A Million Dollar Man: An Old-Money Styled Shoot at The Tea Room
There’s something about legacy—about subtle confidence and timeless charm—that inspired this editorial. From the very beginning, I envisioned a day that felt luxurious yet deeply romantic—dripping in candlelight, layered in intentional detail, and worthy of the pages of Vogue.
Photo by: Sarah Rolling
Set in the historic Tea Room in downtown Des Moines, A Million Dollar Man was my very first styled shoot. I had dreamed about this day for nearly a year: every candelabra, every velvet ribbon, every mood board drenched in quiet luxury. And when it finally came to life, it felt like stepping into a love story that had been passed down for generations.
From the moment guests would step off the elevator, we wanted the space to feel like a wedding environment rooted in elegance. A thoughtfully styled welcome area featuring silk-draped pillars by Invited DSM set the tone, beautifully complementing the Tea Room’s checkered floors, soaring ceilings, stately columns, and intricate wall and ceiling detailing. Inside, two lavish long tables—one soft and romantic, one rich and elegant—offered layered inspiration for couples dreaming of opulence. A sweetheart table framed in florals, candlelight, and soft draping created a cozy focal point, while a towering nine-tiered cake by Parinda Cupcakes stood as a true showstopper of timeless beauty.
What made the day even more unforgettable was our spontaneous stop at Hotel Des Lux. With its vintage mirrors, chandeliers, and editorial-ready spaces, it became the perfect backdrop for our after-party moments—pizza in the bathtub, champagne toasts, and the kind of carefree joy that brought balance to all the traditions.
This wasn’t just a shoot. It was a vision come to life—one rooted in romance, styled with intention, and brought to life by a dream team of creatives who made every detail feel cinematic. It was, in every way, Vogue-worthy. And it will forever hold such a special place in my heart.
The Inspiration for Million Dollar Man: An Old Money Styled Shoot
The mood? Regal, refined, and draped in old-money elegance.
Inspired by masculine tailoring and the romance of the Gilded Age, I envisioned A Million Dollar Man as a modern heir to timeless style—a groom with quiet confidence, magnetic presence, and a wardrobe of sharp silhouettes. His bride, graceful and poised, mirrors that sophistication with subtle luxury, tailored softness, and an eye for the details that don’t need to shout to be remembered. Together, they represent a love rooted in legacy, yet alive with a modern spark—intentional, powerful, and endlessly stylish.
The Tea Room, with its checkered floors, towering ceilings, and intricate architectural details, became the ideal setting. Clean white walls, sweeping light, and history embedded in every pillar gave us the perfect canvas to craft a world where elegance never goes out of fashion. This was less about trends—and more about timelessness.
We styled the couple like modern royalty. The bride wore a tailored gown from Modern Dress, paired with heirloom-inspired pearls and rings from Siebke Hoyt Jewelers. Her groom—our Million Dollar Man—wore a classic black tux from Skeffington’s Formalwear. Together, they were magnetic.
The Details at The Tea Room
Delicate and timeless, these wedding day details evoke the elegance of a bygone era. A vintage rotary phone, complete with gold accents and floral motifs, anchors the scene in classic charm. A glass and gold jewelry box showcases a trio of stunning rings alongside a single ivory ranunculus, while nearby, pearl drop earrings and a strand of pearls add a touch of old-world glamour. Soft white blooms and satin textures create a romantic backdrop, complemented by antique cameo brooches and a crystal perfume atomizer. Every element whispers luxury and nostalgia—perfectly curated for a bride who loves vintage sophistication with a personal touch.
The Welcome Area at The Tea Room
Invited DSM not only provided the stationery but also designed an extraordinary welcome area that set the tone for the celebration. Three multi-level pillars, elegantly draped in flowing white silk, created a striking focal point. This setup, paired with The Tea Room’s checkered floors and grand architectural pillars, formed a picturesque entryway. As guests stepped off the elevator and into the space, they were instantly immersed in a stunning, thoughtfully curated wedding environment.
One of our favorite features to The Tea Room, is their welcome area and lounge. As guests arrive, they’re greeted by a warm and elegant lounge area that sets the tone for the celebration ahead. The spacious lobby offers a seamless blend of classic architecture and modern sophistication, with rich tiled floors, soft lighting, and tasteful furnishings that feel both upscale and inviting. It’s the perfect place for guests to mingle before the event begins, sip a welcome drink, or take in the venue’s historic charm. With direct access to the ballroom and event spaces, the welcome area creates a smooth and stylish transition into the main celebration.
The Tablescapes at The Tea Room
Long Table #1
This was my favorite table from the day—its extravagant decor and thoughtful details perfectly complemented the old-money charm of the Tea Room. With soaring walls, intricate ceiling designs, and ornate columns as its backdrop, the entire setting felt undeniably grand and timeless.
The long reception table was a stunning display of elevated elegance and sophistication. Draped in crisp white linen, it was anchored by three tall gold candelabras topped with classic white taper candles, adding height and a sense of old-world romance. Overhead, crystal gold chandeliers from Monarch Events cast a regal glow, enhancing the ambiance. Gold Chiavari chairs from Beyond Elegance lined each side, framing the setting with refined luxury. Along the center, lush low floral arrangements—featuring white hydrangeas, roses, and cascading greenery—added texture and softness.
Each place setting was thoughtfully layered with a white charger plate from 11:11 Event Co., a detailed gold-accented salad plate, and a white satin napkin, accompanied by polished gold flatware. A trio of glassware—water, wine, and champagne—added to the sense of grandeur, while a delicate satin black bow tied to the stemware served as the perfect finishing touch. Elegant stationery from Invited DSM completed the look, seamlessly tying together this breathtaking tablescape.
