Matt and Theresa had their wedding in Cedar Rapids, which was a middle ground of sorts. They currently live and work in the Chicago area. Many of Matt’s family and friends are from Kansas City. And Theresa’s family is actually from the Cedar Rapids area, so many of them had it easy. They had both the wedding ceremony and reception at the Eastbank Venue and Lounge, which was wonderfully convenient—no travel between venues and plenty of photo opportunities close by. We started the day getting ready at the DoubleTree in Downtown Cedar Rapids, which is such a perfect getting ready space . . . if we could only figure out how to use those stupid remote controlled curtains!! After hair, makeup, exploding champagne, dress and jewelry, Theresa enjoyed a couple first looks with the men in her life—dad first, then her soon-to-be husband. In the sequence of photos we took, you can see their lips saying, “Woowwww!”
From there, we hit the streets of Cedar Rapids for some laid back bride, groom and wedding party photos. Weather-wise, we had a bit closer of a call than I think any of us expected! It was supposed to be pretty beautiful during the day, and then storms would maybe roll in through the overnight hours. But, we had a pesky blob of rain blow up right in the middle of our photo time, though we were fortunate to only have a few sprinkles hit us. The threat of rain certainly got my butt in gear! At least we weren’t in Ames though, because this was the weekend of the Iowa/Iowa State game, and we all know the weather nonsense they had to deal with! And as Iowa State grads, that’s all we’ll be discussing about that game.
The ceremony was officiated by a friend of Matt and Theresa’s, and we witnessed a few tears along the way. More smiles and laughter though. After they raised their arms in celebration as husband and wife for the first time, they walked through a tunnel of bubbles and onto a Dolly’s Party Bus to take a few more photos while the room at Eastbank was flipped from the ceremony to the reception. It was during this time that I committed the ultimate wedding party foul, as I back-pedaled and smashed a full can of beer that I declared would be in a totally safe area. I made a fool of myself because I tripped over my bag at the same time and nearly ate it completely.
Toward the end of dinner, storms did eventually roll through the area. But at that point, we were all cozy inside and plenty of pops and bubbly were being served, so guests couldn’t have cared less. It’s kind of bizarre how many times we leave Eastbank and it’s pouring outside! As the saying goes when we visit Eastbank—60% of the time it rains every time as we’re leaving.
Matt and Theresa, it was a great pleasure to spend the day with you guys and your family and friends. It is clear that you are very well loved, and we enjoyed being able to witness and document that on your wedding day. Thank you so much for having us, and we hope you enjoy this quick sneak peek!
Hair – Jenny Butz (Jenny’s Hair Way) & Fix Salon
Makeup – Lindsey Faber
Flowers – Hy-Vee Oakland Rd
Cake & Desserts – Iced Bakery
Transportation – Dolly’s Party Bus
Dress – Brides & Weddings (Manchester)
Catering – Bread Garden Market
Photographers – Carter Photography
