Brooke & Brayden’s Fun-Filled Sunday Vineyard Wedding

The Team at The Vineyard
Sep 8
6 min read

Some weddings are romantic. Some are elegant. And some are just so full of joy, laughter, and personality that they stay with you forever. That’s exactly what Brooke and Brayden’s Sunday vineyard wedding at The Vineyard at St. Charles was—a celebration overflowing with fun, family, fishing poles, gorgeous details, and the kind of love that makes you want to dance until the very last song.

As an Iowa bride, Brooke wanted her wedding to feel true to who she and Brayden are. Yes, it needed to be beautiful (and oh, it was), but more than that, it needed to be fun. A day full of laughter, surrounded by their closest friends and family, with plenty of time to enjoy the vineyard’s charm and dance late into the evening.

The result? An unforgettable Iowa wedding that perfectly blended romance and playfulness, vineyard elegance and small-town charm, quiet heartfelt moments and the most epic Iowa dance party of the summer.

The Love Story Behind the Celebration

Every wedding begins with a love story, and Brooke and Brayden’s is one built on adventure, laughter, and a deep connection. The way they look at each other says it all—the kind of love that’s steady yet playful, supportive yet fun.

For their wedding day, they wanted that same balance reflected in every detail. They weren’t looking for a cookie-cutter celebration—they wanted a day that felt uniquely “them.” And from fishing by the water, to a sunset stroll through the vineyard, to a dance floor that shook with energy, it’s safe to say they got exactly what they dreamed of.

A Perfect Sunday Wedding in Iowa

Saturdays may get most of the spotlight in the wedding world, but Brooke and Brayden chose a Sunday wedding—and it was one of the best decisions they made. Sundays carry a relaxed pace, with guests arriving in an easy-going spirit and the couple savoring every moment without feeling rushed.

At The Vineyard at St. Charles, Sundays also bring their own magic. The light is golden and peaceful, the vines seem to glow, and the countryside unfolds in quiet beauty. For Brooke and Brayden’s 6.29.25 wedding, the weather couldn’t have been better—sunny skies, warm breezes, and the kind of day you want to bottle up and keep forever.

The Wedding Timeline

Brooke and Brayden’s carefully planned timeline allowed the day to unfold seamlessly:

9:00 AM – Bridal suite access begins; hair and makeup by Sophia DeMaria and Jasmin Gasca.
11:00 AM – The men arrive to get ready.
2:00 PM – A heartfelt first look, captured by the talented Lex Owens Photography.
4:00 PM – The ceremony begins, officiated by Brayden’s dad, Regan (RJ) Bill.
4:30 PM – Cocktail hour begins; bar opens as guests mingle outdoors.
6:00 PM – Grand entrance and first dance.
6:15 PM – Dinner service from Off the Griddle.
7:00 PM – Sunset photos in the vineyard.
7:30 PM – Cake cutting with sweets by Breeze Sweets.
7:45 PM – Toasts to love, laughter, and happily ever after.
8:00 PM – Dance floor opens with DSM Wedding DJ Service leading the party.
10:00 PM – Grand exit under bubbles.

This thoughtful structure meant that the couple could enjoy every tradition without feeling rushed—while still saving plenty of time for dancing, laughter, and fun.

The Dream Team of Vendors

A wedding this seamless and stunning doesn’t happen without an incredible team of vendors, and Brooke and Brayden handpicked some of the best in Iowa:

Photography: Lex Owens Photography – Alexa captured every detail beautifully, from quiet emotional moments to the energy of the dance floor. Her photos tell the full story of the day.
DJ: DSM Wedding DJ Service – Jesse Aldridge kept the floor packed from the first song to the last, turning the reception into an unforgettable Iowa dance party.
Catering: Off the Griddle – Kristie Jacobe delivered a delicious buffet that guests are still raving about.
Florals: Wildflower DSM – Megan Deppe created lush, colorful designs that highlighted the vineyard’s natural beauty.
Cake/Desserts: Breeze Sweets – Breanne Hentschel provided the sweetest finale to the meal with a beautiful (and tasty!) wedding cake.
Hair & Makeup: Sophia DeMaria (hair) and Jasmin Gasca (makeup) brought out the bridal party’s natural beauty with flawless artistry.
Attire: Perry Bridal supplied both the bride’s stunning gown and the groom’s sharp suit.
Stationery: The Knot.

