Angela & Caleb's Spring Vineyard Wedding in Iowa: A Magical Day at The Vineyard

Springtime in Iowa is pure magic, and on May 31, 2025, The Vineyard had the joy of hosting a wedding that beautifully embodied the season. Angela and Caleb tied the knot surrounded by blooming vines, golden hour sunlight, a peaceful pond, and the unmistakable joy that comes from saying "I do" surrounded by the people who matter most. Their vineyard wedding was one of elegance, warmth, and celebration—and we can't wait to share the details.

Whether you're planning your own outdoor wedding in Iowa or just love swooning over Des Moines wedding venues, Angela and Caleb's big day offers endless inspiration. From thoughtful preparation to joyful toasts and golden hour photos, their day was filled with heartfelt moments that made it uniquely theirs.

The Couple: Angela & Caleb

Angela and Caleb's love story is grounded in joy, laughter, and deep connection. You could feel the excitement in every step of the planning process. Angela, the bride, was incredibly organized, using The Vineyard's Master Planner tool to carefully curate every detail of their wedding. She was involved, intentional, and ready to make the day magical from start to finish.

The Wedding Date: May 31, 2025

Spring is a perfect time for a vineyard wedding in Iowa. With the vines turning lush and the weather cooperating beautifully, it's no wonder that Angela and Caleb chose this season. Their decision to skip a first look created a powerful moment of anticipation as Caleb saw his bride walking down the aisle for the first time.

Morning Preparations: Calm & Excitement The bridal suite opened at 9:00 AM, offering a serene start to the day. By 10:30 AM, hair and makeup were underway. Angela’s close friends Natalie Ott and Emily Joan handled glam duties with love and care. Angela's dress prep began around noon, with soft light streaming into the suite—the perfect setting for Chelsea Perry, their talented photographer, to capture dreamy getting-ready photos.

By 2:00 PM, the guys had arrived, adding their own energy and excitement. While the couple opted not to see each other before the ceremony, each spent meaningful time with their party and family before the big walk down the aisle.

Ceremony Among the Vines

At 4:00 PM, guests took their seats outside in the vineyard. The weather was ideal—warm but comfortable, and the rows of grapevines created a naturally romantic backdrop.

The couple used a handmade arch to frame their vows, adding a personal touch to the outdoor ceremony. Pastor and friend Tom Steele officiated with grace, humor, and heart.

It was the kind of ceremony that makes time stand still: raw, real, and full of joy.

Cocktail Hour by the Pond

The celebration continued as the bar opened at 4:30 PM. Guests enjoyed drinks and laughter during cocktail hour, with yard games set up for added fun. The pond nearby created a peaceful atmosphere that balanced the buzz of conversation.

This part of the day also offered a chance for Chelsea Perry to begin capturing golden hour photos—one of the many highlights of having an outdoor wedding at The Vineyard. The combination of natural beauty and warm spring light made for stunning portraits.

Iowa Wedding Reception

Angela and Caleb hosted 87 guests across 11 beautifully decorated tables, plus a head table for the bridal party. The chosen aesthetic: Classic Elegance. With white linens, faux floral arrangements ordered online, and The Vineyard's "Better Together" sign glowing gently in the background, the reception space felt both refined and welcoming.

Dinner was served buffet-style by Hy-Vee Mills Civic Catering. Guests appreciated the seamless transition from cocktail hour to dinner, helped along by the timely coordination of the Vineyard staff. Toasts began at 6:15 PM, with heartfelt words from loved ones that had guests laughing and tearing up in equal measure.

Sweet Moments & Traditions At 6:40 PM, it was time for cake—a showstopping spread by Crème Cupcake. Angela and Caleb cut their cake with laughter and joy, surrounded by cheers.

Soon after, the couple shared their first dance at 7:00 PM. A cascade of traditional dances followed: father-daughter, mother-son, and a sweet anniversary dance that honored the couples who'd walked the journey of marriage before them.

By 8:00 PM, the dance floor was alive with energy, thanks to A Special Event DJ who knew exactly how to keep the party going. The photo booth, also provided by the DJ company, became a popular spot throughout the evening.

Golden Hour Magic

One of the most unforgettable moments of the day? Golden hour photos around the vineyard. As the sun dipped low in the sky, Chelsea Perry took Angela and Caleb for a quiet stroll among the vines.

These golden hour shots—with the pond glowing in the background and their silhouettes framed by golden light—are some of the most iconic images of the day. They perfectly reflect the peace, joy, and beauty that radiated from the newlyweds.

The Final Hours As the night drew to a close, guests enjoyed a final round of dancing and drinks. The bar closed at 9:30 PM, with music concluding at 10:00 PM. While Angela and Caleb chose not to do a grand exit, their departure still felt celebratory, with hugs, laughter, and happy tears filling the space.

By 11:00 PM, the venue had cleared out, and the couple began the next chapter of their lives with full hearts and unforgettable memories.

Why The Vineyard Was the Perfect Choice

Des Moines offers many wedding venues, but for Angela and Caleb, The Vineyard was the obvious choice. With its natural beauty, flexible outdoor wedding spaces, pond views, and golden hour magic, it was the perfect setting for a spring wedding in Iowa.

The couple loved the ease of planning with The Vineyard's Master Planner, the on-site coordination support, and the ability to bring in their preferred vendors. They also appreciated The Vineyard’s clear communication and support throughout the process.

For couples dreaming of an elegant but laid-back vineyard wedding, Angela and Caleb’s experience is a great example of how thoughtful planning and a stunning venue can come together to create an unforgettable day.

A Few Tips from Angela

1. Use your venue's planning tools. "The Vineyard's Master Planner was a game-changer. I loved having everything organized in one place."

2. Don’t stress over flowers. "I saved so much money by ordering faux florals online—and they looked amazing."

3. Trust your coordinator. "The day-of coordinator handled everything so smoothly. I didn’t worry about a thing."

4. Prioritize golden hour photos. "This was hands down the most magical part of the day. We’ll cherish those photos forever."
   

   
   

Final Thoughts Angela and Caleb's wedding day was everything a spring wedding in Iowa should be: heartfelt, beautiful, and filled with personal touches. From the vineyard ceremony to the pondside golden hour photos, every element came together seamlessly.

We were honored to host their celebration and can’t wait to welcome more couples looking for the perfect Des Moines wedding venue. If you're dreaming of your own vineyard wedding, we hope this glimpse into Angela and Caleb's day inspires you to start planning your perfect day at The Vineyard.

Interested in Booking Your Own Wedding at The Vineyard?

Whether you're planning a spring wedding or looking for a Des Moines wedding venue with a pond, beautiful outdoor space, and unbeatable golden hour photo ops, The Vineyard could be the perfect fit. Contact us today to schedule a tour or learn more about our wedding packages.

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