Amanda and Brett’s Midnight Gem wedding in Swisher, Iowa, was definitely one to remember! The Midnight Gem is a newer wedding venue with modern aesthetics that can really fit any color scheme. Amanda and Brett met the old fashioned way by swiping right on Bumble back in November of 2019. After talking for a couple of weeks, they agreed to meet for their first date. Of course, it didn't come with a little apprehension, especially from Amanda. She wanted to cancel, but ultimately showed up anyway. Their first date was at Drake's and went well. The conversation was good and flowed naturally. Fortunately for him, she agreed to go on a few more dates, and after that they were "going steady".

Brett proposed to Amanda on December 10th, 2022 on an annual getaway to Gatlinburg, TN. After enjoying the day in the city, Brett got down on one knee back at the cabin in front of the beautifully lit Christmas tree with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop. The rest, as they say, was history…

bride and groom under the veil at the midnight gem in swisher iowa — Photo By: Ivory & Bliss

The Midnight Gem is one of my favorite venues in Eastern Iowa, I love the clean, sleek, and modern asethetic, but all looks aside, this venue has one of the best staff teams I’ve ever seen at a venue. Each team member is incredibly sweet, and you can tell that each person genuinely cares about your wedding day as if it were their own. They take care of so much for you on your big day, ensuring that all the tables and chairs are set up for you the day before your wedding, stocking the mini fridges in your bridal suites with your favorite drinks, and even coordinating your vendors to ensure everyone knows the plan and timeline moving forward on the big day. Their email response times are great, and their venue managers even meet with the couples as often as they want for venue tours to plan out the space before the wedding.

Another feature they have that I like, is that they offer two bridal suites. While most venues only offer one, or they give the groomsmen a ridiculously small room to get ready in, the Midnight Gem has two very large rooms for both parties. Each suite is modern luxe and offers natural lighting, with a few other fun features. For the bridal suite, the girls have a 5 mirror vanity to sit at and do their hair and makeup with not only natural light, but vanity lights as well. They also have a large couch and coffee table to lounge on and mingle while getting ready, along with a private outside lounge, en suite bathroom, floor length mirros, a dress rack for everyone’s dress, and a mini fridge that is stocked to the brim with mimosas and other beverages you like. Seems hard to beat, right? Well for the guys, their suite includes a large couch and flat screen to watch whatever game is on tv, or they can hook their xbox up and play games while the ladies are getting ready. They also have a poker table, en suite bathroom, floor length mirror, a rack for everyone’s suit, a mini fridge stocked with everyone’s favorite beers, and access to their patio area where they have a putting green to play a bit of golf.

wedding welcome signage at the midnight gem in swisher iowa — the design of the midnight gem

One of my favorite details from Amanda and Brett’s wedding at The Midnight Gem was their welcome signage—and yes, it was so beautifully done (not to pat myself on the back… but I might just a little). This design moment set the tone for the entire day and made an unforgettable first impression as guests arrived.
For their welcome display, we used three multi-height black wooden cubes to create a modern, layered installation that felt intentional and elevated. Each cube featured custom Cricut lettering with Amanda and Brett’s names, their wedding date, and their venue, giving the signage a clean, personalized look while still feeling timeless. To soften the structure and add visual interest, I placed a lush floral arrangement atop one cube and styled candles on and around the others, creating depth, movement, and a warm, inviting glow.
This welcome sign was definitely one to remember. Guests couldn’t stop talking about how unique and elegant the setup was as they entered, and it instantly became a focal point of the space. Thoughtful welcome signage like this does more than look pretty—it sets expectations for the experience ahead and gives guests that *“wow”* moment right from the start.
One of the many reasons I love planning weddings at The Midnight Gem is their beautifully designed welcome area. It offers the perfect space for guests to gather before the ceremony, sign the guestbook, and drop off cards and gifts—all while remaining completely separate from the reception space. From a wedding planner’s perspective, this layout is a dream. It keeps the flow of the day seamless, prevents early peeks at the reception, and allows every space to be revealed intentionally.
For couples getting married at The Midnight Gem in Iowa City, the welcome area provides endless opportunities for creative, statement-making details like Amanda and Brett’s signage. When paired with thoughtful design and strategic styling, it becomes more than just an entry point—it becomes part of the story of the day.

