Heartland Wedding Ideas July/Aug Issue 2023 (Summer)

OUR PREMIER VENDORS

STYLED SHOOT A BRIDGERTON

WEDDING DAY

IT'S MY BIG DAY

TAYLOR + BEN

MADISEN + GAVIN

EDITORS' LETTER

Summer lovin'. We love the energy this season brings and hope that you are finding time to kickback and have fun with the ones you love most!

This summer issue is jam-packed with tons of inspiration from a Bridgerton-styled wedding shoot to a Lake Comoinspired wedding in Montour, Iowa. You'll be sure to find something to love and tons of wedding professionals to seek out!

Regal, pastel, fancy food, and standout floral are a must when you are inspired by Bridgerton. This styled shoot organized by Elizabeth Bliss Events brings it all together to create a whimsical, enchanting day. We love all the special touches and you definitely don't want to miss the CHARCUTERIE WALL. Yum!

Our first 'It's My Big Day' is in central Iowa and features Taylor + Ben at the beautiful Hickory Terrace in Pella, Iowa. Jordon Van Zante captured this couple's fairytale wedding flawlessly. The bride was inspired by the famous Bieber wedding and the color palette was divine.

To close out the issue, we go to Eastern Iowa for Madisen + Gavin's nuptials. Their lake wedding was truly unique and felt like a can't-miss celebration. Their guests even received a boat ride to the ceremony!

We'd like to say THANK YOU and send well wishes to our intern Sophia Lacy — CONGRATS GRAD! We look forward to seeing what you do next.

Happy summer, couples! Enjoy reading this issue poolside.

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STYLED SHOOT: A BRIDGERTON WEDDING DAY

19-25

IT'S MY BIG DAY: TAYLOR + BEN

28-33

IT'S MY BIG DAY: MADISEN + GAVIN

Special thanks to this crew:

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Sophia Lacy Copywriter Intern

Kelly Visser Copy Editor

Marissa Sakakhanone Designer + Digital Media Manager

VENDOR LUST: FEATURING ENTERTAINMENT

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.

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

lust VENDOR

WEDDING DAY ENTERTAINMENT

Having the perfect music in the air truly sets the tone for your day. Work with your musicians or DJ to understand your vibe. They’ll help you pace the day into the night, pause for the proper toasts and keep the party going!

Another fun element to entertaining guests — get a PHOTO BOOTH! Let guests take goofy shots all night! They can send photos to their phone and you get to keep them all of course!

OUR PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS :

Complete Weddings + Events // DJ DAS Entertainment // SnapXP

ATTIRE & TAILORING

Merci's Tailoring

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

mercistailoring.com

Skeffington's Formal Wear

DES MOINES, IA

skeffingtons.com

CAKE & DESSERT

Glorious Desserts

WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA

gloriousdesserts.com

Sweet Cactus Bakery

PLEASANT HILL, IA

sweetcactusbakery.com

CATERING

Baratta's DES MOINES, IA

barattas.com

Christiani's Catering

DES MOINES, IA

christianiscatering.com

DRINKS & BARTENDING

Apres Bar Co.

DES MOINES, IA

apresbarco.com

Your Private Bar

WEST DES MOINES, IA

yourprivatebar.com

FLORAL

Shelly Sarver Designs

LEIGHTON, IA shellysarverdesigns.com

HONEYMOON / TRAVEL

Mosaic Shores Travel Co. DES MOINES, IA mosaicshores.com

Ovations Travel

TIFFIN, IA ovationstravel.com

MUSIC

Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com

DJ DAS Entertainment

DES MOINES, IA dj-das.com

PHOTO BOOTH

Complete Weddings + Events CLIVE, IA

completewedo.com

Snap XP

WEST DES MOINES, IA snapxp.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

DeeDee Miller Photography

ANKENY, IA

deedeemillerphotography.net

Everlasting Photo

CENTRAL IOWA everlastingphotoia.com

Jewel Boudoir Photo MILO, IA

jewelboudoirphoto.com

Kara Vorwald Photography DES MOINES, IA karavorwald.com

Midwest LifeShots Photography DES MOINES, IA midwestlifeshots.com

PLANNING & DECOR

Beyond Elegance Party Rentals WEST DES MOINES, IA beyondelegance.com

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

Mostly Becky Event Group CENTRAL IOWA mostlybecky.com

Shelly Sarver Designs LEIGHTON, IA shellysarverdesigns.com

STATIONERY

TandemHart Paperie DES MOINES, IA

tandemhartpaperie.com

VENUES

1868 Farmhouse BOONE, IA 1868farmhouse.com

VENUES (CONTINUED)

