Heartland Wedding Ideas July/August Issue 2021 (Summer) by Heartland Wedding Ideas

JULY/AUGUST 2021

STYLED SHOOT

IT'S MY BIG DAY

NOT SO SECRETLY

CZECH WEDDING

KYNDAL + MATTHEW

KA R A VO RWA L D P H OTO G R A P H Y

C O L O R + C U LT U R E I N E V E R Y D E TA I L

MELISSA + MICHAEL

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OBSESSED:

Contents

H W I J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

EDITORS' LETTER

Summer is here, and we are loving it! We're not sure if you feel like things went from 0 to 100 (we sure do!), but it seems like we are making up for lost time with family and friends. We are cherishing the tiniest of moments and hugging everyone a little tighter. Just remember that a little "ME" time is okay and taking care of yourself during these busy times is still essential, especially when wedding planning. We love when we find something unique, and this styled shoot checks the box on inspiring! Gems & Joy styled the shoot inspired by Czech culture. There was so much color and culture in every detail, and it's stunning. Wait until you see the cake. It's a show-stopper. Our first feature wedding in "It's My Big Day," is Kyndal + Matthew. Kyndal is a wedding photographer, so you can imagine the vision and connections she had for her big day. The floral and festival vibes were on point. We couldn't possibly fit all the amazing photography in this issue, so you'll want to see our extended content online. It's soooooo good. The second wedding is Melissa + Michael's vows. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates created the perfect backdrop for the start of this couple's wedding weekend. Wait until you see their vintage getaway car Michael and his dad restored. It's perfection.

6-13 ST Y L E D S H O OT: CZECH WEDDING, C O L O R + C U LT U R E I N E V E R Y D E TA I L

16-17 N O T S O S E C R E T LY O B S E S S E D : K A R A V O R WA L D P H OTO G R A P H Y

21-27 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : K Y N D A L + M AT T H E W

30-35 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : MELISSA + MICHAEL

We hope this issue inspires you and that you find Heartland Wedding Ideas as a helpful resource for planning your wedding. And, don't forget to sign up to be a part of our "I Do" Crew! Get the magazine FREE by mail and count down to your exact wedding day with additional tips and resources from us. Have a great summer, and hopefully, you can relax some too!

X OX O,

A lesha & Lisa

Sophia Lacy

Copywriter Intern

CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

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

COVER PHOTO: ALEXA KAREN PHOTOGRAPHER PUBLISHER: TANDEMHART LICENSING & PRINTING: HIDDEN VALUES, INC. & SUTHERLAND PRINTING

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There is a rich, folk heritage for the Czech culture, so the design was very heavy on floral, including the invitation suite by Megan Lynn Creative.

STYL E D S HO OT

CZECH WEDDING

Color and Culture in Every Detail

Venue: The Olympic South Side Theater

Suit: Generation Tux

Planner: Gems and Joy

Florals: Bohemian Blossoms

Photographer: Jason Thomas Crocker Photography

Cake: Sugar Flower Cake Design

Videographer: Masterson Media DJ: Clife DJ Company Dress: Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom Jewelry: Elegance on 5th Hair and Makeup: Kaylee Vogel — Essence Salon

Cookies: Sweetly Grace Vows Sign: Painting for Cheese Invitation Suite: Megan Lynn Creative Neon: Mariglow Neon Rentals: Borrow My Vintage and Unique Events Models: Grant and Kaitlyn Beck

Gems & Joy were inspired by the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the Czech Village, and NewBo area for this one-of-a-kind styled shoot. This area is full of rich heritage and the team wanted to create something to reflect the beauty of its history. Czech weddings are often very bright and joyful affairs, which led to the perfect bright, unique color palette of reds, yellows, pinks, and blues.

Venue: The Olympic South Side Theater Photographer: Jason Thomas Crocker Videographer: Masterson Media Models: Grant and Kaitlyn Beck

The chandeliers were rented from Unique Events, Gems & Joy placed them above the guest table to provide a glamorous “wow” affect.

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The floral designer, Bohemian Blossoms, put a beautiful, fresh spin on the traditional Czech bridal crown with a dainty, modern twist.

A classic Czech beer greeted guests at their table. “Czechvar” is offered at The Olympic’s bar.

