Intimate Bridge Ceremony with a Garden Party Reception

WeddingsDes Moines

Oct 29

I absolutely loved Loulou and Kyle's downtown ceremony on the Union Railroad Bridge, where they shared their vows with their their closest family and friends, the city in the background and the Des Moines River flowing beneath. 😍🌉

This bridge was once a railroad crossing, and when it was restored in 2006, it was painted caboose red, its original color. It’s over 385 feet long, with huge observation decks on either side where people can stop to take in the view—or, in this case, attend a wedding. Guests walked to the observation deck, where chairs and flower arrangements created a beautiful little ceremony space right over the water. It was sunny, windy, and so much fun. Everyone got to watch as Loulou and Kyle walked hand in hand across the bridge toward them, making their way to the middle where they’d say their vows.

After many loving hugs, the celebration moved to the Ruan Reflection Garden at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This is one of my personal favorite spaces at the botanical gardens–an oval shaped garden enclosed by a native American hornbeam hedge and tree lilacs, with a reflecting pool and 12-foot “sky frames” around the borders. It was a dreamy and serene backdrop for Loulou and Kyle’s courtyard cocktail hour, where they mingled with guests, enjoying a charcuterie board and sipping drinks by the water in the afternoon sun. It was such a beautiful atmosphere and set such a nice tone for the rest of the evening.

As the sun went down, everyone headed into the Koehn Garden for dinner. It’s tucked into the heart of the Botanical Garden, surrounded by lilacs, hydrangeas, and flowering quince, with layers of perennials filling every space in between. Loulou and Kyle’s sweetheart table was set near the waterfall, the sound of the water adding to the peaceful, tucked-away feel of the space. Guests sat right on the lawn for a true garden party dinner, eating and drinking surrounded by flowers. Wildflower DSM put together the most gorgeous floral arrangements—deep reds, soft oranges, pastel pinks and yellows, and crisp whites, with ranunculus, anemones, and dahlias making everything feel lush and romantic. The whole setting was just effortless and beautiful, the perfect way to spend the evening.

As the night went on, guests gave the sweetest toasts in the darkening gardens. Then, Loulou and Kyle cut their wedding cake and moved the party over to the arbor behind the Conifer Garden, felt like a perfect little hideaway for the rest of the night. The music started, Loulou changed into a pink sequined long-sleeve mini dress, and they danced under the night sky.