A Personalized, Classic Wedding at the Iowa State University Memorial Union in Ames, Iowa

Jiabei Chen and David Kaiser met and reside in New York City, but they decided to tie the knot in Ames, Iowa, David’s home state. Jiabei was born in China, but in the ’80s, her parents immigrated to the US for graduate school at Iowa State University, where David also went to school. Ames was Jiabei's first home in America after she moved to the country in 1989. The couple welcomed guests to the state with a prewedding celebration on a private farm. The ceremony, which was originally scheduled to take place in front of the Iowa State University Campanile, was moved inside due to rain. “Immediately afterward, the skies cleared as the guests gathered outside to greet the newlyweds (and take a group photo) while the Campanile bells very fittingly rang out to the tune of ‘Here Comes the Sun,’” Jiabei says. The elegant reception was held in a hall decorated with ivory linens, soft lighting and neutral flower arrangements with plenty of natural greenery. The couple also paid homage to Jiabei's heritage with traditional lion dancers.
Our favorite #MakeTradition Moment: “Because Jiabei’s family lives mostly in China and the our friends are scattered throughout the world, we decided to welcome everyone to exotic Iowa with a welcome party on a picturesque private farm,” the couple says.