NOV/DEC 2023
VENDOR
lust
OUR PREMIER VENDORS FEATURING
FLORAL & DECOR
STYLED SHOOT
IT'S MY BIG DAY
Je le fais!
JENNIFER + BENJAMIN
(I do!)
AUNA + BRYAN
Contents
H W I N O V/ D E C 2 0 2 3
4-7 EDITORS' LETTER
It's hard to believe, but the holidays are right around the corner! We hope you are enjoying the change of season and cuddling up with the ones you love. We are so excited about this issue and hope you enjoy it as much as we loved putting it together. First, we are kicking off the issue with a French-inspired styled shoot. We love all the delicate details (pearls, lace, china) that truly bring this vision to life. Our first 'It's My Big Day' is in Eastern Iowa and features a beautiful emerald and orange color palette that represents Jennifer + Benjamin's marriage. The HarMac in Cedar Rapids provided an upscale, urban ambiance that tied all the wedding decor together. To close out the issue, we go to Central Iowa for Auna + Bryan's storybook wedding. Their historic day was placed in the beautiful Salisbury House and Gardens with beautiful fall colors surrounding them. The architectural Des Moines gem created so many beautiful photo opportunities. We hope that you find some inspiration and ideas for your upcoming nuptials. And please continue to send us your beautiful photos and love stories for a chance to be featured in our 'It's My Big Day' section. Don't forget to visit us at heartlandweddingideas.com for additional content and wedding professionals.
VENDOR LUST: F E AT U R I N G FLORAL & DECOR
10-13 ST Y L E D S H O OT: J E L E FA I S
19-25 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : JENNIFER + BENJAMIN
30-35 I T ’ S M Y B I G D AY : A U N A + B R YA N
Special thanks to this crew:
Kelly Visser
Copy Editor
X OX O,
A lesha & Lisa
CALL OR TEXT: 515.635.1608 | EMAIL: info@HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com WEBSITE: HeartlandWeddingIdeas.com
Marissa Sakakhanone
Designer + Digital Media Manager
Follow us!
We’re on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. For inspiring ideas, local weddings, events, and vendor spotlights, follow our feed: @heartlandweddingideas.
COVER: MISSIE LAFRENZ PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHER: HEARTLAND WEDDING PARTNERS PRINTING: SUTHERLAND PRINTING
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VENDOR
lust
Shelly Sarver Designs
SPOTLIGHT ON FLORAL & DECOR
Start with your florist and event decorator's portfolios to see what all they can do. It's a no-brainer – find someone who matches your vibe and the details will easily come together. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities, like long trailing bouquets, lush ceremony arches, floral chandeliers, tapered candle sets, styled place settings, or specialty linens. We're always in love with what these wedding professionals can do. Renting items for your wedding has changed – it's no longer the basics that have been overused for 20 years. So many businesses are curating new and modern looks to keep their inventory fresh, from the style of chairs to vase selections. Some will even order something new for you, if there's a specific look you're after.
OUR PREMIER FLORAL & DECOR VENDORS: Bella Flora Event Design // Era Events & Design // Bella Flora Event Design
Beyond Elegance Party Rentals & Decor // Shelly Sarver Designs
ALL OUR PREMIER VENDORS
ATTIRE & TAILORING
CAKE & DESSERT
Skeffington's Formal Wear
Glorious Desserts
skeffingtons.com
gloriousdesserts.com
DES MOINES, IA
WINDSOR HEIGHTS, IA
BARTENDING
CEREMONY OFFICIANT
Apres Bar Co.
