Posted in: barn reception
We've been featured again. This time it is the cutest blog in the United Kingdom.
Our styled shoot was put together by some of the most talented friendors around. We love our network and community in Des Moines, Iowa.
Don't miss out on any of the beautiful inspiration.
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.
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!
By Elizabeth Thomas
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.
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!”
This day would NOT have happened with out these AMAZING Des Moines area vendors who made the magic happen!
Photographer: Less Traveled Photography
Planning: Mostly Becky Weddings
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??
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.
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
When your sister gets married you get the privilege of filling many shoes. I was the wedding planner, designer, decorator, Maid of Honor and sister of the bride. This wedding was such an honor to be apart of. Not only is Rachel my best friend, I have had the absolute pleasure to watch her and Seth grow not only in their relationship, but in their relationship with the Lord. Seth and Rachel started their love in High School.
Every day after school, Rachel would get into the car in our High School parking lot and say "Oh my goodness he looked at me!" Who, I would reply. "Seth Lehman...." She would just sit there googly-eyed. One thing you will learn quickly about Rachel. She knows what she wants and there is no changing her mind.
She exercises this in all areas of her life. Especially with Seth. It was no surprise when their 9 year relationship turned out to a forever commitment. I love them, and am honored to have Seth join our family.
XOXO
