Week after week, our team receives and showcases breathtaking weddings from all across Iowa, all courtesy of the immensely talented wedding vendors and lovely couples who submit to us. Each month, our editorial team selects one spectacular wedding to highlight – one that stands above the rest for its uniqueness and beauty. For our August Vows That Wow, we are so excited to feature Abbey & Connor Ramlo!
With heartfelt personal vows, Irish traditions, and a sophisticated navy and ivory palette, Abbey and Connor’s wedding – captured beautifully on photo and video by Madisen Timp Weddings – was the very picture of elegance. Keep reading as we give you all the unforgettable details!
HOW THE COUPLE MET
These two are middle school sweethearts, but the story might even go back further…Connor’s parents and Abbey’s grandparents lived just one block apart while they were growing up. Chances are, Abbey and Connor crossed paths plenty of times as kids playing outside in the neighborhood…talk about fate!
THE NIGHT BEFORE
The rehearsal evening was filled with heartfelt toasts, plenty of good food, and a sense of gratitude that tomorrow would mark the beginning of forever. Madisen Timp Weddings was there capturing it all!
THE CEREMONY
Abbey and Connor’s summer wedding was a vision of effortless elegance. Their ceremony took place outdoors on the Cedar Rapids golf course, framed by soft ivory floral on ceremony pillars and satin bows lining the aisle. One of Abbey & Connor’s favorite moments was the ceremony, here’s why:
“Our ceremony was truly unforgettable. Reading our vows to each other in front of our closest friends and family meant the world to us. After ten years together, having every person in that space – each of whom holds such a special place in our lives – witness that moment was incredibly powerful. It was something people couldn’t stop talking about. Throughout the night, guests who had been married for 10, 20, even 30 years came up to us saying how moved they were by our words. Many shared that our vows inspired them to reflect on their own relationships and to become even better partners in life. It was the most meaningful reminder of why we were all there – to celebrate love in its truest form.” -Abbey (bride)
The couple also chose to weave Irish traditions into their day as a nod to each of their heritages. “Connor and I both share Irish roots, so it was important to us to include meaningful touches of that heritage throughout our day. We incorporated a traditional Irish blessing into our ceremony and invited our family to take part in a ring warming—a beautiful Irish tradition where our wedding bands were passed around and held with love and good wishes. We made our exit to the sound of a bagpiper, which added such a powerful and emotional moment. And for a fun twist, our party favors were Iowa Lottery scratch-offs—because what better way to thank our guests than with a little Irish luck!” -Abbey (bride)
COCKTAIL HOUR & RECEPTION
Following the ceremony, guests were led into cocktail hour by a bagpiper and then welcomed into stunning reception space brought to life by many creative teams including Monarch Events and Unique Events. The entire vendor team’s collaborative design vision transformed the venue into an inviting and elevated experience by using timeless rentals, unique elements such as an ice sculpture and a luxury monogrammed dance floor. The neutral palette of soft ivory and navy set a serene tone, while gold accents and flickering candles added just the right amount of romance.
Custom menus and invitations from Noted Design echoed the timeless aesthetic and featured subtle golf and country club elements, a thoughtful nod to where the wedding took place.
Behind the lens, Madisen Timp Weddings captured the day in breathtaking detail. Her eye for emotion and elegance brought every moment to life in a documentary style, from joyful getting-ready shots to stunning couple’s portraits. Every shot felt intentional and heartfelt.
The bride’s natural beauty was perfectly enhanced by Powder Studio, who crafted a soft glam look that lasted through laughter, happy tears, and plenty of dancing!
LOOKING BACK
From the stunning décor to the emotional vows and the rich cultural elements, Abbey and Connor’s wedding day was full of heart.
With an incredible vendor team behind them, Abbey and Connor were able to celebrate their love in a way that felt authentic, elegant, and unforgettable. Looking back, Abbey shared,
Here’s to the start of their next chapter as husband and wife and a guaranteed spot in our 2026 Iowa Book of Weddings – cheers to Abbey and Connor Ramlo!
Other Local Vendors:
Powder Studio, The Pretty Golden, Vow & Vision, Mn. Ice, Express Midwest, Peppercorn Food Co, The Cedar Rapids Country Club, Clife DJ Company, Allee Salon & Spa, Tom James Clothing, Blushing Garden, Patrick Lentz Entertainment, Midwestern Magnolia, Revelry, Gundersons Jewelers, Anna Be Minnesota, Borrow My Vintage
