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EARLY WINTER 2015
CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE ON THE LAKE
at JESTER PARK LODGE
FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
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ATTENTION TO DETAIL
SCENIC LOCATIONS FOR CEREMONIES, RECEPTIONS EXTENSIVE CATERING
AND
AND
DECOR OPTIONS
AVAILABLE THROUGH CHRISTIANI’S JESTERPARKLODGE.COM 515-287-0877
PRIVATE PARTIES
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Warm, elegant and intimate—these words perfectly describe AJ and Barnes’ winter wedding. The couple said “I do” surrounded by 50 family members. Their ceremony took place in the morning, followed by a brunch reception. The bride relied on warm neutrals to create an understated elegance which complemented holiday décor present in both the church and reception space. When selecting vendors for their big day, AJ had the toughest time deciding on a videographer. “The decision to hire a videographer was definitely the best I made,” said the bride. “It was the best money spent that day! There is something so uniquely special about the moments captured on video. I still watch it all the time and will cherish it forever.” Reminiscing on her special day, AJ could not contain her excitement at being able to marry the love of her life. “Hands down the most memorable moment for me that day was walking down the aisle to my husband-to-be. I couldn’t wait to get to him, and I couldn’t stop smiling and crying!” To those in the planning process, AJ and Barnes’ advice is to keep things in perspective. “It’s your wedding day, and it’s very important, but it’s also just one day,” shared the bride. “It goes by so incredibly fast and things will go wrong (They always do!), but no one will notice, and hopefully even you won’t care, because at the end of the day, you will be married to your best friend, and that is the whole point!” BE AUTHENTIC :: BE INSPIRED
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Liz Eimers
EVENT & MARKETING COORDINATOR
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letter FROM OUR editor
Congratulations on your engagement! As you begin to stress out and wonder how you are ever going to get all this planning done, Heartland Wedding Ideas is here to be your wedding planning secret weapon. Our pages are full of hand-picked vendors that are ready to bring to life the wedding of your dreams, along with real weddings from Iowa that will give you the perfect inspiration for your dream soiree. As a lover of all things weddings, I was so thrilled to have the opportunity to launch Heartland Wedding Ideas and share my passion with all of you. Over the past 5 years as a wedding coordinator, I have planned hundreds of perfect weddings, and have had the chance to work with many incredible wedding vendors. Through Heartland Wedding Ideas, I can now share that knowledge and help you create the perfect day. I encourage you to swoon over all the darling details in these pages, and use them to inspire a curated look all your own, but don’t get too wrapped up in this process. The most important thing is that you are marrying the one person who will not just inspire the perfect wedding day, but will continue to inspire you for a lifetime.
Jenna Eichinger Headshots By: Sarah Rooney Photography
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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, WHAT’S IMPORTANT? IT’S MY BIG DAY 34 EMILY & CHRIS 38 MEGAN & BUDDY 32 EMILY & SEAN
FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT Liz Eimers | 515.291.1637 info@heartlandweddingideas.com WRITINGS DONE BY MARY-KATE BURKERT COVER PHOTO BY ANNA JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
CUSTOM WEDDING STATIONARY & EVENT ST YLING
INFO@TANDEMHART.COM
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a. CUTE & CASUAL No tie, No problem! This look is really inspired by the groom who wants more of a casual look or rustic theme. Vest: Michael Kors Pants: Michael Kors b. ON TREND Whether it’s Black & Tan or Blue & Gray, the two-tone look is a stylish way to mix-up the grooms look Jacket: Allure Pants: Allure Shoe: Allure c. TRADITIONAL WITH A TWIST Add a fun tie or bow tie to this classic look to make it your own Jacket: Behar Shawl Pants Pants: Behard Skinny Pants
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IOWA IOWA STATE STATE
FAIRGROUNDS FAIRGROUNDS IOWA IOWA STATE STATE FAIRGROUNDS FAIRGROUNDS IOWA STATE FAIRGROUNDS
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to special ayourwedding at Fairgrounds. Celebrate Celebrate your special day atday theatIowa the the Iowa State State Fairgrounds. Fairgrounds. Historic Historic buildings, buildings, modern modern facilities andspecial picturesque and settings settings await await youHistoric and youHistoric your and guests. your guests. Celebrate Celebrate yourfacilities special your day picturesque atday theatoutdoor Iowa the outdoor Iowa State State Fairgrounds. Fairgrounds. buildings, buildings, Enjoy Enjoy free, free, close close parking parking for your for guests, your guests, an accessible an accessible location location and a and staff a staff modern modern facilities and picturesque and settings settings awaitawait youHistoric and youyour and guests. your guests. Celebrate yourfacilities special day picturesque at the outdoor Iowa outdoor State Fairgrounds. buildings, ready to assist to assist you with you with every every detail. Toanschedule Toanschedule your your wedding wedding the the Enjoy ready Enjoy free, free, close close parking parking for your for guests, yourdetail. guests, accessible accessible location location and aat and staff aatstaff modern facilities and picturesque outdoor settings await you and your guests. incomparable incomparable Iowa Iowa State State Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds, iowastatefairgrounds.org iowastatefairgrounds.org or or ready to assist to assist you with you for with every detail. detail. Tovisit Tovisit schedule your your wedding wedding the at the Enjoy ready free, close parking yourevery guests, anschedule accessible location and aatstaff contact contact Off Season Off Season Events Events at 515.262.3111, at 515.262.3111, ext 221. ext 221. incomparable State Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds, visit iowastatefairgrounds.org iowastatefairgrounds.org or or ready incomparable to assistIowa you Iowa with State every detail. Tovisit schedule your wedding at the contact contact Off Season Off Season Events at 515.262.3111, at 515.262.3111, 221. ext 221. incomparable Iowa StateEvents Fairgrounds, visitext iowastatefairgrounds.org or contact Off Season Events at 515.262.3111, ext 221.
