Justin and Jessicann’s “Down Home” Wedding at Wooden Wheel Vineyards in Keota, IA
One of the best things about Iowa is the eclectic mix of urban and rural communities in the area. Just 45 minutes south of Iowa City is the small town of Keota. In addition to the gorgeous views of Iowa-centric farmland, the town also holds Wooden Wheel Vineyards – the site of Justin and Jessicann’s big day. When we were approached to assist with Justin and Jessicann’s wedding, they emphasized the need to bring the best of both rural and city life into the celebration.
“Justin and I met while he was stationed at Fort Drum, New York,” said Jessicann, a native of New York. “We actually met on a dating website. We talked through the computer the first day and then graduated to texting then finally talked to each other on the phone while he was doing one of his retreats for the Army. We talked until six a.m. every day while he was on that retreat and then set up our first date. The rest is history.”
The process of combining the tastes of two individuals can be a challenge, but Weddings by Carue strives to make the experience as simple as possible. “Carissa was just so easy to work with,” said Jessicann. “She made me comfortable about decisions I made from my invitations, to the photo booth, to photography, and my favor boxes. She really kept my budget in mind and helped me make beautiful decisions that would keep me within my budget and still fit within my theme. Carissa was just amazing and I recommend her every chance I get.Merging tastes and cultures is easiest when looking to the details. Things like theme colors and textures can be opportunities to bring different backgrounds together. Justin and Jessicann used royal blue, purple, and silver as the color scheme for their wedding, and added the texture of burlap to create the “down home” feeling that was accentuated by the venue.
In addition to colors and textures, ceremonial traditions are instrumental when including the entire family in a wedding. Things like reading a poem that was read at a grandparent’s wedding, or wearing a piece of jewelry that has been passed down are simple yet significant ways to honor family and tradition. For Jessicann, the most significant moment was one of the classics. “When the door opened and [Justin] saw me for the first time, it was a beautiful moment. My son gave me away, it was just perfect.”
The process of combining ideas and tastes into a single celebration can prove to be difficult. One of our most important responsibilities is to listen to our clients and, in turn, help them listen to each other. Jessicann offered advice to brides looking to incorporate varying ideas into a wedding. “Just remember at the end of the day it’s about you guys as a couple and the amazing family and friends surrounding you. [It’s not about] the food, the songs, or the drinks, it’s about the love in that room and celebrating a new chapter of your life together.”
Vendors:
Wedding Location: Wooden Wheel Vineyards
Reception Location: Wooden Wheel Vineyards
Caterer: Phat Daddy’s
Flowers: Hy-Vee
Invitations: Weddings by Carue
Photography: Weddings by Carue
Photo Booth: Weddings by Carue
Cake/Desserts: Sweet Satisfaction Bakery
Hair: Groovy Katz Salon and Spa
Makeup: 100% Pur Pro
Wedding Rings: Kay Jewelers
Wedding Dress: Something Blue Wedding Consignments
Bridesmaid Dress: ArmoursansAnguish’s