Allison Stangel + Brandon Kovar

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Home Sweet Home

Story by Meghan Townley
Photography by A Better Exposure

Brandon and Allison's reception was held right in their own backyard.

The couple met in Omaha while completing their residencies in family practice. They later moved to Onawa, Iowa, Allison's hometown, where they work in the same practice. They live on an acreage outside of town.

“Originally I thought it was going to be a ‘farmy' outdoorsy wedding. I thought about borrowing my friend's cowboy boots, but it ended up being pretty formal,” said Allison.

The tent was more of a ballroom with carpet and heaters that kept the temperature just right for guests. The room twinkled with dimmed chandeliers and candles. The couple's house and barn were lit up and luminarias lined the long drive.

The tables were dressed with tree branches, and crystals and tea lights hung from nearby trees. Contrasting tables were set with votive candles and white flowers. “We used a lot of crystals. Every candle had a crystal,” Allison said.

During the cocktail hour, chefs from Blue Sushi Sake Grill in downtown Omaha served fresh sushi rolls.

The couple's “first look” took place at their front door. “We were running a bit behind schedule for photos, so Brandon stood there with strict instructions to not turn around for about an hour. Poor guy.”

Then the wedding party took outdoor pictures with family members. “We were in the country on our acreage. It ended up being a very pretty day,” said Allison.

The couple skipped the traditional speeches at the reception. Instead, Allison's dad and Brandon spoke. “In Brandon's speech, he said it was so special that we could start the first day of the rest of our lives at home, and that he couldn't wait to start a family here,” recalled Allison.

“The day was magical and sparkly,” Allison added. “The clear tent with the stars and white lights was just perfect for us. We had some hiccups in the day, but to us it was perfect.”

Ceremony site
St. John Catholic Church, Onawa, Iowa

Reception site
Allison and Brandon's acreage

Wedding dress
Bridal Designs at Suburban Bridal

Groom's attire
Jos A Bank

Rings
Borsheims

Florist
Florals etcetera

Cake
The Cake Specialist

Photography
A Better Exposure

Rentals
AAA Rents & Event Services

Wedding planner
Tracey Fricke, Special Occasions By Design

Honeymoon destination
Cayman Islands

Music
Cactus Hill