Heartland Wedding Ideas Mar/Apr Issue 2022 (Early Spring)

MAR/APR 2022

STYLED SHOOTS

TREEHOUSE ELOPEMENT

IT'S MY BIG DAY EMILY + NATE CASSANDRA + JON

FEATURING

2022 WEDDING CHOICE

AWARD WINNERS

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Contents

H W I M A R /A P R 2 0 2 2

4-8 2022 EDITORS' LETTER

It's that time of year, we're celebrating our AMAZING wedding community with the Wedding Choice Awards!

As you're planning your big day, this annual list of the top wedding professionals is a must, be sure to check it out on Page 12, and get planning!

Laura Wills Photography brought us a stunning elopement in a Treehouse, right here in Iowa. We are so inspired by this styled shoot and find all of the details and property to be oh so magical. Everyone will be searching "treehouse" on Airbnb after this issue drops.

Our first couple, Emily + Nate were inspired by a hit British historical drama "Downton Abbey" and the Rollins Mansion provided the perfect backdrop for the couple's inspiration. Plus, when you see their nighttime photos, you'll be swooning over the lights and mood. The romantic, black-tie nuptials are a show stopper.

The second wedding is our cover couple Cassandra + Jon's boho wedding at Pella's Tamory Hall. Its brick interior combined with great natural lighting makes a gorgeous setting for photos. AND the floral arrangements are perfection!

ST Y L E D S H O OT: TREEHOUSE ELOPEMENT

12-16 2022 WEDDING CHOICE AWA R D W I N N E R S

20-27 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : E M I LY + N A T E

28-33 I T ' S M Y B I G D AY : CASSANDRA + JON

Special thanks to: Kelly Visser

We hope that you'll find yourself inspired as you flip through the pages and don't miss this year's Wedding Choice Award winners as they were voted the best wedding professionals in their category! Any of these businesses would make an excellent addition to your wedding day.

X OX O,

A lesha

Copy Editor

Sophia Lacy

& Lisa

Copywriter Intern

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

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For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events, and vendor spotlights, follow our feed. @heartlandweddingideas

COVER PHOTO: MORGAN MOON PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS' LETTER PHOTO: LEAH RIED PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS LICENSING: HIDDEN VALUES, INC. PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING

United at the Union

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Sunday, April 24,th 2022 1pm - 3pm | Great Hall, Memorial Union | Ames, IA Find tickets on our Facebook event page & Eventbrite.

PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • DJ PHOTO BOOTH • LIGHTING • COORDINATION 515.266.1355 • Sue@CompleteDesMoines.com

COMPLETEDESMOINES.COM #partywithcomplete

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STYLED S HOOT

Treehouse Elopement Check out

for unique properties to elope!

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While elopements have always been done, we saw them grow in popularity during the pandemic. We saw them spike as couples were less concerned about how big the party would be, instead, focusing on the nuptials. Laura Wills Photography wanted to highlight just how beautiful and special an elopement could be. And she had the perfect place in mind, her husband's uncle's treehouse. It provided the most magical setting but also something completely attainable by others

considering eloping. Often, people think eloping means traveling somewhere with epic views but Laura wanted to have a weekend getaway in the woods right here in the Midwest. Leaving the world behind and just being together with the person you love most is a special experience.

BRB ... booking a treehouse Airbnb right now!

MEET THE WEDDING PROS: Planning + Photography / Laura Wills Photography Florals + Decor / White Willow Events Gown / Schaffer's Custom Earrings / Nae Clay Co. Charcuterie Board / One Board Gal Models / Greta Thiravong @gretaboubou

| Julius Williams @ juliusjuliono

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How dreamy are these photos?! What is more intimate and special than a treehouse!?

GAH!!! Laura Wills Photography captured every aspect perfectly.

White Willow pulled out all the stops with the decor and styling!

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One Board Gal charcuterie board in the forest, yes please!

Schaffer's knew the perfect dress to pull for this ambiance.

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We are in love with these Nae Clay Co. custom earrings and the couple's adorable daughter!

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

3000 EAST GRAND AVENUE | DES IAD|W515.262.3111 EXT H EMOINES, ARTLAN EDDINGIDEA S . C282 O M | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 11

2022

Congratul

ations

Congrats to the winners of the 4th Annual Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards!

In 2021, couples voted for their favorite wedding professionals. That means you should check them out to help plan your perfect wedding, too!