The Midnight Gem Wedding Ceremony

One of the standout benefits of hosting a wedding ceremony at The Midnight Gem is their incredible in-house rental options. Amanda and Brett took full advantage of this by selecting one of the venue’s ceremony arches, making the planning process seamless while still achieving a beautifully elevated look. With so many arches and backdrops to choose from, couples can easily find an option that fits their style without needing to source additional rentals.
For Amanda and Brett’s ceremony, Ellie with Ellabank Blossoms added soft, romantic floral to the arch, transforming it into a stunning focal point for their vows. One of the smartest design decisions of the day? After the ceremony concluded, we seamlessly moved the entire floral-adorned arch indoors to be repurposed as reception décor. Not only is this an efficient use of rentals and florals, but it also allows couples to carry meaningful design elements throughout the entire wedding day—a detail both planners and couples love.
Another reason The Midnight Gem is such a sought-after wedding venue in Iowa City is the thoughtful design of their ceremony space. The venue’s covered patio ensures that couples can confidently plan an outdoor wedding ceremony regardless of weather conditions. Rain or shine, this covered setup provides peace of mind while still offering the open-air feel so many couples dream of.
Instead of traditional ceremony chairs, The Midnight Gem uses benches for guest seating, which offers incredible flexibility. From a wedding planner’s perspective, this is a huge win. Benches allow us to easily adjust spacing, customize the width of the aisle, and tailor the ceremony layout to each couple’s vision and guest count. And the best part? The benches are not permanent. If a couple wants a completely open layout, they can be removed entirely.
Because of this flexibility, the covered patio space at The Midnight Gem can be transformed for so many uses beyond the ceremony. I’ve seen couples host cocktail hour there, create an outdoor lounge area, set up a cigar bar, or even use it as a gathering space for guests arriving early—especially for couples who choose to get married offsite. The options for this space are truly limitless, which is why it’s one of my favorite features of the venue.

bride and groom cutting wedding cake at the midnight gem wedding venue — The Midnight Gem Wedding Reception

One of the things I love most about hosting wedding receptions at The Midnight Gem is just how much space the venue truly offers. Between the covered patio, uncovered patio, and the expansive reception hall, guests have multiple areas to lounge, mingle, and explore throughout the evening. This kind of layout is ideal for cocktail hour and beyond, allowing the celebration to feel dynamic and relaxed rather than crowded or confined.
Following Amanda and Brett’s ceremony, guests made their way inside for cocktail hour, where the energy of the evening really began to build. With easy access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, guests were able to grab a drink, catch up with friends, and enjoy the flow of the venue while the reception space was being finalized. From a planning standpoint, this seamless transition is a huge plus and helps keep the timeline running smoothly without guests ever feeling rushed.
Once cocktail hour wrapped up, Amanda and Brett were officially introduced into the reception, kicking off the celebration in the most exciting way. They immediately transitioned into their first dance, sharing a meaningful moment together in front of their family and friends before the night fully unfolded. Shortly after, they cut their cake—one of those classic reception moments that never gets old and always brings smiles all around.
Dinner followed, and once each guest had been served, we moved right into speeches and toasts. This timing kept the evening flowing effortlessly and ensured guests were comfortable, engaged, and ready to enjoy every word shared. The toasts were heartfelt, personal, and filled with both laughter and emotion—adding another layer of connection to an already meaningful celebration.
The Midnight Gem’s spacious reception hall and thoughtful layout make it an exceptional wedding venue in Iowa City for couples who want flexibility, comfort, and a great guest experience. Amanda and Brett’s reception is a perfect example of how a well-designed space can elevate every part of the evening—from cocktail hour to dinner and speeches—while keeping the celebration fun, seamless, and unforgettable.