EASTEAST 30TH 30TH & EAST & EAST UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY AVENUE AVENUE | DES | DES MOINES, MOINES, IA IA P 515 P .521652. .236121. 1 3 1E1X1 T E2X2T1 2I2O1WIAOSWTAT A S TAT E FAEI RFA GO I RUGNODUSN. O DR SG .ORG EASTEAST 30TH 30TH & EAST & EAST UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY AVENUE AVENUE | DES | DES MOINES, MOINES, IA IA P 515 P .521652. .236121. 1 3 1E1X1 T E2X2T1 2I2O1WIAOSWTAT A S TAT E FAEI RFA GO I RUGNODUSN. O DR SG .ORG EAST 30TH & EAST UNIVERSITY AVENUE | DES MOINES, IA P 5 1 5 . 2 6 2 . 3 1 1 1 E X T 2 2 1 I O W A S TAT E FA I R G O U N D S . O R G 13
HEARTLANDWEDDINGIDEAS.COM
AN INTIMATE AND ELEGANT EXPERIENCE with MODERN BOUDOIR by GARNET PHOTOGRAPHY
Every bride deserves to feel feminine, confident and classy. Boudoir photography is one way women are expressing their sassy and sensual sides. “Boudoir style” dates back to the 1920s, but has recently gained popularity among to-be brides as it encourages women to embrace their beauty and feel comfortable in their own skin. The boudoir experience offers women a day of pampering by hair and make-up professionals, followed by a glamorous photo shoot. The photos can be fun and sassy or sexy and sensual; it is about making each woman feel special and stunning in her own way. A primary concern for women is feeling awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera. Remember to trust your photographer; they will coach you through the perfect poses. Their goal is to put their clients at ease and help them enjoy the moment. The main purpose behind boudoir style photography is to honor a woman’s body and inspire a sense of elegance and intimacy. Wondering what to wear? Use this opportunity as a means of showcasing your unique personality, and if you decide to flaunt fun lingerie, feel free to stray from the obvious bridal white and opt for a skin- tone flattering shade.
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“Initially, I signed up for a boudoir session to surprise my new husband with a unique and personalized gift, but as the process went on it quickly became a gift for myself. I LEFT THE SESSION FEELING POWERFUL AND MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN I EVER HAD BEFORE. My self esteem has definitely increased! I feel much more confident in my own skin and I’m loving the affect that’s had on my life.”
“I chose to do a boudoir session, because between being a full time college student, employee, mother, and wife I felt I had lost myself in the chaos. I NEEDED
TO RECONNECT WITH MYSELF AND FEEL FABULOUS, EVEN IF IT WAS FOR JUST A DAY! Doing a boudoir session made me feel like the most attractive woman in
the world. Cassie and my “prep” team, for lack of a better word, continously commented on how wonderful I looked throughout the entire session, making me feel not only comfortable but fantastic.”
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WWW.HYPERIONFC.COM 515.278.4711 CTW PHOTOGRAPHY
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SHOP COMING SOON www.heartlandweddingideas.com
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Taylor Boesen Owner of White Willow Events. She has shared her passion of weddings with tons of clients these past few years and inspired even more. All with a big smile on her face! Oh, and did we mention she’s in her early twenties?
DM Library Located in the heart of downtown next to the sculpture garden, this hidden gem of a wedding venue can provide a great space for your wedding, as well as, room for your cocktail hour, a kitchenette for your caterers, and all the scenery for your pictures.
