Madde and Dan’s wedding was a dream underneath the giant chandelier at the National Czech and Slovak Museum
This Beauty and the Beast themed wedding has us singing “Tale as Old as Time.”
Shelby and Jeff had a beautiful fall rustic wedding captured by Appleby Photography.
Gorgeous purple and gold Iowa fall wedding at Cedar Ridge Winery captured by Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design.
“Flowers will never be replaced for weddings, but brides are now using more foliage.”
Scott and Kolbi’s love of people and helping others connected them forever. This energetic couple planned and decorated much of their beautiful wedding solo and it’s no surprise that they want to share it with other couples for inspiration!
T Marie Portraits and Photo Booth shares tips and advice on how to get a photo booth rental that you’ll love.
We are happy to announce our new interview series, Local Wedding Professionals: Expert Tips and Advice. Planning your dream wedding is an incredible experience, and maybe sometimes a bit challenging.
Madde and Dan’s wedding was a dream underneath the giant chandelier at the National Czech and Slovak Museum
Two important things that can help you are Wedding Insurance (sometimes called Wedding Cancellations Insurance) and Wedding Liability Insurance. Jeff Barnes is president of Jeff Barnes Agency, INC., an American Family Insurance agency in Cedar Rapids. He has over 28 years experience as an award winning agent and wants to help you be prepared so you can relax and enjoy your special day.
Stephanie Marie is an overly-enthusiastic destination wedding photographer that rocks at what she does. She lives for the unposed, authentic, and fun photo sessions. She captures connections you can feel with your eyes. Take a look at this fun, playful pillow fight and beach session. All this was done just for you, to show you what you can do with your engagement photos! Get creative, this is Iowa and we have some serious talent to help you capture some amazing photos you’ll want to blow up for your wall! Be forewarned – if you call Stephanie, she’s a huge goofball and she’ll probably give you a big bear hug when you meet either for coffee (or happy hour) to chat about your wedding plans! As stressful as wedding planning is, choosing a kick-ass photographer shouldn’t be. Want more inspiration from Stephanie Marie Photography? Then check out her website at www.stephaniemarie.com. Models: Melyssa & Darren January 22, 2016
The Little Lights Collaboration started at Tuesday’s Together, a networking group based off The Rising Tide Society where entrepreneurs meet monthly and discuss various business topics. Many of the members are talented photographers who put together styled photo shoots. This styled shoot is called Little Lights Collaboration because Amanda Remington of Little Lights Weddings & Events planned it along with the area’s creatives to show off what Iowa professionals can do! The photography posted here is compliments of Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design. This spring styled photo shoot’s theme is “Black Tie and Botanicals”. It takes place at the recently opened venue, Little Lights Weddings & Events in the historic downtown of West Branch, Iowa. Little Lights is eye catching from the moment you walk in the door. Your eyes will gaze at the exposed wood timbers, custom made chandelier and Edison bulbs, the re-purposed vintage bar, the hardwood floor, exposed brick, and hand crafted farmhouse tables. It’s historic, vintage, and rustic all in one and it is stunning. The bride is wearing a Privato gown, and the groom is in a classic black suit with a bow tie. The simple greenery for florals stands out against the neutral white, ivory, and black […]
Amanda and Zachary had a gorgeous Iowa summer wedding. They combined modern elegance with their Iowa roots by celebrating their reception at a charming farmhouse. Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design was happy to capture this unforgettable day to share and inspire you.
Kerry Brewer, catering sales manager at the Cedar Rapids Marriott Hotel, has that passion and is excited to help brides and grooms have the best reception possible. With almost 26 years of experience, she enjoys seeing dreams come true and making people happy.
What makes a good DJ really depends on the couple’s preferences. To see if a DJ is a good fit for your “reception personality,” ask how they would motivate a shy crowd to the dance floor.
