About Us: From a Blossoming Dream to a Thriving Iowa Wedding Venue

Hi there! I’m Hannah McLees, and I’m the heart behind The Vineyard at St. Charles—a boutique Iowa wedding venue built on hard work, creativity, and a whole lot of love. Whether you’re newly engaged and touring venues for the first time or you’ve followed our journey for years, I’m so glad you’re here.

This is more than a business—it’s a story of grit, passion, and choosing joy in every season. I hope that by sharing a bit about my background, my family, and the journey that led us to The Vineyard at St. Charles, you’ll see why so many couples have trusted us with one of the biggest days of their lives.

The Beginning: How I Fell in Love With the Wedding Industry

I first stepped into the wedding world in 2019, launching what would quickly become one of the most sought-after wedding rental, planning, and floral companies in the Denver area. At the time, I had no idea just how much demand—and transformation—was around the corner.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, many weddings were suddenly downsized, rescheduled, or reimagined entirely. My business became a lifeline for overwhelmed couples looking for creative, flexible, and safe solutions to still celebrate love. I pivoted fast—offering micro-wedding packages, custom floral designs, and full-scale rental options for backyard weddings and unique venues across the state. That season was intense and exhausting all at once. But it taught me how to serve clients with empathy, agility, and precision—skills I carry with me into every wedding we host today.

Coming Home: A New Chapter in Iowa

By 2023, we felt a pull to return to the Midwest. I grew up in Iowa and wanted to raise my daughter closer to family, fresh air, and small-town values. So we packed up and made the move back to Iowa—ready for a new adventure.

Not long after returning, we stumbled upon a tucked-away property in St. Charles that would change everything: a once-vibrant vineyard wedding venue with incredible potential… and just as many challenges. The building had seen better days. The grounds needed love. But the bones were strong, and we felt an immediate connection.

We took the leap, rolled up our sleeves, and slowly began to breathe life back into the space. That’s how The Vineyard at St. Charles was reborn. It was magical to finally host our first wedding and see all the hard work pay off.

Building the Dream: The Vineyard at St. Charles

Since that first walk-through, we’ve spent countless hours restoring, renovating, and refining every inch of this property. It hasn’t been easy. But every winter, we invest more time and resources into making sure this Iowa wedding venue is better than the year before.

From upgraded HVAC systems and beautifully remodeled bridal suites to expanded outdoor ceremony options and thoughtful landscaping—we are continuously pouring TLC into The Vineyard. Every design decision is made with our couples in mind. We want you to feel comfortable, celebrated, and surrounded by beauty.

We’ve taken great care to create a space that feels warm and inviting, yet elevated enough to host your most memorable moments. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a candlelit reception under twinkling lights, or a laid-back vineyard party with your closest people—we’ve got the backdrop to bring it to life.

More Than a Venue: A Family Affair

One of the things couples love most about The Vineyard at St. Charles is that it truly is a family business. From my parents to my husband, and even my daughter Sylvia, we all take part in making The Vineyard what it is today—mowing the lawn, stocking the bar, setting up tables, or just enjoying a quiet moment by the pond.

My dad is the engineer behind so much of what happens on-site. If you see someone building a custom arbor, fixing a light fixture, or casting a line in the pond during a break—it’s probably him. And Sylvia? She’s our unofficial venue mascot. She often comes with me to stock the bar, take inventory, or share a snack on our patio. She brings a special kind of magic to the property.

It means the world to us that our daughter gets to grow up seeing the value of hard work, hospitality, and creativity—all wrapped into one beautiful mission. We’re honored to welcome couples into this little slice of our world.

Passion for Planning: Supporting Couples Near and Far

While The Vineyard is our home base, my love for weddings doesn’t stop there. I also run a wedding coordination business that serves couples across central Iowa. From The River Center and Embassy Club to The Monroe and other top venues, I’ve helped hundreds of couples plan seamless, stress-free celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for a day-of coordinator, timeline manager, vendor wrangler, or someone to bring calm to the chaos—I’m your girl. I know how hard you’ve worked to plan your day. My job is to make sure everything runs smoothly so you can stay present and soak it all in.

Being both an Iowa venue owner and Iowa wedding planner gives me a unique edge. I understand the flow of events, what venues need, and what vendors need to succeed. I’m all about collaboration and communication. My team and I show up early, stay late, and do whatever it takes to bring your vision to life.

The Why Behind It All

At the end of the day, weddings aren’t just about pretty flowers or Pinterest-worthy details (though we love those, too). They’re about the people. The love stories. The hugs, the tears, and the laughter echoing through the vineyard.

I truly love what I do. I love hearing how you met, watching your grandparents tear up during the first dance, or helping you surprise your partner with a choreographed routine. I’m honored every single time a couple chooses to host their wedding with us. I never take that for granted.

A Little More About Us

When I’m not setting up tables or managing a timeline, you’ll find me enjoying life’s simple pleasures. I’m happiest with a book in my hand (usually a picture book these days!), sunshine on my face, or a suitcase packed for our next adventure.

Travel is a huge part of my life. Experiencing new places gives me fresh inspiration and perspective, which I bring right back into the weddings we host. I also love going on walks with my husband and daughter, hiking, and finding new local spots to explore on weekends.

I believe in working hard, showing up fully, and being the kind of business owner who goes the extra mile. You’ll never be “just another couple” at our venue. You’ll be part of a story we’re building—together.

What’s Next for The Vineyard at St. Charles?

We’re not done dreaming. Every off-season, we plan new ways to improve the venue—from updated décor and outdoor lighting to new amenities and special packages for our couples. We’re constantly asking: How can we make this experience even better?

We’re also expanding our coordination services across Iowa and connecting with even more incredible vendors, venues, and creatives in the industry. The wedding community here is strong, and we’re proud to be part of it.

Let’s Celebrate Your Love Story

Whether you’re planning a wedding at The Vineyard at St. Charles or another incredible venue in the area, I’d love to meet you. Let’s chat about your vision, your love story, and how we can make your day unforgettable. If you’re searching for an Iowa wedding venue, an experienced Iowa wedding planner, or a hands-on Iowa venue owner who genuinely cares—you’ve found the right place.

Thanks for taking the time to learn a little more about me, my family, and this dream we’re building. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Vineyard and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

With love and gratitude,

Hannah McLees

Owner & Lead Coordinator

The Vineyard at St. Charles

The Heart of Our Mission

At The Vineyard at St. Charles, we believe that every couple deserves a magical wedding day. Our mission is to create a space where love can flourish. We want to ensure that every detail reflects your unique story. From the moment you step onto our property, you will feel the warmth and care that goes into every event we host.

We understand that planning a wedding can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to making your experience as seamless as possible. We want you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love.

Creating Lasting Memories

As you plan your wedding, think about the memories you want to create. Picture the laughter, the joy, and the moments that will last a lifetime. At The Vineyard, we strive to make those moments unforgettable. We want you to look back on your wedding day with a heart full of happiness.

Our venue is designed to be a canvas for your love story. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we have the perfect space for you. Let us help you bring your vision to life.

Join Us at The Vineyard

We invite you to join us at The Vineyard at St. Charles. Experience the beauty of our venue and the warmth of our family. Together, we can create a celebration that reflects your love and commitment. Your wedding day is a significant milestone, and we are honored to be a part of it.

Let’s work together to make your dream wedding a reality. We can’t wait to welcome you to our vineyard and help you celebrate your love story.