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        <title>Iowa-Des Moines — The Knot Community</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:37:12 +0000</pubDate>
        <language>en</language>
            <description>Iowa-Des Moines — The Knot Community</description>
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    <item>
        <title>wedding date offense</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741906/wedding-date-offense</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:57:11 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>missyishere</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741906@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I just recently became engaged.&nbsp; Since we have been dating for over 5 years, I had ideas in mind already for our wedding, one being my wedding date.&nbsp; I spoke with my dying Grandmother some time back about her wedding date with my Grandpa.&nbsp; I wanted to be married on their anniversary since they were both very important in my life, and my Grandpa passed away just two days after sending out invites to what would have been their 50th anniversary.&nbsp; That date (which I set) is October 9.&nbsp; Since next year October 9th lands on a Saturday, I thought it was perfect!&nbsp; Just a few weeks before receiving my ring, I ran into an acquaintance.&nbsp; She informed me her wedding was October 9 of next year.&nbsp; I mentioned to her if my boyfriend were to get me a ring by that time, that was the same date I had in mind for my wedding bc of my grandparents.&nbsp; Just last weekend, she texted me with some terrible words of her distain bc of my date choice.&nbsp; I didn't figure it would be a problem since we aren't close friends nor would we share really any wedding guests.&nbsp; In fact, I thought it would be kind of neat to share the same anniversary with someone.&nbsp; I informed of the reasoning by my date choice being nothing to do with her, but because my grandparents meant so much to me.&nbsp; She followed up with saying in txt: Just bc ur moms marriages didnt work doesnt mean ur gparents date wont make urs work-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Don't you think that's a little harsh considering we're not&nbsp;sharing any of the same guests?&nbsp; I am just completely taken back that a person could be so mean...]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Iowa name changes</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741904/iowa-name-changes</link>
        <pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:03:37 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>aek83</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741904@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Hi!What order do you change your documents in Iowa? Social Security card, then drivers liscence, then all others? Any tips to make it less anoying? Any good books you read while waiting at the DMV? :)]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Schaffer&#39;s</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741896/schaffers</link>
        <pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:03:02 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>chelspowers</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741896@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Anybody know a ballpark price range for the dresses that Schaffer's carries? I'd love to go there to look at dresses but don't want to drive all that way if they're out of my price range.  TIA :)]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Corsages for musician???</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741882/corsages-for-musician</link>
        <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:16:23 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>Lemons653</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741882@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Is anyone getting a coursage/boutonniere for their ceremony musician?&nbsp;&nbsp; I don't think we really need one for them, but I thought I'd see what everyone else is doing.&nbsp; TIA!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Checks!!</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741905/checks</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:41:03 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>rachaelmetzger</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741905@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I got all my invites sent out yesterday!!! It took 2 hours of stuffing them but My FMIL and FSIL Helped and it went pretty well. We also got the favor boxes put together!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Kids</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741891/kids</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kellidanae</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741891@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[For those of you who will have, or did have, kids at your reception... did you do anything fun or extra for them? I don't think our ceremony will last long, so I am not worried about occupying them there, but I was thinking at the reception, during toast and things before music starts. I was thinking of buying crayons at the dollar store and tying them up in sets of 3 (not concerned with colors). And printing a wedding related activity book. Has anyone done this and would you be willing to share the template? Do you have suggestions? Again, this is one of my last minute ideas with 3 months to go, so need to work it into the budget. Google is my next stop.]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Chair covers???