A Classic Celebration
Collin and I got married on September 28, 2018 at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines, Iowa. This country club is located across the interstate from my parents’ house so it felt very much like home for me. Our ceremony took place on a circular veranda, with gorgeous views of the wooded golf course. It was such a stunning location, and the natural setting fit perfectly with my desire for a classic, white and green wedding.
We chose Shelly Sarver as our florist since we love the work she’d done previously at our venue. I told her I liked a lot of greenery, eucalyptus, and white, full flowers. She did a great job with my minimal direction; I absolutely loved the garland chandelier and arbor in our ceremony space.
My bridesmaids and I got our hair and makeup done at Estilo, one of my favorite Des Moines salons, before coming to the venue to have lunch and get ready.
Thanks goes to Zach Lefebure and Justin Lefebure, Collin’s cousins, for our fabulous photos.
The Coldest, Best, Coldest Day Ever
I did photos with my bridesmaids and intermediate family before the ceremony but Collin and I planned not to see each other until I walked down the aisle.
I can’t speak about this day without addressing what felt like freezing temps! Our date was late September so we knew the weather for our outdoor ceremony would be a toss up, but the week before was 80s so we thought we were in the clear. Iowa weather had other plans, as the temps hovered around 45 degrees and drizzly. We had actually planned to have our dance back outside on the veranda but moved it inside last minute since my lips were literally blue after the ceremony!
Our Bright Outdoors Ceremony
Weather aside, our ceremony was absolutely beautiful. My friend Mallory played violin as my dad and I walked down the aisle, a vocalist sang “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott, my aunt read Colossians 3: 12-17, and our Pastor made it special for both of us.
We wrote our own vows — something that was also a last minute decision — and I’d really recommend it even if you aren’t writers. Having the handwritten vows to remind yourselves of the promises you made to each other is so special.
The Real Celebration
Our wedding wouldn’t be complete without our baby, Codie! I asked our florist to make her a garland wreath and it turned out adorable. I think she was several guests’ highlight of the wedding. And I don’t blame them.
Collin and I danced our first dance to “Diamonds or Twine” by Ryan Hurd. My dad and I took ballroom dancing lessons before the wedding and performed our Rumba to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, which is definitely something I’ll remember and cherish forever.
After some wild dancing and treats at the ice cream bar, everyone came back out into the cold (which for some reason didn’t feel as cold this time around) 😉 to see us off with sparklers.
This day was certainly one of the best days of my life. I know everyone says that about their wedding, but no one can really prepare you for the overwhelming joy and love that comes from having all of your favorite people in one place to celebrate you and your love.