Together, this vendor team turned the couple’s vision into a flawless celebration.

A Ceremony Full of Heart

The outdoor vineyard ceremony was as heartfelt as it was beautiful. Officiated by the groom’s father, RJ, the vows felt deeply personal—woven with family history, laughter, and a few happy tears. Brooke and Brayden exchanged rings under a home-built arch, framed by vineyard rows and summer skies.

There’s something special about a vineyard ceremony: the wide-open views, the feeling of being surrounded by nature, and the quiet beauty of the moment. Guests could feel the authenticity of the love being celebrated.

Vineyard Fun: Fishing & Laughter

One of the most unique (and memorable!) parts of the day came between formalities. Brayden and his groomsmen grabbed fishing poles by the water, giving this vineyard wedding a splash of Iowa charm. Suits, ties, and fishing lines made for the kind of photos that only happen when couples embrace who they are.

Brooke loved it—laughing as she watched, knowing it was exactly the kind of personal touch that made their day truly theirs. Guests gathered to cheer, laugh, and snap pictures of their own, adding to the lighthearted vibe.

Reception: Elegant Yet Fun

Inside the reception space, Brooke and Brayden brought vineyard elegance to life with ivory linens, budding bud vase centerpieces, and glowing candles. The design struck a perfect balance: romantic enough for a wedding, but approachable enough to keep the atmosphere fun and relaxed.

With 110 guests, the space felt full of warmth and connection—an intimate gathering that still had plenty of room for laughter and celebration.

Dinner, Toasts, and Cake

Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet from Off the Griddle, with servers making sure everyone felt cared for. As the meal ended, friends and family took the microphone to toast the couple. The speeches brought laughter and happy tears, proving once again that Brooke and Brayden are surrounded by people who adore them.

The couple cut their cake at 7:30 PM, sharing a sweet moment before inviting guests to enjoy desserts from Breeze Sweets.

Sunset Photos in the Vineyard

At golden hour, Lex Owens whisked the couple away for a private photo session among the vines. Sunset at The Vineyard is always magical, but this evening it was extraordinary—the sky glowing orange and pink, the vines softly illuminated, and the couple soaking in a quiet moment together before the dance party began.

These photos will forever be a favorite—a reminder that even on the most fun-filled wedding days, there’s always room to pause and just be together.

The Iowa Dance Party of the Summer

If there’s one thing Brooke and Brayden’s wedding will be remembered for, it’s the reception. At 8:00 PM sharp, the DJ opened the dance floor—and it never emptied again.

From the first beats to the grand bubble exit, this was an Iowa dance party for the books. Shoes were kicked off, laughter filled the air, and every guest—young and old—joined in the celebration. Brooke and Brayden led the charge, proving that love is best expressed with movement, music, and a packed dance floor.

A Grand Bubble Exit

At 10:00 PM, the newlyweds ended the evening with a grand bubble exit. Guests lined the path, filling the night air with shimmering bubbles as Brooke and Brayden made their way out hand in hand—smiling, laughing, and ready to begin their next adventure together.

Final Thoughts

Brooke and Brayden’s wedding wasn’t just beautiful—it was a celebration of who they are. A couple who loves deeply, laughs often, and knows how to throw the kind of party their friends and family will remember forever.

For any Iowa bride dreaming of a vineyard wedding that blends elegance with fun, this day is proof it’s possible. Whether it’s fishing at the lake, dancing under the stars, or sharing cake with loved ones, your wedding should feel like you.

Congratulations, Brooke and Brayden! Your wedding was joyful, heartfelt, and full of life—exactly what love should be.

✨ Planning your own Iowa wedding? Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic vineyard backdrop, a fun Sunday celebration, or an unforgettable Iowa dance party, The Vineyard at St. Charles is the perfect setting for your big day.

📸 Vendor Team: