Your Wedding Iowa - Winter 2015 by Sandy Davis

To the bride and groom, Here’s to your new life together! Since the most fun and memorable weddings are those that truly reflect your personalities, we’ve gathered the best of everything with you in mind. Anticipation often follows the excitement of the engagement, and we have everything you need for planning your special day. Let us help you celebrate your love in style with the newest wedding themes and trends. We’ve filled this 2015 issue of YOUR WEDDING—Iowa with photos that share special moments from many of the most memorable weddings from around our home state of Iowa. On the following pages discover the best sources for what’s hot now—rings, gowns, colors, cakes, flowers, favors and photos. We’ve featured dozens of experts who can show you hundreds of fresh new ways to personalize everything for this perfect day—from the rehearsal dinner to the ceremony, reception and long-awaited honeymoon. Whether you’re planning a large wedding for many guests or an intimate gathering for a few close friends and relatives—it’s all here at your fingertips. Within the pages of this must-have shopping and planning guide for brides, be inspired by these trusted local professionals as you dream of your new life together. Best of all, they’re only a phone call away! Wishing you years of love, laughter and memories to last a lifetime,

Sandy Davis

P.S. Visit us on the web at

www.yourweddingiowa.com Top to bottom: Aaron Borchers Studio DeJong Photography | Brian L. Garman Photography

Find Your Wedding Iowa on

Facebook

contents 8

fashion

28 flowers 38

event planning & invitations

44 cakes 54

jewelry & gifts

60 music 68 photography 90

photo booths

94 videography

On the Cover

100

Winter: El Photography & Design, CrĂ¨me Cupcake + Dessert

facilities & catering

124 decorating 138 This page, top to bottom: El Photography & Design Brian L. Garman Photography DeJong Photography Love, Alexandra Photography Left page: Blind Photography

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss our Real Weddings featured on pages 50, 86, and 134!

health & beauty

148 honeymoons & transportation

Spring: Brian L. Garman Photography

156 directory

Summer: El Photography & Design

163

Fall: Bella Flora Event Design

wedding planner

P.O. Box 71531 • Des Moines, IA 50325 • 515.225.6080

This handy reference and resource guide is offered as a free gift to brides in the Des Moines 16,000 and surrounding communities by our participating wedding professionals. It’s full of creative ideas to help you plan all the details of your wedding celebration. These local wedding professionals are experts in their field, and they are eager to assist you in making your special day perfect. All the photos used in this issue are of Iowa vendors work and taken by Iowa photographers. Please mention this planner and you will be sure to receive the special attention you deserve.

PUBLISHER Sandy Davis OfFIce Manager Erin Van Dorin DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Marlena Estes Jennie Tischler CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Becky Johnston Connie Galbraith Shanley K. Rhodes Dawn Bormann Holly Jenks

For advertising information Contact us at: Rosewood Marketing Group, Inc. PO Box 71531 | Des Moines, IA 50325 515.225.6080 | info@yourweddingiowa.com www.yourweddingiowa.com © 2014 Rosewood Marketing Group, Inc. Reproduction of copy or artwork without permission is strictly prohibited. Ad content is not the responsibility of Your Wedding Iowa Magazine. Printed in USA. photo above: Brian L. Garman Photography Photo: El Photography

C E N T R A L I O WA’ S L A R G E S T & PREMIERE BRIDAL SHOW

BRIDAL FORUM

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i d e as, i n s p i r a t i on, f a s h i o n a n d l o t s o f f u n ! Y O U R W E D D I N G I O WA.C O M | 8 0 0 . 3 8 4 . 8 8 5 2 B R A D & C H Y L A P H OTOG R A P H Y

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YOUR Wedding Professionals Affinity Bridals • The Backroom Clothing • Berardi Bros. Bliss Bridal and Formalwear • Bridal Boutique East Village The Bridal Connection • Dornink • Men’s Wearhouse • Milroy’s Tuxedos Modern Dress • Perry Bridal • Personally Yours • Schaffer’s Skeffington’s Formal Wear • Stacey’s •Transformations by Kerri

Fashion

Create your signature style Buying the dress tends to be the first major wedding purchase. Try these priceless tips on keeping your budget tight but your eyes wide open when shopping for your wedding dress. • S tay clear of merchants that don’t have a permanent local address and phone number. You may never see your dress after the initial deposit is cashed. • T ry your dress on in front of a full length, three-way mirror with the correct shoes. If you buy the dress in the wrong size or shape, alterations could end up costing more that the dress! • Ask your local salon about “safe bridal bargains” available at their store. Many times it is possible to buy sample gowns off the rack at the sale price. 8

This page, clockwise from top left: Schaffer’s, Salon Spa W Brad & Chyla Photography | Skeffington’s Formal Wear Right page: Dornink

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What goes under

Top to bottom: Brian L. Garman Photography El Photography & Design | Schaffer’s, Salon Spa W

What you wear under your wedding gown is just as important as your dress. Properly fitting lingerie will help you feel and look great all day long. Once you’ve found the perfect gown, it’s important to visit a reputable lingerie shop with trained staff who can correctly determine the right undergarments for your particular style of dress. If you can, bring a photo of your wedding dress with you. Purchase intimate apparel before your first fitting so you can wear it when it’s time to try on and alter your dress. Take advantage of this special time in your life to take a look at some non-essential items as well. Bra and panty sets, nightgowns, and camisoles can make you feel beautiful and sensuous. What better time is there for you to splurge on yourself than now? Many lingerie shops now offer gift registries. Take advantage of this and let your friends and relatives know you’re registered. They’ll enjoy buying you these items as much as you’ll enjoy receiving them!

