Mady and Jack’s wedding at Carper Vineyard and Winery was the perfect blend of timeless romance, natural beauty, and personal details. Surrounded by the peaceful Iowa countryside, the couple celebrated their wedding day with soft blue and white florals, classic attire, and a relaxed atmosphere that felt perfectly at home against the vineyard’s rustic setting.

Located in Norwalk, Iowa, Carper Vineyard and Winery is a beautiful choice for couples searching for a Des Moines-area wedding venue that offers both indoor and outdoor spaces. The property gave Mady and Jack plenty of gorgeous backdrops throughout their day, from the vineyard’s open fields and mature greenery to the warm, rustic architecture of the venue itself. Their outdoor wedding ceremony took full advantage of the surrounding Iowa landscape, while the reception brought everyone inside for an evening of celebrating.

For their wedding design, Mady and Jack kept things light, romantic, and elegant. Shades of dusty blue, crisp white, and soft greenery carried throughout the day, from the bridal bouquets and ceremony florals to the smaller details of their wedding cake. The neutral bridesmaid dresses complemented the color palette beautifully without competing with the natural scenery surrounding Carper Vineyard and Winery.

But some of our favorite details were the ones that made their wedding feel unmistakably theirs. From including their dog in wedding portraits to the adorable ring bearers making their way down the aisle, Mady and Jack’s day was filled with those little moments that make a wedding so memorable.

As an Iowa wedding planner, we love seeing how each couple takes a venue and makes it completely their own, and Mady and Jack’s Carper Vineyard and Winery wedding was no exception. Between the romantic blue and white wedding color palette, gorgeous outdoor ceremony, vineyard wedding portraits, and a reception filled with their favorite people, their day was a beautiful example of just how special an Iowa winery wedding can be.

bride and groom outside of carper vineyard and winery in iowa — Photo By: Jason Crocker

As an Iowa wedding planner, we’re always excited when we have the opportunity to work at Carper Vineyard and Winery. Located just outside Des Moines in Norwalk, Iowa, the venue offers the perfect combination of rustic charm, beautiful scenery, and plenty of space for couples to make their wedding day feel completely their own. For couples searching for a winery wedding venue near Des Moines, Carper Vineyard and Winery provides a gorgeous setting without feeling too far removed from the city.

One of our favorite things about planning weddings at Carper Vineyard and Winery is the variety the property offers. Couples can host a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony overlooking the Iowa countryside before transitioning inside for their reception. Having both ceremony and reception spaces in one location makes the wedding day flow so much more smoothly for the couple and their guests—and from a wedding planner’s perspective, we always appreciate a venue that allows us to create a seamless timeline without requiring everyone to travel between locations.

The property is also absolutely beautiful for wedding photography. Between the vineyard, open fields, mature trees, and rustic architecture, there are so many different backdrops for wedding party photos, couple portraits, and those dreamy golden-hour shots. Mady and Jack were able to take advantage of several areas around the property, giving their wedding gallery plenty of variety while never having to leave the venue.

We also love how versatile Carper Vineyard and Winery can be when it comes to wedding design. The venue works beautifully with classic and romantic weddings like Mady and Jack’s, but its neutral, rustic setting also gives couples plenty of freedom to bring in their own colors, florals, signage, and décor. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant vineyard wedding, a rustic Iowa wedding, or something completely unique, the space gives you a beautiful foundation to build from.

For couples looking for wedding venues in Norwalk, Iowa or wedding venues near Des Moines, Carper Vineyard and Winery is definitely one worth adding to your list. And for us at Elizabeth Bliss Events, it’s always a venue we’re happy to return to!

Des Moines Wedding Decor — Romantic Blue and White Wedding Décor

Mady and Jack’s wedding décor at Carper Vineyard and Winery was the perfect example of how a soft, classic color palette can completely transform a rustic wedding venue. Their reception design centered around shades of dusty blue, crisp white, natural greenery, and warm wood tones, creating an atmosphere that felt romantic and elegant while still complementing the relaxed charm of the winery.
For the guest tables, white linens created a clean foundation while dusty blue napkins added the perfect pop of color to each place setting. The knotted napkins gave the tables a slightly more relaxed, organic feel, while gold flatware brought in a touch of warmth and elegance. We especially loved how the blue tones stood out against Carper Vineyard and Winery’s wooden cross-back chairs and natural architectural details.
Florals continued the blue and white wedding color palette throughout the reception. Arrangements featured white blooms, delicate blue flowers, plenty of greenery, and subtle textural elements. Rather than overwhelming the tables with oversized centerpieces, the florals felt fresh and airy, allowing the beauty of the reception space to shine through.
The long tables brought another layer to the design with white runners, blue taper candles in glass holders, and petite floral arrangements placed throughout. Mixing round guest tables with long wooden tables also added visual interest to the reception layout while keeping the overall design cohesive.
For couples looking for elegant winery wedding inspiration or planning a wedding near Des Moines, this is proof that you don’t have to completely transform a venue to make an impact—sometimes the best wedding décor enhances what is already there.

