Kierra and Cordell’s Vendors

Photographer // Austin Day | Ceremony Venue // Salisbury House | Reception Venue Blank Golf Course | Cake or Dessert // Crème Cupcake + Dessert, Hy-Vee Bakery sheet cakes | Floral // As You Wish Floral Design | Makeup // Penelope Beauty Bar, Bopha Baccam | Nail Salon // 4 Seasons Nails & Spa | Bridal dresses // Schaffer’s | Wedding Dress // JLM Couture, Ti Adora dress | Mens Suits // Berardi Bro’s | Ties & Bow ties // Etsy | Gift Registry // Target | Bistro Lighting // Beyond Elegance | Engagement Ring // Jared | Wedding Band // Rogers Jewelers | Stationery & Calligraphy // Brenda Baccam, on Instagram @brendamakesstuff | Transportation // American Party Buses | Rentals // Eventfully Yours | Officiant // Pastor Roscoe & Gloria Miller of Fountain of Life Cathedral

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It was a hot summer day when Cordell and Kierra first locked eyes at the Des Moines event, CelebrAsian, while these soon to be lovebirds were still in high school. Words were not exchanged, but they soon connected through social media. Both were a little bashful when they were first talking, but once Cordell asked Kierra to his senior prom, by spring they were officially a couple!

Cordell wanted his proposal to be a moment they would never forget. Kierra had worked at a local café in high school, Cordell thought that would be the perfect spot! Kierra thought she was meeting her mother for a Christmas party, but to her surprise, when she showed up, decorations and flashing cameras were everywhere! Kierra instantly knew what was going on and started to cry out of excitement. Cordell came forward with the ring in his hand, gently knelt down, and told Kierra how much she meant to him. Surrounded by the people who love them the most, the high school sweethearts decided to spend the rest of their lives together.

Kierra knew a Bohemian style, complemented with earthy tones and deep reds would be perfect for their day. The process was even more special with the help of her cousins who worked to create a garland for the head table and a photo booth wall. The couple was truly touched by all who helped and how many genuine people they met along the way.

The wedding day was full of culture, history, and tradition. Tucked between Kierra’s hands and the bouquet was her Christening book, which her grandmother saved. And Cordell’s parents officiated the wedding, which had always been on his bucket list. Keeping with an African American tradition, the couple jumped over a broom during the ceremony that had been decorated to match the bouquets and the bridesmaid’s hairpieces. The tradition symbolizes "sweeping away" their single lives and leaping into a new adventure as husband and wife.

After the wedding day was over, Cordell and Kierra agreed that the biggest piece of advice to pass onto newly engaged couples is to be present in the moment, because the wedding day will be over before you know it. All the planning and hard work will pay off, but you need to enjoy it while it lasts!