The Love Story
In the ever-romantic realm of love stories, Claire and Connor’s is a shining example of enduring love, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Beginning as high school sweethearts, their journey led them through four years of a challenging long-distance relationship during college. Eventually, their paths converged back in Des Moines, where they began building their careers and dreams. It was against this backdrop that Connor proposed to Claire during a picturesque bike ride at Sycamore Trails, setting the stage for a dream Des Moines wedding that beautifully celebrated their remarkable journey.
The Attire
Toast had the perfect bridal suite to get ready in. Its ample lighting, mirrors, and space made for a relaxing morning. The bridal party looked stunning, with the bridesmaids in various long dresses in a dusty blue hue, and the groomsmen in matching blue suits and brown shoes. Claire, the radiant bride, wore a breathtaking scoop lace and sequin corset gown. She opted out of a traditional veil and instead wore a sheer shoulder cape that added a touch of elegance to her ensemble, which she later removed at the reception for a more relaxed look.
The Ceremony
Their wedding day was a beautiful reflection of their love story. Claire and Connor chose to exchange their vows at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. The church provided a sacred backdrop for their union, surrounded by family and friends who had witnessed their love story unfold.
The Venue
After the heartwarming ceremony, the bridal party embarked on a celebratory joy ride aboard a party bus, while guests made their way to the reception venue, Toast, for a cocktail hour. This stunning venue, located in Ankeny, IA, is an industrial-chic space just minutes away from downtown Des Moines. With its exposed brick walls, wood flooring, and crystal chandeliers, Toast provided the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable evening.
The Dinner
The reception featured a delectable buffet-style meal from Baratta’s Catering, satisfying the guests’ taste buds. For dessert, Claire and Connor had a simple two-tier wedding cake adorned with delicate florals. Each table also had its own individual single-tier cake, cleverly doubling as table numbers. It was a sweet touch that added a unique flair to the celebration.
The Celebration
The DJ kept the energy high with fun interactive games for the bridal party, ensuring everyone had a blast. Following the heartwarming first dance and touching mother-son and father-daughter dances, the newlyweds stole away for golden hour photos on the rooftop. The resulting pictures were nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the love and happiness that surrounded them on this special day.
Claire and Connor’s wedding day was a true reflection of their love story – filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments. Their journey, from high school sweethearts to a loving couple celebrating their union, serves as a beautiful reminder that love knows no distance or obstacles. Toast, with its industrial chic charm, provided the perfect canvas for their love story to unfold, and their wedding day was a magical beginning to their happily ever after.
Claire & Connor’s Des Moines Wedding Featured Vendors
Ceremony: Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church
Reception Venue: Toast
Photography: Jennifer + Drew, Complete Weddings + Events
Videography: Trevor, Complete Weddings + Events
Caterer: Baratta’s Catering
Complete Weddings + Events Des Moines, IA
We were honored to be part of such a joy-filled day. We are grateful Claire & Connor trusted us with their Des Moines wedding at Toast. It was an unforgettable celebration of love. If you would like to make your wedding complete with our photography, videography, DJs, photo booth, and coordination services, contact us. To see more amazing weddings or find more wedding inspiration, don’t forget to check our blog page.