Heartland Wedding Ideas March/April Issue 2023 (Early Spring)

EDITORS' LETTER

Spring and LOVE are in the air! We couldn't be more excited for warmer temps and the start to the wedding season. We just had the honor of hosting the 5th annual Wedding Choice Awards where we celebrated all the Central Iowa wedding professionals behind the scenes making wedding dreams happen. We feature all the winners in this issue, so check it out if you are still looking for wedding vendors.

We kick off this spring issue with a jewel-tone styled shoot at Emerald Hills and it's a beauty! Mostly Becky Event Group formed a team of professionals to bring their inspiration of 80s fashion meets Marina Adams improvisation art to life in the form of a dramatic, moody wedding.

Next is "It's My Big Day," featuring Sarah and MacGuire's backyard wedding, including a kissing booth! Plus, when the groom's mother is the talented Shelly Sarver Designs, you have swoon-worthy florals.

To close out the issue, we go to Eastern Iowa for Shelby + Ryan's nuptials. Their classic color scheme paired with the most adorable doggies and sparkler send-off looked like perfection.

As always, we hope you enjoy the magazine and find some inspiration along the way.

A lesha & Lisa XOXO,

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

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HWI

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STYLED SHOOT: JEWEL TONES AT EMERALD HILLS

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SPECIAL FEATURE: WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS

20-28

30-35

IT'S MY BIG DAY: SHELBY + RYAN

Sophia Lacy Copywriter Intern

Kelly Visser Copy Editor

Special thanks to this crew:

Marissa Sakakhanone Graphic Design Intern

2023 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CEREMONY

JEWEL TONES at EMERALD HILLS

Vibrant, maximal and modern — this styled shoot gives a new voice to jewel tones on a wedding day!

Elizabeth Pollack, of Mostly Becky Event Group, was inspired to take the rich color scheme in a new direction after seeing a Mariana Adams piece that featured jewel tones in her gesturalism and improvisation art. "The art made me think of pieces my mother had loved in the 80s," Elizabeth told us, adding another show-stopping level of inspiration. The incredible team of vendors brought the shoot to life by pushing the deep and vibrant color palette with a maximalist lens, layering in bold textures and patterns. We are loving how they pulled off this new approach to jewel tones!

Meet The Wedding Pros:

Venue | @emeraldhillsevents

Photography

@bettyannphotography

Planning & Design | @mostlybecky

Rentals | @mostlybecky

Signage & Script

@beeandbungalow

Tanning | @emberglowtanning

Tuxes & Suits

@skeffingtons_formalwear

Cakes | @littleblackbirdbakery

Drapery | @beyond_elegance

Florals | @shellysarverdesigns

Gowns | @purebridal Hair Stylist | @tease_salon_

Makeup Artist @juleslashes_beauty

Linens | @beyond_elegance

Rentals | @borrowmyvintage

Model | @lexie.vanpolen

The artistic trio of cakes created by Little Blackbird Bakery made a stunning centerpiece.

We love the color of the dramatic florals created by Shelly Sarver Designs.

Can we get a moment of silence for this bow?! We love the elegant black & white dress from Pure Bridal.

The invites by Bee & Bungalow paired perfectly with all the details.

We love the aesthetic of the moody, jewel tone shoot and the planning & design by Mostly Becky Event Group.

We always talk about the dress, but the tux provided by Skeffington's Formalwear is the perfect match for this elegant duo.

Look at these two! A smoke show. Captured perfectly by Betty Ann Photography.

