Ryan & Jo Story City, Iowa

We've said it before and we'll say it again. When you take something you love, teach it to others- empowering them to spread their wings. The BEST THING in this life, is seeing them fly! How many are with me? I am so honored to have the BEST team on earth. Although, I am bias, I'm not wrong. My planning team blows me away with their attention to detail. Their unwavering customer service, and dedication to loving EVERY SINGLE PERSON THEY MEET. If there is an example of how Mostly Becky strives to serve others, take a look at my wedding planners.

They teach me something everyday. 

So it is with GREAT HONOR to introduce another blog by our very own, Elizabeth. She planned this event of 270 ON HER OWN, Executed flawlessly, and trained up a team of assistants. Being proud is an UNDERSTATEMENT! Elizabeth is not one to take charge, being the youngest of 4. She tends to hide in the background. But, times have changed! Congrats to you Elizabeth, we are excited to watch you fly! 

Remember her here? 

By Elizabeth Thomas 

Ryan & Johanna Jolivette

Meaningful and sentimental; those are the two words that kept coming to mind as the wedding plans and day unfolded for Johanna and Ryan in rural Iowa. 

Let’s start with the venue; Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp. On the surface, this quaint camp, snuggled next to the river is the perfect place for a day of celebration with loved ones. The rustic A-frame chapel with massive amounts of natural light to the beautiful old oak trees all around camp make the whole scene feel beautiful and cozy. For the couple, however, Riverside Bible Camp meant so much more.

It was the first place they met while playing soccer as campers.

Camp was the place they both grew closer to Jesus through time set aside at camp to meeting people who encouraged and challenged them in their faith. Not only was camp beautiful, but it was infused with memories from every step of their relationship. The sentiment did not end their either.

The main meal was catered by a family friend from the bride’s hometown. Florals and baked goods were all done with local vendors.This was one of my favorite parts of the day. All the vendors this day brought a relaxed hometown feel to all they did. Their attention to detail and genuine care for the couple was evident in the services they provided.

Specifically, the photographer, Less Traveled Photography, took the rustic and quaint backgrounds of camp and created beautiful backdrops for the gushing with love couple. Having met the couple at camp as camp counselors, he knew exactly the personalities and desires of the couple. This genuine relationship brought out the vibrant photos the couple will have to remember their special day forever.

Early on in the planning, the bride made it evident she wanted to eat a hearty meal with loved ones and dance the night away. The bride and groom were able to keep the traditional aspects such as a father-daughter dance and mother-son dance while also incorporating their families famous polka dance.

With this being my first solo wedding and a guest list projected of 300, calling in backup and an extra set of professional hands was a must.

My assistant Kari for the day, a communications major from the University of Northern Iowa, blew me away. Many people think of being a wedding planner as a glamorous job when actually it is a lot more. From getting a table dropped on her toe early in the day to dealing with worst case scenarios, Kari handled the day with as much grace as an experienced assistant. The day would not have happened as smoothly if it was not for her proactive personality and genuine care for all those she encountered.

The day was beautiful filled with so much joy! The vendors and guests raved about Elizabeth and all her hard work! We couldn't be more proud to have her on our team. 

“Elizabeth was extremely professional, but also extremely friendly. Would recommend her to all of my friends. Elizabeth and the Mostly Becky team were so supportive to not only us, but to our families and friends.

Thanks for an amazing day!”

— Ryan

This day would NOT have happened with out these AMAZING Des Moines area vendors who made the magic happen! 

Flowers: Story City Floral

Photographer: Less Traveled Photography

Catering: Hy-Vee

Rentals: Celebrations

Planning: Mostly Becky Weddings

Geena & Holden Winterset, Iowa

Guys, did you know Winterset, Iowa was so stinkin' beautiful? In the flat farm land of Iowa I think sometimes when we see hills, valleys and mountains, we don't know what to do with all the beauty!

TAKE A LOOK!

This wedding was such a special event for so many reasons, but mainly because we get to brag on our ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE Wedding Planner, Heather. Remember her? Heather worked closely with Geena & Holden in the pre-planning stages AND she took on this event SOLO! WHAAAAA??

The vendors RAVED about her, the couple couldn't have been more grateful for her. And boy, we couldn't be more proud!

By Heather Helgren

Holden and Geena’s wedding was nothing short of a fairytale. When I drove around the many bends and hills of the Winterset, Iowa countryside, I knew that it was going to be unique.

