ROAD TRIP ELOPEMENT ACROSS CENTRAL IOWA

September 4, 2018

ROAD TRIP ELOPEMENT ACROSS CENTRAL IOWA

Bride in a leather jacket and boho lace jumpsuit by Dame and Maiden

Des Moines photographer Raelyn Ramey led our tribe of local vendors on a journey through central Iowa for this road trip elopement! We followed in eager anticipation, knowing that she would lead us on a grand adventure. The memories from that day remain etched in my mind, as they stir up reminiscences of my childhood in a small Missouri town.

Road Trip Elopement Ceremony at Ashton Chapel

Rachel Bascom, our model, walked down the aisle of the historic Ashton Chapel in a beautiful boho-style gown from Dame and Maiden. Her bouquet, created by Lavender Blue, featured a palette of reds, pinks, and yellows. While roses were the centerpiece of this bouquet, we also included soft snapdragons and silvery seeded eucalyptus to tone things down just a bit.

Elopement ceremony at Ashton Chapel in Mingo, Iowa

Meanwhile, I just had to snap this photo explaining the history of the chapel, which is located in the small town of Mingo, Iowa. The story goes that a young girl dying of tuberculosis had fond memories of her time spent in Mingo's beautiful countryside in the late 1800s. She asked to be laid to rest there, which also happened to be the end of a wagon trail. Her family members soon joined her, and a small gravesite was formed. Years later, the town decided to build a church in this area next to the cemetery. With $150 and lots of volunteer labor, they made that dream a reality. It's hard not to imagine all of the trials, tribulations, and joys that were felt and commemorated in this place over the last 130 years. What a story these walls could tell!

Reminiscing On My Small Town Upbringing

The arched windows, antique paneling, and dark wooden pews of the Ashton Chapel remind me of my upbringing in a small Methodist church in southern Missouri. As a small 12-year-old girl, I became the organist of that church. I would walk up the street from my grandmother's house after a breakfast of fresh hot pancakes and "fake" coffee to visit my friends and accompany the choir.

In that church, I would also marry my husband and bid my grandmother farewell at her memorial service. I would crush on a boy named Tim, and learn about my faith from a wonderful Sunday School teacher named Elly. It was there that I learned everything I know about life and how to care for others, by watching my parents give of their time and talents. The lessons I learned and the memories I made in that building can never be repeated or duplicated. Perfect or not, they made me the person I am today.

Work With Lavender Blue

Now, let's talk about your vision for your unique and creative wedding day! Lavender Blue has established relationships with a host of Des Moines wedding vendors, including photographers, videographers, hair and makeup stylists, and rental companies. We would love the opportunity to put together an A-team for your special day! Send us a message letting us know that you'd like a squad of Des Moines vendors to cater to all of your wedding needs. We'll get working ASAP to create the team that's right for you!