When love crosses oceans, the celebration is bound to be extraordinary. Rachael and Josh’s wedding weekend at Koru Berry Farm was a joyful blend of rustic charm, heartfelt moments, and farmyard whimsy—set against the breathtaking backdrop of rolling vineyards and open Iowa skies. From coordinating across time zones to dancing under string lights by a majestic tree, this celebration was as personal and playful as the couple themselves.

Let's Plan your wedding

Koru Berry Farm offers couples a truly personalized and enchanting wedding experience, set on 22 acres of rolling Aronia berry fields in Homestead, Iowa—just minutes from the charming Amana Colonies, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City. Whether you envision an outdoor ceremony beneath a century‑old willow tree or a cozy indoor reception with large windows and vaulted ceilings, the venue caters to diverse tastes and seasons, enhanced by spring blossoms and vibrant fall foliage .

What truly sets Koru apart is its flexibility and authenticity. Couples enjoy freedom of choice—bring your own caterer, bartending service, and décor without being locked into preset vendor lists or hidden fees. This allows each celebration to reflect their unique style and personality. Owners Deda and Neil Happel, along with their teenage son, pour their hearts into the venue—Deda’s artistry and Neil’s landscaping transform the space into a creative canvas, tailored to each couple's vision .

From a practical standpoint, Koru makes wedding days smoother and more enjoyable. Dedicated bridal and groom suites, a fully appointed kitchen, multiple bar areas, and on‑site event coordination ensure a seamless flow from start to finish—with no stressful venue hopping. Guests consistently praise the attentive, hands-on support and thoughtful amenities: “Deda and Neil are fabulous!... the venue is breathtaking!”.

Moreover, Koru offers memorable, whimsical touches—like a mini petting zoo featuring llamas, alpacas, goats, and even “beer burros” that serve drinks during cocktail hour. These delightful extras not only entertain guests of all ages, but also reinforce the venue’s warm, homegrown charm. With its stunning landscapes, customizable packages, and family-centered ethos, Koru Berry Farm is more than a venue—it’s the perfect setting for couples who want a heartfelt, stress-free, and unforgettable wedding day.

You can read more about weddings at The Midnight Gem on our Portfolio page.

The weekend kicked off with a lively rehearsal dinner held onsite at Koru Berry Farm. Food trucks, live music, and the company of close friends and family created a festive “Thursday showdown” that perfectly set the tone for the celebrations to come. It was a relaxed, joyful evening filled with laughter, great food, and a sense of togetherness—just the right start for what would be a magical weekend.

The bridal party stayed onsite the night before the wedding in a cozy Airbnb nestled right on the farm. It was the perfect spot to gather with friends, wake up to the gentle calls of roosters, and soak in the serene farm atmosphere before the big day. After a joyful day of celebration, the couple returned to the same charming space as newlyweds, waking the next morning to the peaceful rhythms of farm life.

The Koru Berry Farm Ceremony: Under the Grand Oak Tree

Rachel and Josh’s wedding ceremony at Koru Berry Farm was the perfect blend of romantic, intimate, and naturally beautiful. Surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees, their outdoor ceremony felt like something straight out of a garden wedding. With so much natural beauty already surrounding the space, they were able to keep their ceremony décor simple while still creating an incredibly memorable backdrop for saying “I do.”
One of our favorite details of their Koru Berry Farm wedding ceremony was the gorgeous tree that served as the focal point of the ceremony space. Soft white fabric was draped through the branches, adding just the right amount of romantic detail without taking away from the organic beauty of the setting. Rachel and Josh stood beneath the tree as they exchanged their vows, with their closest friends and family gathered around them.
Their wedding colors complemented the outdoor setting beautifully as well. Rachel’s bridesmaids wore soft dusty blue dresses and carried bouquets filled with white, blue, and greenery-filled florals, while Josh and his groomsmen wore blue suits. The muted blue tones looked stunning against the greenery throughout Koru Berry Farm and created a timeless color palette that photographed beautifully.
After officially becoming husband and wife, Rachel and Josh were able to take advantage of the ceremony space for portraits with their wedding party and a few newlywed photos of their own. Rachel’s lace wedding gown, long veil, and garden-inspired bouquet looked especially beautiful against the trees and natural landscape, creating romantic portraits that perfectly captured the feeling of their day.

The Cocktail Hour at Koru Berry Farm: Live Music, Beverage Burros & Custom Art

Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the outdoor cocktail hour, where the Brad and Cake band set the tone with acoustic music and relaxed energy. As guests mingled, the beloved donkeys—serving as beverage burros—wandered the grounds with baskets of drinks in tow, offering the most charming and unexpected touch to the evening.
Signature cocktails made with fruit harvested right on-site at Koru Berry Farm were served, alongside appetizers by Peppercorn Catering that celebrated local flavor and fresh ingredients.
A standout experience during cocktail hour was the live guest painting by **Art by Leah**. As guests sipped and socialized on the patio, Leah captured candid sketches of attendees in real time—offering both entertainment and a one-of-a-kind keepsake for guests to take home.
The outdoor patio at Koru Berry Farm is the perfect setting for a wedding cocktail hour, offering guests a seamless transition between ceremony and reception. Just steps outside the main event building, the patio opens to sweeping views of the farm’s rolling hills, berry fields, and mature trees, creating a naturally stunning backdrop for mingling and conversation. With plenty of space for cocktail tables, lounge seating, and bar setups, the patio provides an inviting atmosphere where guests can sip drinks, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, and soak in the scenery. As the sun sets, string lights and lanterns transform the space into a warm, romantic haven, allowing guests to experience the beauty of the Iowa countryside in a relaxed yet elegant way. The combination of natural charm, flexible layout, and effortless indoor-outdoor flow makes the patio an ideal place to begin the evening’s celebration.

