A Wedding Full of Joy

If I had to describe Lizzie and Zach’s wedding day in one word, it would be joy. Lizzie radiates it, and somehow, their relationship radiates even more. Not once throughout their wedding day did I see Lizzie without a smile on her face. On a hot July day in Iowa, they transformed the Waverly Area Veterans Post into a colorful, romantic celebration that felt completely personal to them and the people they love most. The design centered around color, texture, and one incredibly meaningful detail: wildflowers grown by Lizzie’s own family. A year before the wedding, her aunts planted and tended to the flowers specifically for the celebration, and by wedding day, dozens of bud vases throughout the reception were filled with blooms grown by her family. Layered with colorful taper candles, lamps, blue cheesecloth runners, French toile blue napkins, gold chargers, and custom menus, the tables felt warm, romantic, and full of personality. As a kindergarten teacher, Lizzie also asked her students to draw what love meant to them, placing their sweet interpretations throughout the reception—“love is cookies,” “love is a hug,” and so many more. It quickly became one of the favorite details of the day. Their ceremony took place behind the Veterans Post overlooking the river, which had flooded and risen up the surrounding hill, creating an unexpectedly beautiful backdrop as they exchanged vows. Love & Lace Waverly complemented the family-grown blooms with beautiful faux bouquets for Lizzie and her bridesmaids, a perfect choice for the July heat.

While guests mingled during cocktail hour, the bridal party hopped onto Dolly’s Party Bus for a little celebration of their own, making a few bar stops and taking shots before returning to the reception. Guests then enjoyed a buffet dinner from U-2 BBQ before the evening continued with dancing, laughter, and plenty of celebration. Every part of the day felt like Lizzie and Zach—colorful, warm, playful, personal, and completely full of joy. From flowers grown by Lizzie’s family, to drawings created by her kindergarten students, to a ceremony overlooking the river, every detail told a story about the people and relationships that matter most to them. There are weddings that are beautiful, and then there are weddings that feel beautiful. Lizzie and Zach’s was the latter. If joy could be turned into a wedding day, it would look a lot like Lizzie and Zach’s.

VENDOR TEAM

Venue | Waverly Area Veterans Post
Planner | @missmatrimony
Photographer | @bailey.nicole.photos
Videographer | @mcculloughvideophoto
Content Creator | @the.wedding.edit.co
Florist | @loveandlacewaverly
Wedding Cake | Kendra’s Crafty Cakes
DJ | @uecf
Catering | @u2_bbq
Makeup Artist | @destinyj_mua @estheticsbybayleekay
Hair Stylist | Heather Becker
Transportation | @dollyspartybus
Chair Rentals | @willowcreek_rentals
Lamps | @sparkleandsnapevents