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A Joyful April Wedding at The Vineyard at St. Charles: Sarah & Christian’s Spring Celebration
- The Team at The Vineyard
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
There’s something uniquely charming about spring in Iowa — the soft return of greenery, the unpredictable skies, and the way the season makes every celebration feel like a fresh beginning. That charm was in full effect on April 5, 2025, when Sarah and Christian celebrated their spring wedding at The Vineyard at St. Charles.
Although the forecast brought a light spring sprinkle, the rain only added to the romance of the day. With grace and joy, Sarah and Christian embraced the weather and exchanged vows in a beautifully intimate indoor ceremony, surrounded by the warmth of their closest friends and family. And truly, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
A Rain-Kissed Spring Day in Iowa
April weather in Iowa is anything but predictable, and Sarah and Christian’s wedding day was no exception. A soft drizzle fell throughout the afternoon — enough to bring out the scent of fresh earth and newly budding vines, but not enough to dampen spirits.
Instead of their originally planned vineyard ceremony, the team at The Vineyard swiftly transitioned the celebration indoors, transforming the venue’s reception space into a cozy, romantic sanctuary. The flicker of candles, the warm glow of string lights, and the natural wood accents created a dreamy atmosphere that felt elegant, peaceful, and full of love.
The gentle rain tapped lightly on the windows as Sarah walked down the aisle — a subtle, soothing soundtrack to a truly beautiful moment.
The Couple: Sarah & Christian
Sarah and Christian were an absolute joy from start to finish. Their love for each other was palpable — not just in the big moments, but in the tiny ones: a shared look, a squeeze of the hand, a burst of laughter.
Sarah was glowing in her gown from Perry Bridal, a picture of effortless spring beauty. Her hair and makeup were lovingly done by friends and family that morning in the bridal suite, making for a relaxed, laughter-filled start to the day.
Christian looked sharp and relaxed in a classic suit from BirdyGrey.com, and kept the mood light among his groomsmen. Though the couple chose not to do a first look, they shared a sweet “first touch” moment around 3:00 PM — a quiet chance to exchange love letters and calm their nerves before the ceremony. It was one of the day’s most emotional moments, and a favorite among guests and photographers alike.
A Cozy Indoor Ceremony Full of Heart
The indoor ceremony began at 4:00 PM, with guests gathered around in a warmly lit space that felt intimate and full of heart. The ceremony was officiated by Sarah’s brother, Jacob Alan Kubelka-Peck, who brought heartfelt humor and genuine emotion to every word. He shared stories of the couple’s journey, the strength of their relationship, and the joy of seeing them step into this next chapter together. Guests laughed, cried, and applauded as Sarah and Christian were pronounced husband and wife.
The rain outside only enhanced the cozy, sacred feel of the indoor space — and it made the ceremony all the more memorable.
Spring Touches & Elegant Details
While they didn’t hire a traditional florist, Sarah and Christian let the season do the talking. The reception space was styled with The Vineyard’s Classic Elegance centerpiece package: greenery runners, delicate votives, and crisp white linens that created a timeless and serene look.
Battery-operated candles were lit before the ceremony began, casting a soft glow over the room and highlighting every thoughtful detail. Even without spring blooms, the natural textures and candlelight brought the season indoors in a truly elegant way.
Yard games were still set up during cocktail hour for guests who ventured outside between showers, but most chose to mingle inside, enjoying drinks, laughter, and the warmth of the celebration.
Vendors Who Made the Day Seamless
One of the reasons this day felt so smooth — even with a weather curveball — was thanks to the outstanding team of vendors. Complete Wedding & Events provided coordination, photography, and DJ services, and they were absolute pros in every category.
Kimberly Vorhees, the couple’s day-of coordinator, arrived bright and early at 10:00 AM and worked her magic all day long. From leading the rehearsal the night before to handling timeline changes on the fly, she made everything look effortless — and made sure Sarah and Christian could stay focused on the fun.
Photography was also handled by the Complete team, who didn’t miss a beat capturing the glow of the indoor ceremony, the laughs during dinner, and the love shared in every candid moment. And when it came time to party, the DJ brought everyone to the dance floor with a high-energy mix that kept guests moving well into the night.
Dinner was catered by Smokey D’s BBQ, a Des Moines favorite known for its hearty, flavorful food. Guests raved about the buffet — and many went back for seconds. Hy-Vee provided a delicious, simply decorated cake that added the perfect sweet ending to the meal.
Favorite Moments from the Day
There were so many standout moments during Sarah and Christian’s April wedding in Iowa, but here are just a few we’re still smiling about:
The “first touch”: The emotion, the anticipation, the soft smiles — it was a beautiful reminder of how meaningful a quiet moment can be on a big day.
The indoor ceremony glow: With rain outside and candlelight inside, the ambiance was dreamy and deeply romantic.
Toasts at dinner: Heartfelt speeches brought laughter and happy tears — especially from friends who spoke of the couple’s kindness and commitment.
Golden hour portraits: When the rain slowed in the early evening, Sarah and Christian snuck outside for golden-hour photos in the vineyard. The overcast sky created stunning, soft lighting — ideal for capturing timeless portraits.
The packed dance floor: Kicked off by their first dance at 7:00 PM, the celebration hit full speed quickly and didn’t slow down until the music ended at 10:00 PM.
Love, Laughter & a Little Rain
Sometimes the most unforgettable weddings are the ones that don’t go exactly as planned — and that was certainly true for Sarah and Christian’s vineyard wedding. They embraced the rain, leaned into the moment, and created a day that felt authentic, joyful, and entirely their own.
Their indoor ceremony was filled with warmth and intimacy, their reception was vibrant and full of laughter, and their love for one another radiated through every second of the day.
At The Vineyard at St. Charles, we’re always honored to host such personal and meaningful celebrations. Spring weddings in Iowa offer the perfect balance of beauty, emotion, and renewal — and this day was a shining example of all three.
Vendor Credits
Venue & Coordination: The Vineyard at St. Charles, with coordination by Kimberly Vorhees of Complete Wedding & Events
Photography, DJ, and Day-of Coordination: Complete Wedding & Events
Officiant: Jacob Alan Kubelka-Peck (brother of the bride)
Catering: Smokey D’s BBQ
Cake: Hy-Vee
Gown: Perry Bridal
Suits: BirdyGrey.com
Stationery: Shutterfly.com
Considering a spring wedding in Iowa? Rain or shine, The Vineyard is ready to help you create a day as special and love-filled as Sarah and Christian’s. Reach out today to learn more about our venue, planning tools, and vendor partnerships. We’d love to help you bring your vineyard wedding dreams to life.
To Sarah and Christian — thank you for letting us share in your story. We wish you a marriage filled with sunshine, laughter, and just enough rain to remind you how beautiful life can be when you embrace it fully. 💕
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