Boho Fall Barn Wedding | Katie + Derek

Boho Fall Barn Wedding | Katie + Derek

Katie and Derek got married on a warm September day at The Gathering Barn in Williamsburg, Iowa. Their fall wedding featured a gorgeous color palette of reds and oranges, stunning boho decor, the cutest pups, and a whole lot of love. It was a party from start to finish!

Bride and groom sunset portraits in Iowa captured by Aubree Taylor photography.

Getting Ready & First Looks

The day began in the subsequent bridal and groom’s lounge of the barn. Katie and her girl gang in matching pink nightgowns, shared a pop of champagne and deep-belly laughter as they prepped for the day. Meanwhile, we snapped a few photos of Derek and the boys once they were wedding day ready.

Before seeing Derek, we headed to Katie’s dad for a father-daughter first look. His sweet reaction says it all; pride, love, bewilderment that his baby girl is all grown up, and everything in-between. The tears really came though when he read the hand-written letter that she gave to him. It was a very tender moment, to say the least!

After that, Katie and Derek met (without looking) and exchanged love letters they had each written to each other. Again, the emotions were high as they realized that the day they had been waiting for had finally arrived. They did an official first look to calm the nerves and then we headed outside for a few portraits before the ceremony.

Fall wedding flat lay detail shot with rings, vows, stationary and a red floral tie. Fall wedding bridal bouquet. Bride and bridesmaids in matching pink satin pajamas. Bride and bridesmaids champagne pop in matching pink pajamas. Half-up bridal hair with a twisted braid and babies breath. Groom wearing a grey suit and burnt orange floral tie for his fall wedding in Iowa. Father-daughter first look photos. Bride and groom reading letters to each other behind a door. Bride and groom first look photos.

The Ceremony

Derek, the bridal party, and their two pups Jax and Louie (escorted by the ushers, and rewarded with treats and pets, of course) each made their way down the aisle. When it was Katie’s turn, everyone stood and smiled back at her. She looked absolutely beautiful as she tearfully made her way towards Derek, arm-in-arm with her dad.

The ceremony was short and sweet and followed by a traditional unity knot. Katie and Derek each took a separate piece of rope from their mothers and tied them together symbolizing the unbreakable bond of marriage and family.

Looking for other unity ceremony ideas? Check out this unique Colorado wedding’s unity beer!

Fall wedding ceremony setup at The Gathering Barn in Williamsburg, IA. Boho hexagon wedding arbor/ arch with flowers. Boho wedding aisle decor with pampas grass and other fall colored flowers. Two dogs walking down the aisle at their owners wedding wearing garland around their necks. Bride and bridesmaids wearing burnt orange dresses holding matching fall colored bouquets. Fall wedding bridal party with burnt orange bridesmaid dresses and dark grey groomsmen. Bride and groom portraits in front of their venue The Gathering Barn in Williamsburg, IA.

Cocktail Hour & Reception

After the ceremony, we took photos with the family, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, and then Katie was ready to party with her crew. Before heading into the dining hall, she passed out fireball shots to each member of the bridal party to kickstart the celebration. Everyone danced their way in and made way for the newlywed couple.

Featured at their reception were signature drinks in honor of their two pups Jax and Louie. Guests could choose between a “Jax and Coke” or “Louie Lemonade.” As a fellow dog lover, I loved how they incorporated their sweet pups throughout their day.

Once Katie and Derek had made their rounds, saying hello to each guest, it was time for speeches and dancing. Their first dance was to the song, “Still Falling for You” by Ellie Goulding which seemed perfectly fitting for the two. Eventually, everyone joined in and there was dancing, singing, and an all-around good time for the rest of the evening.

Bride and bridesmaids taking shots of fireball before the wedding reception. Fall barn wedding reception decor and table setup at The Gathering Barn in Willamsburg, Iowa. Fall wedding dessert table with a white buttercream cake and variety of flavored cupcakes. Boho fall wedding cake with pampas grass and dried flowers. Custom signature wedding drinks with portraits of the couple's dogs. Fall wedding bride and groom portraits on a yellow mid-century couch. Bride and groom sunset portraits in Iowa captured by Aubree Taylor photography.