The Midnight Gem Wedding, Taylor & Steven

Feb 5

Taylor and Steven’s wedding day at The Midnight Gem was the perfect blend of modern elegance, heartfelt moments, and unapologetic fun. From the sleek black exterior and light-filled reception space to the soft sage tones woven throughout the details, their day felt timeless yet deeply personal—designed with intention, emotion, and a whole lot of joy.

Every part of the celebration told their story: a lively wedding party that kept the energy high, a packed dance floor that never slowed down, and thoughtfully curated details that elevated the entire experience. One of the most meaningful touches? Including their beloved pup in portraits and décor—because for Taylor and Steven, family meant everyone they love.

Set against the clean, modern backdrop of The Midnight Gem, this wedding was a masterclass in how to balance refined design with a relaxed, celebratory vibe. If you’re dreaming of a contemporary Iowa wedding venue, minimalist tablescapes with candlelight, or a day that feels both polished and wildly fun, Taylor and Steven’s wedding is one you’ll want to see unfold.

We absolutely love working weddings at The Midnight Gem, and it’s easy to see why this modern Iowa wedding venue is such a standout. From a planning and coordination perspective, The Midnight Gem offers the perfect balance of clean, contemporary design and a layout that truly works with your wedding day flow—not against it. The space is thoughtfully designed, incredibly versatile, and allows couples to fully transform it to match their vision, whether that’s modern minimalist, elevated black-tie, or soft and romantic.

One of our favorite things about The Midnight Gem is how seamlessly the day unfolds. The ceremony and reception spaces are beautifully connected, which keeps transitions smooth for guests and stress-free for couples. The abundant natural light during the day and the warm, modern glow in the evening make it a dream for photography, while the open layout creates an incredible atmosphere once the party starts. From stunning candlelit tablescapes to a packed dance floor, this venue sets the stage for unforgettable moments.

As wedding planners, we also love how vendor-friendly and organized The Midnight Gem is. The clean lines, neutral palette, and modern architecture provide a flawless backdrop for custom design, florals, and personalized details—allowing each wedding to feel completely unique. If you’re searching for a modern wedding venue in Iowa that combines style, functionality, and an unforgettable guest experience, The Midnight Gem is truly one of our favorites to bring wedding days to life.

Getting Ready at The Midnight Gem

One of the most underrated (but most important) parts of the wedding day is the *getting ready experience*—and this is where The Midnight Gem truly shines. From the moment Taylor and her bridal party stepped into the venue, the morning felt calm, intentional, and effortlessly beautiful. The thoughtfully designed getting-ready space set the tone for the entire day, creating an environment that felt both luxurious and relaxed.
The Midnight Gem’s stunning vanity area is a dream for hair and makeup. With clean lines, flattering light, and plenty of space for artists and bridesmaids to move comfortably, it allows the morning to flow smoothly without feeling rushed or crowded. This space not only keeps the day stress-free, but it also results in some of the most gorgeous, polished getting-ready photos—perfect for documenting those quiet, emotional moments before the ceremony.
When it came time for bridal party portraits, the venue delivered again. The neutral walls, modern textures, and natural light created the ideal backdrop for coordinated bridesmaid looks and candid moments alike. Whether sipping mimosas in matching pajamas or laughing together before slipping into dresses, every photo felt elevated and editorial without trying too hard.
And then—the bridal portraits. The Midnight Gem offers some of the best indoor portrait locations we see as planners. Clean architectural details, soft light, and a minimalist aesthetic allow the bride to truly stand out. Taylor’s bridal portraits felt timeless, elegant, and incredibly personal—proof that you don’t need to leave the venue to capture magazine-worthy images.
For couples searching for a modern Iowa wedding venue with a beautiful bridal suite, seamless getting-ready flow, and incredible photo opportunities, The Midnight Gem checks every box. It’s the kind of space that supports the entire wedding day—from the first sip of champagne to walking down the aisle—while making every moment look as good as it feels.