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GET TO KNOW

Skeffington’s FORMAL WEAR

Tuxedo or suit… It’s All About you.

When only the best will do… Thank you for making Skeffington’s Formal Wear a 60+ year family tradition of dependability, excellence, and service. Since 1951 Skeffington’s Formal Wear has been the name synonymous with service, style and selection. We are so much more than tuxedo rentals. We offer the only local wear house in Des Moines with the capability of taking care of your last minute needs.

“ Great place to go for your tuxedo rental. They are fast and easy to work with. We had absolutely NO problems with fitting or actually picking up the tuxedos! I would recommend them to anyone! Our bridal party looked amazing.”

With over 40 styles of tuxedos and suits, Skeffington’s Formal Wear has a fit and style for every body type. Standard, modern or slim fit, we have a look for everyone. Rent it or buy it. It’s all about your style and your wedding day. We not only carry the styles you love but, we only carry products we would be proud to wear ourselves. Stop in and visit us today so that we may extend our promise of ‘Worry Free Elegance.”

Des Moines: 515-283-0453 | West Des Moines: 515-224-2942 Ankeny: 515-964-3490 | Coralville: 319-625-2218 Davenport: 563-386-4010 www.skeffingtons.com

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S HN ION F A S HFA IO

GET TO KNOW

Perry BRIDAL

Fall in Love with Your Dream Dress

Located in historic Valley Junction, Perry Bridal offers designer gowns for $1,000 or less! The concept of this store was based on the premise that style, quality, and service shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be sacrificed for price. Perry Bridal carries designer gowns from special-order lines, one-of-a-kind closeouts that can be purchased off the rack, and a small selection of designer consignment gowns that are handpicked to meet our very high standards. Our gown prices start at $99 and go up from there with the average being $400 - $800.

Be sure to visit www.perrybridalboutique.com for more information, and Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with all our newest arrivals and special deals!

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ENCHANTING ENGAGEMENTS

a gallery

Brad & Chyla Photography

Love, Alexandra Photography

Brian L. Garman Photography

Black Cap Photography

FA SFHA I OSNH I O N

Congrats on your

engagement! Get planning on our website

w w w.YO U R W E D D I N G I OWA .c o m

all your

iowa wedding professionals are just a click away!

BRAD & CHYLA PHOTOGRAPHY

FLOWERS

Flowers

Romance in bloom

This page, clockwise from top left: Something Chic | Bella Flora Event Design | Something Chic, Red Door Photography Left page: Artisan Floral and Events, Brad & Chyla Photography

The ideal floral arrangements will make a colorful, lasting impression in all the areas you want decorated for your wedding, from pew bows to the bouquets, to the reception centerpieces and even the cake. Trends include adding unexpected flowers into your bouquet like succulents, simple but stunning centerpieces, and bright, bold colors. Be sure to ask your potential florist to show you samples of their previous wedding arrangements. Don’t hesitate to ask for references regarding past service in timeliness of delivery and set-up on the day of the wedding. By making detailed arrangements in advance, love blooms best!

FLOWERS

YOUR Wedding Professionals Artisan Floral and Events • Bella Flora Event Design • Boesen the Florist Bridges Bridal Bouquets • Our Forever Promise Wedding • Something Chic Floral

FLOWERS

like us!

FACEBOOK.COM/YOURWEDDINGIOWA

FLOWERS

P I C K

Something Chic Floral

Blind Photography

O F

T H E

B U N C H

a gallery

Katie McDonald Photography, Something Chic Floral

FLOWERS

Bella Flora

Artisan Floral and Events

Artisan Floral and Events, Red Door Photography

Something Chic Floral, Red Door Photography

EVENT PLANNING & INVITATIONS

YOUR Wedding Professionals Divine Flowers by Saley • dSy Invitations • Ephemera Jennie Tischler • Jessica Anne Events • Uptown Events

Event Planning & Invitations Your invitation selection lets guests into what kind of wedding you are planning. Whether it’s modern, traditional or romantic, your invitation extends a first and lasting impression of your wedding style. An event planner keeps track of your wedding plans by attending appointments, handling communications from vendors, securing deposits and contracts, arranging transportation and hotel blocks, designing timeline documents, and more. Along with expert advice, your event planner also has a large resource of professionals

to recommend and might even help negotiate better rates for you. A “day-of” coordinator calls all of your vendors during the week of the wedding to verify everything. Coordinating the rehearsal and ceremony, assisting the photographer, supervising vendors and handling any problems are all important in creating a cohesive event. Your coordinator will spend all day making sure everything about your day is as perfect as can be! This page, from left: dSy Invitations | El Photography & Design Right page: dSy Invitations

EVENT PLANNING & INVITATIONS

CAKES

YOUR Wedding Professionals Crème Cupcake + Dessert • Decadent Delights • Glorious Desserts