“The reason a wedding video is so important is that it captures moments from the entire day, even moments that the bride and groom wouldn’t normally get to see.” Meghan, First Kiss Video
Planning a wedding requires so many steps and things to do. Having one company that can check off several items from your to-do list will save you time.
Tyler and Ashley chose a rustic theme for their wedding day so Celebration Farm was the perfect venue to pull it off. Yellow, gray, and white were their colors. Their wedding was absolutely gorgeous and they were excited to share their story and photos with other’s to help them plan for their big day as well! Tracy Griffin of T Marie Portraits and Photo Booth did an excellent job capturing their photos and putting together a slide show.
Deciding that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone is a monumental decision and choosing an engagement ring is often the first step in a couple’s life journey together.
Beautiful modern rustic wedding with light + airy details at PALMER HOUSE STABLE Weddings + Events.
Michael and Lili enjoyed a classic wedding. Lili envisioned and brought to life the style of East meets the West. The theme for the day was black and gold with a touch of the 1920’s. Lili used a golden touch of glamour throughout the day. It turned out beautifully and the day was unforgettable.
Brian and Julie had a classic black and white wedding with a reception at Brown Deer! Brian Hall Photographers captured this unforgettable modern, yet timeless wedding to share with you for inspiration.
Greenery, Pantone’s choice for the Color of the Year for 2017, is certainly getting a lot of attention and setting wedding trends all around the world. However, did you know that Pantone has also released nine other stunning colors as part of their Pantone Spring Color Report?
Shelby and Jeff had a beautiful fall rustic wedding captured by Appleby Photography.
Getting healthy and fit should top your wedding to-do list. Whether you have 12 months or only 6 weeks until your wedding, right now is a great time to get organized and develop your fitness plan.
Kristi and Matt had a gorgeous Iowa vintage barn wedding with shades of neutral, blush and navy. Much of their decor with DIY and found with the help of family and friends making their day extra special. Linda Drish of Drish Photography captured this beautiful wedding day to share with you.
Brad and Jaclyn’s sweet love story will melt your heart as you read it. Jaclyn was overwhelmed with emotion and sentimental tears as she shared their journey together. Brian Hall photographers, Inc. captured their special day for them to cherish forever and to share with you!
Your wedding reception is an important part of your wedding day. You want it to be fun for your guests and easy for you.
Before you got that gorgeous ring on your finger, you probably didn’t realize how much work wedding planning would be. Luckily, bridal shows are a huge help, saving you time, money and effort–as long as you prepare! Much like speed-dating, a bridal show gives you the chance to meet many wedding professionals in a short amount of time. In one day, you’ll have the opportunity to taste an array of cakes, smell fresh bouquet flowers and see different photography styles.
Every year, wedding professionals wait with baited breath to see what Pantone will say their Color of the Year will be. For those of you unfamiliar, Pantone is kind of the industry standard for color choice with designers + printers. And, for many trendsetters in fashion, the wedding industry, and beyond you’ll find that their announcement of the ‘color of the year’ can really play a role in the designs + decor to come.
Heart to Heart talks about choosing the perfect wedding dress for every bride planning her wedding.
Jule and Kenny loved their beautiful romantic and antique chic wedding day at Celebration Farms. They planned their wedding together and enjoyed every part of it and are truly honored to share their story with the community to inspire others.
Chris and Hanna met each other through a mutual friend and ended up going on a blind date. The date ended at Texas Road House where they stayed for hours…. well into closing time. Chris and Hanna didn’t even realize the restaurant had closed!
Christopher and Kirsten planned a stunning navy, grey, and blush summer wedding with lots of bling at The Hotel at Kirkwood. Carter Photography has stunning photos to show off their big day.
This Beauty and the Beast themed wedding has us singing “Tale as Old as Time.”
This heartwarming story features a small town girl from Nebraska who meets a small town boy from Wisconsin. Becky Appleby and her team from Appleby Photography were honored to capture their special day to share and help inspire you!