Guy’s Gift Sometimes during the wedding planning the groom gets pushed to the backburner. We love the idea of a gift just for him! i.e. TV, PS4, ipad…
EL Photography
thechateauatwhiteoak.com thechateauatwhiteoak.com thechateauatwhiteoak.com
BIG DAY
BRIDES, FEATURE YOUR WEDDING IN
info@heartlandweddingideas.com / 515.291.1637 www.heartlandweddingideas.com Anna Jones Photography
QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF:
1. Do I want to have a first look or wait to see each other when I walk down the aisle? 2. Do I want to have pictures of hair and makeup being done? 3. Would I like to do formal family and bridal party pictures prior to the ceremony? 4. What pictures are most important for me to have throughout my wedding day? i.e.- guests dancing, food, etc. 5. How much time do I want between the ceremony and reception?
THE PROS & CONS OF DOING A FIRST LOOK AND FORMALS PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY:
PROS
CONS
- It may be the only 5 to 10 minutes you and your groom spend alone together all day. - You may take some of the nerves away by getting to see your other half before making the big walk down the aisle. - If you are getting married during the summer months, the earlier you do formals the less time you have to spend out in the sun. Hair and Make-up is fresher prior to ceremony.
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- Your first time seeing each other won’t be when you are walking down the aisle. - You need to get up and ready a lot earlier in the day if you are doing a first look and may not get as much beauty rest. - Check with your ceremony site, they may have restrictions on taking pictures after the ceremony.
HWI ASKED! INTERVIEW WITH KERRI HAYS PHOTOGRAPHY Q: Indoor VS. outdoor pictures? A: I always recommend doing the ma jority of formals outdoors, as natural light is clean, fresh and beautiful. Photographing bridal party and family formals outdoors tends to be more relaxed and laid back vs. taking photos inside of a religious space. Shooting outdoors also allows room for creativity in terms of set up and backgrounds. Q: What tips do you have to make sure the bride gets everything she wants on the photography list? A: I provide all of my brides with a detailed list for formals to choose from in addition to important details they wish to have photographed. This allows the bride and groom to plan out in advance and make note of what is important to them. Q: Hair/Makeup/Fashion tips? A: I recommend doing a practice round for both your hair and makeup. For makeup, stick with what you normally do [maybe a tad bit extra]. For example, if you have NEVER had fake eyelashes, I wouldn’t recommend having fake eyelashes for your wedding. If you NEVER wear lip stick, don’t wear lip stick. On the wedding day, you want to feel comfortable and confident.
ANNA JONES WEDDING & LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
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De Paris Nails & Spa
502 N Ankeny Boulevard Suite #3 Ankeny, IA | 515.964.5910
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YOUR BIG DAY It was special. You had bohemian inspired decor and sentimental details. Maybe you rode in on a huge white horse while an orchestra played Bach. Heck, you may have ran off to Mexico with a few family members and a carryon.
WE WANNA KNOW! We know you have a story to tell. We wanna know what made your Big Day so special for you.
INSPIRE OTHERS Think you’re no Martha Stewart? Maybe there’s a bride out there lost in a sea of wedding Pins. She comes across your wedding feature and, BOOM, she sees how it can all come together.
So HERE’S THE story... Isn’t there always a story? “It’s My Big Day” wedding section came about, because my someone special, whenever we get to do something that I want to do, always says, “It’s Jen Jen’s big day!” It became a huge joke between us. Yes, I even have a sign that hangs in my living room saying, “It’s My Big Day.” Soon there after, I found myself saying it to my sister-in-law during her wedding planning experience. Her name is Erin, but her nickname is “Muffin,” so I would always say, “Oh, it’s Muffin’s big day” when she was planning her wedding. Before I knew it, her entire wedding and social media had been centered around #itsmuffinsbigday. Some of you have dreamed of your wedding for years and others haven’t thought about it until that bling was on their left hand. Your wedding is your day to be inspired, be authentic, and be you. It’s for you and your fiancè to start your life together and what is bigger than that? Here at Heartland Wedding Ideas we believe everyone’s wedding should be their big day! Whether it’s big or small, boho inspired or rustic chic, small budget or unlimited we know that you poured your heart and soul into your wedding. We want to see your pictures, your inspiration, and your story. Feature your wedding in Heartland Wedding Ideas Magazine, in the It’s My Big Day Section! Not only will it show off your spectacular wedding, but it will also help inspire other brides on their big day!
