IF YOU LOVE LITTLE NIC NACKS AND THRIFTY FINDS THEN YOU’LL LOVE THIS VINTAGE WEDDING!
Kelsey and Micah got married at the rustic Decades Event Center in Des Moines, Iowa, on the very first day of June. It feels like forever since we’ve had beautiful weather and I was so happy that the weather was amazing for them! We were immediately greeted by an excited mother of the groom that instantly made us feel welcomed!
The excitement before the wedding
Kelsey got ready in the bridal suite with a few of her closest ladies with the exception of her adorable son peeping in and out - thanks to his aunt! As soon as you walk into the bridal suite you can't help but notice all the pops of purple decor and that awesome neon sign. She wore a beautiful strapless gown from Weddings By Design, and looked so gorgeous. The bride then walked the short distance to meet her father for their own first look. A sweet moment that even her dad teared up about. After, we hid her behind the building so that Micah could be in place for their first look too. Immediate smiles fell onto their faces as soon as they saw each other. They hugged and kissed like they haven't seen each other in years. I could tell the nerves were slowly going away once they locked hands.
Micah got ready down the hall with all of his guys. Laughter and jokes were to be heard! He wore a classic grey tux from Skeffington’s Formal Wear., and looked really handsome. We wandered around the venue taking fun wedding party shots. Earl and I had lots of fun joking around with them all. I love that we got all the guys on some vintage bicycles haha!
The indoor ceremony
The ceremony took place inside the event center. The ceremony area was lit by fairy lights, which was just stunning, and added to the mood of the day. They had the wedding party stand on a raised staged which made it super easy for everyone to see them. I loved that they were surrounded by random, vintage goodies too. The ceremony began with a beautiful reading, and finished with a big cheer from everyone. It was a wonderful ceremony, full of so much love!
After the ceremony, we went for couples portraits, which is such a great time for the newly married couple to have some time to let it sink in. We got to travel around in a super beautiful white Rolls Royce. People had googly eyes as soon as they saw us coming down the road. I picked out a few non traditional spots and I’m happy my couple loved them just as much as me. When we arrived to the abandon church, I was loving all that hazy orange light the sun was casting!
The reception
Kelsey and Micah chose to have their reception at Decades Event Center too ( who doesn’t love a place that is all in one?!) because it meant they had a lot less work to do, who needs all the extra decorations when your venue is completely surrounded by extraordinary vintage pieces?! Decades Event Center is a stunning venue, and it’s got such a romantic, moody, vintage vibe.
For the reception, the couple had a buffet style setup catered by Hilltop Restaurant. Kelsey surprised Micah with a cheesecake (his favorite!) rather than a normal cake. So sweet and thoughtful of her. They shared their first dances and then it was time for everyone to let loose. So many awesome dancers at this reception - it was great!
The couple says that if you’re planning your wedding, the biggest piece of advice they could give you is - Don't stress out. It's ONE day. Don't worry about what ANYONE else will think. This is about you and the love of your life.
Check out some of my favorite moments below!
Venue: Decades Event Center
Dress: Weddings By Design
Tux: Skeffington’s Formal Wear
Rings: Kay’s
Caterer: Hilltop Restaurant
Wedding Planner: Kale Smith
