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Reception Music Complete Weddings + Events, DJ Giovanni Bahena
Groom's Attire Skeffington's Formal Wear
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Photographer KMP Photo | Ceremony Venue Salisbury House & Gardens | Reception Venue Django Reinhardt Room | Caterer Django | Cake & Desserts Crème, Costco | Floral Boesen | Bride’s Dress & Veil Pure Bridal | Dress Alterations Gretchen Bohling Design | Groom's Hair DSM Salon | Invites Truly Engaging | Rings Owen Jewelry Design | Officiant Groom's uncle, Scott Pitsch
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When two Iowa State University alums cross paths working at a bar in Ames, you don't always expect it to lead to a romantic proposal in Paris. But for Hailey and Nate, their love story is one of serendipity, shared passions, and an unforgettable wedding celebration.
After meeting the summer Hailey graduated from ISU, the two bonded during slow shifts and post-work hangouts … which eventually turned into a full relationship. When the time was right, Hailey and Nate custom-designed her engagement ring at Owen Jewelry Design in Des Moines, incorporating a diamond from Nate’s grandmother and blue sapphires to represent her birthstone. A few months later, they planned a very special trip to Paris and Nate popped the question.
When dreaming up their wedding day, Hailey envisioned a look inspired by their time in France and Nate’s travels in Ireland – Old World European charm with a whimsical, romantic twist. Salisbury House and Gardens in Des Moines was the first thing they nailed down for wedding planning and it proved to be the perfect venue. “We liked the uniqueness and historical elements of the house,” Hailey shares. “And that we didn’t have to do much decorating – after all there is already priceless art on the walls.”
For the reception, the couple chose the Django Reinhardt Room across from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The plated dinner was incredible, made even better with the professionalism of the waitstaff, geniality of the bartenders, and the care the house chefs put into each dish. “It felt more like a Jay Gatsby party than a wedding,” Hailey says.
Personal touches were everywhere in this wedding day: hand-painted clam shell place cards that doubled as keepsakes, mismatched bridesmaid dresses in coordinating hues from the wedding palette, and heartfelt speeches. There was also an incredible dance floor moment between Hailey and her mom during ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” and a special moment when Nate’s two grandfathers (who he looks up to the most) walked him down the aisle.
And every special element was beautifully captured by Kendra Plathe of KMP Photo alongside her partner Nate (yes, another Nate!). Not only did they bring warmth and ease to the process, but they even stepped in to drive the newlyweds between venues when a transportation detail slipped through the cracks!
The couple’s advice for wedding planning? Talk to your partner about everything.
“You might not always agree on things, but it’s a special day for both of you, and you should each feel like part of it,” Hailey says. “Nate ended up picking the song I walked down the aisle to all because I asked if he had any suggestions for it. Even small details like that can make the day super meaningful for both partners.”
Cheers to the lovebirds as they begin their beautiful life together!
