesitant about the tradition, Emily and her dad chose to dance to one of their favorite Thelonious Monk songs, “Ruby, My Dear.” This heartfelt moment turned out to be one of their favorite memories of the night.
Emily and Ford were blown away by their stunning wedding cake by Glorious Desserts.
CENTRAL IOWA
Emily and Ford’s advice for other couples planning their weddings is simple: Don’t feel pressured to follow tradition just because it’s expected.
“You can truly do whatever you want,” Emily says. “You can have five people officiate, you can get married any day of the week, you can wear whatever shoes — it’s your day. You don’t have to fit any social norms, just do your best to represent yourselves and your unique love.”
Emily wore her grandmother-in-law’s diamond bracelet for “something borrowed” and her father’s antique ring for “something old,” keeping family close in spirit.
EMILY + FORD
WEDDING MOOD
WEDDING STYLE
ROMANTIC, FRENCH ROCOCO, DREAMY
COLOR PALETTE
VENDOR LUST
PREMIER VENDORS
Cake & Dessert Glorious Desserts
Photobooth SnapXP
Venue World Food Prize
ALL VENDORS
Photographer Cluney Photo | Entertainment
The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels | Caterer Embassy Club | Floral Shelly Sarver Designs | Ceremony & Cocktail Music Genevieve Salamone | Wedding
Skeffington’s via Bridal Boutique | Hotel Hotel Fort Des Moines | Dance Floor Rhum
Productions Welcome Party Hotel Fort Des Moines | Event Planner Make it Happen Events
Officiants John and Lucy (friends)
The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels kept the dance floor rocking all night.
SnapXP photobooth and a handful of polaroid cameras were such a fun addition to the reception.
Nothing Compares
TO A WEDDING AT THE FAIRGROUNDS
Celebrate your special day at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Historic buildings, modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. Enjoy free, close parking, 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.
Kristin Imboden Photography
LAURA + MICHAEL
WINTER WONDERLAND
Even on a snowy Iowa day, Laura and Michael's winter wedding perfectly captured the warmth of their love! The couple worked side-by-side to create a cozy, intimate celebration in their home state for all their loved ones to enjoy.
Laura and Mike first connected on Hinge — right when the world started reopening after the early days of the pandemic. They decided to meet at a local bar, which turned into a full night of laughing, playing pool and darts, and dancing until bar close! They immediately knew they had something special.
Two years later, Mike surprised Laura by popping the question during a comedy show. It was such a surprise she stared at him for a moment before saying, “YES!”
When envisioning their wedding day, Laura and Mike wanted to create a warm, cozy atmosphere with a simple, yet elegant style. They found Bella Sala in Tiffin, Iowa, and knew the natural light and airy space would be the perfect setting for both their wedding ceremony and reception. The day included a beautiful color palette of blush, emerald, and wood elements across the tablescapes, attire, and floral.
The couple chose their vendors based on recommendations from friends and whenever possible, they opted for locally owned businesses, including catering from TC Bonez BBQ
and Catering and an incredible dessert table from Cookies & Dreams.
“With our wedding in January, we knew there was a possibility of snow, so we did not want any vendors driving far,” Laura explains.
Laura relied on Pinterest, The Knot, and Etsy during the planning process, as she created the signage and coordinated much of the decor. One of the most helpful DIY ideas from Pinterest was for creating the seating chart. She used the layout of the venue and sticky notes with guest names, which allowed them to easily rearrange tables as needed.
Laura and Mike’s favorite part of planning was incorporating their loved ones in
meaningful ways. Mike’s brother officiated the ceremony, and a close friend of the couple played their song on the guitar. They also had a beautiful tribute table with photos of family members, including their parents and grandparents from their wedding days, which added such a special touch.
Their biggest piece of advice for others planning their wedding is to remain flexible.
“There will be things that don’t go how you want, you’ll need to go with Plan B or even C. Just know, no matter what, it will be the perfect day because you’re marrying your person,” Laura shares.
Cheers to Laura and Mike! We wish you a lifetime of love together.
We love these velvet emerald bridesmaid dresses.
Laura is glowing in this gorgeous lace dress from Pure Bridal.
The assorted cookies, brownies and bars are such a fun alternative to cake.
LAURA + MICHAEL
WEDDING MOOD
WEDDING STYLE
WINTER, WARM, CLASSIC, INTIMATE
COLOR PALETTE
VENDOR LUST
PREMIER VENDORS
Rehearsal Dinner
Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery
ALL VENDORS
Ceremony & Reception Venue Bella Sala
Photographer Colby Campbell | Caterer
TC Bonez BBQ and Catering | Cookies & Dessert
Cookies & Dreams | Bartending Bella Sala
Floral North Liberty Flower Shop by Sueppel’s Groom's Ring Late grandfather’s ring | Menswear
The Black Tux | Wedding Dress Pure Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses Baltic Born | Tanning Bare
Tones | Hair Vintage Roots Studio | Makeup
Hartwood Salon | Ceremony & Reception Music
Encore Entertainment | Transportation Anaman
Concierge Services | Stationery Prints of Love | Officiant Groom’s brother | Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands Sarah O. Jewelry | Hotel