WEDDING GOWN

GOLD // Modern Dress

SILVER // Schaffer's Bridal

BRONZE (Tie) // Pure Bridal

BRONZE (Tie) // Weddings By Design

SUIT OR TUXEDO

GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse

BRONZE // Halberstadt's

WEDDING PARTY – DRESSES

GOLD // David's Bridal

SILVER // Modern Dress

BRONZE // Pure Bridal

WEDDING PARTY – TUXEDOS/ SUITS

GOLD // Skeffington’s Formal Wear

SILVER // Men’s Wearhouse

BRONZE // Halberstadt's

ADDITIONAL ATTIRE

GOLD // Von Maur

SILVER // Dillard's

BRONZE // Something Blue

ALTERATIONS OR DRESS

PRESERVATION

GOLD // KN Custom Sewing

SILVER // Schaffer's Bridal

BRONZE // Bridal Connection

ENGAGEMENT RING JEWELER

GOLD // Josephs Jewelers

SILVER // Greenberg’s Jewelers

BRONZE // Kay Jewelers

WEDDING BAND JEWELER

GOLD // Josephs Jewelers

SILVER // Greenberg’s Jewelers

BRONZE // Kay Jewelers

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

ACCESSORIES

GOLD // Modern Dress

SILVER // Dillard's

BRONZE // David's Bridal

HAIR SALON, STYLIST OR BARBER

GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam

SILVER // I Do Pretty

BRONZE // Élan Salon

MAKEUP ARTIST OR SALON

GOLD // Hello Darlin' Glam

SILVER // I Do Pretty

BRONZE // After Glow Pro Studio

NAIL SALON

GOLD // Premier Nail Bar

SILVER // Luxe Nails & Spa

BRONZE // Oscar Nail Bar

SPA — FACIAL, SKINCARE, MASSAGE

GOLD // Coachlight Clinic & Spa

SILVER // East Village Spa

BRONZE // I Do Pretty

TANNING SALON

GOLD // Bronze515

SILVER // Tanique

BRONZE (Tie) // Emberglow

Custom Spray Tanning

BRONZE (Tie) // Spray Tans By Megan

FITNESS, HEALTH, & WELLNESS

GOLD // Orangetheory Fitness

SILVER (Tie) // Lifetime Fitness

SILVER (Tie) // Planet Fitness

BRONZE // Power Life Yoga

CATERING

GOLD // Lidderdale Country Store

SILVER // Great Caterers of Iowa

BRONZE // Christiani's Catering

WEDDING CAKE

GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes

SILVER // Little Blackbird Bakery

BRONZE // Hy-Vee

WEDDING DESSERT

GOLD // Molly's Cupcakes

SILVER // Little Blackbird Bakery

BRONZE // Nothing Bundt Cakes

VENUE BARTENDING

GOLD // Red Acre Barn

SILVER // 1868 Farmhouse

BRONZE (Tie) // The Iowa Taproom

BRONZE (Tie) // Carper's Vineyard & Winery

MOBILE BARTENDING

GOLD // Your Private Bar

SILVER // Apres Bar Co.

BRONZE // Peach Cart Co.

FLORIST

GOLD // The English Rose

SILVER // Boesen The Florist

BRONZE // Shelly Sarver Designs

WEDDING PLANNER

GOLD // Mostly Becky Event Group

SILVER // White Willow Events

BRONZE // Weddings By Aspire

DAY OF WEDDING COORDINATION

GOLD // Dawn 'til Dusk

SILVER // Mostly Becky Event Group

BRONZE // White Willow Events

Congrats to the winners of the 5th Annual 2023 Central Iowa Wedding Choice Awards!

Photos by Leah Ried Photography

WEDDING SHOW OR PLANNING EVENT

GOLD // Des Moines Wedding Show

SILVER // United at the Union

DECOR, SET UP, AND RENTALS

GOLD // Vowed Vintage

SILVER // White Willow Events

BRONZE // Weddings By Aspire

TRANSPORTATION

GOLD // Bus Guys

SILVER // Majestic Limo & Coach

BRONZE // 515 Party Bus

WEDDING INVITATIONS

GOLD // Ephemera

SILVER // Laura Engel Designs

BRONZE // TandemHart

CALLIGRAPHY

GOLD // Ink & Oak Calligraphy

SILVER // Laura Engel Designs

BRONZE // Dusty Blue Lettering

HISTORICAL OR RELIGIOUS VENUE

GOLD // The Rollins Mansion

SILVER // St. Ambrose Cathedral

BRONZE // Des Moines

Heritage Center

MODERN OR CONTEMPORARY VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Toast

