This wedding was such a beauty, and we had the perfect day (a bit muggy at first, but what else is new in Iowa!?) to celebrate Laura + Derek’s vows! Check out this stunning couple and their Prairie Moon Winery day!
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Prairie Moon Winery
I love capturing wedding days in central Iowa, and Prairie Moon Winery is one of the best hidden venues in the area! Just outside of Ames, it’s a stunning space and it was a joy to photograph Ada and James’ wedding here in August!
Here's to the past, for all that you've learned,
Here's to the present, for all that you share,
Here's to the future, for all that you look forward to together
-Lauren’s dad
Luke and Megan are so much fun! They booked me for their September wedding after talking on the phone this spring, but we didn’t meet until their engagement session at the end of May. We headed downtown Des Moines to shoot some photos by the river (peep those gorgeous gardens at the World Food Prize) and then moved over to WaterWorks Park. You just can’t go wrong with the gorgeous green spaces there! Jasper Winery made an appearance, too, and these two rocked their engagement photos— despite the humidity and numerous swarming bugs.
“Touch my soul and hold it tight
I’ve been waiting all my life
I won’t scar your young heart
Just take my hand.”
Oh, where to begin! These two. Katie and Jake met at Iowa State through the same campus ministry. At first glance, they appeared opposites. He was, through and through, a farm boy. She was also from a small town, but had dreams of moving overseas. Jake is tall. Katie is …not short, but not as tall as Jake. ;) Jake started off quiet, Katie's personality matches her brilliant hair.
However, the Lord had plans for these two! Katie recruited Jake to go overseas one summer (to Mongolia!). They started hanging out, talking, and the mutual interest grew. Surprise, surprise—they started dating. And got engaged! And that brings us to a month ago. March 18, 2017. The day Katie and Jake married, surrounded by their family and best friends…including a few from around the world! It was a day to celebrate…but first…everyone had to get dolled (and guy'd) up. :)
Next up: the first look. Oh, it was sweet! Also, even though the sun was harsh and the wind just as harsh (in a cold way)…we found a spot at the reception location, Prairie Moon Winery in Ames, and it was just perfect for the big reveal!
On to bridal party portraits! I am going to be real—March is a hard month to make pretty portraits. Everything is still dead, and you don't know if it'll be warm or snowing. I knew campus would at least provide us a few options for open shade, and some evergreens. Iowa State's campus is never a bad choice…it's always gorgeous! ;)
We headed back to warm up inside (it doesn't look it, but it there was a bitter wind.) The musicians began to warm up, the girls put finishing touches back on their makeup, and the ceremony began!
Post-ceremony, everyone heading next door to Prairie Moon. White Willow did an amazing job with the decor—all the greens and white tones were perfect. Katie & Jake's wedding party also did a great job on their entrances. (After being a bridesmaid in 3 weddings, I can attest to how hard it is to come up with fun things to do in the two seconds you think about it before walking in front of 300 people!!)
Cake cutting. Jake's mom put (plastic) spiders in their cake. It was great!
We snuck out to grab a few more portraits in the golden light, around the winery. I narrowed it down, but it was hard! These two rocked it.
Oh—you thought we were done? NOT EVEN CLOSE! Y'all …these two are getting about twice what I normally give out for weddings! This is a new record for me, blogging-wise, and otherwise. Maybe I'm just going to overshoot my 2017 weddings this year? Bring it! Too much pretty!
Vendor Details
Ceremony: Christ Community Ames
Reception: Prairie Moon Winery
Catering: Hickory Park
Videography: Jason & Emily Stuhrenberg
Katie's Dress: Orange City Chrysalis
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Sarah Wood
Event Coordinator: Taylor H. at White Willow Events