The Reception at Koru Berry Farm: Shades of Blue & Farm-Fresh Elegance

The reception took place inside and upstairs at Koru Berry Farm, surrounded by thoughtful details that perfectly reflected Rachael and Josh’s style and the farm’s natural beauty. The decor centered around elegant shades of blue and fresh greenery sourced directly from Fields of Grace Flower Farm, located just across the way.
A highlight of the weekend was the bouquet-making class the day before the wedding, where the bride and her ladies hand-crafted their own bouquets using flowers from Fields of Grace—a personal, hands-on touch that made the florals feel truly special.
The reception tables were beautifully set with gold charger plates, blue taper candles, and blue glass goblets provided by Unique Events. Each table featured a unique city as its number—paying homage to places the couple had lived, from England and Wales to Chicago and Ames, Iowa. Green eucalyptus garlands and florals tied everything together with a fresh, farm-to-table feel.
Rachael and Josh’s sweetheart table stood out with a custom wreath behind it, creating a romantic focal point for the newlyweds throughout the night.
After dinner, guests moved outside to dance beneath the farm’s candlelit sky. Rachael and Josh shared their carefully practiced first dance before the band got everyone moving. Surrounded by the soft glow of candles, the warmth of friends and family, and the farm’s peaceful charm, the night was filled with laughter, music, and memories made to last a lifetime.

Rachel and Josh’s wedding at Koru Berry Farm was the perfect combination of romance, natural beauty, and personality. From their intimate outdoor ceremony beneath the trees to their portraits surrounded by the farm’s lush greenery, every part of their celebration embraced what makes a Koru Berry Farm wedding so special. The natural setting created a relaxed, romantic atmosphere that carried throughout their entire wedding day.

One of our favorite things about Rachel and Josh’s wedding was how beautifully they took advantage of the property for their portraits. The fields and rows of greenery provided an incredible backdrop for their newlywed photos, especially as the light softened later in the day. Rachel’s romantic lace wedding gown and Josh’s blue suit stood out beautifully against the landscape, giving their photos that effortless, garden-inspired look that works so well for an outdoor Iowa wedding.

Of course, their wedding day wasn't without a little extra personality! From romantic portraits tucked among the greenery to photos with the donkeys, Rachel and Josh’s gallery feels completely unique to their celebration. Those unexpected, playful moments are often some of our favorites because they capture so much more than just how a wedding looked—they show how the day actually felt.

As the evening continued, Rachel and Josh celebrated with their closest friends and family, sharing their first dance and finally getting to enjoy everything they had spent so much time planning. There is something especially beautiful about an outdoor wedding reception as the sun begins to set, and the peaceful surroundings of Koru Berry Farm created such a memorable atmosphere for the evening.

For couples searching for a unique Iowa wedding venue, outdoor wedding venue in Iowa, garden wedding venue, or Koru Berry Farm wedding inspiration, Rachel and Josh’s celebration is a beautiful example of just how much this setting has to offer. With gorgeous natural scenery, plenty of opportunities for outdoor wedding photos, and a setting that feels relaxed and romantic, Koru Berry Farm is such a fun place to create a wedding day that feels completely your own.

We absolutely loved being part of Rachel and Josh’s wedding and helping bring their celebration together. Congratulations again to the newlyweds! We hope their marriage is filled with just as much love, laughter, adventure, and joy as their beautiful Koru Berry Farm wedding day.

Love this wedding? This is exactly the kind of intentional, design-driven experience we create through our Wedding Planning Services.

Vendor Team

Wedding Planner: Elizabeth Bliss Events

Venue: Koru Berry Farm

Photographer: Crystal Broussard Photography

Videographer: Ampere Creative Group

Band: Kate and Brad Band

Caterer: Peppercorn Catering Co.

Desserts: Tip Top Cakes

Florist: Fields of Grace Flower Farm

Hair & Makeup: Beauty Op

Live Painter: Art by Leah

Welcome Mirror + Floral: MC Floral Creations

Decor: Unique Events

Transportation: Windstar Shuttle

Bridal Gown: Heart to Heart Bridal

The Koru Berry Farm Wedding Venue

Address: 1681 U Ave, Homestead, IA 52236
Phone: 319-654-7656
Email: dedahappel@gmail.com
The Koru Berry Farm Website
Investment starts at $4,000 - $6,000
Can seat up to 300 guests
Amenities included: Tables & chairs, outdoor ceremony space, two bridal suites, free decor onsite, bar setup and staff, full access to 22 acres, farm animals onsite.