The best element about this wedding was the venue. It was a sweet, beautiful acreage with vast valleys and scenic views. The barn wasn’t perfect, and that is exactly what I loved about it. It complemented not only the couple’s vibes, but also the wedding party’s.  I knew this when I noticed that the groomsmen chose to camp right outside the Air BnB in a small tent. I loved that. They didn’t mind “roughin’ it” just a little bit. So when I walked into the barn for the first time, with the dirt floor, exposed wooden beams and dusty windows, I thought to myself, “this is perfect.”

Even when I met Geena, I knew that she had a simple elegance about her that radiated natural beauty and grace.

I admired her right away.

Her intimacy with her family further confirmed why she loves Holden the way that she does.  She chose to wear her mother’s wedding dress, and she was positively stunning.

Holden’s relationship with his family and his groomsmen was something to be admired as well. I mean it with all my heart when I say I honestly loved working with the wedding party and their families. They were extremely encouraging and had “go with the flow” attitudes that wedding planners don’t find that often. They always approached me and asked what they could do to help.  When I looked stressed out or about to lose my mind, they would joke with me and be my comedy relief. These people were selfless, helpful, and even had a sense of humor that could make the hardest of hearts crack a smile. The wedding wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Another unique element about the Rasmussen wedding was the culture that they incorporated into it. It was important for Geena’s family to express their heritage by presenting a bride piñata and groom piñata during the reception. Laughs erupted the entire barn as the blindfolded bride attempted to break the groom piñata, and the blindfolded groom tried to break the bride’s using a broomstick. Even the bridesmaids and groomsmen took at few swings at them! The joy and cohesiveness within their friends and families is clearly unbreakable (pun intended).

I loved this wedding. The vendors were wonderful and talented (Up In Smoke BBQ was phenomenal!), the scenery was beautiful, and the guests were supportive and encouraging. It’s weddings like these that make me grateful to do what I do. It’s weddings like these that make the hours of sweat and problem solving all worth it.

I am thankful to be working for Mostly Becky, and I am even more thankful for the people that I meet along the way.

-Heather Helgren

And AS ALWAYS this beautiful day would not have been possible without the hard working vendors we had the pleasure to work alongside. Thank you for all you do! 

Bridal Wear- Dornink Bridal

Tent- A to Z Rentals

Portable Restroom- A King's Throne

Chairs & Tables- Breeding True Value

Linen- Party Depot

Photography- Alexander Michl Photography

Venue - The Barn at Lone Oaks Farm

Wedding Planning & Coordination- Mostly Becky Weddings & Events

Catering- Up in Smoke BBQ

Country Lane Lodge

Small town Iowa doesn't seem just as small anymore. Driving through Adel, IA you would never know the venue of your dreams is hidden behind a timber of trees. What was once a cow pasture has now been transformed into an event venue holding up to 400. The venue includes a dreamy BRIDAL SUITE with every accommodation a girl imagine! And of course, gentlemen your space is equip with couches, TVs and it is only a few steps up from the bar.

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Country Lane Lodge may speak to the small town look you've been dreaming of for your wedding day. But, make no mistake this venue is high powered with a outlets and USB drives on every corner for your and your guests; also equip with flat screens to showcase any technological experience you have envisioned.

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The chandeliers lining the ceiling will draw an elegance to any event and allowing any mood to be set. So if you're just a small town girl looking for THAT place to make your dream wedding come true. Country Lane Lodge in Adel, IA is just that. 

Late this summer I joined a team of some of the best Des Moines area wedding vendors to showcase this space for you! We wanted you to experience and see the birth of your dream day come to life. Our styled event at Country Lane Lodge featured a small ceremony, dinner and of course dessert! What is any event without cake?

We feature some of the best photo opportunities available to anyone who chooses to make Country Lane Lodge their memory. Come dream with us as we take you through a dreamy whimsical boho-chic inspired wedding day. 

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Dream Team of Vendors who helped create this beauty:Floral, Decor & Design: Shelly Sarver Designs.  Venue: Country Lane Lodge. Planning & Design: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events. Wedding Gown: Pure Bridal. Chairs & Decor: Unique Events. Makeup: Ivy Boyd Makeup. Hair: ElevenCherry. Hair Accessory: Something Blue. Invite Suite: Gatherie Creative. Cakes: Little BlackBird Bakery. Groom’s Attire: Jacket: Michael Kors, Bow Tie: Two Guys Bow Tie, Boots: Tradehome. Photography: Brooke Pavel Photography.

