Wedding Day

Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church

Wedding Mass

Break for Wedding Party & Family Photos

Embassy Club West (Des Moines Embassy Club)

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Our Wedding

It all began in July of 2023, when Allie and Nguyen both moved to Iowa to attend Des Moines University. They became acquainted at pre-semester socials, and shared values and social outlooks grew their friendship throughout the school year. Nguyen, running late for a class or lab session, would often leave his motorcycle gear and backpack with Allie as she studied in a lounge near the parking garage entrance. Communications opened up when Nguyen needed to coordinate repayment in the form of iced coffee.While sources remain divided on the matter, Nguyen claims Allie had a crush on him from the very first coffee drop.

Chapter One

As medical school classes came into full effect, it was not until an end-of-the-year ballgame outing that a connection was again sparked. Luke, one of Nguyen's and now Allie's best friends, took notice and invited Allie to the Cody Johnson concert they were attending after finals. Come concert time, Allie and Nguyen ended up one seat apart in the row. During the pre-concert restroom break, Nguyen asked Joe, another one of his and now Allie's best friends, to switch spots with him so he could sit next to her. They chatted and joked throughout the night until, with sweating hands and questionably sourced confidence, Nguyen asked Allie to dance.

Chapter Two

In the days following the concert, Allie reached out to Nguyen to figure out payment for the ticket. After a bit of banter, they landed fittingly on a cup of coffee. Nguyen, with his freshly pressed pearl snap and jeans, met Allie, in her sweat shorts and brother's t-shirt, at Friedrich's Coffee. When they realized the shop was closed for Memorial Day, they settled on Nespresso coffee at Nguyen's down the road. Their first date was filled with caffeine-fueled discussions of everything from politics to life goals, and was only abrupted by Nguyen leaving town that day for a cross-country road trip with Luke. Due to the road trip and a subsequent medical conference, they would not see each other in-person for three weeks until Allie picked Nguyen up from the Osceola train station. That time was filled with late night FaceTime calls, often lasting through daybreak. Once reunited, their summer together was a whirlwind. A week of Nguyen moving Allie followed the medical conference, with then a prompt visit to Allie's hometown of Overland Park, KS. Directly thereafter, they made their way up to Nguyen's hometown of South Maplewood, MN, then to the Scotts, Nguyen's second family, in Siren, WI. Shortly after returning to Des Moines, they again made their way down to Kansas for an operation Allie was having. Just a few weeks later, school started back up.

Chapter Three

Facing many monumental life changes together, Allie and Nguyen fostered their relationship with the utmost intentionality and centered around Christ. Throughout the school year they grew together, supporting one another and learning from each other. Though most days were spent simply studying in the same vicinity, Allie and Nguyen never grew tired of each other. It was enough to just be together. As the end of the Allie's program neared and the prospects of Nguyen's clinical rotation placement loomed, the question was posed of whether each of them wanted to wait two and a half more years to be married. What began as bashful conversation turned into wishful thinking and eventually ended up as the reason you're reading this story today... and the best is yet to come.

Chapter Four

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

When should i rsvp?

We kindly ask that you RSVP by June 20, 2025to afford us time to make final arrangements for the reception. RSVP by using the link on the "Home" tab or using the "RSVP" tab.

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors?

Both the wedding ceremony and reception will be indoors, with an outdoor patio for hors d'oeuvres .

What should i wear?

Cocktail attire is encouraged and the bridal party will be wearing dark blue.

are children allowed?

Children are more than welcome to attend, but we kindly ask that you make note on your RSVP.

can i fly to west des moines?

Yes! West Des Moines is located just 15 minutes from Des Moines International Airport (DSM). There are plenty of car rental and rideshare options in the area.

Where should i stay?

The church and venue are both located in West Des Moines, IA. There are several hotels near the venue that offer shuttle services to and from the reception! Please see the "Travel" tab for suggestions.

how is parking?

Both the church and venue offer ample parking, and several hotels near the venue offer shuttle services to and from the reception!

why the break?

The break between mass and the reception affords time for the wedding party and their families to have photography done at the church and various other locations. Please see the "Things to Do" tab for suggestions!

