Koru Berry Farm Wedding, Rachel & Josh
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.
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.
The Rehearsal Dinner at Koru Berry Farm: A Festive “Thursday Showdown”
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
The ceremony was set beneath a large oak tree at the heart of the vineyard—a majestic, sprawling sentinel surrounded by rows of lush grapevines. Twinkling string lights were woven through the branches, adding a magical glow as Rachael and Josh exchanged vows with their closest family and friends gathered around in an intimate circle. The natural beauty of the tree, vineyard, and farm animals wandering nearby created a charmingly rustic, warm atmosphere that was both elegant and inviting.
Outdoors at Koru is truly enchanting — a ceremony under open
sky, with the natural beauty of the farm as your backdrop. One favored spot is beneath or near a mature willow tree, where branches arc overhead to offer shade and a feeling of intimacy. Surrounding the ceremony site are views of the farm’s rolling hills, berry fields, and natural foliage, allowing the environment itself to become part of the décor. The path to the altar might be lined with petals, lanterns, or florals, drawing guests inward from the landscape to the central moment of “I do.” Throughout the ceremony, the vastness of the outdoors gives an airy, open feeling, and guests remain connected to nature — the sky, trees, and light — which can feel especially powerful at dusk or near golden hour.
For couples who prefer shelter or want consistency regardless of weather, the indoor space at Koru Berry delivers elegance and warmth. The main room features large windows, allowing natural light and views even while sheltered from the elements. Inside, clean lines, neutral tones, and a versatile layout allow the décor to carry the personal vision: floral arches, drapery, lighting, or aisle runners all fit naturally without the space feeling overdone.
An indoor ceremony also provides practical benefits — sound control is easier, temperature is regulated, and transitions (for guests, musicians, or vendors) can be smoother. Because the indoor space is connected with the rest of the venue — including restrooms, prep rooms, and the reception area — guests and vendors don’t have to move far, and the flow of the day stays more contained.
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.
Rachael and Josh’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, friendship, and the simple beauty of farm life—made all the more special by the personal touches and playful spirit they brought to every moment. It was an absolute joy to coordinate their weekend and witness their story unfold in such a unique and unforgettable setting.
Wedding Coordinated and 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
Vendor Team
Wedding Planner: Mercedes at Elizabeth Bliss Events @mercedeseventss
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
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.