Including Their Pets in Their Wedding Day at Carper Vineyard

For Mady and Jack, their pets are part of the family, so it only made sense to find a way to include them in their wedding day at Carper Vineyard and Winery! Their dog, Ollie, was able to join the celebration in person and even had the important job of walking down the aisle during the ceremony. He also joined Mady and Jack for portraits afterward, complete with a greenery collar that perfectly coordinated with the couple’s blue, white, and greenery-filled wedding design.
Unfortunately, their cat, Elliot, had to sit this celebration out—but that didn’t mean he was forgotten! Mady and Jack incorporated both of their pets into their signature cocktail menu with custom illustrations and drinks named in their honor. Guests could order “The Elliot,” a rum and Coke, or “The Ollie,” a strawberry margarita. It was such a fun way to bring a little more of the couple’s personality into their reception while making sure both furry family members had their moment.
We love when couples find creative ways to include pets in their wedding, whether that means having them walk down the aisle, joining in for wedding portraits, or incorporating them through custom wedding signage, signature drinks, cocktail napkins, or other personalized details. Mady and Jack’s Carper Vineyard and Winery wedding is the perfect inspiration for couples looking for pet-friendly wedding ideas that feel meaningful without taking away from the overall wedding design.
What made these details even more special was how naturally they fit into the rest of Mady and Jack’s day. Rather than feeling like an afterthought, Ollie and Elliot became another personal layer of their Carper Vineyard and Winery wedding, telling guests a little more about the life the couple has built together.

A Romantic Outdoor Ceremony at Carper Vineyard and Winery

Mady and Jack’s outdoor wedding ceremony at Carper Vineyard and Winery was the perfect combination of natural beauty, timeless details, and personal touches. With the rolling Iowa countryside and pond creating a gorgeous backdrop, their ceremony showcased exactly why Carper Vineyard and Winery is such a beautiful Iowa wedding venue. The open landscape allowed the scenery to become part of the design while still giving the couple plenty of room to add details that reflected their classic blue-and-white wedding style.
At the end of the aisle, Mady and Jack exchanged vows beneath the venue’s wooden pergola, which was softened with flowing white drapery and an asymmetrical arrangement of white and blue florals with greenery. Rather than competing with the vineyard setting, the ceremony decor complemented the surrounding landscape perfectly. Blue and white floral arrangements continued along the aisle, creating a romantic pathway toward the altar and tying the ceremony design into the florals used throughout the rest of their Carper Vineyard wedding.
Their wedding party added another beautiful layer to the color palette. The bridesmaids wore neutral champagne dresses while the groomsmen kept things classic in navy suits. The flower girls carried petite versions of the day’s blue-and-white bouquets, while the younger members of the wedding party wore light neutral suits and blue accents. Even Ollie made his way down the aisle, making their pet-friendly wedding ceremony that much more personal.

The reception at carper vineyard

After their romantic outdoor ceremony, Mady and Jack headed inside Carper Vineyard and Winery to celebrate with their closest family and friends. The venue’s reception space created such a warm atmosphere for the evening, with wood accents, an open upper level, and strands of glowing lights hanging overhead. As daylight faded outside, the space transformed into the perfect setting for a cozy and energetic Iowa vineyard wedding reception.
The reception began with dinner and some of the traditional moments that make a wedding day so special before Mady and Jack cut their wedding cake together. Their simple two-tier cake featured white frosting, textured dusty blue detailing, white florals, greenery, and a personalized “The Arndts” cake topper. It coordinated beautifully with the blue and white wedding decor used throughout the day and was another example of how the couple carried their color palette from the ceremony all the way through their Carper Vineyard reception.
Once the formalities were over, it was time to celebrate! The warm string lights and open reception space created such a fun atmosphere once guests made their way onto the dance floor. One particularly memorable moment came when Mady and Jack took on a shotski together—a fun departure from the traditional wedding reception moments and the perfect way to show off a little more of their personalities.
For couples searching for a Carper Vineyard and Winery wedding, a winery wedding venue near Des Moines, or inspiration for an Iowa vineyard wedding reception, Mady and Jack’s day is a beautiful example of how this venue can transition from an outdoor countryside ceremony into an unforgettable evening celebration.

From their romantic outdoor ceremony overlooking the Iowa countryside to a reception filled with dancing, laughter, and plenty of personal touches, Mady and Jack’s wedding at Carper Vineyard and Winery was such a beautiful celebration from beginning to end. Their soft blue, white, and neutral color palette complemented the natural beauty of the venue perfectly, creating a wedding design that felt elegant and timeless while still feeling completely personal to them.

Some of our favorite details were the ones that told a little more of Mady and Jack’s story. From Ollie walking down the aisle and joining them for portraits to signature cocktails honoring both Ollie and Elliot, their personalities were woven throughout the day. Even the smaller details—from the delicate blue florals to their custom cake topper and fun shotski moment—helped create a wedding that felt like a true reflection of the two of them.

Carper Vineyard and Winery continues to be one of our favorite wedding venues near Des Moines, Iowa, and Mady and Jack’s celebration showed exactly why. Between the picturesque outdoor ceremony space, vineyard and countryside views, beautiful indoor reception area, and endless opportunities for wedding photos, it offers couples the best of both an outdoor Iowa wedding and a comfortable indoor celebration.

It was such a joy getting to be part of Mady and Jack’s Carper Vineyard and Winery wedding and helping bring all of these details together. If you’re planning a wedding at Carper Vineyard and Winery, searching for a Des Moines wedding planner, or dreaming of a romantic vineyard wedding in Iowa, we would love to help you create a celebration that feels just as personal, beautiful, and uniquely yours.

The Vendors

Venue: Carper Vineyard and Winery

Planner: Elizabeth Bliss Events

Photographer: Jason Crocker Photo

Floral: CamBam Custom Floral

Catering: The Pentigo Brothers

DJ: A Special Event DJ

Hair & MUA: Copper & Fringe

Decor: Beyond Elegance

The Carper Vineyard & Winery Wedding Venue

Address: 4603 Dakota St. Norwalk, IA 50211
Phone: 515-491-2367
Email: Contactus@carperwinery.com
The Carper Vineyard & Winery Website
Investment starts at $7,000 - $8,000
Amenities included: Tables & chairs, linens, outdoor ceremony space, bar setup and staff