</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741899/chair-covers</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:07:55 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>bethyann75</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741899@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Does anyone know a place in Des Moines that rents chair covers?&nbsp; I am specifically looking for spandex ones, because my venue has odd-shaped chairs.&nbsp; At this point, I would even settle for just the sashes.&nbsp; Thanks!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Major check! :-D</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741902/major-check-d</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:46:54 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>ScarletGem</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741902@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Well, it's official.&nbsp; Not only are we legally and spiritually married, but we're Facebook married. It doesn't get more official than that! :-P Everything turned out perfectly. We absolutely could not have asked for a better day! And many, many thanks to you awesome Knotties for you advice and support over the last year and a half! Also, our excellent photographer, Erik Notz, already has some teaser shots up on his blog, under &quot;Shane &amp; Marcy's wedding&quot;:[url]<a href="http://www.inspired-imagesblog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.inspired-imagesblog.blogspot.com/</a>[/url]&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>T Minus 3 weeks from Tomorrow</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741892/t-minus-3-weeks-from-tomorrow</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:13:03 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>drakegrad498</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741892@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I can not believe it.&nbsp; My mind is constantly racing!!!! Biggest headache right now? Working with the church regarding ceremony music and also getting on my djs website to organize music for reception.&nbsp; The church has not been the greatest with communication but I suppose what can I expect from being in another state and not a member of the church.Im really hoping and will work hard to make this my most productive weekend.&nbsp; STILL have 40 guests that have not RSVP so I am working w/MIL on Sunday to get these resolved, just cant wait anymore with vendors needing final payment soon.&nbsp; Also Ill be in IA for my bachelorette party next weekend! ]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Officiants?</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741894/officiants</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:46:48 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>anastasiakral</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741894@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[My family is Catholic and my fiance is atheist and we're having an outdoor reception.&nbsp; Can anyone recommend an officiant?&nbsp; I don't think my fiance would be interested in completing pre-marital counseling or having a lot of God talk, but I also want the ceremony to last longer than 10 minutes.&nbsp; Has anyone worked with any Polk County judges?&nbsp; Do you just call them and ask if they'll marry you?&nbsp; Any other recommendations? Thanks!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>mom2one</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741881/mom2one</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:34:41 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>isufans4ever</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741881@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I was wondering if you could give me the website that you used to order Lincoln's tux for your wedding...I have asked for it before but I don't now.]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>marriage license</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741903/marriage-license</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:31:14 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>drakegrad498</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741903@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I dont know if its being tired @ 12:30 in the AM or what.... but can someone tell me where I can go online to obtain a request for marriage license? I came across it not so long ago but now cant find it and google.com is not helping meHelp!Thank you!!!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>FOR SALE!</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741901/for-sale</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:16:47 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>csquared21</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741901@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I have a few things for sale but right now am lacking pictures... so email me if you want more details.&nbsp; My email is csquared21 at hotmail.Items:40+ bags of lime green gems (we used these in vases and also sprinkled on tables) bought for $60 would like $20 for all of them or if you only need some we can work it out.30 submersible tea lights.&nbsp; These are water proof and give off a good amount of light.&nbsp; They have batteries that last 40 hours and we had them on for about 10.&nbsp; I bought them for $60 also and would like $30 for them.&nbsp; Here's a link that shows what they can be used for in decorations.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/floralyte.html2" rel="nofollow">www.save-on-crafts.com/floralyte.html2</a> foam boards that say Mr. &amp; Mrs.&nbsp; the colors of the background is lime green and pink - $2&nbsp; &quot;How Sweet It Is&quot; lettering in lime green and pink - $5Hot pink tulle - quite a bit in length as it was used to bunch up along the whole front of the head table - $2Hot pink squares that are sheer fabric some are 8x8 and some 12x12 - total of 35 of these.