Good afternoon everyone – Happy Sunday!
The wedding last night was beautiful, unique, fancy & one-of-a-kind. The ceremony took place in a lovely church…
And the reception took place at the Des Moines Embassy Club – which is a member’s only dinner and social club on the 34th floor of the Ruan Building in downtown Des Moines. It…was…amazing… For one night, we were all VIP, baby!
We kicked things off with wine and hor d’ourves, to the music of a baby grand during cocktail hour.
Ben arrived shortly after I did – he and the wedding party had pictures and a limo ride after the ceremony. Doesn’t he look dapper in a bow tie?!
The views of the city from the club on the 34th floor were stunning and the weather couldn’t have turned out any better. Snow in the morning, bright sunshine in the afternoon. Every bride’s dream-come-true. 
Here’s another glimpse at those incredible flowers – they were breathtaking!
Their cake was the picture of elegance and guests were served their choice of chocolate or apple spice cake. I couldn’t make up my mind when it was time to choose, so I told the server to surprise me. He gave me apple spice and omg – TO DIE FOR. Chewy, dense, moist…I refused to even try a bite of my friends’ chocolate cake because I didn’t want to taint the flavor in my mouth!
As cocktail hour wound down, we made our way into dinner.
It got dark fast, so unfortunately the only course I got a picture of was the appetizer, which was Butternut Squash Soup served in a miniature pumpkin, with thick-cut Prosciutto slices and a simply dressed Baby Greens Salad. Mmm, yep…this was some of the best soup I’ve ever had. Hands down.
The rest of dinner was the most perfectly cooked filet I’ve ever had, a wonderful potato dish and some roasted asparagus. Plus, that apple spice cake! Oh, and a cheese course that I completely missed, because I was out in the cocktail area FEASTING ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was seriously one of the most hysterical things I have ever seen – literally there were 15 women just crammed around this chocolate fountain, dipping lady fingers, strawberries, pineapple, their hands…ok, not their hands, but it was tempting!! The entire room smelled like sweet, aromatic chocolate!
The bride changed into a tea length dress for the reception – so Jackie O!
Some of the fellas…
Up to no good 
The nighttime views were equally as spectacular.
What a treat it was to spend such a special evening with our friends, in such a unique place.
After dancing to some big band tunes, some more chocolate (oh yeah) and cocktails, we all gathered to wish the bride and groom well!
They’re off to GREECE for a two week Honeymoon – which the groom planned all himself…can you imagine!? Have an amazing time guys, and congratulations!
Today has been equally as amazing…well maybe not equally I slept in, did some grocery shopping, then headed over to my parents house to hang out and see my little brother who is home from Denver!
My Dad made a big pot of his famous gumbo for us all to graze on.
Perfectly spicy and served with some chewy, sourdough bread. YUM!
The rest of the afternoon has been filled with laying by the fire, dozing and watching football. It doesn’t get much better than this, people!
Ben and I are headed over to his parent’s house for a little belated birthday get together. Have a wonderful evening!
ummm a couple things:
chocolate fountains should be mandatory at weddings.
your dress is adorable – love the addition of the black tights!
beautiful venue!
and have a fabulous rest of your weekend
I agree with Holly, your outfit is adorable! I love wearing dresses with tights during the Winter months. Keeps me warmer and looks more stylish.
The wedding looks great. The Butternut squash served in a pumpkin looks just as amazing as you describe it. I feel so special when food is served like that.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Wow yes gorgeous views for a wedding, both night AND day! The soups (butternut AND gumbo) look to die for. Don’t even get me started on the chocolate fountain! Enjoy lazin’ around!!
That soup in the pumpkin is so cute! What a gorgeous wedding!!! I agree with the above commenter, chocolate fountains should be mandatory at all wedding receptions!
You two make a gorgeous couple! Looks like fun especially with all that chocolate
What a beautiful wedding! You looked AMAZING in that dress girl! and i agree with Holly, chocolate fountains should be mandatory! duhs!
haha…glad you had an awesome time
What a gorgeous wedding. That soup looks fantastic and the chocolate fountain is always A RIOT! I die when I see the heards of women crowded around these things. Girls go CRAZY for a machine that produces a continuous flow of melted chocolate.
Why wouldn’t we though?
Hope you have fun tonight!
Wow, what a wedding reception! I’ve always wanted to go to the Embassy Club, but alas, I know no one that is a member.
That soup in a pumpkin has me oogling over here
Looks like a super classy wedding! The soup is so cute in its little pumpkin…and a chocolate fountain is always wonderfully appropriate!
Looks like a gorgeous wedding and the food sounds delicious! I think I need to make an apple spice cake! I have never tried a chocolate fountain, my bestie is getting married next year and I’m bridesmaid, maybe I can convince her to have one!
Weddings are so fun. You guys look great!
what a gorgeous wedding! fall themes are so pretty!
what a beautiful wedding! chocolate fountain. yes please
glad you had a nice relaxin’ football watchin kinda day, we are doin’ some of the same here!
Love the dress!
And, those views are absolutely amazing!!
Chocolate fountains are amazing–we had one at our reception! And dapper is such a cute word; Ben does look it in his tux. You both have such genuine smiles! Have a great week, girl!
You are so fast KP! That soup-in-a-pumpkin was wicked good!
looks like you had a great time! and the soup in the pumpkin looks amazing!!
What a gorgeous wedding! I love the pics. And the chocolate fountain…oh my!
WOW…..cannot get over what a small world it is. I started reading your blog awhile back (and just LOVE it…especially all your yummy recipes!)
The wedding you attended this weekend…..well, when I scrolled down and saw the bride….Kim…who I use to work with in the Twin Cities. WOW. And, I was just looking at her pics on Facebook tonight.
Pretty crazy, huh? Had to share.
Incredible! Thank you! I always wanted to create in my site something like that. May I take a portion of the blog post for my personal website?