ENGAGEMENT RING JEWELER GOLD // Josephs SILVER // Kay Jewelers BRONZE (Tie) // Greenberg’s Jewelers BRONZE (Tie) // Iowa Diamond WEDDING BAND JEWELER GOLD // Josephs SILVER // Kay Jewelers BRONZE // Greenberg’s Jewelers WEDDING INVITATIONS GOLD // Ephemera SILVER // Laura Engel Designs BRONZE // Samantha Owenson Photography & Design

WEDDING DESSERT GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes SILVER // Little Blackbird Bakery BRONZE // Scratch Cupcakery

MODERN OR CONTEMPORARY VENUE GOLD // The River Center SILVER // Bash BRONZE // The Loft DSM

DRINKS AND BARTENDING GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // Your Private Bartender BRONZE // Apres Bar Co.

DAY OF WEDDING COORDINATION GOLD // Make It Happen SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group BRONZE // Dawn 'Til Dusk WEDDING PLANNER GOLD // Make It Happen SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group BRONZE // Yours Truly Weddings and Events DECOR, SET UP, AND RENTALS GOLD // Shelly Sarver Designs SILVER // Beyond Elegance BRONZE // Vowed Vintage WEDDING SHOW OR PLANNING EVENT GOLD // Des Moines Wedding Show SILVER // Harpors Vineyard

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HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE GOLD // Saints Center for Culture and the Arts SILVER // The Temple for Performing Arts BRONZE // St. Ambrose Cathedral

WEDDING CAKE GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes SILVER // Little Blackbird Bakery BRONZE // Iowa Rent-A-Cake

CALLIGRAPHY GOLD // Ink & Oak Calligraphy SILVER // Samantha Owenson Photography & Design BRONZE // Painting For Cheese

FLORIST GOLD // CamBam Custom Floral SILVER // Shelly Sarver Designs BRONZE // The English Rose

CATERING GOLD // Lidderdale Country Store SILVER // Judge's Signature Catering BRONZE (Tie) // Baratta's BRONZE (Tie) // Great Caterers of Iowa

CEREMONY MUSIC GOLD // A Special Event DJ SILVER // DJ DAS Entertainment BRONZE // Geneviève Salamone: The One-Woman Symphony RECEPTION MUSIC GOLD // A Special Event DJ SILVER // DJ DAS Entertainment BRONZE // Select Entertainment TRANSPORTATION GOLD // Majestic Limousine SILVER // Bus Guys, LLC BRONZE (Tie) // 515 Party Bus BRONZE (Tie) // Royal Rides TRAVEL AGENT SERVICES GOLD // Allied Travel SILVER // Good Trip, A Travel Co. BRONZE // All About Travel OFFICIANT GOLD // Ben Manson SILVER // Denise Gonyea BRONZE // Randy Ehrhardt

BARN OR RURAL VENUE GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse Venue SILVER // Carper Vineyard & Winery BRONZE // Red Acre Barn WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE GOLD // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER // Prairie Moon Winery BRONZE // The Iowa Taproom COUNTRY CLUB VENUE GOLD // Glen Oaks Country Club SILVER // Hyperion Field Club BRONZE // Des Moines Golf & Country Club OUTDOOR VENUE GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse SILVER // Carper Vineyard & Winery BRONZE // Harpors Vineyard HOTEL AS A VENUE GOLD // Surety Hotel SILVER // Honey Creek Resort BRONZE // Hotel Renovo HOTEL FOR GUEST’S STAY GOLD // Surety Hotel SILVER // AC Hotel BRONZE // Hotel Renovo REHEARSAL DINNER OR WEDDING SHOWER LOCATION GOLD // The Iowa Taproom SILVER (Tie) // Carper Vineyard & Winery SILVER (Tie) // Jasper Winery BRONZE // Americana

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Catering, Events & Italian Restaurant • barattas.com 2320 S. Union Des Moines, IA • 515.243.4516 HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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2022 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED HAIR SALON OR STYLIST GOLD // I Do Pretty SILVER // Hello Darlin' Glam BRONZE // Blush Parlour & Co.

ALTERATIONS OR DRESS PRESERVATION GOLD // KN Custom Sewing SILVER // Jude Dickson Alterations BRONZE // Glorious Alterations

MAKEUP ARTIST OR SALON GOLD // Afterglow Pro Studio SILVER // I Do Pretty BRONZE // Kelsi Ziemann Artistry SPA – SKINCARE, MASSAGE, NAILS GOLD // Oscar Nail Bar SILVER // Stiletto Nails BRONZE // Le's Nail Salon & Spa

GROOMSMEN ATTIRE GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse BRONZE // Halberstadt's Men's Clothier BRIDESMAID GOWN GOLD // David’s Bridal SILVER // Schaffer’s BRONZE // Weddings By Design

TANNING SALON GOLD // Bronze515 SILVER // Emberglow Custom Spray Tanning BRONZE // Tanique

ADDITIONAL ATTIRE GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear SILVER // Dillard’s BRONZE // Amour