&nbsp; I also have a skein of fabric that is the same.&nbsp; Will sell all of it for $1040 yards of 8inch ivory tulle - $3If someone will take all of this off my hands at one time I'll give all of it to you for $60.&nbsp; First come, first serve - please take it off my hands!&nbsp; Thanks!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Need a crinoline?</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741900/need-a-crinoline</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:34:04 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kellidanae</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741900@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I think I spelled that wrong&nbsp;~my brain feels mush. Anyway... I have a crinoline, size large for sale if anyone needs. Not a really full slip. Not a one size fits all, it is velcro waste so has some give/adjustments. $30 or BO. It was my sisters and used once. Doesn't fit me, that is why I don't need it. I wanted one more full as well. &nbsp;email me at kellidane at gmail dot com.]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Hairstyles</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741898/hairstyles</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:24:49 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>Tequint</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741898@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I have short hair, and i don't really plan on growing it out for the wedding. Does anyone know where i can look to find ideas for cute wedding styles for short hair?]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Just engaged!</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741877/just-engaged</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:04:01 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>missyishere</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741877@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[This is my first post as a newly engaged member of the knot.&nbsp; I'm very excited to use to knot as a tool to help me plan my wedding.&nbsp; I have set a date for October 9, 2010.&nbsp; It is the date of what would have been my Grandparent's anniversary.&nbsp; My fiance and I have been together for 5 1/2 years, but I still somehow was surprised when I received my ring!&nbsp;]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Anyone looking for centerpieces??</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741893/anyone-looking-for-centerpieces</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:22:17 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>makeup_lady</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741893@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Hi! I am a July 08 knottie and finally cleaning out my &quot;wedding closet&quot;  I have 14 really unique and contemporary centerpieces.    They are made with various large vases - like the giant martini glass and wine glasses you can purchase at Hobby Lobby.  Then a local artist attached wire and sea glass to them for us.  We had a large pillar candle in each vase sorrounded by sand and more sea glass.    I am including ALL the pieces to complete the centerpieces.  The candles look barely burned, still very tall.  The sea glass is various shades of pink, clear and frosted clear.    We paid a total of $45 per centerpiece, but I really want them gone so am selling them for $150.  Even if you remove the wire and re-use them in your own way it is still way cheaper than buying 14 of the vases from Hobby Lobby.  I don't know how to post a pic but would be more than happy to email pics to anyone interested! just send me an email, bvanhouten5@gmail.com  Thanks and Happy Wedding Planning!!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Alteration help</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741887/alteration-help</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:05:13 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>PazTchr</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741887@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I'm looking for suggestions regarding alterations.I purchased my dress at a bridal store in west des moines, but would like to have alterations done somewhere else. Will you please suggest any names. I love my dress and want to be sure it will be taken care of!Thanks guys:)]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Paging SBT... re: dm bio</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741798/paging-sbt-re-dm-bio</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:02:23 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>Molly Jean</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741798@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Can you please email me?mollyjean515 @ gmail dot comThanks dear :)]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>For Sale: Manzanita Branches</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741804/for-sale-manzanita-branches</link>
        <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:53:27 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>[Deleted User]</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741804@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I have the following natural (brown) Manzanita products for sale after 9/6/09:4 branches between 3 1/2' and 4'2 branches between 2' and 3'Location: Okoboji, IAMake me an offer!&nbsp; ]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>I need a hair piece</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741889/i-need-a-hair-piece</link>