If you need inspiration for your engagement photos, then look no further. Stephanie Duncan of Stephanie Marie Photography was tired of seeing so many wonderful engagements, but feeling like they lacked a creative spin. Stephanie created this photo shoot to inspire and show couples how to think outside the box and be creative with their engagement photos. You inspired us Stephanie, we love it! For more inspiration check out her website. Vendor Credits Photographer: Stephanie Marie Photography, N. Liberty, IA (http://www.stephaniemarie.com) Models: Ashley Piper & Jordan Eric Corpman Styling: Stephanie Marie Photography, N. Liberty, IA (http://www.stephanie-marie-photography.com) Hair & Makeup: Ashlee M. Ferlitsch with The Wave Length, Iowa City, IA (www.thewavelenghtsalon.com) Flowers: Kasey Jurgensen at Summit Hill Farm (www.facebook.com/pages/Summit-Hill-Farm-Iowa-City/1487157441519369) Floral Crown: Coralville Hy-Vee (www.hy-vee.com/stores/detail.aspx?s=37)
Hot of the presses is this super sweet wedding for Brielle and Ryan at the National Czech and Slovak Museum! It was flawlessly photographed by associates Anna H. + Stacie M., can I just tell you how proud I am of the amazing team at Robyn Photo?! Eek!!
Couples can really benefit from couples massage. “It would be great if they came on a regular basis, as it helps them to relax and communicate with each other better.,” says Wahneta. “Once a month would keep their relationship grounded and balanced, while helping them to speak from the heart.”
Your wedding stationary is the first glimpse your guests get into your wedding. A beautifully done save-the-date or invitation will give them a sense of your style. Emily, owner of EmDesign, wants every bride and groom to get the oohs and aahs from amazing wedding invitations.
Tom and Mandy met by chance through a mutual friend/co-worker on a trip to Las Vegas, May 20, 2012. Watch their touching video on how they met, fell in love, the proposal, finding their perfect home, and why they love each other.
When planning a wedding, you have a lot of details to think–and stress–about. Ellen and Cassie, from the Clarion Highlander Hotel, share tips and advice so you can stress less.
Peg and Don were older in life when they met and fell in love. They were happy just being together, until one day Don said they were getting married. And they did, in a parade on a float, at Atkin’s annual Watermelon Days!
This Real Wedding couple is extra special since they ironically met at wedding in which they were both part of the wedding party! Neither Allison nor William expected their lives would change forever by being part of a wedding, but they’re so grateful it has!
Steph and Tim got married on Labor Day weekend so it was only fitting their theme was Rustic Americana with a red, white, and blue color palette. It was a charming Iowa wedding full of love and great inspiration. Appleby Photography took great photos to share.
What do guests think are the most important to a great wedding? Good food and an enjoyable experience.
“We use real, fresh ingredients and our own recipes, made from scratch, never from a mix.” This is what sets The Wright Touch Catering apart from their competition.
Kevin and Esther’s love of the beach was not only incorporated into their romantic proposal, but also into their beautiful rustic beach themed wedding. Family and friends were invited to share in the romance of their special day while enjoying the beautiful views and paradise of Bonita Springs, Florida. Richard Guin Films was happy to capture this day to share.
Gorgeous purple and gold Iowa fall wedding at Cedar Ridge Winery captured by Stacie Ricklefs Photo + Design.
“When the bride has been stressing about her wedding for the last year, it’s nice for her to be able to take a break and enjoy some time before the wedding,” says Colleen Beer of Spa Bilanca.
When planning a wedding, you always wish you had more time: researching vendors, planning Pinterest-worthy decor, and creating the wedding schedule seems to fill more hours than you have available. Heck, even finding time to just cook a healthy meal is difficult. With Nichole Bushong’s help, you’ll get it all done and have more time back in your day.