FITNESS, HEALTH, & WELLNESS GOLD // Orangetheory Fitness SILVER // Next Level Extreme Fitness BRONZE // Elite Edge Transformation

ACCESSORIES GOLD // Modern Dress SILVER // Pure Bridal BRONZE (Tie) // Josephs BRONZE (Tie) // Weddings By Design

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GROOM’S ATTIRE GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse BRONZE // Halberstadt's Men's Clothier BRIDAL GOWN GOLD // Schaffer's SILVER // Weddings By Design BRONZE // Modern Dress PHOTO BOOTH GOLD // SnapXP SILVER // A Special Event DJ BRONZE // Smiling Dog Entertainment BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY GOLD // Elaina Rose Boudoir SILVER // Modern Boudoir BRONZE // Everlasting Photo VIDEOGRAPHY GOLD // Madisen Lynn Videography SILVER // Masterson Media BRONZE // Graphic Formation Films PHOTOGRAPHY GOLD // Everlasting Photo SILVER // Amanda Basteen Photography BRONZE // Morgan Moon Photography

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2022 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED

Congratulations

THE 2022 VENDOR CHOICE AWARD WINNER IS ...

Denis Scott, DJ DAS ENTERTAINMENT

Denis Scott DJ DAS ENTERTAINMENT

Denis leads with his heart and goes out of his way to make sure everyone is taken care of, whether you’re the couple, family, friends, or another wedding pro. He works closely with couples to get to know them to personalize their experience, but also because he genuinely wants to create friendships.

This wedding community is proud to call him a colleague and friend. MUCH LOVE, CONGRATS!!!

The Vendor Choice Award is voted on by wedding professionals to honor one of our own for their talent and drive to be a leader in this community.

Thank you

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TO THE AWARD SHOW SPONSORS:

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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!

CASSANDRA + JON

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

EMILY + NATE

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

EMILY + NATE

BL AC K-T I E A F FAIR

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The perfect wedding for Emily and Nate – a classic, black-tie affair full of vintage pieces and romantic feels with a touch of “Downton Abbey” inspiration.

Both from Cedar Falls, the couple attended the same high school but ultimately met through mutual friends in college. Emily said she was completely surprised when Nate proposed. Nate took her to the exact place he told her “I love you” for the first time – a parking garage in Iowa City, and Emily said yes!

Since the couple loves “Downton Abbey,” they took inspiration from it for their elegant wedding.

Emily created a lot of special pieces that made the wedding even more authentic to their style.

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IT’S MY

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She used vinyl cut lettering on framed glass

Rollins Mansion was a spectacular place

and mirrors for signage (all purchased from

to have their black-tie wedding reception.

IKEA and Goodwill!) and created a wine bottle

The beautiful mansion complemented their

guest book, where guests could to sign bottles

romantic vision and had some extra bonuses.

they would open as they celebrate their

With the mansion having a library, the couple

anniversary. Her favorite project was creating

had a special room to share family photos

pressed-flower table numbers that her and her

of their parent’s wedding day as well as

mom worked on all summer. So special!

family members who had passed away. Emily

Emily wore a stunning, off-the-shoulder gown paired with an eye-catching Victorian-

made signs, frames and a special lantern to highlight the area.

inspired bouquet. Wanting more of a classic,

“I loved that guests could step into the

timeless aesthetic, she glided down the aisle

library and ‘meet’ our family members that

alongside different shades of red roses. The

way,” Emily said.

whole ceremony was absolutely romantic and elegant, exactly what the couple wanted.

The two had an amazing wedding coordinator from Out of the Box Productions,

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Rollins Mansion was a spectacular backdrop that brought their "Downton Abbey" inspired wedding to life.

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IT’S MY

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Anthony Marinaro. He understood their vision and helped create everything to perfection. Planning and researching can feel overwhelming, but hiring a planner like Anthony saved the couple stress and let their family truly enjoy the day without worry. Plus, one of Emily’s favorite moments was made possible by Anthony.

“One of my favorite memories is during the reception when Anthony grabbed Nate and me to come inside and look at how all of the details had come together,” Emily said.

The couple enjoyed having a quiet moment and seeing their vision come to life. Weddings are all about the special, personal touches. Emily and Nate started off their marriage with a gorgeous celebration that mirrored their love for each other and the incredible people they got to share their day with.

The bride used vinyl cut lettering on framed glass and mirrors for signage (many purchased from IKEA and Goodwill!) What a great DIY idea!

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E M ILY + NATE

WEDDI N G M OO D W E DDI NG ST YL E BLACK-TIE, ROMANTIC, TIMELESS

CO LO R PA L ET TE

The lights and chandelier create such a romantic mood on the dancefloor.

