Meet Their Wedding Pros
PREMIER VENDORS
Wedding Dress Bridal Connection
Linens Beyond Elegance
ALL VENDORS
Photographer Missie Lafrenz Photography | Videographer Twelve One Projects, Donovan Carboney | Ceremony & Reception Venue The Hive at Busy Bee | Shower Revival House Des Moines | Rehearsal Dinner Trostel’s Greenbriar | Caterer Whatcha Smokin' BBQ | Dessert Michele Gavin | Ice Cream Truck Outside Scoop | Cake Laura Calvert | Floral Bee Kind Florist | Tuxes Men’s Warehouse | Bridesmaid Dresses Azazie | Hair & Makeup Copper & Fringe Beauty Co, Morgan and Madison | Tanning Tanique | Nail Salon Premier Nail Bar | Invites & Paper Products Truly Engaging | Jewelry Greenberg’s Ankeny | Ceremony Music Lenny and Karley Crouse | Reception Music A Special Event DJ, Cody Weidman | Photobooth A Special Event DJ, Savannah Bryan | Planner and Coordinator Budget Bride Iowa, Jenna Pauley and Rachel Van Wyk | Rentals Good Co. DSM, Vowed Vintage | Transportation 515 Party Bus | Officiant Jason Burns, Grace Alive Church | Hotel Country Inn + Suites
See all the vendors we LUST for, that can help you with your big day!
Rachel and Joey’s love story began in a classroom at Simpson College. Rachel had just transferred for her sophomore year and, when it came time to choose a partner for a class assignment, she spotted Joey across the room. She took a chance and asked him to team up. He agreed — though he promptly left her with the assignment while he headed to Wisconsin for the first football game of the season.
What started as a simple classroom connection quickly grew into a relationship built on a foundation of faith, family, and a shared sense of humor that has carried them through every season of life.
Joey’s proposal perfectly reflected their playful dynamic and their love for their dog, Rosie. After celebrating Rosie’s birthday with a pup cup, the couple headed to Saylorville Lake for a sunset walk. Along the trail, Joey got down on one knee with a handwritten sign that read, “Fur my birthday, I want my pawrents to be married.” It was completely them.
When it came to planning their wedding, Rachel envisioned a relaxed boho-chic aesthetic with soft rose, pink, gold, and tan tones layered with a subtle country charm. Personal details were woven into every part of the day — from the décor and music to the ceremony and menu.
The couple chose The Hive at Busy Bee in Indianola as their venue, a charming setting nestled among rolling rural hills. The June celebration featured a sunny outdoor ceremony and beautiful indoor reception.
Rachel found her dream dress at Bridal Connection. The lace bodice gave the gown a breezy summertime feel while still feeling timeless as she walked down the aisle. She also carried a sentimental locket from her sister with photos of her grandparents, ensuring they were present in spirit.
Faith and family were at the heart of the ceremony. Centered around a wooden cross, the service included worship songs performed by Rachel’s cousins, creating a deeply meaningful start to their marriage. Surrounded by their closest friends and family — including their beloved niece and nephews — the event was both intimate and joyful.
One of the highlights of their day was being able to personalize their reception menu. With no catering restrictions at the venue, they brought in Whatcha Smokin’ BBQ to serve up their favorite comfort foods. Guests also enjoyed a beverage cart featuring a signature drink named after Rosie and a late-night ice cream truck — perfect for a warm summer evening.
Photographer Missie Lafrenz helped coordinate a special photo session back at Simpson College between the ceremony and reception, where the couple took portraits on campus — including the football field where Joey and some of his groomsmen once played.
As the night came to a close, Rachel and Joey shared a private last dance to “That’s What Love Is” by Alexandra Kay. It was a quiet, emotional moment to reflect on a day they had long prayed for, carefully planned, and finally experienced together.
Looking back, Rachel offers simple but heartfelt advice for future couples: “Don’t rush the process. Everything will come together how it is supposed to and not necessarily maybe how you planned it. The main thing to focus on is having fun and remembering the reason behind the day, marrying your forever person.”