        <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:01:39 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kellidanae</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741889@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I originally wasn't going to get a head piece or hair comb, but now with the way I will do my hair and veil, I think it need a hair comb. Any suggestions on somewhere to look. There are so many sites that pop up when I google that it is overwhelming! I found one I really like at the bridal shop, but don't want to spend $80 on it. If I can find something similar for less, I am okay with that. ]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Seating of Parents/Grandparents</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741883/seating-of-parents-grandparents</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 07:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kellidanae</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741883@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I know we have had this question asked several times, but... I am struggling with what to use for seating of Parents and Grandparents. I had picked out Canon in F, but we can't get it to load off of the O'Neal Brothers site, so I am giving up on it. What are you all planning to use, or have you used? TIA]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>PSA: Day of Coordinator Discount-today only</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741890/psa-day-of-coordinator-discount-today-only</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>mom2one14</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741890@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I just saw on my coordinator's blog that she is offering a discount on her day of coordinating services, for today only. It's really cheap compared to the normal price, you can check out her blog for more info.  <a href="http://weddingsiniowa.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://weddingsiniowa.blogspot.com/</a>]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Engagement party Ettiquette</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741888/engagement-party-ettiquette</link>
        <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:25:39 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>missyishere</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741888@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[I am considering whether to do an engagement party, but am unsure of the proper way to go about it.&nbsp; Is is something I plan?&nbsp; Should it be a formal or nonformal thing?&nbsp; Invite only close family and friends?&nbsp; Do we pay for the meal? and so on...]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>help!</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741884/help</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>Lil Lar</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741884@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Any suggestions for a back up location for my wedding ceremony?&nbsp; We're having the ceremony next July at 6 pm in the rose garden in dsm but when I called my church today to schedule the back up she informed me that 6 wouldn't work because they have worship saturday evenings apparently and the latest I could have my ceremony was at 7..but my reception starts at 7...I can't move my ceremony to a diff time because if I doesn't rain I don't want to have the ceremony at 3 pm in the middle of July, and I can't very well put on the invites &quot;If no rain ceremony at 6. If rain ceremony at 3&quot;I'm trying to find either a church that is nondenominational so I don't pay through the nose for not being a member and can also hold about 250 people or it doesn't have to be a church either..I just would like it to look nice.&nbsp; We looked at scottish rite (where our reception is) for our back up and the area we would have it was not what I had in mind...So if anyone has any ideas please let me know I would really appreciate it!!]]>
        </description>
    </item>
    <item>
        <title>Vendor Reviews! VERY VERY LONG :)</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741886/vendor-reviews-very-very-long</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:38:17 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kimmycowart</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741886@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[These are well overdue, so I thought I would get them done.&nbsp; I apologize, becuase it will be VERY lengthy and I hope I didn't miss anyone!!&nbsp; If you have specific questions that I didn't answer, please know yall can email me at kcowart@metropolispa.com!!Prairie Meadows (Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception)&nbsp; A+&nbsp; Even though I ran into some issues during my planning, overall I have to give them an A+.&nbsp; The day of our wedding they did an amazing job.&nbsp; The food and the&nbsp;hor'deurves&nbsp;were excellent.&nbsp; They took care of all the details, the staff was great, and I feel they went above and beyond.&nbsp; I really want to give thumbs up to Rachael and Meghan who helped me plan our wedding for just short of a year, and they were wonderful to answering my tons of emails and offering suggestions anywhere they could.Metropolis P.A (Wedding Coordinators)&nbsp; I wasn't sure exactly how this was going to play out, LOL.&nbsp; I know from personal experience that Trish &amp; Holly are amazing at what they do when coordinating a wedding.&nbsp; But, truth be told, I did worry that I would be very hands on, concerned with every detail, wondering what needs to be done...BUT, I didn't, not for one second of my entire rehearsal, ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception, did I worry about a thing or even think about a thing.