Cakes Let them eat cake

This page, clockwise from top left: Crème Cupcake + Dessert | Glorious Desserts, Red Door Photography | Crème Cupcake + Dessert Left page: Glorious Desserts, Brad & Chyla Photography

The wedding cake is a tradition all by itself. Often, they are the focal centerpiece of the reception. Bakers are artists that can create a visual treat that is as elaborate or as traditionally simple as you choose. Your baker can help you by suggesting ideas that will draw together all of your wedding details to create a breathtaking cake. When visiting with potential bakers, take time to look through their portfolios, and share photos and ideas of cake designs you have in mind. Sampling several cake flavors may be helpful. Selecting your baker and ordering your cake several months in advance is important. 45

CAKES

T A

Blind Photography

Glorious Desserts, Red Door Photography

CrĂ¨me Cupcake + Dessert

a gallery

CAKES

REAL WEDDINGS

tim + taylor 09.20.14

After a romantic Christmas Eve,

Tim surprised Taylor with a gorgeous solitaire from Joseph’s Jewelers, and of course she said, “Yes!” Two days later, the timeless St. Ambrose Cathedral in Downtown Des Moines was secured for a September 20, 2014, wedding, and the planning was underway.

Tim, a florist, and Taylor, an event planner, had planned a lot of weddings! All of them special and beautiful, but their wedding was going to be a fusion of all the extraordinary things they have created for others with touches of their own unique styles. But, first things first! The Dress… After visiting several bridal shops, Bridal Boutique’s personal attention and nice assortment of styles won the day. After a whirlwind of decisions, showers, parties, and only nine months to pull it all together, the day finally arrived. THE BIG DAY. It was a rainy, overcast

Saturday but nothing could dampen the spirits of the wedding party! Champagne and orange juice flowed, as the bride’s

REAL WEDDINGS maids, maid of honor, flower girl and Moms helped prepare the Bride for her special day. Memories were made, fun was had, and tears of joy were shed足; it was perfect. The Sun in all its glorious warmth made its grand appearance as the Bride and her court walked the downtown streets to the cathedral. It was quite a sight. After the ceremony, the bride and groom were whisked away to the Des Moines Airport to board a flight to their wedding reception. The Bride and Groom made the grandest of entrances to their reception by landing just as the sun began to set. The delighted guests welcomed the newlyweds with applause and joy! Now, it was time to party! The airplane hanger was transformed into a beautiful venue with breathtakingly beautiful flowers adorning the tabletops, highlighted by the twinkle of floating candles. Like everything else the first dance was perfectly choreographed, filled with countless spins, several dips and ending in a kiss ... PICTURE-PERFECT! -Tim & Taylor

from BOESEN THE FLORIST & WHITE WILLOW EVENTS

REAL WEDDINGS

details:

DESIGN AND COORDINATION

White Willow Events

FLOWERS Boesen the Florist CEREMONY St. Ambrose Cathedral LINENS AND DRAPING Beyond Elegance DRESS Bridal Boutique RINGS Josephs BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Dornink SUITS Skeffingtons

JEWELRY & GIFTS

YOUR Wedding Professionals Greenberg’s • Josephs • Unity in Glass • Royal Prestige

Jewelry & Gifts The bling!

Rings have long been considered an unbroken symbol of eternal love. The gift of an engagement ring often signals the desire to begin a new journey together, followed by the exchange of wedding bands by the bride and groom in the ceremony that confirms their commitment to share their future hopes and dreams. While wedding bands are gifts shared solely by the bride and groom, beautifully wrapped gifts ranging from practical to precious selected with care by family and friends also play an important part in 54

launching the newlyweds into their new life together. Bridal registry makes it onestop shopping and solves the potential problem of duplicates and the hassles of returns and exchanges. Since gifts have expanded far beyond the basics of china and crystal to restaurant gift certificates, garden centers and even honeymoon accounts, online shops work with hundreds of different retailers in a single registry. This page, clockwise from top left: Katie McDonald Photography Red Door Photography | Aaron Borchers Studio Right page: DeJong Photography

JEWELRY & GIFTS

like us! YOUR WEDDING IOWA

JEWELRY & GIFTS

DeJong Photography

Brian L. Garman Photography

El Photography & Design

Red Door Photography

Blind Photography

a gallery

JEWELRY & GIFTS

need

MUSIC

YOUR Wedding Professionals A Special Event DJ • ABC DJ • Absolute Music • Aquarian Duo BC Productions • Complete Music • The Fiddle Chics Fred Gazzo & the Metropolitans • Woodland Quartet

Music

Dance the night away

This page, top to bottom: Blind Photography | Black Cap Photography Left page: Katie McDonald Photography

Whether it’s a beautiful love song or a fun party favorite, it’s time to get you and your guests dancing. Don’t forget to spend some time picking out the perfect song for your first dance, and double check that your DJ or live band can play it. Have you thought about passing a notebook around the reception so guests can doodle a special message to the couple? Another fun idea is to present a slideshow at the beginning of the reception of fun photos throughout the years. 61

