Emily + Ford’s Wedding Day Pros
PREMIER WEDDING VENDORS
Cake & Dessert Glorious Desserts
Photobooth SnapXP
Venue World Food Prize
ALL WEDDING VENDORS
Photographer Cluney Photo | Entertainment The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels | Caterer Embassy Club | Floral Shelly Sarver Designs | Ceremony & Cocktail Music Genevieve Salamone | Wedding Dresses Bridal Boutique | Groom's Suits Custom by Danfodi Custom Clothing | Hair Eleven Cherry, Lindsey Mollenhauer | Makeup Hair Vanity and Glamour | Stationery Ephemera | Suits Skeffington’s via Bridal Boutique | Hotel Hotel Fort Des Moines | Dance Floor Rhum Productions | Welcome Party Hotel Fort Des Moines | Event Planner Make it Happen Events | Officiants John and Lucy (friends)
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With the utmost elegance and dreamy romantic details, Emily and Ford’s big day was a grand celebration fit for a queen and king. Inspired by the French Rococo style, the couple’s wedding featured gorgeous, personal touches that set the perfect stage for the beginning of their forever love story.
Both Des Moines natives, Emily and Ford’s paths first crossed on Tinder. While things didn’t take off right away, a chance meeting at a local bar ignited a spark. Shortly after, Emily reached out with a bold message asking, “Are we getting coffee, or what, dude?” That initial conversation quickly turned into many more, leading to their first date and a whirlwind of love that followed.
The couple made the intentional decision to forgo a traditional surprise proposal. Instead, they chose to plan it together. They celebrated their engagement with a joyful party at Aposto in Des Moines, surrounded by family and friends. After a delicious meal, Ford officially asked Emily to spend forever by his side.
For their wedding, Emily and Ford were inspired by the French Rococo style, particularly the opulent, dramatic vibes of Marie Antoinette’s era. The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, with its stunning architecture and elegant spaces, was the perfect venue for their celebration.
“The best part of planning was talking about our vision,” Emily shares. “We wanted it to be an enjoyable experience for everyone and focused on bringing in elements that would keep everyone comfortable.”
The couple worked closely with Emily’s mom and a talented group of vendors to bring that vision to life. Gina Cramer from Make It Happen Events guided them throughout the planning process, ensuring every detail fell into place. “Gina is brilliant at what she does. She is so passionate about ensuring the event goes well,” says Emily. “I met her at the perfect time, and I am so happy she worked with us to create such an amazing, unforgettable event.”
Shelly Sarver Designs elevated the wedding’s beauty with stunning floral arrangements, including a custom-built pergola adorned with flowers and lights above the head table — a true showstopper. Gloria from Glorious Desserts created an exquisite tiered cake with ornate golden elements that perfectly complemented the theme.
Emily and Ford also made sure their wedding day was filled with personal touches. Two of their best friends officiated the ceremony, which added a unique and meaningful dimension to the day. The couple’s heartfelt, self-written vows brought tears to everyone’s eyes — even from Emily’s typically reserved brothers.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the father-daughter dance. Initially hesitant about the tradition, Emily and her dad chose to dance to one of their favorite Thelonious Monk songs, “Ruby, My Dear.” This heartfelt moment turned out to be one of their favorite memories of the night.
Emily and Ford’s advice for other couples planning their weddings is simple: Don’t feel pressured to follow tradition just because it’s expected. “You can truly do whatever you want,” Emily says. “You can have five people officiate, you can get married any day of the week, you can wear whatever shoes — it’s your day. You don’t have to fit any social norms, just do your best to represent yourselves and your unique love.”