bride and groom garter toss at the midnight gem — Private Garter Removal

One of my favorite *modern reception moments* from Amanda and Brett’s wedding at The Midnight Gem was their decision to opt for a private garter removal—and honestly, more couples should take notes. Let’s face it: traditional garter removals in front of your closest friends and family can feel awkward and uncomfortable. A private garter removal? Now *that* is intimate, intentional, and makes for incredible photos.
Instead of making it a public reception moment, Amanda and Brett stepped into the groom’s suite with their photographer for a quiet, private garter removal. This allowed them to share a fun, flirty moment together without an audience, keeping the experience meaningful and relaxed while still capturing stunning, candid images. From a wedding planning perspective, this option is a win across the board—it preserves the tradition without the pressure and gives couples space to enjoy the moment on their own terms.
The Midnight Gem’s thoughtfully designed layout makes moments like this incredibly easy to execute. With private suites just steps away from the reception space, couples can slip away briefly without disrupting the flow of the evening. It’s yet another example of how this Iowa City wedding venue supports personalized, modern wedding experiences that prioritize comfort, intention, and great photography.
For couples who love the idea of a garter removal but not the spotlight that often comes with it, a private garter removal is the perfect alternative. Amanda and Brett’s choice proves that wedding traditions can absolutely be reimagined—and sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones shared just between the two of you.

Decor at the midnight gem

One of the most important things to consider when designing a wedding reception at The Midnight Gem is the table layout. The venue exclusively offers long wooden farmhouse tables—no round tables—which naturally influences the overall reception design. Instead of clustering décor in the center of the table, we intentionally chose design elements that flowed the entire length of each table, creating a cohesive, elevated look that felt intentional rather than overcrowded.
Amanda and Brett leaned into a clean, decluttered aesthetic for their reception décor, proving that simple design can still feel incredibly impactful. Their guest tables featured multi-height floating candles arranged down the center of each table, adding dimension and a soft romantic glow without obstructing conversation. Candlelight is always a favorite for evening receptions, and at The Midnight Gem, it enhances the warmth of the wood tables and the open reception space beautifully.
To add softness and texture, we incorporated a greenery runner paired with a mauve table runner, bringing in subtle color while keeping the overall palette timeless and refined. The runners anchored the tablescape and complemented the venue’s natural wood tones, creating a design that felt both romantic and modern. Full place settings completed the look, giving each table a polished, elevated feel while still remaining approachable and guest-friendly.
This style of reception décor works especially well for weddings at The Midnight Gem in Iowa City, where the architecture and layout already make a statement. By keeping the tables intentionally styled and visually balanced, Amanda and Brett’s reception décor enhanced the space rather than competing with it. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design—paired with an understanding of the venue—can create a wedding reception that feels timeless, cohesive, and effortlessly beautiful.

Amanda and Brett’s wedding at The Midnight Gem was the perfect example of how thoughtful design, intentional planning, and the right venue can come together to create an unforgettable celebration. From a statement-making welcome display to a weather-proof outdoor ceremony and a seamlessly flowing reception, every detail of their day was carefully curated to feel personal, elevated, and true to who they are as a couple.

The Midnight Gem’s smart layout and flexible spaces allowed Amanda and Brett to fully customize their wedding day experience. With a covered patio for the ceremony, spacious indoor and outdoor areas for cocktail hour, and a large reception hall designed for long farmhouse tables, the venue offered both beauty and functionality—something wedding planners and couples alike truly value. Their clean, romantic reception décor, intimate private moments, and well-paced timeline created an atmosphere that felt relaxed, joyful, and effortlessly refined.

Amanda and Brett’s wedding is a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t need to be overcomplicated to be impactful. By embracing the design of The Midnight Gem and pairing it with intentional details and meaningful moments, their Iowa City wedding felt timeless, seamless, and deeply memorable. For couples searching for a modern wedding venue in Iowa City that offers flexibility, style, and an exceptional guest experience, their celebration is proof that The Midnight Gem is truly one of a kind.

Vendor Team

Venue: The Midnight Gem

Planner: Elizabeth Bliss Events

Photographer: Ivory & Bliss

Floral: Ellabank Blossoms

Decor: 11:11 Event Co.

Decor: Unique Events

The Midnight gem Wedding Venue

Address: 2613 Ders Drive NW, Swisher, IA, United States, Iowa
Email: info@themidnightgem.com
The Midnight Gem
Costs: Peak Wedding Season $6,500 +, Off Season $4,500+
Capacity of 300 guests
Amenities included: Tables & chairs, indoor and outdoor ceremony space, bar setup and staff