The Midnight Gem Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony at The Midnight Gem is nothing short of breathtaking—and Taylor and Steven’s ceremony was the perfect example of why this venue is one of our favorite modern wedding venues in Iowa. Designed to feel intentional, intimate, and effortlessly elegant, the ceremony space creates a meaningful experience for both the couple and their guests.
One of the standout features is the covered outdoor ceremony area, which offers the best of both worlds. Couples get the natural beauty and open-air feel of an outdoor wedding, paired with the peace of mind that comes with shade and weather protection. The clean architectural lines, string lighting overhead, and neutral palette allow florals and personal details to truly shine without overwhelming the space.
As Taylor walked down the aisle, surrounded by loved ones and framed by lush greenery, the moment felt deeply emotional yet beautifully composed. The layout of The Midnight Gem’s ceremony space ensures excellent sightlines for guests while keeping the focus exactly where it belongs—on the couple. From the aisle entrance to the altar design, every element feels thoughtfully placed and visually balanced.
The altar area itself is a dream for ceremony design. Whether styled with a floral arch, modern installation, or left intentionally minimal, it provides a stunning backdrop for vows, first kisses, and those unforgettable just-married moments. Soft natural light during the ceremony transitions seamlessly into golden-hour tones, making it ideal for photography and videography.
For couples searching for an outdoor wedding ceremony venue in Iowa that feels modern, romantic, and well-designed, The Midnight Gem delivers an elevated ceremony experience from start to finish. It’s a space that honors the emotion of the moment while offering a polished, timeless setting—exactly what a wedding ceremony should be.

The Cocktail Hour at The Midnight Gem

Taylor and Steven’s cocktail hour at The Midnight Gem was effortlessly charming, unfolding on the outdoor patio and setting the tone for a celebration that felt both intentional and relaxed. The open-air setting invited guests to sip, mingle, and soak in the atmosphere while exploring thoughtfully curated details that reflected the couple’s personalities at every turn. One of the standout moments was their Polaroid guestbook station, where guests snapped instant photos of themselves, tucked them into the book, and left heartfelt notes for Taylor and Steven—creating a keepsake filled with both faces and memories from the day.
In true Taylor-and-Steven fashion, their wedding favors were just as personal. *Winnie’s Dog Treat Bar* was a guest favorite, offering an assortment of dog treats for guests to take home to their own pups, straight from the heart (and paws) of the couple’s beloved dog, Winnie. It was a sweet, unexpected detail that had guests smiling and talking long after cocktail hour ended.
The transition from cocktail hour to reception was just as thoughtful, thanks to their champagne wall seating chart. Each glass was displayed with a custom name card indicating the guest’s table assignment, turning a functional moment into an interactive experience. As guests made their way inside, they were greeted by their personalized champagne flute waiting for them—bubbles in hand and seating effortlessly guided. It was a seamless blend of elegance and fun, proving that even the smallest details can make a big impact when they’re done with intention.

The Midnight Gem Reception Decor

Taylor and Steven’s wedding reception at The Midnight Gem was the perfect balance of modern elegance and soft romance, transforming the venue’s bright, architectural space into an elevated yet inviting celebration. Long farmhouse tables and round guest tables filled the room, creating a dynamic layout that felt intentional, warm, and ideal for both intimate conversation and lively celebration.
The table design was effortlessly refined. Crisp white linens paired with natural wood tables set a neutral foundation, allowing the details to shine. Each place setting featured matte black charger plates layered with soft sage napkins and modern stationery, creating a subtle contrast that felt timeless and on-trend. Black cross-back chairs grounded the design and complemented the venue’s clean lines and industrial touches, tying everything together seamlessly.
Candlelight played a major role in the overall ambiance of the reception. Tall glass cylinder candles lined the tables, adding height and drama without overwhelming the space, while smaller votives and pillar candles filled in the tablescape with a warm, romantic glow. The soft flicker of candlelight reflected beautifully throughout the room, especially as the evening progressed, giving the reception a cozy yet upscale feel.
Minimalist floral accents and baby’s breath runners added a delicate, airy texture to the tables, enhancing the romantic atmosphere without distracting from the clean design. Table numbers were kept simple and elegant, allowing guests to easily find their seats while maintaining the polished aesthetic of the reception space.
With its high ceilings, large windows, and modern chandeliers, The Midnight Gem provided the perfect backdrop for Taylor and Steven’s thoughtfully curated reception decor. Every detail—from the layered place settings to the glowing candlelight—worked together to create a wedding reception that felt classic, intentional, and undeniably beautiful. It was a stunning example of how timeless design and modern elements can come together to create a truly unforgettable Iowa City wedding reception.

