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Emily & Dan | Wedding | Keosauqua, IA

We couldn’t have imagined a better day for Emily and Dan’s winter wedding. On the very memorable date of 01.22.22, we joined this amazing couple at the historic Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, Iowa. If you remember their fantastic engagement session, it should come as no surprise that they made this day completely their own with a split reception: half formal and half tailgate party. LOVE. Keep scrolling to see all the exquisite details.

Getting Ready

This was such a beautiful venue! Hotel Manning is a steamboat gothic hotel, with a rich history beginning in 1899.
This ring set!! We’re obsessed.
While the ladies got ready, the guys had a watch repair session, as one does on their wedding day.
The color scheme of the formal part of the day: black, white and silver. So classic and gorgeous.
This reveal moment with her bridesmaids was SO sweet.
Emily, you make such a stunning bride! Next up, first looks with Dad & brother Adam.

First Looks

Emily and Dan’s first look on this historic staircase was a very special moment.
The look on Dan’s face as he reaches for his bride…oh my goodness, our hearts might just burst. So much love. This was the perfect segue into the next part of their first look, which was to recite their personal vows to each other.

Portraits

This brave wedding party came outside for a few quick portraits. It was a sunny, not-too-windy day…but still January. Brrr.
Emily and Dan had six flower girls and three ring bearers. They all did a fantastic job!
Before their ceremony, we snuck away to get some portraits of the bride and groom. We absolutely adore how cozy they look in each other’s arms.
Emily in this fluffy coat in front of the evergreen tree…YES.
When we asked if Emily and Dan would be up for going into the snow, they enthusiastically agreed! Nothing like getting swept off your feet on your wedding day.
We love getting to incorporate long veils into our poses. Emily’s lightweight, rhinestone-covered veil was especially fun to work with!

Ceremony

The flower girls and ring bearers got the ceremony started off right. This barrage of flower petals was so sweet.
Emily looked so beautiful coming down the staircase!
Emily’s personal attendant of honor and Dan’s mentor were the officiants for this lovely, heartfelt ceremony.
Emily’s friend Kayleen and brother Adam sang “The Prayer” as Dan and Emily built their unity cross together.
THE kiss. Officially husband and wife!
A very important guest, and the reason the couple chose to get married at Hotel Manning, was Grandma Laurie. We were so honored to capture these moments.

Formal Reception

This petite cake covered in buttercream roses was so cute; perfect for a pre-party cake cutting!
The wedding guests formed a circle around Emily and Dan as they had their first dance as a married couple.
Yep, that is Dan flipping Emily through the air during their Olympic gymnast routine — er, their first dance. No big deal!
Before leaving for the tailgate party reception, the bride and groom had special family dances. There was so much love in this room.

Tailgate Party Reception

Step one of going to a tailgate party: put on the proper attire. The Hawkeyes vs. Cyclones jerseys are giving us major flashbacks to Emily and Dan’s engagement session last spring.
Aren’t they the cutest?
Party time! The tailgate reception at Roberts Memorial Center was appropriately decked out in a wide variety of sports decor.
The guests came dressed in their favorite tailgate attire, too!
There were also games for the guests to play — giant checkers, beanbag toss (aka cornhole or bags!) and decks of cards…plus a football game being streamed by projector, of course.
A classic tailgate feast of burgers and chili dogs was followed up with cupcakes, cookies and a candy bar. We’re obsessed with the Hawkeye vs. Cyclones sprinkles on those cupcakes!
This grand entrance was amaaazing. Emily and Dan had everyone cheering them on as they broke through their Team Swehla banner.
They threw in another flip, because why not?!
After toasts, the bride briefly filled in as the bartender. We love it.
Thanks, Emily and Dan, for choosing CTW Photography. You and your family and friends were all an absolute joy to work with. It was our pleasure to be part of your very special wedding day and we hope you enjoyed all these highlights! Go Hawkeyes! 😉

Vendors

Photographer: CTW Photography
Videographer: Stark’s Studios
Wedding Dress: Heart to Heart Bridal
Baker: Vanessa’s Cupcakes
Stylist: Meraki Hair Salon
MUA: Beauty in Strength
Venue: Hotel Manning

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CTW Photography - Professional, experienced and award-winning photographers specializing in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Serving Iowa City and destinations worldwide.

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CTW Photography - Professional, experienced and award-winning photographers specializing in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Serving Iowa City and destinations worldwide.
CTW Photography - Professional, experienced and award-winning photographers specializing in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Serving Iowa City and destinations worldwide.
CTW Photography - Professional, experienced and award-winning photographers specializing in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Serving Iowa City and destinations worldwide.
CTW Photography - Professional, experienced and award-winning photographers specializing in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography. Serving Iowa City and destinations worldwide.