Kristi Schuette & Matt Ballweg
September 3, 2016
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 and Jaimy Ellis-Photographer captured this beautiful wedding day to share with you.
How they first meet…
Kristi and Matt first met through a mutual friend. As Matt tells the story, he requested an introduction because he knew right then and there that Kristi would be his girlfriend. And she did! But not for another year and a half. Kristi was attending undergrad out of state and Matt was busy wrestling at the University of Iowa. They continued to spend time together on summer and winter breaks, and finally, after Matt’s last wrestling season, Kristi became his girlfriend.
How they knew they were the one…
Kristi and Matt both graduated from their respective undergraduate schools. Kristi was accepted into the physician assistant program at Yale in New Haven, CT. At that time, they both knew no matter how many miles were between them, they would end up together no matter what. It was then, planning for the future and each one planning the other into their lives, that they knew marriage would be in their future.
The proposal…
Kristi and Matt were away with her family at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina celebrating her grandmother’s birthday over Easter weekend. As the family members boarded their own flights to return home, Kristi and Matt were one of the remaining few to leave. They went for a walk on the beach, just about sunset. Easter was just about their four-year anniversary (neither one could remember any official date, so they made one up; April 1st!). Matt asked Kristi her favorite things of the past four years together, and Kristi returned the question. He ended the list on one knee with a question; “Will you marry me?” Of course the answer was yes, much to the pleasure of the other beach patrons and balcony watchers.
Wedding theme and color palette…
Being in a barn, Kristi and Matt wanted to keep things casual. The bridesmaids picked out their own dresses in varying shades of neutrals and blushes, while the men wore heathered navy pants, soda pink shirts and matching navy ties. Matt wore an oatmeal colored vest. Kristi, along with family and friends, scoured antique stores and second-hand shops to find the centerpiece collections, wanting to give the feeling of “found” items, as if these were found in the barn. In one book that Kristi bought, she found a hand written note from the early 1900s! Kristi also collected nearly 300 antique China plates for the dinner. Matt contributed by creating nearly 40 planter-style boxes out of reclaimed wood from their corn crib and also old fencing.
Most memorable wedding moments…
Kristi and Matt loved seeing all of their ideas and planning come to life. Seeing all of the decorations they had picked out by hand all come together was really special. They included objects with great meaning in the decor, such as an old Schwinn bike that Matt hauled back from a hunting trip in Wyoming, repaired and gave to Kristi as a Christmas gift.
Obviously, the first look was unforgettable.
Finally, the first dance was very special to both of them. A friend of the couple’s played “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis on the guitar and also sang while Kristi and Matt surprised guests with a rehearsed dance in front of a back-lit backdrop which concluded with Matt dipping Kristi for a kiss.
Advice for other couple’s getting married…
Enjoy the planning! Get as much done a head of time as possible. The key to a stress-free wedding day is in the planning. The separation is in the preparation!
Vendor Credits:
Photographers
Linda Drish – Drish Photography Washington, IA
Assisted by Jaimy Ellis – Jaimy Ellis-Photographer
Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Private Barn – Groom’s Family Acreage – Waverly, IA
Ceremony & Reception Venue
Private Barn, Groom’s Family Acreage – Waverly, IA
Officiant
Elder Betsy Momany
Bride’s Gown (brand/designer + bridal shop)
Judd Waddell – A Little Something White – Darien, CT
Alterations by Sally of Clothworks – Iowa City, IA
Jewelry/Accessories
Francesca’s
Hair & Makeup
Jiva Salon and Spa – Cedar Falls, IA
Rings (shop)
Ginsberg Jewelers – Cedar Rapids, IA
Florist
Jennie at Ecker’s Flowers and Greenhouses – Waverly, IA
Décor & Rentals
Tent, tables and chairs–Special Occasions – Waterloo, IA
Audio equipment–Big Ten Rentals – Iowa City, IA
Wedding Coordinator
Sara Williams – Washington, IA
Invitations & Stationery
Michelle Shalla at Zephyr Weddings – Coralville, IA
Caterer
P.H.A.T Daddy’s – Amana, IA
Cake
Megan’s Cakes – Waterloo, IA
Entertainment (DJ/Band/Etc.)
Acoustic guitar and vocals by friend of the couple; DJ also by friend of the couple
Transportation
Dolly’s Party Bus
Hotel Accommodations
Cobblestone Inn and Suites – Waverly, IA
Comfort Inn – Waverly, IA
Honeymoon
Honeymooned in Estes Park, CO – Stayed in small cabin via AirBnB
