1. Jasper Winery
This “estate style” winery would be great for any woman who wants to keep it classy on her last night out as a single lady. Jasper Winery offers tons of group packages, including VIP tastings and tours, wine and chocolate pairing courses, wine excursions around Des Moines, and wine and spa services courtesy of the East Village Spa. Plus, Jasper Winery is conveniently located two blocks west of Grey’s Lake, just minutes away from the bustle of downtown Des Moines nightlife. All of the wines are made from homegrown Iowa grapes, so you and your girlfriends can have a ball while feeling proud that you’re supporting local business. The winery even offers custom label designs for your special night out – all you need to do is tell them what kind of wine you want and they’ll take care of the rest! The sleek, modern décor and quiet atmosphere is perfect for a sophisticated night on the town. Check out their website for a lowdown on the wine offerings and a complete list of services.
2. Cosmopolitan Lounge
Located in the beautiful Suites of 800 Locust, the Cosmopolitan Lounge is perfect for any woman with an appreciation for smooth jazz and a good martini. The hotel itself is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, and is one of city’s finest boutique hotels. For a sophisticated bachelorette party experience, start your night off with a relaxing spa treatment – or two – at the Suite Retreat spa, rated one of the area’s top urban spas. Then make your way down to the bar to sip on a drink from the extensive menu, featuring tons of specialty martinis, premium liquors, wines and imported and domestic beers. Richly colored woods, clean lines and comfy leather chairs make any visitor feel like a million bucks. And of course, the swanky space wouldn’t be complete without plenty of sultry jazz and blues music pulsing throughout the bar. Check out the website to reserve your hotel room and to take a virtual tour of the lounge.
3. Sbrocco Wine Bar and Wine Shop
This swanky restaurant and wine bar is perfect for the woman searching for a balance between classy and contemporary. Sbrocco is conveniently located in downtown Des Moines’ lively Court Ave. district, making it the perfect spot for an unforgettable girls’ night on the town. The restaurant is Des Moines’ only chef inspired spot in town, offering only the freshest locally grown foods. Start your night off by sampling tapas-style plates from just about every region of the world as you sip on delicious wines by the bottle or by the glass. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the half-moon shaped, pounded tin bar or chatting with friends on the velveteen banquette, Sbrocco is the perfect spot for a social dining experience. Check out their website for more information about special events and reservations.
Have any other ideas for a classy bachelorette party location? We would love to hear about them in the comments below
Background from the bride, Sarah:
Jordan and I met when I was bartending at the Locust Tap in the East Village. We built our relationship on a strong friendship and tied the knot on Oct. 1, 2011, about three years after we met. We really wanted our wedding day to be fun for everybody and not at all formal. That meant great food, good booze and lots of dancing. We could not have asked for a better day – the weather was beautiful and there were no snags the entire evening.
Photographer: Andrea Melendez
Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero “Hadley,” from Schaffer’s
Bridesmaid dresses: Jim Hjelm and Alvina Valenta, from Schaffer’s
Groomsmen’s suits: Schaffer’s
Groom’s suit: Halberstadt’s in Jordan Creek Mall
Church: Douglas Avenue Presbyterian Church
Party bus: Get On Da Bus party bus
Reception: Zart 1312
Caterer/bar: Gateway Market
DJ: All About Entertainment
Florist: Originals by Beck (no website)
Cake: Hy-Vee
Hair and makeup: Salon 86
Rings: Helzberg in Jordan Creek Mall
Invitations and programs: Designed by the bride
There are two things that photographers really love when it comes to clients : An open mind and a great attitude. Kim and Matt both had these qualities and they were pretty cute, tool! At their engagement shoot, their energy and love for each other and their newly forming family really showed through in their photos. I knew their big day was going to be just as fun and full of love and man, was I right. Their friends and families really came together to put on a beautiful and classy event. Every flower in it’s place, every program beautifully arranged and ready for guests to arrive. The best part of the day was getting out on the golf course at the Tournament Club of Iowa for some really fun, golf-styled photos. The couple was SUPER open minded about some of my “different” ideas and we all had a great time shooting. Their reception was equally as fun and beautiful, with lots of dancing and drinks. All in all, it was a fantastic day to be married.
Zach Burch
The Burch Experience Photography
Vendors Involved:
Wedding Location: St. Paul Lutheran Church
Reception Location: Tournament Club of Iowa
DJ- Complete Music
Florist- Carmen Flowers in Ankeny
Cake- As A Matter of Cake, Kim Johnson
Caterer- Tournament Club of Iowa
Ceremony Dress-Exclusive design from Bridal Connection in Ankeny
Reception Dress-David’s Bridal
Photographer: The Burch Experience Photography
Meeting Ivy set the stage for the wedding and all of the details surrounding their big day. She is classy and sophisticated and has a great sense of style. Kevin and Ivy met online, despite Ivy swearing off dating and Kevin being a little technically challenged. Their wedding was only a few months away when we met, so plans were in full swing. The dresses, decorations, and colors were complemented by the upscale design of their venue, Tuscany Event Center. Every detail of the wedding was coordinated by the bride, right down to designing the flowers and jewelry. On the day of their wedding, they were surrounded by their families and closest friends. Every detail was beautifully done, the catering was excellent and dancing was great fun for all ages. Such a close family, welcoming in everyone. It was an honor to be part of their special day.
- Jennifer Marinangeli
J&Company Photography
Ceremony & Reception: Tuscany Event Center
Caterer: Food with Flair
Wedding Coordination, Jewelry & Floral: Designs by Ivy
Cake: Carefree Patisserie
DJ: Disc Jockeys Now
Hair & Makeup: Self
Dress: David’s Bridal
This week we are switching things up a bit and showcasing a videographer instead of a photographer. Videographers are often left out of the budget for weddings. I think they can provide an awesome look back at a wedding reception that pictures just can’t capture. When you are planning your wedding make sure you don’t overlook hiring one! With that said I will turn it over to Des Moines Videographer Megan Owens of Studio Rewind. – LH
Samantha and Christopher
Sam & Chris were so much fun to be around. We met a few weeks before the wedding to go over details and I knew this was going to be a day to remember. The decorations, color scheme and bridesmaids dresses all complemented the gorgeous fall day. Their families and bridal party couldn’t have been any better. Everyone was so excited, supportive and ready to celebrate. The whole day was the perfect mix of love and laughter. I am so glad I was a part of their big day.
- Megan Owens
Studio Rewind
Vendors involved
Dress – Jim Hjlem (Purchased at Schaffer’s, West Des Moines, IA)
http://www.jlmcouture.com/Jim-Hjelm
Shoes – Bagley Mischka (Seafoam)
Tuxes – Milroy’s on Merle Hay Road, Des Moines IA
Bridesmaids dresses – Jim Hjlem (Also purchased at Schaffer’s, West Des Moines, IA)
Wedding cake – Glorious Desserts, Windsor Heights, IA
Ceremony – St. Ambrose Cathedral,
Reception – Renaissance Savery Hotel, Des Moines, IA
Florist / Decorations – Missy Bergwall 515.306.0293
Photographer – Amy Allen Photography