How sweet are these cookies?! Sweetly Grace

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Dress: Jocelyn Taylor Bridal and Prom Jewelry: Elegance on 5th Hair and Makeup: Kaylee Vogel — Essence Salon Suit: Generation Tux

The vows were elegantly presented in stunning calligraphy by Painting for Cheese.

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Neon: Mariglow Neon

It's all in the details and this cake has an impressive amount of them. We adore all of it and had to feature its beauty up-close. Sugar Flower Cake Design

YOU'RE GETTING

#partywithcomplete

PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • DJ PHOTO BOOTH • LIGHTING • COORDINATION With multiple services under one roof, your wedding planning just got easier! Contact us to mix and match our services to meet your needs and budget! 515.266.1355 • Sue@CompleteDesMoines.com COMPLETEDESMOINES.COM

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Clean, smooth, curved lines are common in Czech culture, so it was incorporated in the ceramic plates and even the furniture.

Neon from Mariglow Neon

Talk about ambiance, all the fog and music provided by Clife DJ Company.

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United at the Union

DI NG E X

Sunday, September 26 1pm - 3pm | Great Hall, Memorial Union | Ames, IA Find tickets on our Facebook event page & Eventbrite. Want to be a vendor or have questions about tickets? Email weddings@iastate.edu

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obsessed NOT S O SECR ETLY

It's that new trend, that "pin-worthy" thing we can’t stop thinking about or that wedding pro who stands out from the crowd. See everything we're obsessing about right here and on Pinterest.com/HeartlandWed

CAPTURING YOUR AUTHENTIC WEDDING DAY Featuring Kara Vorwald Photography

A great photographer captures your true authentic selves — how you make each other laugh, the private moments when you thought no one was looking, or the joy in your eyes — you'll cherish those photos the most.

Using natural lighting and double exposures, Kara has a talent for creating beautiful and unique shots of your day.

Kara Vorwald has a talent for finding those moments with you. Her heartfelt approach makes her so naturally a part of your day, she'll instantly put you at ease so you can be yourselves. It can be an emotion-filled day, and she'll guide and support you through it all. We adore Kara for her kind and thoughtful approach, she'll love your day as much as you do!

Kara Vorwald Photography karavorwald.com email: karavorwaldphotography@gmail.com See more of Kara's work at HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com

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What's your favorite spot you just MUST make a pit stop for? If it's special to you, it's worth the trip.

Find laughter and joy, all day long.

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IOWA STATE

FAIRGROUNDS

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 for your guests, an accessible location and a staff ready to assist you with every detail. To schedule your wedding at the incomparable Iowa State Fairgrounds, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515.262.3111, ext 282.

EAST 30TH & EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA | P 515.262.3111 EXT 282 | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG

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IT’S MY DAY

Big

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!

MELISSA + MICHAEL

KYNDAL + MATTHEW

Submit your wedding day photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue at heartlandweddingideas.com

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

KYNDAL + MATTHEW

B O H O F E ST I VAL 22

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A 70s festival perfect for a wedding

and relaxed at the reception, the truck helped

photographer’s dream wedding. Born and

guests get up and move around while still

raised in Iowa, Kyndal and Matthew met

enjoying fantastic food. The two made their

through mutual friends at a college party and

day as personal as possible by using vendors

later had their first date at Cafe Beaudelaire

they knew personally or were family friends.

in Ames. Little did they know, Matthew would

It created a day full of fun.

propose to Kyndal at the same table they had their first date. While the proposal may seem entirely romantic, the wedding was an even greater affair of their love and just how sentimental the couple is.

The couple held their wedding at Prairie Moon Winery, a fantastic spot for their 70s festival vibe. The venue highlighted Kyndal’s palette of dusty shades with a few bolder reds and blues. The couple said “I Do” right

As a wedding photographer, Kyndal had

outside the doors of the marvelous red barn

a multitude of vendors that she knew

and were able to open the barn doors up

personally. One of the couple’s favorite

for the reception. The venue helped Kyndal

connections was Matthew’s best friend's

create her vision of her perfect day at the

parents that owned Big Red Food Truck.

most perfect setting.

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

The entire event was full of fabulous florals by

rug they stood on during their ceremony is now

Shelly Sarver Designs. Kyndal had a stunning

the same rug in their living room. The couple

floral head crown that matched flowers in her

enjoyed making the ceremony their own by

colorful bouquet. Her bridesmaids carried

incorporating heirlooms, home pieces and more.

baskets of similar flowers with even more color that matched their red dresses. Shelly added a spectacular touch to the reception by having boats of flowers on the tables, florals in wooden pots around the venue, and even a wall with hints of flowers behind guests. The reception was complete with fun, unique touches that helped the couple create their day.