Vows & Vibes
apresbarco.com
vowsandvibes.com
DES MOINES, IA
DES MOINES, IA
Your Private Bar
EVENT PLANNING & DECOR
yourprivatebar.com
Bella Flora Event Design
CATERING
bellafloraeventdesign.com
Baratta's
Beyond Elegance Party Rentals
barattas.com
beyondelegance.com
WEST DES MOINES, IA
URBANDALE, IA
DES MOINES, IA
WEST DES MOINES, IA
Christiani's Catering
Complete Weddings + Events
christianiscatering.com
completewedo.com
DES MOINES, IA
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CLIVE, IA
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VENDOR EVENT PLANNING & DECOR
(CONTINUED)
Des Moines Wedding Show CENTRAL IOWA
desmoinesweddingshow.com Eastern Iowa Wedding Show IOWA CITY / CEDAR RAPIDS
easterniowaweddingshow.com Era Events & Design
FLORAL
Bella Flora Event Design URBANDALE, IA
bellafloraeventdesign.com Shelly Sarver Designs PELLA, IA
shellysarverdesigns.com
MUSIC CLIVE, IA
eraeventdesign.com Mostly Becky Event Group CENTRAL IOWA
completewedo.com DJ DAS Entertainment DES MOINES, IA
mostlybecky.com
dj-das.com
Shelly Sarver Designs shellysarverdesigns.com
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Era Events & Design
Complete Weddings + Events
DES MOINES, IA
PELLA, IA
lust
Beyond Elegance
Vows & Vibes DES MOINES, IA
vowsandvibes.com
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PHOTOGRAPHY
VENUES (CONTINUED)
Complete Weddings + Events
Decades Event Center
CLIVE, IA
WEST DES MOINES, IA
completewedo.com
decadeswdm.com
DeeDee Miller Photography
Hotel Fort Des Moines
ANKENY, IA
DES MOINES, IA
deedeemillerphotography.net
hotelfortdesmoines.com
Everlasting Photo
Hotel Millwright
CENTRAL IOWA
AMANA, IA
everlastingphotoia.com
hotelmillwright.com
Jewel Boudoir Photo
Iowa State Fairgrounds
MILO, IA
jewelboudoirphoto.com
DES MOINES, IA
iowastatefairgrounds.org
Kara Vorwald Photography
The Iowa Taproom
DES MOINES, IA
karavorwald.com
DES MOINES, IA
Midwest LifeShots Photography DES MOINES, IA
midwestlifeshots.com
iowataproom.com Old Brick IOWA CITY, IA
oldbrick.org
SnapXP – Photobooth WEST DES MOINES, IA
Pella Opera House
snapxp.com
PELLA, IA
pellaoperahouse.org
STATIONERY TandemHart Paperie
Scottish Rite Consistory
tandemhartpaperie.com
dmscottishrite.org
DES MOINES, IA
DES MOINES, IA
TRAVEL
Sherwood Forest Event Center
Mosaic Shores Travel Co.
sherwoodforesteventcenter.com
DES MOINES, IA
mosaicshores.com
DES MOINES, IA
VENUES
World Food Prize - Hall of Laureates
Barnes' Place
halloflaureates.org
DES MOINES, IA
ADEL, IA
barnes-place.com The Chateau CAMBRIDGE, IA
whiteoakchateau.com
FO R EVEN MO R E A MA Z ING WE D D ING PR OS V IS IT HEA RTLA N DWEDDI N GI D E AS .CO M /AL L-V E ND O R S
Officiant . DJ . Live Music We offer officiating, live piano/vocals, unlimited DJ hours, dynamic lighting, personal assistant and lasting friendship.
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STYLED S HOOT CENTRAL AND EASTERN IOWA
Je le fais! (I do!)
Even as temperatures are dropping, this styled shoot is turning up the romance! We can’t get enough of this elegant French inspiration photographed by Sara Eivins of Sara Reus Photography at the ever-gorgeous wedding venue, The Monroe. The careful combination of delicate lace, pearls, and china, dusty blue and silver hues, and natural light are simply breathtaking. Ooh la la!
Vintage furniture pieces from Borrow My Vintage, create the perfect statement
The Monroe is a stunning venue. Its newly renovated fine details allow for limitless possibilities.
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Ami's Cake creation fit the occasion perfectly while Madisen Lynn Videography captured video of the day!
MEET THE WEDDING PROS VENUE: The Monroe, West Des Moines PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sara Eivins — Sara Reus Photography, Des Moines & Beyond VIDEO: Madisen Lynn Videography, Eastern Iowa & Beyond CAKE: Ami’s Cakes, Ames
FLORAL & STYLIST: Lynda, Lavender Blue Floral, Central Iowa
DAY OF PLANNER: Yours Truly Weddings and Events, Central & Eastern Iowa
BLUE VELVET COUCH: Borrow My Vintage, Eastern Iowa
JEWELRY: Bruce, Ashley & Clayton Owen, Owen Jewelry Design, Des Moines
MAKEUP: Sara Triplett, I Do Pretty, Ankeny HAIR: Mario, Solo by Mario, West Des Moines
MODELS: Cheyenne, @cheyenne.goode Hunter, @hunter.warne
ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES: Weddings by Design & The Tux Shop, West Des Moines
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Beautiful details of the shoot were captured by Sara Eivins – Sara Reus Photography.
