I’ve been SO excited to show you this Iowa wedding weekend! Not only was it SO much fun, it was also a deeply full circle experience for me!! Monica and Adam are long time friends of mine! I met Monica when I briefly lived in Iowa, which also happens to be where I met my husband!! So nothing but good memories walking back into this place that was so transformative for my own life. It felt like coming home!
If you’ve been following along for a while, you may remember these two lovebirds from their Canyonlands engagement session! If you missed it, click here to see their session! It was so good! Documenting the next chapter of their story was such an honor as a Destination wedding photographer.
Monica and Adam filled every part of their wedding with personality.
Their invitation suite was stunning with rich shades of green with delicate botanical illustrations. It perfectly complemented the earthy, romantic style of the day. Monica wore a fitted lace gown with a dramatic train, while Adam chose a custom sage green suit with a colorful patterned lining that was such a fun surprise. They literally thought of every detail, and it just elevated the whole day!
Their floral design for the day blended soft blush blooms, white orchids, caramel roses, dried textures, and flowing greenery. It was what rustic floral Pinterest boards dream about!!
These two decided to do a first look outside under a willow tree on the property.
This was one of my favorite parts of the day. In a large, fun celebration, this was the moment that allowed everything to quiet so these two could breathe & take in the occasion. They were finally getting married. And they just enjoyed that joy together!
Another one of my favorite parts of this Iowa wedding weekend was how every moment centered around family and connection. Even when a last minute rainstorm moved the ceremony indoors, nothing could dampen the excitement.
The cozy wooden interior of Wilson’s Ciderhouse became the perfect backdrop for heartfelt vows by warm candlelight.
And the incredible floral installations fit right in. Monica even surprised everyone with a choreographed dance down the aisle alongside her father before the ceremony began. It had every guest smiling before the first vows were exchanged.
Celebrating in a way that felt true to them
Instead of ending the night with a traditional DJ dance floor, Monica and Adam invited one of their favorite local bands to perform live. The energy was incredible and completely reflected who they are as a couple. It reminded me of another unforgettable celebration at High West Park City where they also danced the night away. (Click here to see that day!) Live music is SUCH a good move for your reception.
These two knew they didn’t want their celebration to be limited to just one day though.
They planned a whole Iowa wedding weekend to really get the most out of the time with their family and friends.
The morning after the wedding, they met up with their family to go apple picking in a local orchard. How cool is that? I am such a fan of extending your wedding. You have everyone gathered! Everyone is excited! I love when my couples plan more events and enjoy the celebration longer. This is me manifesting more Iowa wedding weekends in my future!!
Congratulations Monica and Adam!! I am so excited for you!!
Vendor Team for Iowa Wedding Weekend:
- Venue: Wilson’s Ciderhouse
- Planning: Soiree Iowa
- Florals: Beno’s Flowers
- Decor: Unique Events
- Band: Eugene Levy
- Videographer: Kyrie Copeland Films
- Hair and Makeup: Tru Salon
- Cake: Iced Bakery
- Dress: Brides by Jessa
- Suit: Indochino
- DJ: DJ Clife
- Photographer: Nicole Aston Photography