MUSIC

PHOTOGRAPHY

YOUR Wedding Professionals Aaron Borchers Studio • Black Cap Photography • Blaser Photography Blind Photography • Brad & Chyla Photography • Brian L. Garman Photography DeJong Photography • Dodgen Photography • El Photography & Design Katie McDonald Photography • Kroloff’s Photography Love, Alexandra Photography • Red Door Photo & Design

Photography Picture perfect

You rely on family and friends to assist you on your wedding day, but when it comes to photography, it takes a great professional to preserve your big day. Do your research. Choose a photographer whose work you have seen and admired. Ask friends for recommendations. Forming a comfortable working relationship with your photographer is important. This person is going to spend a lot of time with the two of you. This is no time to by shy; ask lots of questions: How many posed shots? How many candid? Should the formal photos of the wedding party be taken before or after the ceremony? Are the albums and folder included in the price? When will the photographer leave the reception? 68

This page, clockwise from top left: Red Door Photo & Design Love, Alexandra | Katie McDonald Photography Right page: Aaron Borchers Studio

PHOTOGRAPHY

One last tip

This page, clockwise from top left: Blind Photography Brad & Chyla Photography | DeJong Photography

Once you have worked out all the details on your special day, go one step furtherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;get everything in writing. Make certain your contract includes a payment schedule and penalties, if any, for a date change or cancellation. Then relax, smile and have fun, you are in the hands of a professional.

PHOTOGRAPHY

GET TO KNOW

Blind

PHOTOGRAPHY You deserve photographs that express your energy and your emotions. Photographs that are true to you, and your story. Blind Photography combines on-going formal training; over 10 years of wedding experience; and a passion for capturing emotion, to provide you with the best photography experience we can offer. We are proud to offer in the moment photography that celebrates the real events in the lives of real people. We work with you to be sure that the process of photography doesn’t overshadow your special day, or overwhelm you. Whether you love to pose, or are terribly camera shy, we want to be sure you have as much fun in front of our cameras as we have behind them.

“| just wanted to thank you and Becca again for making yesterday so easy. Going into it, I was so worried I was going to ruin the whole shoot because I was still so frazzled from such a crazy week/day and I couldn’t get my head in the right place, but you both made everything so easy! You are both very gifted at what you do and I am so excited to have you photographing the day we begin our new life together :) ” — Ike & Alison

515-865-0655 www.blind-photography.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

GET TO KNOW

Aaron Borchers STUDIO

Modern | Elegant | Editorial

Hello! My name is Aaron and I consider myself quite lucky to enjoy what I do for a living and I take great pride in capturing portraits that will last a lifetime. Weddings are my true passion. I’ve photographed over 100 weddings and I love how every wedding is unique and different. Everything about a wedding day has been meticulously planned to portray who you are as a couple and each wedding has a visual story to tell. From the dress you knew was “the one,” to the locations, or to the look

when you see each other for the first time that day, all these things help portray who you are as a couple. I love capturing those moments and to begin telling the story of the rest of your lives together. My goal is to create elegant, modern pictures with a photojournalist style to help tell that story starting with the anticipation in the morning to the fun (sometimes crazy) dance shots and everything in between. It is truly an honor to be a part of my couple’s wedding day and I’m excited to see who’s story I’ll tell next!

515-333-9929 www.aaronborchersstudio.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

C E N T R A L I O WA’ S L A R G E S T & PREMIERE BRIDAL SHOW

BRIDAL FORUM

SEPTEMBER 2015 & JANUARY 2016

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PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

lukas + nichole We were honored

when Lukas & Nicole asked us to photograph their wedding celebration and capture the wonderful moments of the day. We asked Nichole to look back on that incredible day. Turn the page to read her touching memories! from

-Holleen BLIND PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

“ T H E O N LY A DV I C E T H AT I WO U L D SAY I S J U ST E N J OY

every

M O M E N T.” -Nichole

“ The

sweetest thing I can remember was when my dad was walking

me down the aisle, we got to the end where he was giving me away to Lukas. I remember my dad hugging Lukas and telling him to be sure to take care of me. I looked at both of them and they were both very choked up! This was an awesome moment to see the love in the both of their eyes.

The funniest part of our wedding day was taking pictures at Jester

Park; we had just finished a 2 hour bus ride on a party bus, so we were all fairly… relaxed. The picture session started out fairly romantic, and ended up with pictures of the groomsmen with their pants tucked into their checkered flag socks; and selfies with the photographers! We ended up with some of the best pictures to capture our wedding day.”

-Nichole Onstot

REAL WEDDINGS

details:

PHOTOGRAPHY Blind Photography DRESSES Schaffer’s TUXES Men’s Wearhouse DECOR Christiani’s Catering CEREMONY St. John’s Lutheran Church,

Des Moines

CATERING Christiani’s Catering

PHOTO BOOTHS

YOUR Wedding Professionals A Special Event DJ & Photobooths • Iowa Photo Booth/Beyond Elegance The Original Traveling Photo Booth

Photo Booths Picture perfect

Join in the fun with the hottest “musthave” at wedding receptions—a photo booth! Now sleek and small varieties go all out with costumes, props and changeable backgrounds. Bring along some of your wildest dress ups (everything from Halloween to The Great Gatsby) and listen to the laughter as you watch your guests vie for prizes for the craziest costume photos to share with friends on social networks.

