WEDDING IDEAS

Martha carried a bouquet of ivory and soft pink roses accented by calla lilies and stephanotis.

The couple had two very special officiants -- the bride’s father, and a family friend of the groom’s -- and recited traditional vows. “The thought of the millions of couples who have exchanged those same promises with one another was very romantic,” says Martha.

Seven bridesmaids wore full-length, A-line, chocolate-brown dresses featuring a soft pink waistband -- designed and created by the bride’s mother. They carried bouquets of pink roses bound with chocolate-brown ribbon.

After searching endlessly, Martha found the perfect gown -- a strapless, ivory, A-line gown by Casablanca featuring a chapel-length train, beaded neckline, and pink sash. She wore a cathedral-length veil for the ceremony, which was detached afterward, leaving a chapel-length style for the reception.

The couple’s first dance was to Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” followed by a father-daughter dance to “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban.

“Our cake took center stage,” said Martha of the five-tiered, round cake iced in ivory and decorated with pink ribbons and the couple’s new monogram.

Martha & Jim in Des Moines, IA

Martha and Jim planned a romantic, fall wedding full of rose petals and soft touches of pink in Des Moines, Iowa.

Photos By: Red Ribbon Studio, Minneapolis
Day-of Coordination: Jason Sojka, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Des Moines
Location: Des Moines Marriott Downtown, Des Moines

Martha felt an instant connection with Jim when they met, so it was only fitting that their October wedding exude some serious romance.

The Bride Martha Boehlert, 24, school psychologist
The Groom Jim Condon, 29, computer systems consultant
The Date October 29

Jim planned to propose to Martha during an upcoming vacation in South Carolina, but decided he couldn’t wait -- and popped the question one night on their back porch. She said yes -- “about a hundred times!” -- and the two soon began planning their fall nuptials.

-- Kristen Hawley