REAL BRIDE: Taylor

Taylor + Dustin

12.3.21

It won’t take long before Taylor and Dustin’s industrial Iowa wedding fills your head with inspiration and takes your breath away. With a stunning venue, velvet accents and custom fashion elements, this gallery and day is as dreamy as they come. Modern metals are juxtaposed by soft florals and Taylor’s clean, classic and unique bridal gown will leave you wanting your very own something white.

Scroll down to see the most darling moments of the day and get ready to feel every emotion and read about the symbolism Taylor and Dustin filled their day with! Cheers!

How did the two of you meet?

"We love our story because it truly is so serendipitous! We met on the golf course at the club where I worked, Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dustin had just joined to the club and was trying to get his friend to join so they were out for a round of golf. It was a Friday in April so we were still short staffed with the season just beginning, but it was a nice day and the golf course was packed so I was working the beverage cart. I pulled up to the guys and got them a drink and was honestly smitten on the spot. Dustin’s friend used to play for the NFL and is really tall (like 6’ 7 or 8 haha) so he asked for a double and I poured it in a large cup. Dustin made a joke about being short and wanting a single, so I poured it in the tiniest cup I could find and kinda winked at him haha. Later that day, my boss texted out a group message sharing the news that his first grandson had just been born. Dustin used to be the golf pro at the other club in town so he knew my boss and happened to be on the same group message. His phone predicted my number, so he texted me and asked to get a drink that night and the rest is history! Now we always joke that my boss was our matchmaker without even knowing it.”

What made you decide to get married on December 3rd?

"We knew when we got engaged that we didn’t want a long engagement. I used to work in hospitality for a private club so I was familiar with the planning process, so when we got engaged in the summer, we loved the quick turnaround and the romance of a winter wedding! I also loved the symbolism of a palindrome so 12.3.21 lined up perfect!”

Tell us about the proposal!

"I ran a half marathon in Yosemite National Park so we made a trip of it. Dustin popped the question at sunrise overlooking Half Dome. It was absolutely perfect and he totally nailed the surprise! I was so focused on the race, I had no idea.”

What was one of your favorite moments from your wedding day?

“I am a total daddy’s little girl and music is a big part of our life. My dad and I put on a local blues festival each summer and I grew up going to blues concerts with him. A favorite local artist of ours, Kevin Burt, wrote a song for his daughters called Your Smile and it’s always been our song. I knew I wanted to dance with my dad to that song at my wedding before I even met Dustin. We had two live bands at our wedding, one of them being Kevin, so my dream of dancing to that song came true. It was the best - not a dry eye in the house including my dad. <3”

How did you know your gown was the one?

“I knew my dress was mine because I felt like a bride but I still felt like me. I also loved that I had the opportunity to customize it and add the beaded straps. It was special knowing no one else would have exactly my dress. Something White and Robert Bullock nailed it!!”

Did you have a specific theme in mind while planning?

"I found my bridesmaids dresses first and knew right away I wanted dark green, gold and a winter glam vibe. Simple and classic with just the hint of sparkle! And I knew I wanted to wear a fur and a long veil.”