Barnes' Place ADEL, IA

barnes-place.com

Carper Vineyard & Winery NORWALK, IA carperwinery.com

The Chateau CAMBRIDGE, IA whiteoakchateau.com

Decades Event Center WEST DES MOINES, IA decadeswdm.com

Emerald Hills Events PROMISE CITY, IA emeraldhillsevents.com

Hotel Fort Des Moines DES MOINES, IA hotelfortdesmoines.com

Iowa State Fairgrounds DES MOINES, IA iowastatefairgrounds.org

The Iowa Taproom DES MOINES, IA iowataproom.com

Old Brick IOWA CITY, IA oldbrick.org

Pella Opera House PELLA, IA

pellaoperahouse.org

Renaissance Savery Hotel DES MOINES, IA renhotels.com

Scottish Rite Consistory DES MOINES, IA dmscottishrite.org

Sherwood Forest Event Center DES MOINES, IA sherwoodforesteventcenter.com

World Food Prize - Hall of Laureates DES MOINES, IA halloflaureates.org

FOR EVEN MORE AMAZING WEDDING PROS VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM/ALL-VENDORS

A BRIDGERTON WEDDING DAY

Who doesn't want a fairytale wedding day?! Lauren Elizabeth from Elizabeth Bliss Events created a day full of bright pastel colors, lush florals, and luxurious decor. It had the whimsy of Bridgerton, taking inspiration from the show's regal style and garden-scapes. The whole day had a light and airy feel. You can have a fairytale wedding day too with Iowa wedding pros to help every step along the way.

MEET THE WEDDING PROS

VENUE: The Midnight Gem

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Nicole Lain Photo & The W Photography

PLANNER & DESIGNER: Elizabeth Bliss Events

DÉCOR: Elizabeth Bliss Events & 11:11 Event Co.

FURNITURE:

Borrow My Vintage

FLORIST: Tulipsis Floral

LINENS: 11:11 Event Co. & Nüage Designs

STATIONERY: TandemHart Paperie

CHARCUTERIE: The Hangry Lady

CAKE: Ami’s Cakes

DRESS: Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom

SUIT: Skeffington’s Formal Wear

HAIR & MAKEUP:

Aurora Blush Beauty

RINGS & JEWELRY:

Elegance on 5th

SPRAY TAN:

Spray Tans by Megan

We love the cascading pearls in the bride's hair by Aurora Blush Beauty.

Tulipsis Floral brought the pastel color palette to life perfectly with the most beautiful fresh florals.

The place setting looks so regal! The textural touches by Elizabeth Bliss Events & 11:11 Event Co. create the perfect tablescape

Jocelyn Taylor Bridal & Prom + Skeffington's Formal Wear will make sure you feel and look your best!

TandemHart Paperie created a gold foil show stopper for the invite suite, and it has our attention!

We've seen champagne walls, table number walls, dessert walls, but THIS CHARCUTERIE WALL by The Hangry Lady is truly unique! More cheese please!

Borrow My Vintage always brings the beautiful rentals to make the setting feel warm and elegant.

Elizabeth Bliss Events created a unique memory table. In her 'Attending from Heaven' display, she stacked vintage suitcases and mingled photos of lost loved ones to create something truly special.

We love a good bridal suite and The Midnight Gem doesn't disappoint. The perfect venue for your big day.

Nicole Lain Photo & The W Photography made this magical setting come to life with every photo and detail.

BigDAY IT’S MY

Lavishly large or quietly quaint. Boho, rustic, or modern. Small budget or unlimited. And everything in between. We know you poured your heart and soul into it. And we want to feature it!

