Courtney + Charles’ Wedding Day Pros
PREMIER WEDDING VENDORS
Reception Music Clife DJ Company
ALL WEDDING VENDORS
Photographer Susan Manning Photography | Ceremony Venue First Lutheran Church Cedar Rapids | Reception Venue Eastbank Venue | Caterer Peppercorn Catering | Cake & Dessert Molly’s Cupcakes | Wedding Dress Modern Dress | Groom’s Suit Mr. B | Groomsmen’s Suits Suit Shop | Bridesmaid’s Dresses Azazie | Hair Hair by Frankie Sue | Makeup Megan Neuhaus | Jewelry Iowa Diamond | Event Planner & Coordinator Courtney at Eastbank Venue | Transportation T&D Party Wagon | Hotels DoubleTree Cedar Rapids | Rehearsal Dinner Elmcrest Country Club
See all the vendors we LUST for, that can help you with your big day!
Courtney and Charles’ journey to the altar started in 2019 at a “no-costume” Halloween get-together with mutual friends. As soon as Charles walked into the apartment, he made a beeline to introduce himself to Courtney. The two ended up talking all night and quickly became inseparable. Their connection was instant and undeniable, setting the stage for their future together.
When it came to the proposal, Charles definitely caught Courtney by surprise! Despite saying it wouldn’t happen in 2022 or in Iowa, he waited until the last few hours of the year to pop the question, all while standing in front of a giant Christmas tree in Downtown Des Moines. Just the two of them, their closest friends, and a photographer to capture the magic made for a moment they’ll never forget.
The couple was inspired to have a romantic, classic, and chic wedding day — with personal touches woven throughout that showcased their relationship and stayed true to their values.
“The most important piece of the planning process for us was that we really wanted the day to feel like ‘us,’” Courtney explains. “It was really important to us to remain true to who we are, what we value and what mattered to us that day.”
One way they made the reception more personal was by creating a massive 9x7-foot photobooth backdrop filled with favorite photos from their love story as well as photos of their dog Willow. They were also fortunate to have Courtney’s mom create all of the stunning floral arrangements, adding even more of a personal touch to their special day.
Throughout the planning process, Courtney and Charles were very thoughtful in selecting their vendors. They immediately fell in love with Eastbank Wedding Venue in Cedar Rapids — not only because it was a beautiful space — but also because of their helpful guidance and the option to work with an on-staff day of coordinator who helped make the day absolutely phenomenal.
Another important part of their day was to make their celebration feel like, well, a celebration! They wanted to make sure the party was rocking, so they chose to work with Clife DJ Company to bring the energy and fun. And wow, he did just that! He kept the dance floor going all night, plus it was an added bonus that he was local to Eastern Iowa.
“The most memorable moment for us was sitting at the reception, looking around and seeing all of our loved ones in one room celebrating us together,” Courtney says. “It was also really cool to see everything you worked so hard on for the last two years come together.”
Reflecting on the big day, the couple’s biggest piece of advice is to not feel pressured to follow traditions just because they’re expected. Stay true to what matters to you both and make your day as unique as your love story.
Well said! Congratulations on the beautiful beginning of your life together.
