Heartland Wedding Ideas

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Black-Tie Affair – Emily + Nate

Emily + Nate’s Wedding Day Pros

Photographer Janelle Elise Photography | Videographer The Vine Productions | Ceremony Venue The Basilica of Saint John | Reception Venue Rollins Mansion | Rehearsal Jasper Winery, with Baratta’s catering | Caterer & Dessert The Tangerine Food Company | Floral Artisan Floral & Events by Saley | Hair and Makeup Bridesmaids, DSM Salon and Spa, Bride did her own makeup | Tanning Bronze515 | Fitness Peloton cycling at home | Wedding Dress Emily Hart Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses Revelry, Man of Honor with bow tie and pocket square from Revelry | Tuxedos The Black Tux | Stationery Shine Wedding Invitations and wax seals from Artisaire | Jewelry Custom Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands, Greenberg's Jeweler | Ceremony Music Quartet 515 | Reception Music STE Event Group | Event Planning Anthony Marinaro at Out of Box Productions | Decor Design Out of Box Productions, Vintage Love Rentals, Rollins Mansion, and Artisan Floral & Events by Saley | Transportation Majestic Limo & Coach | Officiant Reverend Mr. Mark Campbell | Hotel Surety Hotel

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A sentimental place to pop the question.

The perfect wedding for Emily and Nate – a classic, black-tie affair full of vintage pieces and romantic feels with a touch of “Downton Abbey” inspiration.

Both from Cedar Falls, the couple attended the same high school but ultimately met through mutual friends in college. Emily said she was completely surprised when Nate proposed. Nate took her to the exact place he told her “I love you” for the first time – a parking garage in Iowa City, and Emily said yes!

Find inspiration for the style of your day.

Since the couple loves “Downton Abbey,” they took inspiration from it for their elegant wedding. Emily created a lot of special pieces that made the wedding even more authentic to their style. She used vinyl cut lettering on framed glass and mirrors for signage (all purchased from IKEA and Goodwill!) and created a wine bottle guest book, where guests could to sign bottles they would open as they celebrate their anniversary. Her favorite project was creating pressed-flower table numbers that her and her mom worked on all summer. So special!

Emily wore a stunning, off-the-shoulder gown paired with an eye-catching Victorianinspired bouquet. Wanting more of a classic, timeless aesthetic, she glided down the aisle alongside different shades of red roses. The whole ceremony was absolutely romantic and elegant, exactly what the couple wanted. Rollins Mansion was a spectacular place to have their black-tie wedding reception. The beautiful mansion complemented their romantic vision and had some extra bonuses. With the mansion having a library, the couple had a special room to share family photos of their parent’s wedding day as well as family members who had passed away. Emily made signs, frames and a special lantern to highlight the area.

“I loved that guests could step into the library and ‘meet’ our family members that way,” Emily said.

Hire a wedding planner to have a stress-free day.

The two had an amazing wedding coordinator from Out of the Box Productions, Anthony Marinaro. He understood their vision and helped create everything to perfection. Planning and researching can feel overwhelming, but hiring a planner like Anthony saved the couple stress and let their family truly enjoy the day without worry. Plus, one of Emily’s favorite moments was made possible by Anthony.

“One of my favorite memories is during the reception when Anthony grabbed Nate and me to come inside and look at how all of the details had come together,” Emily said.

The couple enjoyed having a quiet moment and seeing their vision come to life. Weddings are all about the special, personal touches. Emily and Nate started off their marriage with a gorgeous celebration that mirrored their love for each other and the incredible people they got to share their day with.