What's for dinner?

Each guest has the option between pork, steak, and salmon. Children under 12 will be served kid's meals.&nbsp; Please specify your choice on the RSVP and note any special considerations.

Who can i contact with questions/concerns?

There is an option within the RSVP to write a note to the couple, but with more urgent inquiries please reach out to: Allie Petracek913-952-8556orNguyên Phan612-799-4479

Q & A

Location 

West Des Moines (WDSM) is located just outside of Iowa's capital city of Des Moines,and is about 15 minutes from Des Moines Internation Airport (DSM). Allie &amp; Nguyen met here when they moved to attend Des Moines University. Des Moines is just up and down Interstate 35 from each hometown byabout three hours from Kansas Cityand four hours from the Twin Cities. Below are some accommodations with which we've gotten block pricing.They also offer complementary shuttles to and from the reception venue!

Accommodations 

Check-In: Thursday, July, 24, 2025 | Check-Out Sunday, July, 27, 2025 <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1747146658528&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reservation-Link</a> Please book using the above link by June 24, 2025!

Element West Des Moines

Check-In: Thursday, July, 24, 2025 | Check-Out Sunday, July, 27, 2025 <a href="https://group.tapestrycollection.com/3mtpv2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reservation-Link</a> Please book using the above link by June 24, 2025!

The Rewind West Des Moines, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Check-In: Thursday, July, 24, 2025 | Check-Out Sunday, July, 27, 2025 <a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1747422351449&amp;key=GRP&amp;guestreslink2=true&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reservation-Link</a> Please book using the above link by June 25, 2025!

West Des Moines Marriott

Travel

There are a wide variety of activities in the Des Moines area, from outdoor exploration to downtown experiences. Here are a few we think you may like!

Food & Drinks

Fun brewery with an assortment of beer and food!(10 minutes from venue)

Barn Town Brewing

Allie &amp; Nguyen's favorite sweet treat in WDSM! Donut shop serving a huge variety of fun donut flavors.(4 minutes from venue)

Hurts Donut Co.

Allie &amp; Nguyen's go-to Mexican food in WDSM! Great food and margaritas.(3 minutes from venue)

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

Sports-themed complex with bar and various games including pickleball, yard games, and arcade machines.Fun place for bar food, drinks, and fun!(2 minutes from venue)

Smash Park Des Moines

Sites & Entertaiment

General AdmissionChildren (1 year and under) - FreeChildren (2 – 12 years) - $15.00Adults (13 – 64 years) - $20.00Senior Citizens (65+ years) - $19.00 Open until 4 PM (17 minutes from venue)

Blank Park Zoo

General AdmissionChildren (2 years and under) - FreeChildren (2 – 12 years) - $16.95Adults (13 + years) -$19.95 Open until 8 PM (4 minutes from venue)

Blue Zoo Aquarium Des Moines

General Admission:Children (1 year and under) - FreeChildren (2-12 years) - $9.00Adults (13-64 years) - $12.00Senior Citizens (65+ years)- $11.00 Open until 5 PM (17 minutes from venue)

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Gorgeous building and grounds at Iowa's State Capitol!One of Allie's favorites buildings in Iowa. Open until 5 PM (16 minutes from venue)

Iowa State Capitol

Town center in WDSM with a great variety of shopping, dining, and activities! Complete with a large pond with a walking path, it includes the Jordan Creek Mall, that has a movie theater, food court, and stores.(4 minutes from venue)

Jordan Creek Town Center

500-acre Iowa farming history site complete with 1875 village exhibit. General AdmissionChildren (1 year and under) - FreeChildren (2 – 12 years) - $15.00Adults (13 – 59 years) - $20.00Senior Citizens (60+ years) - $19.00 Open until 4 PM(10 minutes from venue)

Living History Farms

Beautiful lake and outdoor natural area near WDSM!(11 minutes from venue)

Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area

City Park with riverwalk and bridge in downtown Des Moines!(16 minutes from venue)

Rotary Riverwalk Park

State Park with beautiful, wooded walking trails!(13 minutes from venue)

Allie & Nguyên

Allie & Nguyên

Photos