From top: Katie McDonald Photography, Red Door Photography

PHOTO BOOTHS

PHOTO BOOTHS GET TO KNOW

Special Event

DJ + PH OTOBOOTH

At the End of the Day…it’s all about the Memories!

The next generation of Event Entertainment is here! Our Video Booth creates an experience for your guests that they can share with you and others via email or social media. Our Slow-Mo Video Booth takes six seconds of action packed video and slows it down to capture every moment of fun that can be viewed for a lifetime. Executing excellent events that build memories of a lifetime is our passion. 92

“ One word to you and your team is WOW!!!! You were all so simply amazing from the setup to the presentation to the great choice of dance music! I have received over a dozen calls saying they had never attended something so fun.” —Lisa Alexander,

Rockford Parks District Foundation

515-971-5482 | www.aspecialeventdj.com

PHOTO BOOTHS

VIDEOGRAPHY

YOUR Wedding Professionals Kintzer Video • Silverwings Productions, Inc.

Videography Capture the moment

This page, clockwise from top left: Kintzer Video | Katie McDonald Photography | Love, Alexandra Photography Left page: El Photography & Design

Remembering your wedding day is sometimes difficult for couples. Videography will refresh your memory of the sights, sounds and emotions that all blurred together on your special day. You’ll enjoy sharing the memories with your children and grandchildren. A good videographer is someone who has experience and is an artist at his or her craft. It’s important to view sample clips from multiple weddings during your meeting with the potential videographer, as this will help you to determine the quality and style of their work. 95

VIDEOGRAPHY

Brad & Chyla Photography

Aaron Borchers Studio

Brian L. Garman Photography

a gallery

VIDEOGRAPHY

DeJong Photography

Blind Photography

Love, Alexandra Photography

Black Cap Photography

Katie McDonald Photography

FACILITIES & CATERING

YOUR Wedding Professionals Baratta’s • Blank Park Zoo • Des Moines Scottish Rite Consistory Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden • Catering DSM/Big City/Dos Rios The Chateau at White Oak Vineyard • Christiani’s VIP Catering & Events DM Embassy Club • Forte’ Conference Center • Gateway Catering Glen Oaks Country Club • Great Caterers of Iowa • Hilton Garden Inn Urbandale Occasions Made Right • Ramada Tropics Resort • Rollins Mansion • Sheraton West Des Moines • Stonehaven Barn • Stoney Creek Inn • Warren Cultural Center

Facilities & Catering Eat, drink and be married!

Start with the right questions. How many guests can be seated comfortably and entertained in the reception area? Make sure there’s enough room for the tables, dance floor, bars and other amenities, plus a little elbow room for the guests. What items are included in the basic room rental? Some places offer only the site, so you may need to rent the amenities. Other places may offer you everything from the silver to the cake. Be sure the inclusions are listed 100

on your estimate, so you don’t have any surprises. What about additional service fees? Typical extras might include cutting your cake, uncorking your furnished champagne, and valet parking. What sort of restrictions are there? You may not be able to set up early or stay late. Candles may be restricted, so ask before you make any final decisions. This page, from left: Blank Park Zoo, Catering DSM Right page: Temple of the Performing Arts, Red Door Photo & Design

FACILITIES & CATERING

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FACILITIES & CATERING

GET TO KNOW

Chateau

THE AT WHITE OAK VINEYARD The perfect place to start.

Located on 22 acres of trees, gardens, and vineyards just 4 miles north of Ankeny, the Chateau at White Oak Vineyard is the perfect place for your wedding! We are happy to cater your event but we’re flexible: you can also bring in outside catering. While we have beautiful outdoor and indoor space for a wedding ceremony, also think about us for your reception, bridal shower, anniversary parties, and more! We can host 20 to 400 guests. Whatever you have planned, our Event Planner will work closely with you to help make your event perfect.

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“ I was on the committee for the Hertz Farm Management Annual Christmas party. We looked at several options... but the obvious choice for us was The Chateau. It was exactly what we were looking for as they prepared the dinner, had a staffed bar, beautifully decorated modern facility, plenty of parking and centrally located for all our employees. All in attendance had an enjoyable evening and a delicious meal. The Chateau at White Oak will be the first call for my next event.” —Denise Vallandingham

515-367-7933 www.thechateauatwhiteoak.com

FACILITIES & CATERING

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FACILITIES & CATERING

SEPTEMBER 2015 and

JANUARY 2016 Sheraton, West Des Moines

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T H E

P E R F E C T

S E T T I N G

Rollins Mansion, Brian L. Garman Photography

Black Cap Photography

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Katie McDonald Photography

a gallery

FACILITIES & CATERING

Bella Flora Event Design

Beyond Elegance, Boesen the Florist

Stonehaven Barn, Aaron Borchers Studio

Temple for the Performing Arts, Catering DSM

DeJong Photography

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DECORATING

YOUR Wedding Professionals BC Productions • Bella Flora Event Design • Beyond Elegance Des Moines Rental • Nobbies • One Source Event Rentals Stuart Alexander Productions • Uplights Iowa

Decorating Create ambience

This page, top to bottom: Rollins Mansion, Brian L. Garman Photography | Beyond Elegance Left page: Blind Photography

Professional decorators can handle all the duties themselves, from creating your vision to the clean-up. The best part? It’s a major task you won’t have to worry about. If you have people you can rely on, you may want to handle the decorating yourself. It’s important to remember that you may not have much time to get decorations up and ready. Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to get everything as perfect as you deserve, and you may not have much time to tear down once the ceremony is over. If you go this route, try to think simple and look for decorations that can be prepared ahead of time and easily put into place.

