historic hotel millwright wedding // hailey & tom
Hailey & Tom, oh where do I begin?
We started off getting to know each other under a magical stormy October sky. It was their engagement session and I texted Hailey seeing how she felt about going for it despite the thunder rolling and the sky darkening. "If there's a break, it could be really magical." She was game to go for it.
We ended up with twinkling mist and hot pink skies and amazing images. The clouds parted for us and the rain paused. It was truly magical.
Intentional, intimate wedding in the historic Amana Colonies with warm citrus details
Fast forward to their last meeting before the big day, where we planned their timeline. We met at Big Grove had a beer together, getting excited for the day. Hailey brought me a bottle of wine from the vineyard in my hometown, a plant I have been looking for to add to my collection for years (a pilea), an adorable necklace, and a gift card. Still to this day I am floored because how did she know exactly what to get me! I WISH I was this good at getting gifts for others.
Their wedding day was nothing but an absolute treasure. They chose an intimate guest list, kept it small and beautiful while prioritizing design, documenting the day, intentionality, and beauty.
Hailey went out of her way to match my branding in her colors and stationery, and might I say how well it all went with their venue? The Hotel Millwright is a gorgeous modern industrial venue, 100% my favorite in our area. Located in the Amana Colonies, the "8-acre woolen mill complex that sits alongside the Mill Race canal was once the industrial center of the village of Amana," according to their website.
They describe it on their website as a boutique hotel that's unique, eclectic, and totally hip. To me, it gives off a Southern/Spanish vibe. There is no part of this venue that's not photo-worthy. As a wedding photographer, I have very little control over what conditions I'm shooting in on a wedding day. I've got to roll with whatever weather is happening, whatever's going on with the schedule, and whatever location I happen to be at. At this venue, it's not an issue. And on this particular day, it was like 10,000 degrees with the humidity, so we stayed inside the venue until the sun set.
The antique mill machinery they have on display has not a speck of dust. The smooth white walls, ample windows, industrial architecture, and unique decor are so cool. Not to mention that just outside are the most visually stunning areas complete with native Iowa prairie + flowers is just a 10/10 experience. I dare you not to agree after looking at this gallery.
As part of her reception decor and the experience she wanted her guests to have, Hailey wrote a handwritten note to each and every person, laid neatly at their assigned seat. She found an important photo for them and printed that on top, so they could take it home and stick it somewhere later.
It was sweet watching Hailey and Tom be together on their wedding day. She was so nervous before their first look, and so relaxed being reunited. They shared happy tears and hand squeezes, reading their vows privately to each other. They were really so in love, taking good care of each other and enjoying their wedding day so intentionally.
I'm so filled with gratitude that I was able to witness and be a part of their love story. I hope their day inspires you to slow down and prioritize what's really important to you - don't feel afraid to say 'no thanks' to all the noise and trends, and do what matters most to you on your wedding day.
Venue: Hotel Millwright in the Amana Colonies // Cakes: Andy's Pastry Shop in Tiffin, IA // Dress Topper: La Voile Rose on Etsy // Decor: Borrow My Vintage // Caterer: Hotel Millwright // Hair: Haven Blackwolf, Hair by Haven // Makeup: Erin Bramble, Beauty by Bramble // Florist: Hailey's Mom, Heather Allen
