When Caroline first described their wedding, she said she wanted it to be a fun, Iowa-grown wedding event. They made a lot of their wedding choices with that in mind. Everything from the custom 4-foot metal monogram crafted by a local artist they met at a farmer’s market to the farm-to-table dishes served at the reception to the Iowa craft beers and bourbon to the cake being served on their grandmothers’ and great-grandmothers’ china dish sets to Bryan, the groom himself, making the centerpiece wooden vases to the ceremony being held in the original senate room of Iowa’s Old Capitol building…everything was chosen as a nod to their roots.

The day itself couldn’t have been better! It was hot, certainly, but we have lucked out so much this summer with weather! I knew of some locations that would provide beautiful shade and a cool breeze and we utilized that to keep everyone comfortable.

When Caroline & Bryan thought about what they were looking forward to most about their wedding day, both said spending time their their families and friends, “the people who have made me the person I am today. And creating amazing memories!” As you scroll, I hope you will enjoy seeing all of the memories they were able to lock away as they began their marriage!

Caroline’s mother, Jennifer, did all the designwork for the invitations. They chose the typeface as a tribute to a late 19th century calligrapher, much like is found at the Old Capitol. The envelope liner is a scene from Iowa in its territorial days, original art by Jennifer created for a fire screen at Plum Grove Historic House, blending the history of the Old Capitol and the pastoral Iowa setting of the Celebration Barn.

The handkerchief was a gift to Jennifer, Caroline’s mother, and Caroline carried it on the wedding day. It was stitched by a distant cousin in the 50’s-60’s who was blind from birth and made her living making intricate embroidery designs.

These were the gift bags for the guests, welcoming them to Iowa City and filled with so many thoughtful treats!

Caroline’s gown was stunning, but the best part was that it was chosen specifically to go with her veil, an heirloom Brussels Lace veil worn by her great aunt in 1951. The lace was brought from Belgium by her great-grandfather after serving in the medical corps in WWII. The ballgown silhouette had layers of airy English net over silk taffeta. Caroline says that her gown is a love note to tradition.

The menswear was all from Ewe’s Men’s Store, owned by the bride’s father and in the family for over one hundred years. It’s also located directly downtown, right across the street from the Old Capitol!

Bryan & Caroline shared a first look and it was so sweet to witness them seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day!

Caroline wanted lots of summer flowers and natural greenery and Julie did an amazing job pulling it all together!

This was my first wedding in the Old Capitol Museum and I instantly fell in love with the space! It is so rich in history and so elegantly old without being gaudy, the perfect, upkept vintage!

If you recognize Caroline’s grandmother, it’s because I shot another family wedding in June, Caroline’s cousin! There were a few photos of her at that wedding that I just adored; she is so beautiful, yes?

They got to sign their marriage license in the governor’s office, complete with a special feather pen.

The reception was held at the original Celebration Barn, also a first time for me shooting there! It’s clear that it’s very much in the family of the Celebration Farm, but still completely unique and the outdoor space–as you’ll see in a bit–is simply magical!

The sun was setting quickly so I snuck them out at the end of cocktail hour for  a few more portraits.

Caroline & Bryan, thank you so much for letting me be part of your wedding day. I hope these photos capture the love you share and the detail that went into making your wedding so magical. Xo, Emily

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Videography: Diamond Label Films

Florals: Julie’s Fountain of Flowers

Cake Artist: Coralville HyVee

Catering: The Cottage Bakery

Late Night Snack: Marco’s Grilled Cheese

Band: Brad & Kate Music

Makeup & Hair: Eden Salon & Spa

Paper Suite Design: Jennifer deSilva Noser (the bride’s mother)

Paper Suite Printing: Ephemera Invitations & Stationary

Reception Printing: Allegra Iowa City

Bridal Gown: Bridal Boutique East Village

Veil: Family generational heirloom

Maid’s Gown: Von Maur

Suits: Ewer’s Men’s Store

Officiant: Reverend Doctor Barrie Tritle

Pianist: Kevin Edens

Rings: Joseph’s Jewelers

Ceremony Venue: Old Capitol Museum

Reception Venue: Celebration Barn