Danielle & Jake - Boho Summer Microwedding in Iowa

Wedding

Aug 15

Jake and Danielle's love story began when they met in a college art class at the University of Northern Iowa. They both studied graphic design and spent their days creating and collaborating on projects. After spending a couple of semesters attending the same classes, they found themselves gravitating towards each other. Jake was always finding excuses to work on homework together, and before long, Danielle knew that they were meant to be. After graduating in 2015, Jake and Danielle moved to downtown Des Moines and settled into their new life together. They spent their days working on creative projects, listening to music, and hanging out with their two cats, Cece and Cooper. In 2018, Jake proposed to Danielle at the John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Garden downtown, and they started planning their dream wedding. They had originally planned an East Village wedding, since they love to spend time there, but the pandemic had other plans, and they chose to get married on family land instead.

On the big day, Jake got ready for the ceremony in a cool garage “man cave” filled with incredible vintage signage, a mini basketball hoop, and a foosball table. Danielle got ready with her best gals in the house, and the couple shared their first look in a sunny garden. Danielle wore a stunning long-sleeved dress with intricate lace detailing and a dramatic plunge neckline, while Jake looked dapper in his suit. Danielle's short bob haircut was done with a simple braided headband style and beachy waves. The bridesmaids wore burgundy velvet gowns and groomsmen sported khakis and floral ties, which all complemented Danielle’s stunning bouquet of eucalyptus, pink roses, white daisies, and dramatic burgundy protea.

Jake and Danielle wanted to celebrate their love in a non-traditional way that reflected their unique personalities. The ceremony was held in front of a wooded treeline area, and guests were seated on staggered chairs on the lawn for COVID safety. Danielle and her dad drove up to the ceremony in a super cool vintage sportscar, a burgundy Corvette Stingray. They said "I do" in front of a lush circular greenery arch that was bursting with pink roses and white daisies. A custom neon sign that read "our time is now" was hung at the top of the circle as a little nod to all the COVID weddings that had to be rescheduled during the pandemic. The couple even made a miniature painting together on a little tiny canvas and displayed it on a mini easel for their unity tradition. After exchanging heartfelt vows, Jake and Danielle sealed their love with a kiss, and the guests cheered as they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds.

The reception was held outdoors, on the lawn and under a tent that was decorated with flowers, disco balls, and potted succulents. Guests were provided with sanitizer, masks, and a clever wristband system for COVID safety. Their rustic, naked, 1-tier cutting cake was adorned with pink roses and fern fronds, and chocolate and vanilla cupcakes were served for guests to enjoy. They partied into the night with heartfelt toasts and dancing on the lawn at sunset, and even popped a bottle of champagne and sprayed it all over to celebrate.

In conclusion, Jake and Danielle's wedding was a beautiful celebration of their love and unique personalities. From the lush greenery arch to the vintage sportscar, the day was filled with personal touches that made it truly unforgettable. They were surrounded by love, laughter, and dancing as they celebrated with their loved ones.