Weddings by Design has a wide selection of wedding dresses. This giant flowing skirt is perfection.
The impeccable styling & floral throughout the entire day were made possible by Lynda of Lavender Blue Floral.
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Yours Truly Weddings and Events coordinated the day and made things run smoothly.
The Tux Shop can make sure your partner looks as good as you do!
The perfect jewels to complement your look from Bruce, Ashley & Clayton Owen of Owen Jewelry Design. The bride's natural makeup look was created by Sara Triplett, I Do Pretty, and her hair was done by Mario, Solo by Mario.
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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!
JENNIFER + BENJAMIN
AUNA + BRYAN
Submit your wedding day photos for a chance to be in an upcoming issue at heartlandweddingideas.com
IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
JENNIFER + BENJAMIN
UPSCALE U R BA N
The venue was dog friendly, which meant their pooch could join Jennifer while getting ready and for “family” photos.
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Elegant and urban with memorable dancing and a focus on family, Jennifer and Benjamin created a wedding day that perfectly represented them as a couple. Best of all, they had fun planning and pulling it off as a team! The couple first met while playing volleyball with friends and the two hit it off right away! They knew they could go the distance when they navigated the early days of their relationship right as the difficulties and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic were unfolding. Benjamin popped the big question at one of their favorite local nature parks. It was an immediate “yes!” from Jennifer, and they quickly began the fun of envisioning their wedding day. Jennifer and Benjamin wanted an elegant, upscale, urban vibe, so they chose The HarMac industrial event space in Cedar Rapids. They also wanted to incorporate both of their favorite colors (green and orange) and found a gorgeous color palette of emerald, evergreen, copper, terracotta, and rose gold to bring throughout the entire day. All these details – plus adorable family photos with their pooch – were perfectly captured by the talented Carter Photography. Jennifer found her gorgeous wedding dress at Heart to Heart Bridal. The lacework and beading on the bodice paired perfectly with her delicate barrette and veil, which was handmade by one of her best friends who was a bridesmaid. What a treasured, heartfelt gift!
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
The couple worked with Soirée Wedding
Leading up to the big day, Jennifer and
Planning to help identify vendors and
Benjamin took swing dancing lessons from
set expectations for the day. On a more
the Swing Dance Society in Cedar Rapids.
technical note, they shared that keeping all
Their instructor helped choreograph their
wedding-related documents in one place
first dance – which they nailed – and then
(like Google Drive) was super helpful.
taught a swing dancing lesson during the
“We had a lot of fun searching for ideas and
reception!
inspiration online, but it really came down
“It was a huge hit! It encouraged everyone
to first laying out what we ‘wanted’ versus
to get on the dance floor regardless of skill
‘needed,’” explains Benjamin.
or music preference, and everyone who
They determined the main goal (besides getting married) was to host an event for
participated got to learn something new,” says Jennifer.
family and friends to enjoy. This meant
Now, that’s a memorable way to fill the
focusing on a delicious dinner, top-notch
dance floor! Cheers to Jennifer and
meal service, and an unforgettably
Benjamin on a lifetime of love, celebration,
wedding cake.
and dancing.
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We love how the couple integrated both of their favorite colors (green and orange) – a sign of a balanced, united marriage to come!
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
EASTERN IOWA
Jennifer’s veil was handmade by one of her best friends – such a special gift!
How cool is this custom cocktail ice stamp? An affordable way to leave your mark!
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JE N N I FE R + B E N JA M IN
WEDDING MOOD W EDDIN G ST Y L E NATURAL, ELEGANT
CO LO R PA L ET TE
Ceremony & Reception Venue The HarMac Photographer Carter Photography | Bakery Tip Top Cakes | Caterer Peppercorn Food Company | Beauty Branded Beauty | Wedding Dress Heart to Heart Bridal, designer Christina Wu Bridal | Jewelers Ginsberg Jewelers | Suits Holley's Shop for Men | Rentals Borrow My Vintage and Unique Events | Wedding Planning Soirée Wedding Planning | DJ Energy Wave Entertainment | Bridesmaid Dresses David’s Bridal | Stationery Allegra Printing
Contact us to mix and match our services to meet your needs and budget. Let’s get the party planning started!