BRONZE (Tie) // Eagle's Ledge

BRONZE (Tie) // The River Center

BARN OR RURAL VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn

BRONZE // Country Lane Lodge

2023 WEDDING CHOICE AWARDS CONTINUED

WINERY, BREWERY, OR BAR VENUE

GOLD // Red Acre Barn

SILVER // Carper Vineyard & Winery

BRONZE // The Iowa Taproom

COUNTRY CLUB VENUE

GOLD // Glen Oaks Country Club

SILVER // Des Moines Golf and Country Club

BRONZE // Hyperion Field Club

OUTDOOR VENUE

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn

BRONZE // Carper Vineyard & Winery

HOTEL AS A VENUE

GOLD // Surety Hotel

SILVER // Hotel Fort Des Moines

BRONZE // Hilton Des Moines

Downtown

HOTEL FOR GUEST’S STAY

GOLD // Surety Hotel

SILVER (Tie) // AC Hotel

SILVER (Tie) // Hotel Fort Des Moines

BRONZE // Des Moines

Marriott Downtown

REHEARSAL DINNER OR WEDDING SHOWER LOCATION

GOLD // 1868 Farmhouse

SILVER // Red Acre Barn

BRONZE (Tie) // Americana

BRONZE (Tie) // The Iowa Taproom

BACHELOR OR BACHELORETTE

PARTY LOCATION

GOLD (Tie)// Smash Park

GOLD (Tie) // Ironside Axe Club

SILVER // Jasper Winery

BRONZE // Hello, Marjorie

CEREMONY MUSIC

GOLD // DJ DAS Entertainment

SILVER // A Special Event DJ

BRONZE (Tie) // DNA Music

Entertainment

BRONZE (Tie) // U Can't Beetus

Entertainment

RECEPTION MUSIC

GOLD // DJ DAS Entertainment

SILVER // A Special Event DJ

BRONZE // U Can't Beetus

Entertainment

PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Everlasting Photo

SILVER // Morgan Moon Photography

BRONZE // Allie Lou Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY

GOLD // Madisen Lynn Videography

SILVER // Masterson Media

BRONZE // Graphic Formation Films

PHOTO BOOTH

GOLD // snapXP

SILVER // A Special Event DJ

BRONZE // Complete Weddings + Events

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

GOLD // Modern Boudoir

SILVER // Allie Lou Photography

BRONZE // Elaina Rose Boudoir

TRAVEL AGENT SERVICES

GOLD // Good Trip, A Travel Co.

SILVER // All About Travel

BRONZE // Mosaic Shores Travel Co.

GIFT REGISTRY SERVICE

GOLD // Bed Bath & Beyond

SILVER // Dillard's

BRONZE // Crate & Barrel

Congratulations!

THE VENDOR CHOICE AWARD WINNER IS ...

Lauren Elizabeth, Elizabeth Bliss Events

Lauren goes above and beyond for all of her weddings, couples, and vendors. She is an excellent resource for all things wedding and has created great relationships with everyone she's worked with. She is attentive, detail oriented, professional, and the best part, fun to work with!

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!

TO THE AWARD SHOW SPONSORS:

Lauren Elizabeth Elizabeth Bliss Events

Photo by Leah Ried Photography

BigDAY IT’S MY

SARAH + MACGUIRE

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!

SHELBY + RYAN

Big

BACKYARD WEDDING

SARAH +MACGUIRE

We love incorporating candid Polaroid pictures with the guest book! Plus you'll enjoy looking back at it.

MacGuire and Sarah celebrated their love with a beautiful backyard summer wedding. The dreamy and intimate day focused on classic styles, pops of colors, and involving their families throughout the entire experience.

The couple both grew up in Pella — just 20 minutes away from one another! They originally believed they first met at a friend’s party during their senior year of high school. However, a couple weeks before their wedding, Sarah found a picture of them standing right next to each other at a preschool concert!

After dating for a while, MacGuire made a plan to propose. First, he tried to take Sarah to get coffee at a local shop, but she ended up already having a coffee. Then, he took her to a “new route” around Clemens Street, where the two met, and reminisced about their relationship. “At this point, I was still completely oblivious about what would happen shortly,” Sarah says.

