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Meghan + Ryan — High School Sweethearts

Meghan + Ryan’s Wedding Day Pros

PREMIER WEDDING VENDORS
Caterer & Cake Hy-Vee Catering Coralville 

ALL WEDDING VENDORS
Photographer Brooke Pavel Photography | Videographer Kyrie Copeland Films | Ceremony & Reception Venue The Carriage House | Floral E’s Florals | Wedding Dress Modern Dress, Beccar | Bridesmaids Dresses Birdy Grey | Tuxes Generation Tux | Hair Ingrid at Aurora Blush Bridal | Makeup Morgan at Aurora Blush Bridal | Stationery Minted | Pet Napkins EdingerPress Etsy | Rings Hands Jewelers | Ceremony & Reception Music Schulte Sounds | Extra Rentals R&D Events | Coordinator Sarah Bergan, Vowed Vintage | Transportation Hawk Bus Properties | Hotel The Hotel at Kirkwood Center | Bridal Shower Jasper Winery

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


Meghan and Ryan’s love story began as high school sweethearts and even through long distance during their college years, they knew they were meant to be together forever. 

After much coordination with Meghan’s bestie, Ryan popped the big question during a flower picking trip at Wilson’s Orchard in Iowa City. It wasn’t a complete surprise for Meghan, but it sure was a picture-perfect way to begin their engagement. 

The couple has always envisioned a classic and intimate vibe for their wedding day. This guided their decisions, but budget was also an important factor in dreaming up their big day. 

“We were in college when we started planning, so we were mindful of our budget. It meant being smart shoppers, meeting with vendors and sleuthing Instagram to make selections that were both in our style and budget,” Meghan shares. 

The Carriage House in Cedar Rapids made for a perfectly intimate setting for both the ceremony and reception, plus it offered some promotional perks as a new venue. The space’s timeless vibe paired with thoughtfully simple details — black and white color scheme, twinkle lights, delicate bud vases with simple white flowers and greenery — made for the gorgeous, timeless day they wanted. 

Meghan originally imagined wearing a sleek, fitted, and simple gown. That immediately changed when she spotted her “princess” gown at Modern Dress. She wore earrings that were the diamonds her father gave her mother when she was born. 

Meghan planned a first look with her dad, which led to a very special memory of the day. When seeing her dad for the first time, their favorite song “Take it Easy” by the Eagles coincidentally came on. It was so special because he has always been influential in her love of 80s/90s rock. 

The couple was very selective when it came to choosing their photographer. After much searching, they fell in love with Brooke Pavel Photography because of her true and timeless editing style. Meghan says she wanted to see the day captured the way they saw it — and Brooke did just that! 

Another vendor match made in heaven was Kyrie Copeland Films. From the get-go in the video planning process, Kyrie was inclusive and welcoming of all couples — something Meghan appreciated because she and many of her friends and family are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

“We of course loved her talented videography skills but were elated to have a vendor so open about supporting the queer community,” Meghan shares. 

The wedding day flowed flawlessly thanks to the coordination of Sarah Bergan at Vowed Vintage. From keeping everything running on time to coordinating with caterers from Hy-Vee in Coralville to serve a delicious meal to organizing extra rentals from R&D Events — Sarah and the outstanding team of vendors made the day a wonderful experience for the couple and guests alike. 

“We stayed true to our wishes and made our dream day come true,” Meghan says. “We still have guests rave about how beautiful the day was and how it reflected our love.” 

Join us in raising a glass to a lifetime of love for Meghan and Ryan!