They were coworkers for over a year before they started dating. When they started dating is up for debate. There are three options and all happened within the same week. (It was a big week for the future Walkers, haha!)
“Option A: Mitch invited me over to his apartment on a Sunday afternoon. I had a busy weekend so I arrived late and in sweats, not realizing that he thought we’d go grab some dinner. Instead, he made Triscuit nachos and made me a CD (a copy of Enrique Iglesias CD with a few extra songs tacked on the end). I’m pretty sure I still have it in my car today! I was nervous but excited. We both knew we liked each other but weren’t sure if dating a coworker was the right move.
“Option B: There was a Wednesday evening happy hour planned among coworkers but the day of, we found out that we were the only two who were able to go. Instead of going to the designated bar, we went to a different bar so no one else would unexpectedly show up. We spent the entire evening talking and laughing; my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Everything felt so effortless and easy. At the end of the night Mitch paid for our tab so I count that as our first date. I think it was this night that he officially asked me to go to dinner with him on Friday.
“Option C: We went to dinner that Friday evening. I honestly don’t remember this night as vividly as the first two, but Mitch considers this to be our first date.”
Honestly, technicality doesn’t matter because they ended up here this past Saturday: a beautiful day with a wonderful celebration of their commitment to each other. Everything was held at the Iowa Memorial Union and even photos outside were well within walking distance.
Jessica’s color scheme was going to be black, white, gold, and dusty blue, but things changed a bit with some added color in the reception and ceremony flowers and, best of all, with the color addition of a burgundy suit for the groom. It all came together really well, even if it was different than the original look in Jess’ head.
What you can’t see here is how windy it was that day! There was a ton (!!) of construction happening at the Old Capitol, wind that was so intense it could almost knock you over, and very sunny. The combination of those three things meant I had to be very strategic in finding spots that would work for photos. Trying to find beautiful soft light/open shade, no construction cones, fencing, and scaffolding, and areas with wind being blocked or at least softened by surrounding buildings was challenging, but this spot ended up being perfect!
A beautiful, unique rosary was woven around Jessica’s bouquet and her sister’s bouquet had a photo of their sister who passed away. “The beads on the rosary were made from flowers from my youngest sister’s casket. A family friend had made them for us and we all have one now. It is such a special and unique rosary!”
The wind died down a bit in the evening so it was much easier to navigate outside later in the evening for some sunset glow.
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Photography: Emily Crall Photography
Venue: Iowa Memorial Union
Cake Artist: Shelly’s Sweets
Caterer: University Catering
Florals: The Flower Shop At Cedar Memorial
Makeup: Beauty Edit
Hair: Refinery Salon & Co
Bridal Gown: Hope’s Bridal
Suits: Holley’s Shop For Men
Invitations & Paper Goods: Tara’s Designs
Videographer: Cameron Frazier
Decor: Borrow My Vintage
Welcome Mirror: A Beautiful Day Design
add a comment
+ COMMENTS