Long Table #2
This long reception table is a breathtaking showcase of candlelight and refined elegance. With over 15 candles in varying styles—pillars, tapers, glass-encased sleeves and athena’s—the tablescape creates a rich, moody ambiance that radiates warmth and sophistication. Gold accents are layered throughout, with a mix of heights and textures adding depth and visual interest. The standout gold Athena candleholders from 11:11 Event Co. bring an unexpected charm—an elegant rental piece many couples may not even realize is available. The table numbers, designed by Lauren, were true works of art: custom gold mirrors featuring unique numbers for each table. Each place setting featured white charger plates from 11:11 Event Co., paired with detailed gold-rimmed dinnerware, sleek black napkins, gold flatware, and a trio of glassware—wine, water, and champagne flutes—to complete the luxurious look. Invited DSM tied it all together with stunning menus printed in a timeless, old-money-inspired font that left guests in awe.
The Sweetheart Table at The Tea Room
The sweetheart table is a refined focal point of romance and elegance. Draped in soft white fabric provided by Monarch Events, it creates a delicate and airy backdrop that enhances the intimate setting. Tall vintage-style candelabras from Borrow My Vintage add a warm, flickering glow, perfectly framing the couple’s space. Large, lush floral statements by Heather’s Secret Garden bring depth and natural beauty with rich greenery and white blooms. Beautifully designed stationery from Invited DSM rests atop the table, adding a personalized and polished finishing touch to this charming and sophisticated vignette.
The Cake
The cake is an impressive eight-tiered masterpiece crafted by Parinda Cupcakes. Its clean, simple white design embodies classic elegance and timeless beauty, perfectly complementing the sophisticated atmosphere of the reception. The understated style allows the cake’s grand scale and flawless craftsmanship to shine as a stunning centerpiece for the celebration. It created photo opportunities that felt straight out of the pages of Vogue—a true showstopper in every sense.
When it comes to unforgettable wedding moments, a show-stopping cake like this one turns dessert into a full-blown experience. Towering with intricate details and crowned with delicate florals, this cake isn’t just a sweet treat—it’s a statement piece. A grand cake becomes a stunning photo op, a conversation starter, and a true reflection of the couple’s style and celebration. Whether classic or whimsical, a cake of this scale and elegance adds a layer of theatrical romance that elevates the entire reception. For couples who want every element to feel intentional and unforgettable, investing in a cake that stands out is always worth it.
Featuring Hotel Des Lux
The Hotel Des Lux was undeniably one of the most memorable parts of the shoot. After touring The Tea Room, we stumbled upon this gem of a hotel just around the corner—and we were instantly captivated. The moment we stepped into the lobby, we were transported. Glittering chandeliers, a vintage piano, and over 20 antique mirrors adorned the walls, creating a space that felt like it belonged in an old Hollywood film. Every corner offered a new photo-worthy vignette, from velvet seating nooks to ornate details that made our creative hearts swoon.
We knew we had to incorporate it into our styled shoot. Our photographers embraced the space with full creative freedom, capturing absolute magic. After soaking in the beauty of the lobby, we made our way up to a suite on the third floor for an editorial-style after-party session. Think vintage phone moments, romantic getting-ready shots, champagne toasts, pizza in the bathtub, and playful scenes of the bride jumping on the bed—a dreamy, stylish end to a day filled with artistry and elegance. Needless to say, if you get married at The Tea Room, please make your way to a reservation at The Hotel Des Lux.
Styled Shoot Designed by our planner Mercedes burger
Mercedes Burger is one of the lead planners at Elizabeth Bliss Events. Read up on Mercedes and her events on our
Meet the Team page!
You can now personally request Mercedes to be your wedding planner by filling out our contact form by clicking this button.
Let’s start planning your perfect celebration!
📍 Based in Eastern Iowa | Serving Iowa & beyond
🌐 Email: mercedes@elizabethblissevents.com
📱 Instagram: @mercedessevents
The Vendor Team
Planner & Designer: Mercedes Burger at Elizabeth Bliss Events@mercedeseventss
Lead Photographer: Sarah Rolling Photography@sarahrollingphoto
Venue: The Tea Room @thetearoomdsm
Photographers: Zach Captures, Breanna Maxwell Photography, Elizabeth Ann Photos @zachcaptures@breannamaxwellphotography@elizabethannphotos
Content Creator: Katie Mcdonald Photography@katie_mcdonald_photography
Florals: Heather’s Secret Garden@heatherssgarden
Stationery + Signage: Invited DSM @invited.dsm
Cake: Parinda Cupcakes @parindacupcakes
Dresses: Modern Dress @moderndress
Rings + Jewelry: Siebke Hoyt Jewelers @siebkehoytjewelers
Suit: Skeffington’s Formal Wear @skeffingtonsformalwear
Hair: Bespoke Beauty LLC @bespoke_beauty_llc
Makeup: Makeup by Morgan Dodds @makeupbymorgandodds
Decor + Sweetheart Table Draping: Monarch Events @monarchevents.co
Decor: 11:11 Event Co.@1111eventco
Candelabras: Borrow My Vintage@borrowmyvintage
Flat Lay Rentals: Annata Vintage @annatavintageco
Chairs: Beyond Elegance@beyond_elegance
Models: Lea Rappl & Brock Rathbun@learappl &@feelmyrathbun
The Tea Room Wedding Venue
Address: 713 Walnut St UNIT 600, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 336-1317
Email: info@thetearoomdsm.com
Capacity of 300 guests
Cost starts at $4,000 to $9,000+
Amenities included: Tables & chairs, table linens, bar setup and staffing, 1 bridal suite, indoor ceremony options.