Rachel & Kyle’s Romantic Winery Wedding at The Vineyard

June 6, 2025 was a picture-perfect day for a wedding, and Rachel and Kyle’s celebration at The Vineyard at St. Charles—a stunning Des Moines wedding venue—was truly unforgettable. The couple said "I do" surrounded by blooming wisteria, golden sunshine, and their closest friends and family. With flawless planning by Heather Goeders of Happenings by Heather and breathtaking imagery captured by Des Moines wedding photographer Jason Thomas Crocker, every element of the day felt magical.

If you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding filled with heart, beauty, and charm, keep reading—this one’s for you.

A Vineyard Wedding Day with Perfect Weather

Early June in Iowa can bring anything from thunderstorms to heat waves—but not on this day. Rachel and Kyle were blessed with sunshine, a gentle breeze, and that golden glow we all hope for when planning an outdoor ceremony.

Adding to the charm, our wisteria vines were in full bloom—draping lavender blossoms around the venue and providing the most romantic backdrop imaginable. This kind of seasonal perfection only happens once a year, and it made the couple’s day feel even more special.

Getting Ready: Calm, Joyful, and Full of Love

The morning began in The Vineyard’s private bridal suite at 9:00 AM. Rachel and her bridal party were pampered by Deriann Thorpe (hair) and Abby from Hello Darlin’ (makeup), with laughter echoing through the suite as they got ready.

Jason Thomas Crocker arrived shortly after noon and immediately got to work capturing all the dreamy details—from Rachel’s Kalon Bridal Studio gown to her heirloom earrings. His signature style perfectly matched the tone of the day: timeless, romantic, and full of light.

Meanwhile, Kyle and his groomsmen arrived at 1:00 PM, sharing laughs and final toasts in their suite while preparing for the couple’s first look.

The First Look: A Private, Emotional Moment

At 1:30 PM, nestled between the vineyard rows, Rachel and Kyle saw each other for the first time that day. Their first look was intimate and filled with emotion—an intentional moment they carved out to calm the nerves and connect before the ceremony.

Jason captured it beautifully: Rachel’s radiant smile, Kyle’s tearful reaction, and the tender embrace that followed. These are the moments couples treasure forever—and it set the tone for a love-filled celebration.

Portraits on the Property: Vines, Wisteria & the Wedding Canoe

With the ceremony still ahead, Rachel and Kyle explored the grounds with Jason, creating some of the most breathtaking portraits of the season. Every corner of the property was glowing—from the vineyard rows to the flowering gardens.

A highlight of the photo session was the couple’s time in our signature wedding canoe. Tucked away in a quiet pond framed by trees, the canoe offers a peaceful, romantic setting that’s become a favorite for couples. Rachel and Kyle’s laughter echoed across the water as they posed, kissed, and floated in sync. The resulting images were nothing short of magic.

The Ceremony: Framed in Lavender and Love

By 4:30 PM, guests were seated at the outdoor ceremony site, shaded by parasols and greeted with refreshments. The couple chose to be married in front of a Cross Altar, one of The Vineyard’s most-loved rental items, which was perfectly placed under the blooming wisteria.

Their officiant, Matt Hayton from Fellowship Church in Norwalk, led a deeply personal and faith-centered ceremony. As Rachel and Kyle exchanged vows, the breeze picked up just enough to rustle the vines, creating a cinematic atmosphere filled with awe and intimacy.

Every guest could feel the sincerity of the moment, and Jason’s photos tell the story beautifully: happy tears, hand squeezes, and a kiss that marked the beginning of forever.

Cocktail Hour & Receiving Line: Intentional Connection

After the ceremony, Rachel and Kyle hosted a receiving line—a sweet nod to tradition that allowed them to personally greet each guest. In an age of fast-paced timelines, this thoughtful touch made everyone feel welcome and valued.

Cocktail hour began at 5:00 PM with a fully hosted bar (generously sponsored by the bride’s parents, Todd and Jodi). Guests enjoyed margaritas and sangria while playing yard games provided by The Vineyard—a fun, casual way to mix and mingle before dinner.

