Wedding Day

Ceremony

The Loft DSM

Reception

Our Wedding

Alyson and Kyle met the modern way: by swiping right on a dating app in early summer 2021 (this is a success story if you couldn’t tell). Kyle was driving back home 2 hours away after a job interview. The stars really aligned as their locations would normally be too far of a distance from one another for either of them to appear as “someone near me”. Alyson and Kyle opened up their dating apps and there they were. Together, but apart, they swiped right and…it’s a match! Kyle messaged Alyson, “Didn’t think I’d meet my curly haired wife on here.” Little did he know…he really did. Alyson lived in Johnston, IA at the time while Kyle continued to live two hours away in Manchester, IA with his mom (Patty) and stepdad (Jeff). The distance was hard, but they knew something special was unfolding that they couldn’t let the distance get in the way of. Eventually, Kyle moved closer as he accepted a teaching position in Oskaloosa, IA fall of 2021. This made things a little easier as they traveled to one town or the other over the weekends to spend time together. Over time as the pair grew inseparable, it was time to make a decision if they wanted to make the leap of signing one lease. At the end of the school year, Kyle made the move to Johnston to live with Alyson and her two cats, Dilbert and Steve, until her current lease ended. Two people and two cats in a one bedroom (one closet, one bathroom!) apartment…wow, so much space! (Please sense the sarcasm.) In the fall of 2022, they made the move to their current home in Urbandale, IA. A few of Alyson and Kyle’s favorite memories from over the years: Going on a cruise to the Bahamas, visiting Disney World and Universal Studios, farmers market trips, boat rides with family and (almost!) weekly trips to the movie theater. Alyson and Kyle’s proposal was a special occasion as it ended up being shared with close friends and family. Kyle treated Alyson to their two year anniversary dinner at Cooper’s Hawk. After dinner, Kyle proceeded to give Alyson a “movie ticket” to “our movie”. Alyson was then blindfolded and brought to her mom and dad’s house (Sue and Steve). Kyle lifted the blindfold to unveil a lighted pathway to her parent’s back deck where a screen was playing a slideshow of pictures together. With candles and lights lighting up the nighttime sky, Kyle expressed his love and got down on one knee. As Kyle placed the ring on Alyson’s finger and the two embraced, Alyson’s family and best friend came out from hiding to join in on the celebration. It was the best experience! From 2021 until forever, Alyson and Kyle will continue to swipe right for one another. We’re so excited for you to join us as we say “I do” to this next chapter of our lives in October 2025. See you soon!

Swipe to Forever!

Our Story

Photos

Kyle VanMeter

Alyson Downing 

Brett Gilley 

Haley Roberts

Chris Downing

Alexis VanMeter

Jeff Mayer

Kendall McKinney 

Drew VanMeter

Emily Miller

Devon VanMeter

Kim Anderson

Wedding Party

FAQs

Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

Fairfield Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG

9.9 miles from venueClose to bride and groomClose to bride's family

Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale

10 miles from venueClose to bride and groomClose to bride's family

Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines/Urbandale

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Alyson & Kyle

Alyson & Kyle

Registry