VE ND O R LU ST Photographer Janelle Elise Photography | Videographer The Vine Productions | Ceremony Venue The Basilica of Saint John | Reception Venue Rollins Mansion | Rehearsal Jasper Winery, with Baratta’s catering | Caterer & Dessert The Tangerine Food Company | Floral Artisan Floral & Events by Saley | Hair and Makeup Bridesmaids, DSM Salon and Spa, Bride did her own makeup Tanning Bronze515 | Fitness Peloton cycling at home | Wedding Dress Emily Hart Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses Revelry, Man of Honor with bow tie and pocket square from Revelry Tuxedos The Black Tux | Stationery Shine Wedding Invitations and wax seals from Artisaire | Jewelry Custom Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands, Greenberg's Jeweler Ceremony Music Quartet 515 | Reception Music STE Event Group | Event Planning Anthony Marinaro at Out of Box Productions | Décor Design Out of Box, Vintage Love Rentals, Rollins Mansion, and Artisan Floral & Events by Saley | Transportation Majestic Limo & Coach | Officiant Reverend Mr. Mark Campbell | Hotel Surety Hotel

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IT’S MY

Big

DAY

CASSANDRA + JON

R A D I AT I N G LOVE 28

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“‘It takes a village’ was definitely the motto of

Family played a huge role in their wedding,

our wedding,” Cassandra says. While there may

especially Cassandra’s mom. Though she

be a few little bumps on the way to the altar, it's

had passed away, Cassandra spoke of how

all about the beautiful love and joy of getting to

she was present throughout the wedding

marry your best friend.

process. When Jon asked Cassandra’s dad

After both moving to Michigan alone, Cassandra and Jon met through mutual friends from church. Given some time, Jon planned to propose to Cassandra while they were

for his blessing before the proposal, her dad gave Jon her mother’s diamond to create the engagement ring, which made the proposal even more special.

visiting his parents in Florida. Jon proposed

After searching for venues in Des Moines,

while the couple was knee-deep in the ocean

Cassandra found a beautiful location that

getting ready to go diving. Cassandra was first

was the “perfect place for us to get married.”

confused why he was holding her back from

Tamory Hall in Pella was the stunning venue for

diving in the water when she realized he was

both the ceremony and reception that made

holding up something a little more valuable

their wedding all the more special. “Lynn and

than a shell!

the whole staff were amazing to work with through the entire process!” Cassandra said.

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IT’S MY

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When Cassandra started looking for florals,

However, there are always a few bumps to

she felt overwhelmed. She had a picture of

every great wedding! Even though a brother

her dream florals from a friend’s wedding

unfortunately got COVID-19 a few days before

and wanted to find something similar. As she

the wedding and the pastor called at 11 p.m. to

was searching local florists she found the

cancel, the couple felt extremely blessed they

two women of Baron & Bell and realized she

were able to make quick changes. After all the

knew them both from childhood, AND to her

last-minute chaos, they could enjoy what truly

amazement, they had created the original floral

mattered on their wedding day – their love.

bouquet she was obsessed with! Cassandra felt like her mom was nudging her through the process to find the people that would help bring it all to life.

The ceremony was full of joy and all attendees witnessed the couple’s love for each other.

Their special day was captured by the amazing

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Tamory Hall in Pella was the perfect venue for both the ceremony and reception.

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Morgan Moon Photography. “Our wedding photographer was an absolute joy to work with,” Cassandra said. “She felt like your best friend after a two minute conversation.”

Throughout the day could see the joy radiating from the couples faces. It was contagious! The couple never lost sight of what matters most: their love and the start of their new chapter together.

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CASSAND RA + J ON

WED DI N G MOO D W E DDI NG ST YL E BOHO, INTIMATE, FAMILY

CO LO R PA L ET TE

VE ND O R LU ST Photography Morgan Moon Photography | Venue Tamory Hall | Bachelorette Party Smash Park and Jasper Winery | Rehearsal Dinner Liberty Street Kitchen and Butcher’s Brewhuis Caterer Country Catering | Dessert Cranberry Stone Bakery | Floral Baron & Bell | Hair Blackstone Salon & Spa | Tanning Bronze515 Nails Knock Out Nails | Fitness Moves by Madeline | Wedding Dress Perry Bridal, Stella York | Bridesmaids Dresses Kennedy Blue Suits Men's Wearhouse | Stationery Minted Jewelry Medawar Jewelers in Okemos, Michigan, Melanie Casey, and Made by Mary Day of Coordination, Claire from Tamory Hall Rentals Pella Rental | Officiant Drake Daniels

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Christiani΄s VIP Catering Service HEART LANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM

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