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Working alongside our team of creatives was truly an honor. An honor we hope you cherish, enjoy, and scroll through time and time again. 

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Planning & Design: Mostly Becky Weddings & Events. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Florals, Decor & Design: Shelly Sarver Designs. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Venue: Country Lane Lodge. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Wedding Gown: Pure Bridal. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Chairs & Decor: Unique Events. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Makeup: Ivy Boyd Makeup. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hair: ElevenCherry. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Hair Accessory: Something Blue. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Invite Suite: Gatherie Creative. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Cakes: Little BlackBird Bakery. Website | Facebook | Instagram

Photography: Brooke Pavel Photography. Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Christopher & Niza - Southwest Florida - La Casa Toscana

Between my love of travel, the white sand beaches and this gorgeous couple; do Florida events get any better? I had the pleasure of getting to know Niza and her family at their Southwest Florida home. Although we had a connection through Niza's sister, I had never had the pleasure of meeting either Christopher or Niza until the weekend of their event. 

Planning destination events has been one of my favorite parts of my business. When I started my event planning career 99% of my clients were from over 500+ miles away.

Destination events are where my roots are planted.

The distance in planning did not make them skip a beat. The moment I met Chris & Niza I knew this event would be beautiful. (I mean look at them!)

But, their taste was flawless, their spirits gentle, and their family was so welcoming. With this combination, I knew this event would be one of the best yet! 

AND THIS SPACE IS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

I am so honored to share a little of their story with you. 

Tucked away in the Bride's family home in Southwest Florida, La Casa Toscana is one of the best kept secrets in SWFL. I drove up to the house and met Niza for the first time. Her first words, "Wow you're so pretty!" Are you shocked, I was too. But, it wasn't just the first impression that stuck with me. It was what Chris and Niza had built their relationship on; the love of others. Every single vendor and every single guest felt wanted and welcome. It is no surprise when Niza asked if I would help with her last minute floral emergency, my team and I jumped on the opportunity to serve them. There was a hiccup the night before the event and Niza was in need of someone to put together the 2,800 long stem roses and 30,000 white rose petals! Bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and ceremony decor all had to be done in less than 24 hours. 

Although, I am NO florist!

My team and I did our best. (Pardon my cell photo in the garage).

Bride's Bouquet. The final product!

The evening was closing in and we were wrapping up our floral design for the evening when a piece of floral wire flung into the air and poked me in my left eye! It hurt so badly! Like I said, I am NO florist. Although, I could still see it did not stop the eye from swelling shut. The day of the event, I was shall we say, Pirate Wedding Planner? YES! I had a eye patch and no make up on half of my face. I figured there was no need to have streaming mascara too! But, when I say Niza and Chris loved everyone they really showed me so much love even in my pain. I was showered in items from CVS and constantly given anything I needed to help ease some of my discomfort. I was so impressed with their selflessness on THEIR big day. They really are something special. 

And if I am being truly honest, if they would not have been so gracious I am not sure how we could have made it through. Besides, the normal to-dos of a wedding day, we have the instruction of a one-eyed wedding planner, pouring rain on our ceremony and dinner set up, unseasonable heat of the upper 90's with about 100% humidity, and film crew trying to make Mostly Becky's promotional film. Even reliving this day I still feel some of the pain. Like I said, Niza and Chris were SO gracious to us. But, we think it turned out stunning! I mean see for yourself. 

Another iPhone picture.

So what do you think? We loved how it turned out so much we wanted to create a film to show it off. You can see it here. After this event, we have never been more certain that people are worth more than any detail. When you are surrounded by the love others exemplifying Christ everyone will be successful. Thank you Niza & Chris for sharing your day with us! If we could, we'd do it ALL over again. 

Can you believe that this venue is now available for rent? We couldn’t be more excited to share in this beautiful space serving the people of South West Florida! Come check us out!

Thanks to Echo Cinematics for their beautiful film and patience! 

And a special thanks to Maria Glassford Photography for allowing us to show off her beautiful images! 

“Becky was amazing to say the least! I had an outdoor wedding in Florida, and of course it poured. my reception area was a disater but Becky and her team made it happen! It looked beyond perfect... So perfect I didn’t even know that everything was knocked down or that things had broken till after the wedding that the photographer shared that with me! I love Becky and her team so much, not only are they professional but they go above and beyond in all areas and really strive to make your day perfect! ”

— Niza