District 36 Wine Bar & Grille

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Jacob and Alayna’s love story began in late 2023, when they connected on Catholic Match shortly after Thanksgiving. What started as online conversations soon led to their first in-person meeting—an afternoon in Iowa City filled with coffee, bookstore browsing, a quick Target trip, and a leisurely lunch. From the moment they met, their connection was undeniable. The holidays briefly separated them as Jacob traveled to Indiana to visit family, but their second date in Des Moines—an ice-skating adventure followed by dinner and hot chocolate—solidified something special. While Jacob was nervous during the drive, all hesitation melted away the moment he saw Alayna again. Their relationship continued to grow, each weekend bringing new memories as they traveled between cities to see each other. Road trips became a signature part of their love story, taking them everywhere from Indiana to South Dakota and Minnesota. With every mile—and every well-planned coffee stop—their bond deepened. Early this year, Jacob and Alayna began envisioning their future together. They looked at engagement rings, Jacob met with Alayna’s parents to share his intentions, and he carefully planned the perfect proposal. On February 2nd, in a beautifully orchestrated moment, Alayna said yes. Now, as they prepare for their wedding day on November 8th, they cherish every moment of planning together—a testament to how seamlessly they complement each other. With love, excitement, and deep gratitude, they look forward to all the adventures their future will bring.

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids Lauren WaldschmidtSister of the Bride Grace SweersSister of the Bride Danielle SanduskySister of the Bride Brittany DriscollSister of the Bride Isabelle SweersSister of the Bride Emily SchmitzSister of the Groom

Groomsmen Michael AlbertsonFriend of the Groom Miles EdensFriend of the Groom José GbabaFriend of the Groom Aidan SchmitzBrother of the Groom Matthew SchmitzBrother of the Groom Ethan WoodieFriend of the Groom

Wedding Party

Q + A

You can call the hotel at the number listed above and ask for the Sweers/Schmitz wedding block or use the website below to book online! Rooms must be booked by October 13th to get discounted rate.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Ankeny

You can call the hotel at the number listed above and ask for the Schmitz/Sweers wedding block or use the website below to book online! Rooms must be booked by October 10th to get discounted rate.

Holiday Inn Express Des Moines Ankeny, an IHG Hotel

You can call the hotel at the number listed above and ask for the Schmitz/Sweers wedding block or use the website below to book online! Rooms must be booked by October 17th to get discounted rate.

Courtyard Des Moines Ankeny

You can call the hotel at the number listed above and ask for the Schmitz/Sweers wedding block or use the website below to book online! Rooms must be booked by October 7th to get discounted rate.

Tru by Hilton Ankeny

Des Moines International Airport

Travel

The District is a vibrant entertainment hub, offering a mix of local dining, boutique shopping, and lively events in a charming, walkable setting. It is a perfect spot to explore, unwind, and celebrate before and after the big day!

The District at Prairie Trail

Jordan Creek Town Center is Iowa's largest shopping and entertainment destination, offering upscale stores, diverse dining, and a scenic lakefront boardwalk. It has a great movie theater and plenty of spots to relax, shop, and dine.

Jordan Creek Town Center

Uptown Ankeny is a charming, historic district filled with locally owned shops, cozy restaurants, and a welcoming small-town vibe. Whether you're catching up with friends over coffee or indulging in a sweet treat at Uptown Dairy, it's a delightful setting in the heart of Ankeny.

Uptown Ankeny

High Trestle Trail is a 25-mile recreational path, perfect for a scenic walk. Hawkeye Park is a great spot to enter the trail in Ankeny and offers playgrounds and sports facilities. Though the weather in Iowa can be unpredictable, if nice, this is an excellent spot to enjoy the outdoors.

High Trestle Trail

The Science Center is a hands-on museum, offering interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and immersive planetarium experiences. It is a great spot to explore and learn.

Alayna & Jacob

Alayna & Jacob

Photos