Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony in Iowa in November is always a bit of a risk. Will we have 2 feet of snow? Will we have rain? Will we have perfect mid-60s and sun? As it turned out, the weather was on Grace & Blake’s side and they got the latter: a perfect September-feeling day of warm sunshine and mid-60s!

All of this worked out especially well since their ceremony was on a place very special to Grace: her family’s farm. The location was absolutely breathtaking, especially with the late-changing leaves this year. I cannot imagine the work that everyone put into making the land wedding-ready. I told Grace’s dad that he should just start renting it out, but he decided he’s done with weddings for a while, haha.

Blake and Grace began dating years ago. Grace was in high school and may have told her parents she was hanging out with her best friend (her maid of honor!), but instead, met Blake. “Blake and I just drove around and talked. He took my to the land he recently purchased (from my dad, who is a realtor, hah!). Little did I know that three years later, we would build a house on that same piece of land and it would be the place he would ask me to marry him!”

Last winter they finished building their house. Blake planned a house warming party with their family, many of whom had helped with the build. Grace began to be suspicious for no reason other than his dedication to planning this party. “Our families arrived and Blake told me to come with him to thank them for coming. He started to give a speech, thanking everyone who helped us get to this point and then said, ‘There is one last thing left to do.’ He got down on one knee and told me how this house wouldn’t be a home without me, then asked me to marry him!”

And now, almost a year later, they are husband and wife and starting this next phase of their life together. And what a perfect way to start…

I adore the color scheme that Grace & Blake chose for their wedding. It was perfectly fall boho with the most beautiful florals and details.

This view though!!!!

We were met with the most spectacular sight at the Schlutz farm.

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Photography: Emily Crall Photography

Cake Artist: Bride’s great-grandmother, Marilyn

DJ: Purple Star Entertainment

Makeup: I Do Pretty

Hair: 2nd & Mane Salon

Paper Suite: Truly Engaging by Magnet Street

Bridal Gown: Cristiano Lucci from Jocelyn Taylor Bridal

Maids’ Gowns: David’s Bridal

Suits: Skeffington’s Formal Wear

Ceremony Venue: Bride’s Family Farm

Reception Venue & Catering: The Merrill