TAYLOR + BEN

MADISEN + GAVIN

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FAIRYTALE DAY

Since day one of planning their dream wedding, Taylor and Ben knew they wanted a gorgeous night to remember! Inspired by the colors and feel of the Bieber wedding, Taylor created a whimsical summer celebration with gorgeous pink, green, and black accents. And we can’t help but love it!

The night before the wedding day, the two hosted a welcome party along with their rehearsal in Taylor’s childhood backyard. They celebrated with friends, family, and out of town guests, enjoying a relaxed evening of wood fired pizzas, craft cocktails, and games. It was a great way to spend time with loved ones before the wedding day.

“It was such a fun night and I felt it gave me a chance to really talk to and see everyone because the wedding day goes by so fast,” Taylor said.

The couple worked with Katie at Kate Elizabeth Brides to plan the perfect wedding day. She helped pull the vision and the vendors together, ensuring it was the day they dreamed of.

Taylor and Ben were married under a beautiful floral arch made by Shelly Sarver Designs at Hickory Terrace in Pella. Taylor worked for Shelly for four summers previously, so it only made sense to have Shelly create the florals for her special day. Taylor wanted show-stopping flowers – and that is what she got!

“Shelly always goes above and beyond for her brides to make sure they have the day they have always dreamed of,” Taylor said. “I gave her my inspiration and the freedom to be creative and it couldn’t have turned out better.”

Inspired by the colors and feel of the Bieber wedding, a fairytale celebration unfolded.

Big

One of Taylor's favorite parts of their wedding day was actually a surprise. During her dad’s speech, he shared a story about when Taylor was a little girl she always saw a light up sign that was for sale. He asked what she wanted the sign to say, and she said “Taylor is awesome.” Taylor forgot about the sign after all these years, but her dad had found the sign and had it read “Taylor is awesome…and Ben.” Such a sweet surprise to share during the reception!

As the night carried on, the dance floor was packed the entire evening! After Taylor changed into a stunning short dress, the couple cut their delicious three-tier cake by Parinda Cupcakes. And Jordon Van Zante

Photography captured all the fun of the day — from mini cheeseburgers to glowsticks, even a dog cake, everyone had the very best time celebrating as the two kicked off their marriage.

Reflecting on the day, Taylor says her biggest piece of advice is to slow down and take it all in.

“The day goes so incredibly fast and it is such a special day. I just wish I could relive it and do it all again,” she said.

Taylor and Ben started their marriage in a show-stopping fashion with their gorgeous ceremony and fabulous reception. It is truly a moment they will treasure forever.

VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF TAYLOR AND BEN'S BIG DAY!

Floral printed bridesmaid dresses are a beautiful detail for a summer wedding.

The bride's biggest piece of advice is to slow down and take it all in, as it goes by incredibly fast.

We are obsessed! Kaylee Maasdam provided live painting entertainment.

Taylor's dad surprised the couple during his speech at the reception with a childhood request for a vintage sign with some awesome messaging!

TAYLOR + BEN

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

FAIRYTALE, BIEBER INSPIRED

COLOR PALETTE

VENDOR LUST

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS

Floral & Decor

Shelly Sarver Designs

Ceremony & Reception Venue Hickory

Terrace, Pella | Photographer Jordon Van

Zante Photography | Videographer David

Fiser | Caterer Taste! To Go | Dessert Parinda

Cupcakes | Bride's Hair Valor and Violet, Madeline & Kristen | Makeup Ivy Boyd | Nails

Pella Nails | Wedding Dress Alice in Ivory,

Designer: Lihi Hod | Reception Dress By

Watters | Suits Mr. B's and The Back Room

Fitness F45! | Ceremony & Reception Music

Nystrom Productions | Jewelry Anglo & Josephs Jewelers | Event Planner Kate

Elizabeth Brides, Katie Jethwa | Day of Coordination Plan Together Events | Invites

Li Ward | Extra Rentals Pella Rental, La Tavola, Milestone Event Rental and Unique events

Officiant PJ at Christ the King | Photobooth

Snapbooth Chicago | Live Painting Kaylee

Maasdam | Dance Floor Rhum Productions

Big

MADISEN + GAVIN

LAKE LOVE

Madisen & Gavin were married in the same location as the bride's parents, at a family's lake property in Montour, Iowa! So naturally, they took a morning swim to kickoff their wedding weekend.