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DECORATING

DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL

a gallery

Aaron Borchers Studio

Brad & Chyla Photography

Beyond Elegance

Blind Photography

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DeJong Photography

DECORATING

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DECORATING

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REAL WEDDINGS

jimmy + lindsey

REAL WEDDINGS Lindsey and Jimmy fell in love

over the course of five years of dating that started with several nervous double dates with mutual friends. Jimmy asked Lindsey to be his wife on TV, and with tears in her eyes she said yes. Inspired by true romance with a sweet, floral influence; Lindsey and Jimmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding day was a truly special celebration. From the petal pink chiffon bridesmaids dresses to the romantic florals and the pearl, ruffled wedding cake - every detail of the day had a gorgeous, soft, romantic feel. Family and friends gathered to celebrate the first day of Lindsey and Jimmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marriage. 135

REAL WEDDINGS

Lindsey and Jimmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding is the type of wedding that makes us fall deeper in love with wedding photography. We were honored to tell the story that generations will relive. -Brad & Chyla

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from BRAD & CHYLA PHOTOGRAPHY

REAL WEDDINGS

details:

CEREMONY AND RECEPTION LOCATION Glen Oaks Country Club FLORIST Boesen the Florist BRIDE’S GOWN Mikaella via Schaffer’s BRIDESMAID’S DRESSES Bill Levkoff via Schaffer’s TUXEDOS Skeffington’s CAKE Glorious Desserts PHOTOGRAPHY Brad & Chyla Photography

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

YOUR Wedding Professionals Blo Salon • CC’s Hair Skin Body • Complete Nutrition • It Works! Body Wrap Mary Kay Cosmetics • Penelopie Beauty Bar Salon Spa W • Younique

Health & Beauty Blushing bride

There may never be another time in your life as exciting and exhilarating as the months leading up to your wedding. This may also be one of the most stressful times you experience because there are so many details to think about. Although it’s easy to say “relax” it’s not always easy to do. Now more than ever you need to use common sense to keep the anxiety under control and not spend too much effort worrying. Be realistic...every bride has the highest expectations for her wedding day. You may have dreamed about the “perfect wedding” since you were a little girl. Just don’t get so caught up in the dream that you miss out on the fun of the wedding planning. Keep everything in perspective and don’t sweat the small stuff. Pace yourself...planning should be done over a period of time. In the beginning it’s tempting to try to do everything at once, but stick to your schedule and spread the job out so you don’t over do it. 138

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P R E T T Y

El Photography & Design

Katie McDonald Photography

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A S

P U N C H

Love, Alexandra Photography

a gallery

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Aaron Borchers Studio

Blind Photography

Brad & Chyla Photography

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HONEYMOON & TRANSPORTATION

YOUR Wedding Professionals Absolute Transportation • All About Romance Travel • Allied Travel Creative Vacations • Travel and Transport

Honeymoon & Transportation Old-fashioned romance

No matter where the honeymoon of your dreams is, your vacation of a lifetime is possible when you plan ahead. Do you enjoy taking in museums, watching a breathtaking sunset while resting on a beach, hiking and biking? Think about what you enjoy doing together as you narrow your list of destinations. Airlines and hotels will only make a limited number of reservations, so it is important to make your reservation plans early. This will help you ensure your first

destination choice. Consult with a travel agent to coordinate the many logistics of your travel details. You will be busy making extensive plans for the wedding, so delegate these plans to someone who makes a living scheduling vacations every day. Your final wedding celebration is the honeymoon and the beginning of your life together. Plan ahead and ENJOY! This page: Red Door Photo & Design Left page: Brad & Chyla Photography

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HONEYMOON & TRANSPORTATION GET TO KNOW

Creative

VACATIONS

Experts designed your dress, cake & bouquet... My expertise is honeymoons & destination weddings! With over 17 years of experience I get to know my clients and create custom experiences specifically for each couple. Destinations and resorts are not created equally. Just because your friend went there and loved it, doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you! “ I was overwhelmed trying to pick a location for my wedding. I told Michaela what I was looking for and she found the perfect resort location in Jamaica. The price was very reasonable and everything was up to our expectations! She made my destination wedding so easy!” —Karla & Nels

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Get the destination wedding or honeymoon of your dreams! Call Michaela at 515.963.4458.

HONEYMOON & TRANSPORTATION

GET TO KNOW

Allied TRAVEL

All You Have to Do is Pack Your Bags Planning your wedding can be overwhelming: so much to do, so many decisions to make. Whether you are considering a destination wedding or exotic honeymoon, vow renewal or special anniversary celebration, the agent experts at Allied Travel can help. You should be savoring the moment, not juggling details – leave that to us. There are hundreds of romantic destinations to choose from. How do you know which one is right for you? An all-inclusive resort or boutique hotel? Tranquil beach or action-packed adventure? There are as many options as there are couples. A good travel agent will guide you through the decision-making process, and make recommendations that stay within your budget.

