Aleisha + Clayton’s Wedding Day Pros

PREMIER HEARTLAND WEDDING IDEAS VENDORS
Floral Shelly Sarver Designs 

ALL WEDDING VENDORS
Photographer Ivory + Bliss | Videographer Madisen Lynn Videography | Ceremony & Reception Venue Walker Homestead | Cakes & Dessert Elida’s Bakery, Valerie’s French Cooking | Wedding Dress Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, Galia Lahav | Bridesmaid Dress Cheryl-Ann Bridals & Tuxedos, Jasmine Bridal | Tuxes Graham’s, Michael Kors | Hair & Makeup Thompson & Co. Salon Parlor, Kristen @cosmokristintco | Nail Salon Pearl Nails Harbor | Stationery Allegra, Iowa City | Jewelry Kay Jewelers, James Martin Jewelers | Ceremony Music String Poets | Reception Music Nova Sounds | Event Planner Soirée Wedding Planning | Décor Design Soirée Wedding Planning | Transportation Express Midwest | Officiant Bride’s Grandfather | Hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Coralville 

See all the vendors we LUST for, that can help you with your big day!

In high school, Clayton asked Aleisha to prom with a sign saying – “Lego to prom?” – a cutesy play on his last name. Little did he know that Lego blocks would one day be a building block for their gorgeous, joy-filled wedding! 

Much like that promposal, the engagement was a total surprise for Aleisha. Clayton arranged a double date night to Park Farm Winery with woodfired pizza, local wine, and romantic countryside views. When the moment was just right on the patio of the winery, Clayton popped the big question! He even arranged for a photographer friend to capture the moment and their families joined for the celebration. 

The special atmosphere of the winery provided inspiration for wedding planning. Aleisha and Clayton wanted to choose a venue that incorporated nature and supported the community, plus had airy, earthy, romantic vibes – and they found just that at Walker Homestead outside of Iowa City. 

“It has beautiful views, wonderful food and wine, and such friendly staff. The idea of farm to table was also something that we were so happy to incorporate into our wedding day,” Aleisha says. 

The couple worked hand in hand throughout the whole wedding process, which was a special way to begin their lifelong journey together. They coordinated closely with Emily and Gracie of Soiree Wedding Planning to put a fine point on every detail, identify additional vendors, and ensure the day ran smoothly. 

When envisioning their special day, Aleisha and Clayton had a lot of fun playing with their future last name. They had a Lego groom’s cake, Lego bouquets, and even Lego shoe charms!

In a more subtle nod, they incorporated a bright jewel-tone palette into their invitations, bridesmaid dresses, linens, and of course, the stunning florals. Shelly Sarver Designs picked up the bright color palette and created the perfect earthy, yet playful bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony altar. 

“Shelly made our absolute dream vision come to life! I was so excited about the bright colors of our florals being everywhere, and she made that happen,” Aleisha shares. “I still look at the pictures of the floral in awe because it was even better than I ever could have imagined.”

Aleisha had long admired the photographer Ivory + Bliss, so Lindsay was one of the first vendors the couple booked. 

“She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. We never had our photos professionally taken, so we were initially nervous, but Lindsay put us at ease right away,” she shares. 

They also worked with Madisen Lynn Videography to capture a video of the wedding day that included all the special “real” moments that made the day perfect. She quickly became a friend to the couple, sharing positive and infectious energy throughout the day. 

Reflecting on what worked well throughout the planning process Aleisha credits her and Clayton’s teamwork. 

“The partnership between the two of us during the planning process was special and it was also so meaningful for us to have our loved ones collaborate with us as well,” Aleisha says. “We loved having pieces of them in the planning and throughout the day because they mean so much to us.”