&nbsp; They were soooo incredibly amazing, I actually got to be the bride, the whole entire day.&nbsp; I don't know what I would done without them.&nbsp; I have received compliment after compliment about how helpful they were, not just to my wedding party, but to my guests as well, and my new husband was sooo impressed.&nbsp; It was a wonderful experience for us...Cynthia Betts (Planner &amp; Florist)&nbsp; It was truly an honor getting to work with Cynthia.&nbsp; She has amazing talents.&nbsp; I actually won one of her planning packages.&nbsp; Truly I thought why do I need a planner?&nbsp; But believe me, she has tons of experience and knowledge and she was sooo helpful to me when I needed it.&nbsp; I didn't have to harass her much, but when I had a question or needed a second opinion&nbsp;she was right there,&nbsp;ready to help.&nbsp; Cynthia also did all my floral (centerpieces, ceremony, bouquets, everything).&nbsp; She did an amazing job.&nbsp; The best part of that for me was I told her what I did like and what I didn't like, and I didn't have to worry about another thing to do with floral after that.&nbsp; Her prices are great and my floral was everything I had hoped for.Nuzum Photo (Engagement &amp; Wedding Photography) Steve &amp; Ashley did our engagement photos and our wedding photos.&nbsp; I can't say enought great things about these two.&nbsp; They did a fabulous job capturing so many memories for us.&nbsp; My husband and I are very camera shy, but they did an awesome job making us very comfortable and we actually enjoyed having our pictures done.&nbsp; Within days they had blogs up of some of our photos for both the engagement and the wedding, and they had all the photos ready in less than 2 weeks.&nbsp; Really, even though I booked them appr Sept. 8th, I really did not have to do much planning with them, they know what they are doing and they know what a wedding couple is looking for.&nbsp; Their talent is AMAZING and they are very easy to work with.Action Multimedia DJ/Videographer/Live Guitar...I have already touched on this a little, but I have more to say.&nbsp; Karl did an amazing job playing&nbsp;guitar&nbsp;during our ceremony, and playing our recorded music during our ceremony and cocktail hour (we would't have been able to have music during the cocktail hour, if it weren't for him).&nbsp; He did an awesome job djing at our reception.&nbsp; He did all the announcements and he played our slideshow.&nbsp; He also went above and beyond finding polka music for my father n law.&nbsp; That is a family tradition&nbsp;that I did not make Karl aware of, in hopes it would be&nbsp;forgotten.&nbsp; Karl&nbsp;handled it, found the music, and I did the polka with my father in law and that is a memory I will never forget.&nbsp; The dance floor was a little slow in the beginning, because we requested certain music to be played.&nbsp; Karl warned me that others might request something&nbsp;differnet and we agreed that requests should be played.&nbsp; Once requests were given,&nbsp; the dance floor was crazee,&nbsp;Karl kept that type of music going the remainder of the&nbsp;night, at times people had to dance on the floor.&nbsp; I am very greatful for that, the result was alot of dancing and alot of fun.&nbsp; Karl also did our videography, our video is not complete yet, so that review is pending.&nbsp; Karl is&nbsp;great to work with, communicates great, responds to emails very quickly.Sengria (or weddingsongnow.com) Danny created a personalized wedding song for our 1st dance.&nbsp; He wrote the words and the music and recorded the song.&nbsp; It was beautiful.&nbsp; Danny was alot of fun to work with and has an AMAZING voice.&nbsp; He wasn't able to perform our song live at our wedding due to having his BABY BOY born!!&nbsp; This man is amazingly talented.&nbsp;&nbsp; Indulgent Moments (Cake) Tom did a fabulous job on our wedding cake.&nbsp; Our cake was beautiful.&nbsp; He also made an Atomic Cake for the groom's cake (this was my husbands mothers favorit cake- and it is kinda a big thing in Chicago), it too was awesome.&nbsp; I am still getting many compliments on how delicous our cake was.Officient: Pastor Joseph Karge was wonderful to work with.&nbsp; He personalized our ceremony to me and my husband's religous backgrounds.&nbsp; It was about our relationship and our life together.&nbsp; It truly was the most amazing ceremony I have ever heard, and I still get lots of compliments on how beautiful it was.Rental: Classic Events &amp; Parties&nbsp; Great to work with, delivered and picked up our arches as planned.Creative Vacations (Honeymoon) Michaela (previously a knottie) planned our honeymoon, airfare, and car rental.&nbsp; We spent 6 days/5 nights in the Pocono Mountains.&nbsp; She set even our appts for some of the things we wanted to do.&nbsp; Literally, I put it in her hands and she took care of it all.&nbsp; She deserves so much credit, she is wonderful to work with and has a ton of knowledge.Anani Salon &amp; Spa: Hair &amp; makeup: This one is tough.&nbsp; I have to give them an A on doing everyone's hair and makeup.&nbsp; All my girls were very happy and looked so very beautiful.&nbsp; I have to give them a C for their prices.&nbsp; They are extremely expensive and were a little misleading about it.Bella Flora Event Design:&nbsp; WOW, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Kelly, Lynn (her mom) and her entire team.&nbsp; They decorated my entire ceremony including the arches, chair covers and sashes, candelabras, aisle runner with petals, all my tables ex. sand ceremony.&nbsp; They decorated my reception all the linens and the centerpieces and the drapery.&nbsp; Everything was sooo elegant and sooo beautiful.&nbsp; They truly gave us the wedding of our dreams.