515.266.1355 • Sue@CompleteDesMoines.com
COMPLETEDESMOINES.COM PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEOGRAPHY • DJ PHOTO BOOTH • COORDINATION
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Historic Iowa City Event Venue Located in the Heart of Downtown 26 E. Market Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245
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oldbrick.org 319.351.2626
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Main Hall has a capacity of up to 300 guests
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 H EMOINES, ARTLAN E D D I N G I D E AEXT S . C282 O M | IOWASTATEFAIRGOUNDS.ORG 27
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
EU RO PE A N STO RY B O O K
AUNA + BRYAN
We’re swooning for this romantic mermaid-style wedding dress.
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For Auna and Bryan, the perfect wedding day
Bryan decided to propose during a trip to
was an intimate, romantic celebration with
Hawaii when the couple was celebrating his
their closest family and friends. With a lot of
graduation from Drake University. They hiked
love and care, they created a day that honored
to the top of the gorgeous Kuli’ou’ou Ridge
their journey as a couple and was filled with
Trail when Bryan got down on one knee.
the joy of their married life to come.
“When I looked over at Bryan holding a ring:
The couple was first introduced through
I screamed, I cried, I shouted, I said YES! A
mutual friends in high school – but those
perfect proposal,” Auna remembers.
high schools were miles apart, Bryan at the Colorado School for the Deaf, and Auna at the Iowa School for the Deaf. Even with the distance, they decided to keep in touch, and their friendship grew into a closer, stronger “official” dating relationship.
The wedding day vibes were straight from the pages of a mythical European storybook. The couple wanted to pull off a soft, romantic feel that drew upon inspiration from nature – and we say, mission accomplished!
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IT’S MY
Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
The ceremony and reception were set on
“With a smaller guest list, we were able to
the lawn of the gorgeous Salisbury House
spend time with each of our guests all night
and Gardens in Des Moines – where a stone
long,” Auna says. “It truly made it special
facade and backdrop of changing leaves
and unforgettable and feel like us.”
set the perfect tone. Their floral and decor pulled in natural elements like wood and macrame, with a color palette of rich reds, light browns, and dark oranges.
Drinks, sweets, and a photobooth were also a standout part of the reception! They had the Your Private Bar team serving up drinks, Outside Scoop Ice Cream truck for an extra
Auna and Bryan worked with Mostly Becky
sweet treat and a groovy photobooth set
Event Group throughout their planning
inside a retro Volkswagen bus.
process, which helped make their whole day come to life seamlessly! They also had fun DIY-ing some decor with many trips to Hobby Lobby and the help of family. The couple kept their guest list on the smaller side, with around 80 of their closest friends and family joining for the big day. Many of their inner circle of Deaf friends traveled from every corner of the country – Alaska, Florida, Texas, California, New Mexico and New York –
“Our wedding day was almost a 10-year milestone since we first started dating,” Auna explains. “Enjoying journey with such a special group of people was incredibly personal and unique.” Congratulations, Auna and Bryan! Your wedding day truly was a romantic and cherished celebration of where you’ve been and where you’re going.
to be a part of the special day.
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Love to see the dried floral elements in this bridal bouquet!
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IT’S MY
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Big
DAY
CENTRAL IOWA
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AU NA + BRYA N
WED DI N G MOO D W E DDI NG ST YL E HISTORIC, ROMANTIC, NATURAL
CO LO R PA L ET TE
VE ND O R LU ST PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS
Event Planning & Decor Design
Mostly Becky Event Group Bartending
Your Private Bar Photography Missie Lafrenz Photography | Photobooth The Good Co. DSM | Extra Rentals Borrow My Vintage and Unique Events | Ceremony & Reception Venue Salisbury House and Gardens | Hair Pure Salon Aveda South Ankeny | Invites Zola | Cake Ami’s Cakes | Ice Cream the outside scoop | Accessories Modern Dress | Catering Gateway Market | Jewelry Jared by James Allen | Floral DIY from Hobby Lobby | Officiant Bryan’s cousin Wilfredo Ortiz
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