Vows That Wow: Rachel & Kyler

From College Bandmates to Husband + Wife

Rachel and Kyler’s story began at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, where they both played trumpet in the wind symphony and jazz band. Years later, music became one of the sweetest ways they brought their beginning into their wedding day. A live jazz band performed during cocktail hour, giving guests a glimpse into a part of their story that has connected them from the start.

With You’re Invited leading the way, Rachel and Kyler were able to create a celebration that felt personal rather than simply checking boxes. Shari helped the couple assemble a vendor team that understood not only their vision, but who they were as a couple.

For Rachel, that became one of the biggest lessons of the entire planning experience. She realized that the people behind each detail mattered just as much as the details themselves.

“I realized quickly that it matters who you work with, and that your vendors are part of your team and not just someone you hire to do a job,” Rachel shared. “When that kind of relationship developed, we could trust them with the details and allowed us to just completely enjoy our day.”

A Romantic Celebration Filled With Color + Character

The couple’s celebration was layered with soft, romantic color. Peach and blush blooms mixed with touches of blue and greenery throughout the space, while white drapery, glowing candles and gold accents complemented the venue’s historic architecture.

Bella Flora Event Design brought the vision to life through the florals and statement decor pieces. Arrangements lined the grand staircase, blooms adorned the reception tables and chairs, and floral details even dressed up the couple’s vintage getaway car. A blue-and-white welcome sign framed in flowers introduced guests to the celebration, while coordinating details carried the palette throughout the day.

The reception continued the romantic look with long tables draped in white, abundant florals and layers of candlelight. Bella Flora Event Design and The Sound Doctor DJ also provided lighting that highlighted the draping and helped create a warm glow throughout the room.

“They understood our vision, and we knew we could trust them to expand on it perfectly,” Rachel said of Bella Flora. “And the flowers smelled even better than they looked!”

Even the smallest details felt intentional. Gold flatware, floral-patterned linens, delicate paper goods, wax seals and a creative Jenga guest book gave the celebration personality while still feeling cohesive with the larger design.

Classic Wedding Style With Something Blue

Rachel’s bridal look began with a romantic gown from Kalon Bridal Studio, featuring a strapless silhouette and flowing train. Her bridesmaids brought the wedding’s signature blue into the fashion in coordinating gowns, each carrying colorful bouquets filled with the peach, pink and blue blooms seen throughout the celebration.

Kyler kept things timeless in a black suit from Skeffington’s Formalwear, complemented by classic black bow ties and suits for his groomsmen. The contrast between the dark menswear, dusty blue bridesmaid dresses and colorful florals created a polished wedding-party.

The bride’s fine jewelry from Josephs Jewelers added the finishing touch. Her dainty earrings and necklace were photographed among the wedding’s blue and gold details, tying even those small keepsakes back into the overall aesthetic of the day.

And then there was the cake…and for Rachel, the choice was an easy one: Gloria makes her all-time favorite cake. Glorious Desserts created an incredible four-tier white wedding cake with intricate vintage-inspired piping, displayed on a gold stand surrounded by candlelight.

A Celebration They Could Actually Enjoy

After months of planning, Rachel and Kyler wanted to experience their wedding rather than spend it worrying about what came next. Because they trusted their vendor team, they were able to do exactly that. The Sound Doctor DJ handled the reception entertainment in addition to collaborating on the lighting, helping transition the romantic setting into a full on party with their favorite people.

For Rachel, one of the most meaningful memories came at the moment all of that planning became real: when she and Kyler were announced as husband and wife and could look out at everyone who had gathered to celebrate them.

“If I had to choose one memory from our wedding, it would be when we were finally announced as husband and wife and seeing all of our favorite people there to celebrate us!”

The love surrounding them had already been evident the night before, when their entire wedding party gave speeches and toasts at the rehearsal dinner. Filled with encouragement, support and plenty of laughter, it became another unexpected favorite memory from their wedding weekend.

Looking back, Rachel credits You’re Invited DSM with helping make the experience feel manageable, joyful and authentically theirs. “She helped set us up with our dream team, and made sure our day felt authentic to us,” Rachel shared. “She brought so much joy and calmness every time we met.”

From the jazz music that nodded to where their story began to the colorful florals, candlelit tables and people who surrounded them, Rachel and Kyler’s wedding was ultimately about more than creating something beautiful. It was about creating a day that felt like them, and trusting the right people to bring it all together.