They leaned way into the cliche Iowa tropes by getting married in a tiny town, a little church, and at the local American Legion. I’ve photographed a couple American Legion weddings in my day, but Grace and Ben’s wedding was by far one of the coolest and most unique I’ve ever gotten to witness. Their day was the perfect balance of colorful + cool!

If you’d rather not have to book a cookie cutter hotel room for getting ready, consider booking the Foxcroft Estate or scouring other options on Airbnb.

When you think of an Iowa wedding day, most people visualize corn, beer, party buses, mason jars, cowboy boots, hay bales… the list goes on. Little does the whole world know that Iowa actually has some gorgeous venues and spaces that can feel like a European summer in the heart of the Midwest. If you’re hoping your wedding day can feel more romantic, soft, upscale yet laid back, The Prelude venue in New Virginia, Iowa just outside of the Des Moines metro, is a gorgeous spot to keep in mind. Between the roses, the courtyard, the checkered floors, art work, statues, spiral staircases, and so on, you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own Jane Austen inspired moment.

Des Moines, Iowa has such a wide variety of wedding venues to offer. There’s a space for every type of couple whether it be old money, western, whimsical, and so on. That being said, it’s hard to find a space that feels truly timeless. If you’re looking for a blank slate that still overs unique aspects, all while remaining timeless, the Willow on Grand is the space for you. Tall ceilings, white walls, a beautiful bridal suite, a bar, big windows, green space, and so on are all available at this venue. Whether you’re wanting to have a black and white wedding, or one busting with colors, this space is perfect for it all! Plus it’s a short drive from hotels, parks, and any other amenities you’d need.

Dorian + Austin’s wedding day was a true representation of them as a couple in every single way. Each detail was so intentionally thought through and personalized — you can truly tell who they are based on every piece of their wedding day. The colors, the design, the florals, bubbles, their guests, literally every single little detail was excellent!!!

If you’re looking for a smaller venue in the Midwest, I’d strongly encourage checking out the MN Landscape Arboretum! There were so many nooks on the grounds of the arboretum — it was photo heaven! One fun spot of note in the indoor greenhouse area. We took a few of their couples portraits in here and it was soooooo gorgeous and added some easy variety to their gallery.

Ellie + Peyton’s Iowa Summer Backyard Tent Wedding Day

Madi + Jack: Colorful Iowa Wedding Day

Genevieve + Mitch’s wedding day was the perfect example of a timeless + personal day. Their wedding color scheme was simply different shades of blue, lots of floral prints, and there was an emphasis on sentimental details. Some of those details included the lace on Genevieve’s dress which came from her mother’s wedding dress, Mitch’s cufflinks which were gifted from Genevieve, and G’s veil made by her mom. And obviously, G’s reception dress made entirely from her mom’s wedding dress. So so so dang fun!

Mya + Tanner’s Modern Iowa Fall Wedding Day

Whether you’ve seen this coming for weeks or you were completely surprised, it’s official! That being said, the to-do list always seems daunting and never ending. Here are 5 things to focus on the first few weeks of your engagement…