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EMILY

CRALL

Melanie & Dan

A Celebration Farm Iowa City Indian Summer Wedding

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Hi, I'm Emily.

I have long awaited this wedding, knowing it would be a gorgeous event, but mostly because from the moment I first met Melanie & Dan, I loved them. Dan’s best man described it best in his toast later that evening when he said that the first time he met Melanie, he instantly felt like he had always known her because she is just that kind of person; the one who makes you laugh, makes you feel at ease, and makes you want to hang out all the time with her. Seeing her and Dan together is like seeing a perfect pairing because they both exude that ease, friendship, and happiness that is a magnetic force. I am so honored to have been part of their wedding day and am equally happy to call them friends.

Melanie & Dan had a fusion wedding, celebrating with a Hindu ceremony as well as a traditional American ceremony, blending two into one. They got ready at the Marriott, where I met up with them, before we traveled out to The Celebration Farm for the rest of their wedding day.

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This is Mira, one of Melanie’s bridesmaids and also the one who designed all of the outfits worn throughout the day. The process of getting wrapped into a sari is not for the faint of heart and Mira was absolutely brilliant at getting every fold and tuck done to perfection.
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The guys had a little easier road getting ready, as proven by the fact that they were dressed and practicing their dance moves.

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After arriving at the farm, Melanie & Dan shared a first look and we were able to get lots of photos done beforehand, but even better, we were able to get lots of photos of both of their outfits for the day. This is their ceremony outfit and then later in the evening, we took more photos in their reception outfits. I’m so grateful for clients who trust me with time so that we can accomplish so much!
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I’ve never seen the amphitheater done up to such flawlessness. The floral swag on the arches, the draping, and the crème de la crème: the elephant topiaries! All of it came together in the most perfect version of the ideas Melanie had in her head.
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They’re married and look how absolutely joyful they are!!
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While guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the patio, the candles were lit and the reception was prepped down to the very final detail. Here’s where I must give a huge thank you to Adam and Kirsty for their hard work at pulling this whole event together so cohesively. It could not have been more perfect.
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After their grand entrance, we snuck back outside for 10 minutes to grab some more shots of them, this time in their reception clothes. I can tell you from lifting it earlier that day, Melanie’s skirt weighed an easy 15-20 pounds and she wore it like a champ.
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She asked, “Is it possible to get a picture by the elephants?” I started laughing and said, “Of course! As it happens, I have a camera right here in my hand!”
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Swoooooonnnnn.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Wedding Coordinator: LOLA Event Productions

Videography: Nepo Productions

Florals: Adam Covington Signature Studio

Cake Artist: Deluxe Cakes & Pastries

Catering: A Touch of Class & Shree Indian Vegetarian Restaurant

DJ: Creative Sounds

Makeup: Susie Morales

Hair: Eden Salon

Paper Suite: Parekh Cards

All Clothing: Custom from Chrysalis Fashions

Venue: The Celebration Farm

SHARE THIS POST

  1. […] two days before their first anniversary, Melanie & Dan got to relive their wedding all over again with a beautiful feature on Corridor Wedding Guide. […]

  2. […] summer I had the honor of photographing Melanie & Dan’s wedding. It was such a unique celebration of marriage with their combination of traditional American and […]

  3. […] & Dan’s stunning Indian fusion wedding at The Celebration Farm has been making the rounds online, being featured on The Big Fat Indian […]

  4. […] & Dan put so much thought, consideration, and personality in their wedding day and I couldn’t stop smiling their whole day. The colors were so vibrant, the food so […]

  5. […] & Dan’s wedding was a stunning, colorful affair at The Celebration Farm. It was a beautiful combination of their […]

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