Madisen and Gavin’s Lake Como-inspired wedding is full of special touches and memorable moments. From getting married where her parents were married to surprise grandparent dances, we are obsessed with their wedding day.

After six years of dating, Madisen was a bit suspicious when Gavin planned a birthday dinner at one of her favorite restaurants. Her suspicions were correct — he popped the big question on a rooftop ahead of dinner! A photographer friend took a few photos of the couple as they celebrated with champagne and admired the gorgeous ring he designed.

They then went to dinner to spend time together before sharing the news. Little did Madisen know that her family and friends were all waiting at home to celebrate.

“Gavin assured me that he told them we were going to spend time together taking in the moment before calling our family and friends later,” Madisen said. “I walked in the house and they were already there to celebrate the news!”

As a wedding videographer, Madisen was well prepared for what she wanted for her wedding day to be. She was inspired by an Italian

The couple’s almost 300 guests were boated across the lake to the ceremony and back to the family property for the reception.

destination feel with boats, casual elegance, and summer romance. But most importantly, the couple wanted the whole celebration to reflect who they are, who they love, and what they love doing together.

“Our idea was to bring the intentionality and adventure of a destination wedding right to the heart of Iowa and include all of our people,” Madisen said.

The wedding was held at Madisen’s family’s lake property in Montour, Iowa. The day of their wedding, the two woke up extra early for a morning swim together. The time allowed them to take the day in before all the craziness of the wedding began.

The couple’s almost 300 guests were boated across the lake to the ceremony and back to the family property for the reception. It gave the guests a little adventure and experience tied to their vows. Madisen and Gavin even rode on the very same boat that her parents used for their own wedding at the lake.

Madisen wore a gorgeous mermaid-style dress that matched the lakeside vibe. The strapless gown from Schaffer's had layered details on

the chest. Complemented with a gorgeous train and long veil, she looked absolutely stunning for her special day.

Surprisingly enough with Madisen’s experience in the wedding industry, the couple ended up choosing almost all new vendors and did a lot of DIY details for florals, decor, stationery, and signage. She was very grateful for her day-of coordinators from Budget Bride. With a day full of moving parts, she wanted someone who could manage the crazy and they could trust.

“I can’t even begin to explain all that they did for us,” Madisen said. “They did everything and more, even in extreme heat.”

The whole day was photographed by Rachel Fosbenner and filmed by videographer by Sailor Breeze. Madisen even edited her own wedding video and was so grateful for Sailor for filming the day. Together they were able to capture all the magical moments. It was a celebration she and Gavin will forever treasure.

The bride is a videographer and you could see her vision for the day from start to finish.

A dad & daughter moments always gets us!

The couple rode in the same boat Madisen's parent's did on their wedding day at the lake.

MADISEN + GAVIN

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

LAKE COMO, ITALY INSPIRED

COLOR PALETTE

VENDOR LUST

Wedding Planner Budget Bride | Photography

Rachel Fosbenner Photo | Videographer Sailor

Breez Photo + Film and the Bride's editing talent, Madisen Lynn Videography | Floral DIY, Sam's Club | Ceremony & Reception Venue Family's Lake Property in Montour, Iowa | Hair Moods

Salon and Spa, Frankie | Nails The Nail Shop

Makeup Maisie Greco & Makeup by Cars | Engagement Ring True Gem | Bride's Wedding band MAIVEshop | Food Trucks Flying Elbow & Maria’s Tacos | Ice Cream Truck The Parlor

DJ Chaos Productions, Jesse | Bride's Dress

Schaffer's | Reception Dress Custom Aideux

Bridal by Lucy | Rentals Big Ten Rentals

Neon LedNeonCraft | Custom Pocket Square

Whispdesign | Ring Box Velvet Rose Designs

Co. and Liron Tresor