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!

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.