I came home for Kourtney and Cody’s incredible Iowa wedding, and I couldn’t have dreamed of a better day for such an amazing couple. This wedding pulled on every single one of my heartstrings, and it was obvious that everyone in attendance was feeling the same way. There’s nothing quite like hanging out for a day with “salt of the earth” people, as my dad would say. And you don’t get more salt of the earth than rural Iowa. Give me everything real and home-grown and it will be nothing but beautiful. Those of you who know just know. This day was a slice of heaven, I’m quite sure. Everyone was in full celebration mode, and it seemed the entire community came together once again, as is often true of a farming community. I was home.
One of the things I loved about Kourtney and Cody’s day was their HUGE bridal party. Now, usually that can be a point of stress for photographers, as it’s not always easy keeping track of everyone for pictures! But this wasn’t at all the case for this party! Each and every one made the entire day so much fun. And talk about the KIDS!! Oh, how I loved them! Full of character, full of life…full of joy. Add to that taking the bridal party pictures on the Grimm farm–cows and all, a beautiful ceremony at the historic Trinity Lutheran Church in Manning, a reception at the Audubon Fair Grounds, and a sunset that was none other…it was a photographer’s dream! Besides that, I had an extra special treat when I walked into the church before the ceremony began. My mom and dad were doing the music–mom on her oboe and dad at the piano, just as it always has been. Hearing them play together took my breath away, as it so often does. While I knew they would be handling the ceremony music, what I didn’t know was that Pastor Bob Riggert was the officiant. As soon as I saw him, I may have shed a tear or two. Pastor Bob was the pastor that married my husband and I so many years ago, and I loved every minute of hearing him preach again. Right after that ceremony, Kourtney and Cody went outside for a branding ceremony, which was INCREDIBLE…and so beautifully unique to them.
As I close, I have to give a few shout outs to my assistant photographer, Lisa Priest, along with the rest of Kourtney and Cody’s vendor team. Lisa can ALWAYS roll with me and thankfully is up for travel, it’s so much fun getting to photograph the day with a dear friend. And the rest of the vendors? Well, they all were certainly a class act–every single detail pulled together beautifully. Here is the fabulous line-up:
- Ceremony Venue: Historic Trinity Church in Manning, IA
- Reception Venue: AgriHall Audubon County Fairgrounds
- Hair: Divine Salon
- Makeup: Small Town Esti
- Bridal Gown: Bridal Country
- Florist: Hy Vee Denison, Cali Johnson
- Officiant: Pastor Bob Riggert
- Videographer: Katie Hoy
- Stationer: Kim Tibken Graphic Design
- Transportation: Double D Express
- Reception Music: Big Daddy Addy
- Groom’s Attire: Skeffington’s Formal Wear, Cinch Jeans
- Cake: Marcy Conover
- Caterer: Jan’s Catering
- Photography: Amy Elizabeth Photography