The Reception: Romantic Details & Delicious Fare

At 6:00 PM, the newlyweds were introduced to cheers and applause before taking their seats at a romantic sweetheart table glowing with candles. While Rachel and Kyle provided their own custom centerpieces, The Vineyard team handled candle lighting and decor transitions, creating a seamless ambiance from ceremony to reception.

Dinner was served buffet-style at 6:15 PM by Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, filling the space with the warm, comforting aromas of fajitas, enchiladas, and fresh guacamole. Guests raved about the food, and the relaxed buffet format allowed everyone to enjoy the evening at their own pace.

Toasts, Cake, and Dancing

Toasts began shortly before 7:00 PM and were full of laughter and heartfelt emotion. Family and friends spoke about Rachel and Kyle’s love story, their loyalty, and the joy they bring to everyone around them.

Instead of a formal cake-cutting, the couple opted to keep this moment private—an intentional decision that made the dessert table feel more organic and guest-friendly. Deanne’s Cakes & Cupcakes provided a delicious assortment of sweets, all beautifully displayed and devoured in no time.

As the sun dipped lower, DJ Josh Thomas of Covenant Audio brought the energy with music that had everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—on the dance floor. The couple’s first dance was tender and sweet, and soon the party was in full swing.

A Private Last Dance: A Vineyard Tradition

At 10:00 PM, guests lined up outside for the grand exit while Rachel and Kyle stayed behind for a private last dance. The reception space, now lit solely by candles and string lights, felt sacred and still.

As their song played quietly in the background, the couple swayed together in the middle of the room—just the two of them, soaking in the joy and weight of the day. It’s one of our favorite traditions at The Vineyard, and Rachel and Kyle’s moment was especially moving.

The Grand Exit: Cheers All Around

For their sendoff, Rachel and Kyle chose a cheerful “clap out” as their guests applauded and cheered them into married life. No sparklers, no frills—just pure, heartfelt celebration.

It was the perfect ending to a day that never once felt rushed or forced. Every moment—from first look to grand exit—was crafted with care, heart, and a whole lot of joy.

Vendor Spotlight – The Dream Team Behind the Day

Venue: The Vineyard at St. Charles - Des Moines wedding venue

Planning & Coordination: Happenings by Heather | Heather Goeders

Photography: Jason Thomas Crocker — Des Moines wedding photographer

Catering: Fiesta Mexican Restaurant | Antonio

Florals: White Willow | McKenna

DJ: Covenant Audio | Josh Thomas

Hair: Deriann Thorpe

Makeup: Hello Darlin’ | Abby

Cake & Desserts: Deanne’s Cakes & Cupcakes

Live Painter: Suz | Des Moines Live Painting

Gown: Kalon Bridal Studio

Suits: Skeffington's Formal Wear

Officiant: Matt Hayton | Fellowship Church, Norwalk

Why This Vineyard Wedding Was So Special

We host a lot of weddings, but Rachel and Kyle’s stands out in all the best ways.

It wasn’t just the perfect weather or the once-a-year wisteria blooms. It wasn’t even the dreamy photos (though they are stunning). What made this wedding exceptional was the combination of thoughtful planning, vendor excellence, and a couple who fully embraced the joy of the moment.

Rachel and Kyle were organized yet relaxed, intentional yet playful. They trusted their vendors, stayed present with their guests, and prioritized meaningful experiences throughout the day. The result? A wedding that was timeless, joyful, and deeply personal.

Considering Your Own Vineyard Wedding?

If you’re planning a Des Moines-area wedding and are dreaming of a space that blends natural beauty with elegant amenities, The Vineyard at St. Charles might be the perfect fit.

Our property features:

• Rolling vineyard views

• A private wedding canoe for portraits

• Indoor and outdoor ceremony options

• Elegant reception space with included tables, chairs, and bar

• Dedicated planning support and timeline assistance

• On-site rentals including altars, candles, and more

  
  

We specialize in creating space for couples to celebrate authentically—with plenty of flexibility, stunning backdrops, and support every step of the way.

Ready to plan your own unforgettable wedding day? Schedule a tour or explore our availability by visiting thevineyarddsm.com. We’d love to help you bring your vineyard wedding dreams to life—just like we did for Rachel and Kyle.