As MacGuire continued to talk about their future, he recommended going to a place called Ghost Tree Hill on Sarah’s family’s property. The two strolled over to a few old trees, and MacGuire proposed.

Their wedding day was held in Sarah’s parents' backyard, which brought an extra personal touch to the entire event as it was the location of many cherished family memories. Sarah wanted a classic celebration with a clean black and white design, but with a fun twist. Sarah and her mom, Beth Yoder, worked together to envision decor with subtle hints of polka dots, pink accents and pastels to bring warmth and character to their charming wedding.

Shelly Sarver, who is the groom’s mom and owner of Shelly Sarver Designs, brought the vibe to life with delicate and playful floral throughout the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception spaces, as well as the bridal bouquets and boutineers. “Shelly went above and beyond by providing amazing

flowers in every direction along with a lot of her amazing rental places,” Sarah says.

The entire day was coordinated by Gina Cramer, owner of Make it Happen Events, and she worked with Beyond Elegance for some of the rentals, including linens. Sarah shares that Gina and her team was amazing at coordinating all the details, which allowed her and MacGuire’s parents to enjoy the day instead of running it.

One of their favorite parts was a kissing booth, inspired by one of their favorite movies "The Kissing Booth." A week before the wedding Sarah had the idea to create it all, so MacGuire, his mom, and grandfather sketched up a design and built it from scratch.

VISIT HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM TO SEE ALL OF SARAH AND MACGUIRE'S BIG DAY!

“I almost didn’t mention my idea but I am so glad I did. It was one of my favorite parts of the reception,” Sarah says.

The beautiful day and all the special elements were captured by Aly Carroll Photography. “She was amazing at capturing every single little detail that we had spent so much time planning and creating,” Sarah says. “Her pictures are amazing and will help us remember the day forever.”

To make the evening even more memorable, the couple served one of their favorite dishes, PIZZA!, from a food truck along with drinks from Your Private Bar. They also incorporated their love of Iowa State Fair mini-donuts as a late-night snack to keep the party going.

Sarah and MacGuire loved getting to hold their wedding at her childhood home. As a place where she got ready for proms, her and MacGuire’s first dates and so many other memories, she couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect spot to celebrate alongside their friends and family. “It was very memorable to have one of the best days of our lives happen in a place so meaningful to both of us,” Sarah says.

The wedding took place at the bride's family home, making the occasion extra meaningful.

The couple loved the idea of a kissing booth, inspired by one of their favorite movies "The Kissing Booth."

Aly Carroll Photography captured all the lovely, personal details that the couple will treasure forever.

+ MACGUIRE

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

BACKYARD, ELEGANT, GARDEN PARTY

COLOR PALETTE

The couple incorporated their love of Iowa State Fair mini-donuts as a late-night snack!

VENDOR LUST

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS

Event Planner

Make It Happen Events

Floral

Shelly Sarver Designs

Mobile Bartending

Your Private Bar

Stationery Production

TandemHart

Photographer Aly Carroll Photography

Michael Gene Wilson | Caterers

Fahrenheit Wood Oven Pizza, Salad: Central College Catering, Mini Bread Loaves: Vander Ceremony & Reception Venue

Hickory Terrace (the bride's family backyard)

Late Night Treats Rob’s

Kelsi Ziemann Artistry

Wedding Dress & Charlotte

Stationery

Iowa Diamond

Limelight, Lyndon

Beyond Elegance

Liberty Street Kitchen

Grandstay Hotel & Suites and Country Inn & Suites, Pella

SARAH

Big

We love when couples incorporate their pets! Aren't these two pals the best?!

SHELBY + RYAN

If Ryan were to describe the theme of the wedding, he would say: “Shelby.” The wedding of their dreams had everything and was made just for them. From playing flippy cup during cocktail hour to doggie cupcakes to a custom chalkboard guestbook, the Schuler wedding was one for the memory books.

Before their beautiful wedding was a surprise proposal. On New Year’s Day, Ryan told Shelby to expect a proposal sometime during the year. She knew it was coming, but did not expect it on September 3 — a weeknight that, at first, seemed like every other. After rushing Shelby to get ready after work, Ryan took her to Cedar Ridge Winery to pop the question. She said yes!

The two held a breathtaking outdoor ceremony. With a neutral palette and pops of emerald green and gold, the outdoor setting was the perfect space for them to say “I do.”

The ceremony was so special for all in attendance, made extra memorable with a gorgeous floral arch and unity vase.

The ceremony also had celebratory confetti, which caused one of their most memorable, silly moments as newlyweds. While walking back up the aisle, Shelby slipped on the confetti and Ryan had to hold her veil in her hair. They smiled and laughed the rest of the way out of the ceremony.

Shelby wore an elegant v-neck gown from Modern Dress with a jeweled belt and dazzling shoes. Aurora Blush did her flawless makeup, amping up her natural beauty and glow for the big day!

The duo started the reception off with a bang by playing a drinking game with their bridal parties during cocktail hour. “We played flippy cup and had some of the best candid

We love a good "flower dude" instead of the traditional flower girl. It's always a guest favorite.

photos,” Shelby says. “It was a great way to unwind after the ceremony.”

Held at the Walker Homestead, the venue was decorated with stunning green and gold details. Shelby describes the vibe as rustic meets old romantic Hollywood. She brought her vision to life by DIYing the signage and decor throughout the space.

One of our favorite touches was the “Take a Treat” corner. Since Ryan and Shelby have two dogs, they wanted to find a way to include the pups and their friend's and family’s pets, too. The station had little goodie bags guests could fill with treats to take home to their dogs. How cute!

As the reception continued, the two had a few fun surprises for their guests to enjoy. One of the events was a rapid-fire photobooth, meaning the two ran around the reception to get a photo with all of their guests. Such a fun way to include everyone!

It was also Ryan’s dad’s birthday, so guests sang “Happy Birthday” and he had his own personalized cake.

Instead of a dollar dance, Ryan and Shelby held a “bartending for bucks,” which turned out to be a highlight of the night! Guests tipped them as they poured their guests’ drinks. This twist on a tradition got everyone up from their tables and excited to see the two take on the challenge.

To have and to hold, for when you get cold!

"Take a Treat" for your pup! This station allowed for guests to make sure their pets didn't miss the fun!

The Walker Homestead was the perfect venue for their green & gold details.

While their wedding was beyond memorable, Ryan and Shelby fell in love with the wedding industry during their planning process. The couple had so much fun with the DIY and calligraphy projects that they’ve decided to create their own wedding signage business, Styled By Schuler!

“I loved the creativity to make absolutely anything we wanted,” Shelby says. “Every little

detail was personalized, and we can’t wait to show it off to the world!”

Ryan and Shelby celebrated the start of their lives together with a show stopping wedding. There were so many personal and special touches that highlight their character and love for one another. What a fun way to begin their journey together!

The celebratory confetti, proved to be memorable as the bride slipped on it, but don't worry, Ryan had her back and veil, which provided a laugh or two down the aisle.

SHELBY + RYAN

WEDDING MOOD

WEDDING STYLE

NEUTRAL, CLASSIC, PET FRIENDLY

COLOR PALETTE

VENDOR LUST

Photography Grace V. Photography

Videographer The Vine Productions | Ceremony

& Reception Venue Walker Homestead | Bridal

Shower Kingston's Steakhouse | Cake Classic

Cakes By Design | Caterer Walker Homestead

Floral Hydrangea Bloom | Wedding Dress

Modern Dress, Colby John | Hair Hair Gallery

Makeup Aurora Blush Beauty Stationery

Designed by the bride and printed by Vista

Print | Calligraphy & Signage Styled By Schuler

(the couple's business) | Jewelry Siebke Hoyt

Jewelers and Rare Carat online | Ceremony & Reception Music Unique Events, Brian Ehler

Extra Rentals Aero Rental | Transportation

Night Train Party Bus | Hotel Hyatt Regency

Coralville Balloon Arch Bliss Balloons

N othing 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.