&nbsp; They are very knowledgable and offer tons of suggestions.&nbsp; It is also became very easy for me to say, do what will look best...Seriously, they are the best to work with...and I feel my wedding shows how amazing they are.A Work of Heart By Cari&nbsp; Where to begin?&nbsp; I had NO idea of what I wanted.&nbsp; Cari took the colors of our wedding and created our theme.&nbsp; She made our wedding party invites, bachelorette party gifts, save-the-dates, invitations, programs, menus, table numbers, seating chart, thank you cards, wedding party thank you cards, vendor thank you&nbsp; cards, easy to read cards for my ceremony readers (they had to alternate), and gifts for my readers and my matron of honor.&nbsp; Everything coordinated together and everything was made by hand and everything was unique, no one will EVER have what I had.&nbsp; I have received so many compliments on how my invitations (and other things) were the best anyone has ever seen.&nbsp; Cari also addressed, stamped and mailed everything for me.&nbsp; She too, had alot of knowledge, she is incredible to work with, quickly responds to emails, and has amazing prices.Wild Orchid Gems: my jewelry and wedding pary jewelry!&nbsp; Corey the owner is a personal friend of mine, so where I was getting our jewelry was never a question.&nbsp; Corey did an amazing job on all of our jewelry.&nbsp; She went above and beyond working with me from Illinois.&nbsp; She sent me samples upon samples until we were able to pin down the exact colors I need for our jewerly.&nbsp; Every piece was made of high quality swarovski crystal and were just beautiful.&nbsp; If you check out her website, trust me when I say the pictures does not do her jewelry justice.&nbsp; In person it is soooo beautiful.&nbsp; Corey is just wonderful to work with.Bouquet Preservation:&nbsp; PENDING]]>
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    <item>
        <title>Tipping</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741867/tipping</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:31:54 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kthalken</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741867@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Okay, I now we've covered this before but please help me out.Who do you tip? What's the typical percentage (to go up or down depending on quality of service)?I've got:A jazz vocalist for 2hrsA DJ for 6hoursA cupcake lady making and delivering cupcakesA photobooth (which includes an attendant)A photographer for 6hrsA bartender (family friend getting paid) and her two granddaughters doing food service (tapas buffet, no actual serving...also being paid)THANK YOU!]]>
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    <item>
        <title>Beer/Wine</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741866/beer-wine</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:26:06 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>kthalken</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741866@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[We're doing Beer and Wine for our reception. I'd like to know if there is any place you'd recommend getting keg(s) from and where/what you're getting your wine.&nbsp; What kinds? Price? Where from?I'm thinking of doing a Riesling (my favorite), Champange (cheap), Chardonnay, and a Cabernet.All recommendations are appreciated!]]>
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        <title>More checks! And upcoming Showers!</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741880/more-checks-and-upcoming-showers</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:31:02 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>jobiann</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741880@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[With less then 60 days left it is all seeming so real!&nbsp; I've got more stuff done over the past five days!&nbsp; Cream cheese mints for the shower are made (I helped only b/c I wanted to, I love love love cream cheese mints!)Candles for the reception are purchasedAll the groomsmen and ushers are measuredI've had my hair trial, so I know what I want for the big dayand I've mocked up my programs...so now I have to get them approved by our priestMy first shower is this Friday, a couples shower thrown by my FI's friends and then this Sunday is my shower thrown by my sisters for my Mom's side and my Dad's sideSo lots of fun socializing this weekend, I'm super excited to see everyone!!]]>
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    <item>
        <title>Dress Shopping</title>
        <link>https://forums.theknot.com/discussion/741879/dress-shopping</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:29:28 +0000</pubDate>
        <category>Iowa-Des Moines</category>
        <dc:creator>jaylynn03</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">741879@/discussions</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[Today was my first dress shopping experience - and boy was I surprised - first by how much energy it takes just to try on dresses all day lol And just how tightly those girls can cinch up those corsets lol There were a few times I thought if I took a deep breath I'd burst the dress :)   I was also surprised by what I liked. I never really thought of a sweetheart neckline but with my bust size it looks really good. And I feel in love with a goldish/champagne'ish color for a wedding dress which I had never even considered before. I'm trying to decide between two dresses and to see if I can find a third dress that maybe combines what I love about the other two into one :) And i learned I have cheap style - all the dresses I like were way low on our price range so that mad me happy :)]]>
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