Allison Krivachek is the owner of Hydrangea Bloom, a florist based in North Liberty. This unique shop specializes in wedding and overall floral design for special events. Whether your event is large or intimate, Allison and her staff use their unique talents to create gorgeous, customized arrangements to complement your occasion. Allison is passionate about making the flower process enjoyable! Her primary goal is to understand her clients’ wedding visions and to bring them to fruition. If it’s over a cup of coffee or a drink at the local watering hole, she will meet to ensure that her clients are happy with the plan for the big day. She will often meet several times prior to the wedding to make sure that everything she is planning is aligned with the couple’s vision, with her own personal on-trend spin. Allison works hard to make sure that her clients are thrilled with her floral work. If there is one thing Allison always gets right, it is the bridal bouquet. She is not only passionate about it; she designs and creates each one individually. We asked Allison a few questions about what to expect when working with a wedding florist, and here is […]
Barb Danielson of Daneilson Photography will help you figure out where to start planning your wedding with some great advice.
Every bride wants an amazing wedding dress. Finding that perfect dress is a special milestone in wedding planning. Elegant Repeats and Elegant Bridal has 24 years of experience helping brides reach that milestone while not breaking the bank.
Ashley’s sister introduced her to Joe while attending Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, thus starting their friendship. Later, while living in different states, they met up again.
Chelsea + Matt’s vision of a soft, romantic wedding came to fruition at the Celebration Farm in Iowa City last fall and The Modern Lovebird was on the scene to capture it.
Great American Popcorn Co. is an award-winning family business that sells gourmet popcorn, ice cream, candy and soda. Here are 3 ways to serve popcorn for weddings, graduations and more:
Vicki and Matt share a fondness of stout beer, so it made perfect sense to incorporate a brewery reception into their wedding. Married in Madison, Wisconsin and captured by Appleby Photography, the couple let their family and friends take part in their love of beer.
Laura and Kyle are two of the kindest people you will meet, so it’s not surprising that they agreed to share their love story and wedding photos with you to help inspire you for your wedding day.
Tazia Heyl with Shores Event Center shared the trends she sees happening and her tips for a great reception. She loves her role in helping wedding couples choose the perfect location for their party.
“Think of your reception from the perspective of your guests,” says Chris. “Once the reception starts, make sure there’s not downtime.
Simon and Cathy met through friends on a Sunday night at Belgium beer garden on St. Kilda road in Melbourne. They started chatting and learned they had a bit in common – their appreciation for good Australian wine.
This fusion wedding with Hindu and American traditions at the Celebration Farm has us swooning!
Cynthia Whitters and Phillip Hynek were high school sweethearts at Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. Phil was a year ahead of Cindy, and friends with her older brother Tom, which is how they got to know one another.
The biggest catering mistake couples make and how to fix it: Padding numbers.
Jill and Morgan may have “celebrity status” here in Cedar Rapids, however their love story is one that many of you can relate to and they were happy to share their story and photos to inspire other couples. Eleanor Kathryn Photography did a great job capturing their cherished moments to have and to hold forever.
Everyone can relate to Erin and Seth’s heartwarming love story. They are a beautiful couple both on the inside and out, and AE Photography LLC did an amazing job capturing not only their engagement, but their breathtaking wedding as well.
Kelli and Aaron met through mutual friends on April 10, 2010 at a Florida Marlins baseball game and their love only grew from there.
Danielson Photography along with Soiree Wedding and Event Planning put together a Magical Modern Boho Orchard Wedding Styled Photo Shoot hosted at Rapid Creek Cidery.
Whether you want unique ways to make your wedding theme more striking, you want an outdoor ceremony or just a fantastic view for your cocktail hour, Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center and Brown Deer Golf Club is your answer.
When you want to know about men’s formal wear trends, you go to the experts. For almost 90 years, Prince Albert Tuxedos has been that expert as a leader in Cedar Rapids tuxedo and formal wear rental.
Conveniently find local vendors with ease, save notes about your wedding details, and utilize planning worksheets to stay on track!
