Meet Their Wedding Pros
PREMIER VENDORS
Videographer Amanda, Sweet Story Photography
Ceremony & Reception Music The groom Chris Powell, Vows & Vibes
ALL VENDORS
Photographer KMP Photography | Venue Annett Nature Center | Caterer CharcuteMe, The Cheese Wagon, Best Spudz Food Truck | Cake & Dessert 3 Bean Bakehouse | Floral Jeri Sims, bride’s aunt, and Jody Elwell, bride’s mom | Houseplant Rental Renovation Jungle | Wedding Dress Budget Bridal Outlet | Hair Ashley, Pure Salon AVEDA | Makeup The bride | Nail Salon T&D Nails | Engagement Ring Family heirloom | Jewelry Morphew Designs | Rehearsal Dinner Scenic Route Bakery
See all the vendors we LUST for, that can help you with your big day!
Jessie and Chris’ wedding day was nothing short of magical, filled with heartfelt moments, unexpected surprises, and the love of their closest family and friends. It was an absolute reflection of their personalities – vibrant, fun, and completely unforgettable.
The couple’s story began back in high school, where they met through a mutual friend at swing dance nights at the Val Air Ballroom. Though they went their separate ways after high school, fate brought them back together ten years later at AJ’s Karaoke Bar in Des Moines.
Chris pulled out all the stops for the proposal – and he absolutely nailed it – creating a perfectly coordinated surprise in Las Vegas for Halloween. While watching street performers that he had secretly coordinated, Chris jumped in to join a rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Halfway through the performance, about 30 of their friends and family members removed their Halloween masks, and Chris dropped to one knee.
Jessie and Chris are no strangers to the wedding industry. They own a wedding entertainment business, Vows & Vibes, specializing in providing live music, DJ and officiating services for weddings! So, they were heavily involved in bringing their vision to life and making it uniquely their own.
“My advice is to do your wedding your way. It is your wedding. You can do whatever you want to celebrate your love,” Jessie shares.
The couple chose to have an outdoor wedding at Annett Nature Center near Lake Ahquabi State Park in Indianola. The spot was naturally beautiful, and the perfect setting for the laid-back garden party vibe – tropical shirts, vibrant florals, yet personal and intimate.
Instead of starting with the ceremony, they decided to host a relaxed cocktail hour and food truck dinner, then the ceremony at 8:15 p.m. followed immediately by an incredible dance party. Such a fun twist on the traditional timeline.
Sadly, Jessie’s father passed away the day before the wedding. She walked down the aisle solo, with Chris singing “A Boy Like Me” as a tribute to her dad. She also wore a bike earring to honor her father and one of their favorite things to do together. Jessie says it really felt like her dad was “there” in these moments.
Their close friend who officiated the wedding, rigged fireworks to go off during Chris and Jessie’s first kiss as a married couple. He also asked their families and wedding party shared what “love” meant to them during the ceremony.
And obviously, their dance party was one for the ages. Chris surprised Jessie with a special wedding gift – he had learned an hour of new music she had never heard before and he took over the dance floor. How incredible to have a couple that DJ’d, performed, and emceed their own wedding day!
They also leaned on their community of talented friends and family to make it possible.
Jessie’s close friend Katie, who works at Scenic Route Bakery, made the desserts. Jessie’s aunt and mom made the floral arrangements, and friends helped decorate the space with thousands of string lights. Kendra from KMP Photography captured every magical moment of the day, while the talented Amanda with Sweet Story Photography brought it all together on film.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We couldn’t have done it without all the help from the people we care about most,” Jessie shares.
