Each month, we highlight our Vows That Wow to showcase weddings that truly embody love, intention, and extraordinary celebration. This month, we’re thrilled to feature the beautiful wedding of Annabel & Taylor at Hotel Blackhawk, a day defined by timeless romance, thoughtful design, and joyful energy from ceremony to reception. With planning by Bright DeSigns and stunning decor by Unique Events, every detail felt cohesive and personal.
How The Couple Met
“We are high school sweethearts, and a mutual friend introduced us our senior year since he was new to the school.” –
A Ceremony Framed in Florals
Guests entered a ceremony space that immediately set the tone. A white aisle runner, delicately adorned with the couple’s monogram crest, led to a lush floral arch overflowing with pink and ivory blooms. Tall gold urn arrangements anchored the aisle entrance, while low florals lined the walkway, creating a garden-inspired moment inside the ballroom. The setting felt regal yet intimate, perfectly complementing the architectural beauty of Hotel Blackhawk. The ceremony design made an immediate statement. Grand floral arrangements overflowed from elevated gold urns atop wooden pedestals, while a custom monogram adorned the aisle runner, subtly reinforcing their signature crest. A lush floral arch framed the altar, creating a romantic focal point that felt both classic and dramatic against the soft draping backdrop.
Annabel was radiant in an off-the-shoulder gown with delicate detailing and a sweeping veil that caught the light beautifully. Taylor’s deep emerald suit added depth and sophistication, grounding the romantic palette with bold contrast. Bridesmaids in rose-toned gowns carried bouquets echoing the ceremony florals, creating a cohesive and refined look, especially against the riverfront views during portraits.
Elevated Details at Every Turn
The reception design created by Bright Designs, brought to life through decor by Unique Events, embraced layered texture and warm candlelight against the ballroom’s classic architecture. Patterned linens, gold-rimmed chargers, emerald napkins, and delicate menu cards created a refined tablescape, while taper candles in glass sleeves added a soft, romantic glow. Overhead, lush floral centerpieces blending blush, ivory, peach, and deep burgundy added height and drama without overpowering the space.
The custom dance floor by Unique Events, adorned with Annabel & Taylor’s intricate gold crest, became a striking focal point and a seamless continuation of the ceremony aisle runner and printed paper goods by Noted Design. That same monogram appeared throughout the celebration reinforcing a cohesive, heirloom-inspired design story. Even the cake by Little Sweets Cake Design echoed the romantic aesthetic with classic piping and timeless elegance, plus there were individually wrapped cookies at each place setting! Every element felt intentional, cohesive, and distinctly theirs.
Where Timeless Meets Joy
While the aesthetic leaned regal and classic, the energy of the day was vibrant and celebratory. From emotional vows beneath the floral arch to rooftop portraits overlooking the Mississippi River, Annabel & Taylor’s wedding struck a perfect balance between sophistication and genuine joy. Their Hotel Blackhawk celebration was more than beautiful, it was intentional, romantic, and deeply reflective of who they are together.
Favorite Memory
“My favorite memory was having my groom and I’s vows both coincidentally start with the story of our first date which made everyone laugh and showed how in sync we have become over the past 5 years. Another great memory was surprising my mother with a mother-daughter dance and having all the mother and daughter pairs join us on the dance floor to “Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA. My mother and I listened to this song throughout the entire planning process, and the dance was such an emotional moment for us. My favorite vendor was Bright DeSigns. Casey helped make the decor fit my vision perfectly and took care of all the set-up and tear down which elevated so much stress. I don’t think I could have had as beautiful of a wedding without her!” ~Anna
Cheers to the newlyweds, Annabel & Taylor! Your wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, community, and joy that will leave a lasting impression in our upcoming 2026 Iowa Book of Weddings!
Other Local Vendors:
Flowers By Staacks, Massetone Entertainment, I Do Events, Lilian Rose Photography