Why should you use a travel agent? Good question! These are just a few of the advantages: • We get you the best combination of destination, resort, price and schedule •A ll aspects of your trip are handled for you •E very detail is checked and double-checked by agents with decades of travel experience •W e provide assistance with schedule changes, delays and cancellations •W e can get amenities and upgrades that are not available on the internet

The best part is that we don’t charge you extra for these services! On land and cruise packages, we are paid by our suppliers, not by our clients.

For more than 25 years, couples have trusted Allied Travel with the most important trip of their life together. 152

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HONEYMOON & TRANSPORTATION GET TO KNOW

ALL ABOUT

Romance TRAVEL

Your romantic getaway starts with us. All About Romance Travel is all about you! You have been so busy planning the wedding and venue, let our team of experts work for you in getting you your perfect dream honeymoon. With decades of travel experience, our group of professionals were the first to specialize in honeymoons and destination

weddings. All couples are not the same and all resorts are not the same. We will work in finding the perfect location of your dreams that is value packed with lasting wonderful memories. You deserve the best and we will provide you services second to none. All About Romance Travel is All About You!

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directory of advertisers Name

Page

Phone

Website

A Special Event DJ............. 64, 92

515-971-5482

www.aspecialeventdj.com

Aaron Borchers Studio....... 74-75

515-333-9929

www.aaronborchersstudio.com

ABC DJ................................ 63

515-965-0474

www.abcdj.us

Absolute Music.................... 65

515-221-3535 www.absolutemusicdj.com

Absolute Transportation...... 151

800-712-8518

Affinity Bridals................... 25

515-961-2105 affinitybridals.com

All About Romance Travel..... 154

515-964-5683

www.absolutetransportation.org

www.allaboutromancetravel.com

Allied Travel....................... 152-153 515-270-7070 www.alliedtravel.com Artisan Floral & Events........ 31, 40 515-240-6662 Aquarian Duo..................... 62

515-232-7464

The Backroom.................... 21

515-274-8773

Baratta’s............................. 103

515-243-4516

www.artisanfloralandevents.com

www.thebackroomclothing.com www.barattas.com

BC Productions................... 69, 132 515-986-3300 www.bcpwedding.com Bella Flora Event Design.... 30, 131 515-554-6964 www.bellafloraeventdesign.com Berardi Brothers................. 23

515-288-8362

Beyond Elegance................. 129

877-353-4623

www.berardibros.com www.beyondelegance.com

Black Cap Photography...... 83 www.blackcapphotography.com Blaser Photography............ 78

www.blaserphotography.com

Blank Park Zoo.................. 117

515-974-2506 www.blankparkzoo.com

Blind Photography.............. 72-73

515-865-0655

Bliss Bridal and Formalwear.... 22 156

515-255-4900

www.blind-photography.com

641-201-1032 www.blissformalwear.com

Page

Phone

Blo Des Moines................... 140 Boesen the Florist.............. 32

DIRECTORY

Name

Website

515-282-8282 www.blomedry.com 515-274-4761

www.boesen.com

Brad & Chyla Photography.... 78

515-664-7949 www.bradandchyla.com

Brian L. Garman Photography... 81

515-238-7832

www.brianlgarman.com

Bridal Boutique.................. 17

515-244-2266

www.bridalboutiquedm.com

Bridal Connection............... 15

515-964-5683

www.bridalconnectiondsm.com

Bride Star........................... 59

www.bridestar.net

Bridges Bridal Bouquets..... 33 515-462-2420 CC’s Hair Skin Body........... 144

515-650-7113 www.ccshair-skin-body.com

Catering DSM...................... 114

515-508-0829

www.cateringdsm.com

Chateau at White Oak Vineyard... 106-107 515-367-7933 www.thechateauatwhiteoak.com Christiani’s VIP Catering..... 111

