Throughout this pandemic, couples across the country have felt out of control when planning their 2020 weddings. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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On Saturday, May 30, Molly & Nicholas took back that control, and made their wedding day uniquely their own. Their ceremony & reception were held in Molly’s beautiful childhood backyard (complete with fake swans floating around the swimming pool Father of the Bride-style!) Neighbors and family friends surprised the couple with decorations. Nicholas’s best man arrived at midnight the night before the be there for his best friend. A car parade of guests cheered on the couple after they said “I do”.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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But my favorite part of the day? You’ll have to see 😉

A HUGE thank you to the team that helped bring this amazing day to life!
event coordination: Jillian Stallman | A Memorable Event of Iowa
event coordination: Tracy Fuller | InnovativEvents
gown: True Society | Belle Vogue
designer: Essense of Australia
Floral: Something Chic Floral
Hair: Jennifer Jones
Makeup: own
transportation: Majestic Limo and Coach
private dinner: Chef Tony Lemmo

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the details

Molly & Nicholas held their ceremony and reception at Molly’s childhood home in Des Moines, IA. In-home weddings at any time are so deeply meaningful and personal.

These handkerchiefs belong to each of Molly’s grandmothers and great-grandmothers.

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getting ready

Molly got ready with the girls in her mother’s bedroom before heading downstairs for a first look with her father and a (hidden!) prayer with her soon-to-be-fiancé.

Silver lining to these new wedding plans? The couple’s dog Brody got to be a part of the celebration as ring bearer! He handled his job admirably.

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ceremony

The Hoener’s backyard was decorated to the 9’s for the ceremony and reception!

The entire ceremony was recorded live so guests near and far could still be a part of the celebration. After the ceremony, Molly’s father gave a speech to the entire audience with a champagne toast.

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downtown Des Moines

After a champagne toast, the entire crew headed downtown for photos in some of Des Moines most picturesque landmarks! First stop: the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.

Our second stop was on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol building.

Molly & Nicholas held their first dance on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol building. Halfway through, the song stopped playing and Nicholas kept the moment alive by singing the words to his bride. There was not a dry eye on those steps, myself included.⠀

Molly’s sister broadcast the dance live while holding it together. Like I said, not a dry eye!

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the reception

Molly’s childhood friends held a car parade for the newlyweds!

While we were away, generous little worker bees transformed the Hoener’s patio into a reception oasis!

Molly, her sister, and her mother were blown away seeing the reception spread for the first time 🙂

Chef Tony Lemmo prepared a *delicious* 4-course meal for guests, that included scallops, insalata, chicken piccata and steak, and polenta.

Cheers to Chef Tony!!

Molly & Nicholas had special dances with their parents before opening the dance patio!

cheers to Molly & Nicholas!

Your revamped wedding day was truly special to be a part of!