The Midnight Gem Reception

Taylor and Steven’s wedding reception at The Midnight Gem was filled with heartfelt moments, infectious energy, and memories their guests will be talking about for years to come. As dinner concluded, the evening flowed seamlessly into speeches and toasts that struck the perfect balance between emotional and entertaining. Loved ones shared stories filled with laughter, happy tears, and personal memories that highlighted Taylor and Steven’s relationship and the love surrounding them. The room was filled with smiles as guests leaned in to catch every word.
One of the most anticipated moments of the night was the couple’s first dance. Surrounded by glowing candlelight and the modern elegance of The Midnight Gem’s reception space, Taylor and Steven shared a quiet, intimate moment together before the celebration truly took off. It was romantic, meaningful, and set the tone for the rest of the evening. Shortly after, the dance floor came alive as guests joined in, filling the space with nonstop energy and excitement.
The cake cutting was another standout moment, featuring a timeless white cake adorned with soft floral accents that perfectly complemented the overall reception design. Taylor and Steven shared laughs and sweet glances as they cut into their cake, creating one of those classic wedding moments that never goes out of style.
But the true surprise—and easily the highlight of the night—was the unexpected mother-daughter dance. What began as a sweet, sentimental moment quickly turned into an energetic performance that had the entire room cheering, clapping, and laughing along. Guests couldn’t take their eyes off the dance floor, and it instantly became one of those unforgettable wedding moments that defined the night.
From emotional toasts to a packed dance floor and surprise moments that stole the show, Taylor and Steven’s reception at The Midnight Gem was the perfect reflection of who they are as a couple—joyful, intentional, and surrounded by so much love. It was an unforgettable Iowa City wedding reception filled with laughter, connection, and celebration from start to finish.

Puppy Love at the midnight gem

One of the most special parts of Taylor and Steven’s wedding at The Midnight Gem was how seamlessly they were able to include their beloved dog, Winnie, throughout the day. As a dog-friendly wedding venue, The Midnight Gem offers couples the rare opportunity to celebrate alongside their four-legged family members—and Taylor and Steven embraced that wholeheartedly.
Winnie wasn’t just present for the day—she was an essential part of it. She appeared in portraits with the couple, adding a playful and heartfelt element to their wedding photos, and even walked down the aisle during the ceremony, instantly stealing the show and earning smiles from every guest in attendance. Moments like these are exactly why so many couples seek out dog-friendly wedding venues in Iowa City, and The Midnight Gem delivers beautifully.
The couple also found creative ways to weave Winnie into the guest experience. Their *Winnie’s Biscuit Bar* was one of the most talked-about details of the day, featuring dog treats for guests to take home to their own pups. Complete with custom signage inspired by Winnie herself, the treat bar doubled as both a wedding favor and a sweet nod to the dog who clearly holds a special place in Taylor and Steven’s hearts.
Having a dog-friendly venue made it possible for Taylor and Steven to fully personalize their wedding day, ensuring it reflected not just their love for each other, but their love for their family—including Winnie. From walking down the aisle to appearing in portraits and inspiring one of the most memorable wedding favors of the day, Winnie’s presence made their celebration even more meaningful.
For couples dreaming of a dog-friendly wedding venue in Iowa City, The Midnight Gem offers the flexibility, space, and modern elegance needed to include every member of the family—paws included. Taylor and Steven’s wedding is the perfect example of how incorporating your dog can add personality, joy, and unforgettable moments to your wedding day.

From start to finish, Taylor and Steven’s wedding day was a perfect reflection of who they are—thoughtful, joyful, and filled with meaningful moments. From their elegant outdoor cocktail hour to a candlelit reception overflowing with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and a packed dance floor, every detail of their celebration felt intentional and deeply personal. Including their beloved dog Winnie throughout the day, from walking down the aisle to inspiring one of the most memorable wedding favors, added an extra layer of warmth and authenticity that guests will never forget.

Hosting their wedding at The Midnight Gem provided the perfect backdrop for their vision. The venue’s modern architecture, bright reception space, outdoor patio, and dog-friendly atmosphere allowed Taylor and Steven to fully customize their day while keeping their loved ones—both two-legged and four-legged—close. It’s easy to see why The Midnight Gem is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Iowa City for couples looking for a space that blends modern elegance with flexibility and heart.

Taylor and Steven’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most unforgettable celebrations are the ones rooted in love, personality, and connection. From emotional moments to nonstop dancing, their day was nothing short of magical—and one we’ll be thinking about for a long time to come. If you’re dreaming of a modern, dog-friendly wedding venue in Iowa City, their celebration is proof that The Midnight Gem truly offers something special.