515-287-3169

www.christianiscatering.com

Complete Music & Video..... 64

515-266-1355

www.completedesmoines.com

Complete Nutrition............. 141

515-440-0455

www.completenutrition.com

Creative Vacations............... 150

515-963-4458

www.creativevacations.com

Crème Cupcake + Dessert.... 49

515-288-1050

www.cremecupcake.com

Decadent Delights............... 48

641-680-7212

www.decadentdelightsdesserts.com

DeJong Photography........... 85

515-975-4650

www.dejongphotography.com

Des Moines Embassy Club.... 116

515-244-2582

www.embassyclub.com

Des Moines Rental.............. 133

515-277-4401

www.desmoinesrental.com

Dodgen Photography.......... 76

515-270-5031

www.dodgenphoto.net

Dornink.............................. 20

515-255-7528

www.dornink.com

dSy Invitations.................... 43 www.dsyinvitations.com 157

DIRECTORY

Name

Page

Phone

Website

El Photography & Design..... 79

515-480-8242

www.elphotodesign.com

Ephemera........................... 41

515-974-6932

www.ephemeradesign.com

Forté Banquet & Conf. Center... 108

515-333-5057

Fred Gazzo & the Metropolitans.. 62

515-229-0949

www.fredgazzoband.com

Gateway Catering............... 110

515-422-5108

www.gatewaymarket.com

Glen Oaks Country Club..... 117

515-221-9000

Glorious Desserts................ 46

515-279-4944

Great Caterers of Iowa...... 109

515-264-8765

www.greatcaterersofiowa.com

Greater DM Botanical Garden... 104

515-323-6290

www.dmbotanicalgarden.com

Greenberg’s......................... 56

515-222-2612

www.greenbergsjewelers.com

Hilton Garden Inn: Urbandale... 112

515-270-8890

www.barattas.com

www.glenoakscc.com www.gloriousdesserts.com

www.desmoinesurbandale.gardeninn.com

Iowa Photo Booth.............. 93

877-353-4623

www.iowaphotobooth.com

It Works! by Sadie............. 144

515-783-4581

Jennie Tischler Designer..... 43

515-321-3570 www.jennietischlerdesigns.com

Jessica Anne Events............ 42

515-509-9769 www.jessica-anne-events.com

www.sadiebartling.myitworks.com

Josephs............................... 57 www.josephsjewelers.com Katie McDonald Photography....77

515-422-3688

Kintzer Video...................... 97

515-205-0782

www.kintzervideo.com

Kroloff ’s Photography......... 82

515-278-5765

www.kroloffs.com

www.katiemcdonaldphotography.com

Love, Alexandra Photography... 80 563-508-5147 love-alexandra.com Mary Kay Cosmetics............ 142

158

515-249-5718

www.marykay.com/mindyabendroth

Milroy’s Tuxedos.................. 24

515-270-2460

www.milroystuxedos.com

Men’s Wearhouse................. 16

515-223-0889

www.mwtux.com

Page

Modern Dress..................... 19

Phone

DIRECTORY

Name

Website

515-432-7433 www.modern-dress.com

Nobbies............................... 128

515-457-7100

www.nobbiesparties.com

Occasions Made Right......... 118

515-276-5448

www.occasionsmaderight.com

One Source Event Rentals...... 126

515-953-2500

www.onesourceevents.com

Our Forever Promise Wedding... 34

515-979-6514

www.ourforeverpromise.com

Penelopie Beauty Bar......... 145

515-226-8477

www.penelopiebeautybar.com

Perry Bridal Boutique........ 14

515-274-9721

www.perrybridalboutique.com

Personally Yours.................. 21

515-557-1938

Ramada Tropics Resort....... 113

515-278-0271

www.ramadatropicsresort.com

Red Door Photo & Design.... 71, 196 515-639-0733 www.reddoorphoto.net Rollins Mansion.................. 121

515-657-7288

www.rollinsmansion.com

Salon W.............................. 143

515-280-5358

www.salonspaw.com

Schaffer’s............................. 11

515-288-0356

www.schaffers.com

Scottish Rite Consistory...... 119

515-288-8927

Skeffington’s Formal Wear.. 12-13

www.dmscottishrite.org

515-283-0453 www.skeffingtons.com

Sheraton Hotel................... 102

515-223-1800

Silverwings Productions...... 96

515-285-9800

Something Chic Floral........ 35

515-556-0835

www.sheratonwestdesmoines.com www.movingvideo.com www.somethingchicfloral.com

Stacey’s............................... 18

515-226-9336

www.staceys.com

Stoney Creek Inn................ 105

515-559-2006

www.stoneycreekhotels.com

Stonehaven Barn................ 115

515-480-7067

www.stonehavenbarn.com

Stuart Alexander Productions.... 127 515-953-2500 www.stuartalexanderproductions.com Transformations by Kerri.... 23

515-240-6523

www.transformationsbykerri.com 159

DIRECTORY

Name

Page

Phone

Website

Travel and Transport.......... 155

515-224-7619

www.travelandtransport.com/vacations

Traveling Photo Booth........ 91

515-979-5925

www.thetravelingphotobooth.com

Unity in Glass.................... 57

515-979-6514

www.ourforeverpromise.com

Uplights Iowa..................... 132

515-650-3530 www.uplightsiowa.com

Uptown Events.................... 42

712-579-9855 www.uptowneventanddesign.com

Violinist Michelle Bell......... 68

515-201-6581 www.fiddlechic.com

Warren Cultural Center...... 115

641-343-7337 www.warrenculturalcenter.com

West Des Moines Marriott.. 119

515-267-1500

The Woodland Quartet....... 66

515-729-4804 www.thewoodlandquartet.com

Younique............................. 142

www.fablash.info or

160

www.marriott.com/dsmwd

www.robinsbeautybar.com.

DIRECTORY

Iowa Marriage Licenses

What you need to know

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding in Iowa! To make sure you understand the marriage laws and requirements before setting your wedding date, we recommend verifying information with the Recorder’s office. Here are some important details you should know: • You do not have to be a resident of Iowa. Picture identification is required. You also need to provide Social Security information. • Iowa has a three (3) business day waiting period. Please note:

• The fee for a marriage license in Iowa is $35+ and cash only. The fee and acceptance of checks or credit cards varies from county to county. • You need to have one witness (over 18 years of age) with you when you apply for the license. • No other tests are required in Iowa for a marriage license. • You can use any ordained or licensed clergymen or justices of the peace. • An Iowa marriage license application expires after 6 months if you don’t use it.

State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

From left: Black Cap Photography DeJong Photography

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DIRECTORY