Where Love Blossomed in Golden Light: Julie & Robert at Glen Oaks
August 26 , 2023
Beneath a late-summer sky brushed with golden light, Julie and Robert’s love story unfolded at Glen Oaks Country Club in Des Moines—a celebration that bloomed with laughter, artistry, and thoughtful details designed to make every guest feel part of the magic.
Julie’s gown, an Essense of Australia creation from Janene’s Bridal in Alameda, met every detail of her vision: a waist-slim silhouette, a touch of color, floral accents in a softer white that flattered her skin tone, a refined sparkle, and a design that perfectly highlighted her upper body.
Her favorite moment of the day came as she and Robert shared their first dance—a moment suspended in time, when the noise of the world faded and only the two of them remained.
From the start, Julie wanted her wedding to stand out for its personal touches and endless ways to engage her guests. She created a custom crossword and trivia game, curated a drink menu named after special moments in their lives, arranged lawn games on the green, and invited a live wedding painter to capture the celebration in brushstrokes. Guests later told her it was one of the best weddings they had ever attended.
When the night drew to a close, Julie knew her gown deserved to be cared for with the same intention she had poured into her wedding day. She entrusted it to Elegance Preserved—recommended by her boutique—to be cleaned, preserved, and placed in a beautiful preservation box so it would remain as timeless as the memories stitched into it—perhaps even to be passed on one day.
{ D E T A I L S }
Photographer: Richard Alvarenga, live wedding painter: Paint My Wedding Day – Leanne Larson, caterer: Glen Oaks Country Club, florist: Something Chic, cake: Cake Baby DSM, favors: Etsy – engraved wooden fans.