READY TO SUBMIT? To be a featured bride, please send photos to info@heartlandweddingideas.com
Megan & Buddy
Cute, colorful and quirky are three adjectives that not only describe Megan and Buddy’s Des Moines wedding, but also their budding romance. The two met in the office, but shared their first “real” date at one of Jasper Winery’s Summer Concert Series’ events. “A couple sangrias later...the rest was history,” explained the bride. While planning their big day, the couple found a photo online of a bouquet of flowers that consisted of succulents, ranunculus roses, eucalyptus and greenery. “The bouquet became the centerpiece of our wedding theme from our colors to the flowers and décor,” said Megan. As the planning progressed, the wedding and reception took on a whimsical, garden feel that was all their own. When choosing vendors, the couple relied on recommendations. Instead of scribbling out the pros and cons and overanalyzing all of the options, the bride said she trusted her gut. The invitations, on the other hand, occupied a fair amount of her attention. “I’m such a technical mind. I live in an Excel worksheet, and I am a closet mathlete,” she said. “But when given the opportunity to make something pretty, I
am all over it, and I obsess over it!” The brideto-be designed the invitations with inspiration found on Pinterest. She also stalked online vendors in search of colored envelopes that would closely match their wedding colors. “I was literally identifying the Pantone color number to make sure when I got the actual envelopes they wouldn’t be too bright of turquoise or too ‘orange-y’ of coral.” Megan recalls studying nearly 30 different font combinations, and when she showed her then-fiancé, all he could do was laugh. Reminiscing about their big day, the couple encourages soon-to-be newlyweds to “make it yours and yours only.” Megan walked down the aisle to “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles, and the couples’ first dance was to a One Direction song. Their pup was the ring bearer, and there was a mother/daughter dance. The rehearsal dinner was held in their backyard, complete with Busch Light and BBQ. “Everything about our wedding was uniquely us. In 10 years, no one will remember they drank out of a plastic cup and ate off a disposable plate or that you forgot to buy a cake knife so you ‘cut the cake’ with your fingers. But they will remember they had a really awesome time.”
V en ue Sticks Art and Furniture Warehouse Fl owe rs / De cor Something Chic Floral Pho togra p h er Katie McDonald Photography C a te r e r Great Caterers of Iowa Ca k e Iowa Rent-A-Cake DJ Musical Edge Dr e s s Vera’s House of Bridals T uxes Men’s Warehouse Ha i r/ M a k e u p Aveda Institute of Des Moines
When Emily agreed to have dinner with Sean, she wasn’t sure if it was a date or not, but when she got to his house, he had made dinner and picked fresh flowers from the garden. It was definitely a date! What started out as friends of friends eventually blossomed into a surprise proposal when he came to pick her up from work one day and out of the blue told her he needed to ask her something… “I looked over and he was down on one knee in my office. I actually loved being proposed to at work! I work at the Aveda Institute in West Des Moines and I was able to share such a special moment with my friends and the students.” After proposing to his future Mrs., Sean and Emily began the wedding planning process. The to-be bride described Pinterest as “a huge help and a huge pain.” Emily wanted to accentuate the beauty of the venue and didn’t want to overshadow it with an abundance of décor. The couple chose to incorporate vintage pieces such as cake plates, doilies and an old-school bicycle belonging to Chris’ grandfather to make the space their own. When it came to vendors, Emily said, “I met with most of the vendors in person before booking, and what really sold me on a vendor wasn’t just their performance but also their personality.” Even though wedding planning wasn’t her favorite, Emily has fond memories of the quality time she spent with her mother as they pieced together her big day. “She was so supportive, and I could not have done any of it without her,” she gushed. Reminiscing on her wedding day, Emily said her most memorable moment was walking down the aisle, hand-in-hand, with her new husband. She cherishes the brief time they shared together before being surrounded by family and friends. “Nothing feels better than knowing there are so many people who are truly happy for you.” To the recently engaged, Emily and Sean’s advice is to not sweat the small stuff. “You can’t control everything, and in the end, you’re still married,” said Emily. “Nobody will notice the wrinkle in the tablecloth or that the cake isn’t cut perfectly symmetrical. My saved piece of cake got thrown away! It doesn’t matter. You married your best friend.”
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CATERER: Great Caterers of Iowa | FLORIST: Candi’s Flowers MAIN CAKE: Hy Vee | CAKES FOR GUESTS: Friend of family DRESSES: Bridal Dreams| SUITS: Milroy’s | PHOTOGRAPHER: Rebekah Stephenson Photography | BRIDE’S RING: Zales GROOM’S RING: 2AU | VIDEOGRAPHER: Alexandria Crahan VENUE: Teachout Building East Village | DJ: Regis Rassmussen
AWARD-WINNING CATERING. STUNNING DÉCOR. ALLURING VENUES.
CENTRAL IOWA’S PREMIER
WEDDING & EVENT PRODUCER CHRISTIANISCATERING.COM | 515-287-3169
BRENTONEVENTS.COM (515)-287-3169
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