Meet Their Wedding Pros
ALL VENDORS
Photographer Kyndal Elise Photography | Videographer Whitney Films | Venue Hickory Terrace | Caterer 515 Pi, Es Tas Bar and Grill, Charlotte’s Kitchen | Cake & Desserts Birdsall’s Ice Cream, Jaarsma Bakery | Bartending Your Private Bar | Floral Shelly Sarver Designs | Bride’s Dress & Veil Schaffer’s Bridal, Watters Designs | Tuxes The Black Tux | Bridesmaids Dresses Show Me Your Mumu, Billy J, Selfie Leslie, Birdy Grey | Hair Elevate Studio, Powder Studio | Invites Wolfe Paper Co Maps, Menu, Food Tickets Beta DeFlorian | Engagement Ring & Bride’s Wedding Band Brilliant Earth | Groom’s Wedding Band Manly Bands | Shoes Sam Edelman | Ceremony & Reception Music A Personal Touch DJ | Day of Coordinator Olive Branch Events Co. | Décor Design Shelly Sarver Designs | Extra Rentals Pella Rental, Shelly Sarver Designs, Borrow My Vintage, Milestone Event Rental | Transportation Bus Guys | Restroom Rentals A Kings Throne | Officiant Family friend Nate Van Wyk | Rehearsal Dinner Liberty Street Kitchen | Bridal Shower Clear Lake Yacht Club
See all the vendors we LUST for, that can help you with your big day!
Ellie and Peyton met during their senior year at Iowa State University through mutual friends. Their first date lasted hours, ending only when the restaurant closed for the night! They knew they had an immediate connection that could go the distance.
A few years later, they traveled back to Iowa for what Ellie thought was a family weekend. When they arrived, Peyton led her to the family’s dock which had been set up with a perfect proposal setting – such a romantic, surprise move! After popping the big question, the couple was showered with love by their friends and family during an extra special, incredibly thoughtful engagement party.
Though they now live in Wisconsin, Ellie and Peyton knew they wanted to get married in Iowa where their roots are. Hickory Terrace in Pella – with its rolling hills, grazing cattle, pond, and open space – offered the relaxed, natural setting they wanted for their wedding. They dreamed of a tented, backyard-style celebration with a colorful palette and easygoing and personal vibe.
“My favorite part of the planning process was having full creative freedom to design a day that felt completely us,” Ellie says. “I loved dreaming up the details, sourcing pieces, and diving into all the DIY projects.”
Shelly Sarver Designs absolutely knocked it out of the park with the floral arrangements – totally elevating the backyard vibes, adding natural textures and stunning dusty peach tones to the bouquets, tables, and ceremony spot by the pond.
Ellie was an absolute dream walking down the aisle. She wore a romantic, off-the-shoulder dress, and full-length veil. During the ceremony, one of Ellie’s best friends sang a blessing as friends and family put their hands on the couple – it was a moment of overwhelming love.
After a light sprinkle of rain during the ceremony, the sun came out and hundreds of dragonflies filled the air. They later learned that dragonflies symbolize new beginnings and a sign of love from those who have passed. Goosebumps!
The couple decided to take a personal spin on their food choices, making the reception uniquely their own! In addition to hiring the incredible mobile bar service – Your Private Bar – they opted for their favorite food trucks instead of a traditional dinner. They also had Birdsall’s ice cream, which is a nostalgic favorite from Ellie’s hometown that is owned by her dad and stepmom, and Dutch pastries from Pella, a nod to Peyton’s heritage.
They also got creative with adding quippy sayings throughout the space, inviting all their guests to join them after their first dance to “Joy of My Life,” and designing a custom map with their favorite personal landmarks.
Though they had many personal elements in their day, Ellie says the most special of all was having Peyton’s sister, Kyndal, be the photographer. Spending the ins and outs of the special day with her by their day made it all the more meaningful.
Reflecting on their wedding experience, Ellie shares the advice to be intentional. “Plan a day that feels right to you—not what’s expected. If it reflects who you are as a couple, you won’t regret a single thing,” she says.
Simple, heartfelt, and true to who they are – their wedding was exactly what they hoped it would be.