Making your wedding unique to you and your partner is crucial in making the day perfect and fun. One of the main ideas Kyndal followed throughout her wedding planning was doing what she and Matthew wanted to do and not what they felt they needed to. Having a food truck and personal items throughout made the day their own. Plus, the couple decided not to

The couple used many pieces that they or

have a "first look" which made it even more

their family owned to make the occasion

special when they saw each other for the first

sentimental. From pennants they created

time that day as Kyndal was walking down the

together to rugs from family homes, the couple

aisle. The two will forever cherish their wedding

utilized what they had to make the space theirs

and how wonderful it was to share with friends

in an easy, affordable way. For example, the

and family.

This rug now resides in their living room!

VIS IT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF KYNDAL + MATTHEW'S BIG DAY!

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY The groom's family friend, Big Red Food Truck made everyone feel welcomed and relaxed at the reception. The truck helped guests get up and move around while still enjoying fantastic food.

The texture, the details, the colors, it's everything!

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KYNDAL + MATTHEW

WEDDI N G MOOD W E DDI NG ST YL E BOHO, FESTIVAL, WARM

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS

the bride | Ceremony & Reception Music Pella DJ | Decor Design Mother of the Bride | Rentals Chairs: Pella Rental, Ceremony arch: Shelly Sarver Designs | Officiant: Nate Van Wyk

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

MELISSA + MICHAEL

TI M E L E S S V OW S

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It’s the little things and moments that make a wedding special. For Melissa and Michael, their wedding had the perfect details uniquely fitting for them. Originally from Arizona with an education in California, Melissa moved to Iowa after graduation, while Michael was born and raised in Iowa. The two met at the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Community Leadership Program and worked together on a committee. At one of the meetings, Michael overheard Melissa looking for a date to the Iowa State Fair. The couple never expected that Michael would propose at the same fairgrounds two years later. To help make their wedding day unforgettable, Gina Cramer of Make it Happen Events quite literally made their day happen. “It was a quick match when I met Gina,” Melissa mentioned. “Our personalities paired well, she was confident in and encouraged my ideas, and she provided guidance without taking control.” The couple were incredibly grateful for her help and loved all the memorable details, including floral, food, and music, Gina helped them arrange. Constructing a wedding that is unique to you is challenging. However, Melissa made it a point to create an unforgettable wedding that would surprise and delight guests. One of her special details was having a private dinner for her and Michael. Melissa wanted to have a moment away from guests with all the attention and movement a wedding can bring. It was a cherished part of the day that helped the couple celebrate.

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

Melissa wore a timeless off-the-shoulder

weekend! After the reception and wedding

dress paired with a lovely bouquet by Shelly

Friday, they had a “first-day” soiree Saturday

Savers Designs, full of pink and cream

and a farewell brunch Sunday. Having a

flowers. Making their wedding more unique,

weekend allowed them to relax more and

they decided not to have a wedding party.

celebrate their way.

“Not having a wedding party meant our friends and family got to be guests. And that was so fun! No stress. No wedding fatigue. We all got to have fun,” Melissa told us. The two enjoyed being able to see their friends and family in the crowd as they said, “I do.”

It’s your wedding, not the guests. So having special touches that complement your relationship makes the event all the more perfect. With Michael’s Midwestern details and Melissa’s Southwestern influence, the weekend was the perfect mix of them both. Even

Their wedding reception was at the World

the food showed the relationship through

Food Prize, a beautiful venue that left Melissa

Midwestern beef tenderloin with Southwestern

speechless after visiting. Instead of a wedding

Mexican street corn. There were so many

day full of everything, they held a wedding

details that made their day special.

Vintage cars make the perfect getaway rides.

VIS IT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF MELISSA AND MICHAEL'S BIG DAY!

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A floral masterpiece, we ADORE this cake!

A staircase dripping in floral, makes a statement.

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

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M E L I SSA + M IC H A E L

WEDDING MO OD W EDDIN G ST Y L E TIMELESS, MIDWEST/SOUTHWEST, ELEGANT

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VEN D O R LU ST PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS

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