Big Grove Brewery & Taproom

Rehearsal Dinner

VOWS DSM

Wedding Day

Ceremony

WALK WITH US

RECEPTION

THE PARTY CONTINUES

After Party

Morning After Bruch

Our Wedding

Nolan and Emma first met online in the Fall of 2020. After testing the waters for a few weeks they decided it would be worth it to meet up for a real first date. Since Nolan was working 12hr shifts for CJ Bio, she drove to Evanston after class on a Friday night. When Emma pulled into his driveway she saw Nolan skipping up to her truck with a smile and a hug to greet her. They ate dinner never finding a lull in their conversation, and realized they had so much in common! From the time of their meeting in 2020 up until August 2023, they have developed their relationship while living at least an hour away from each other. Now while living together in Ames, Emma is nearly through a masters program for architecture at Iowa State and is set to graduate May 2025. Nolan is working for GTS North America, traveling throughout the Midwest to dealerships and farm shows.

Nolan & Emma Origin Story

Our Story

The last few years...

Photos

Hannah and Emma met their first year at UNI in 2017. They became fast friends, worked together painting houses for a few summers, majored in Interior Design together, and even lived under the same roof their final year at UNI. Hannah lives in Altoona and works for FEH Design in Des Moines. Her and Emma have regular date nights cooking together. 
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Hannah's birthday also happens to be the day of the wedding, so make sure you wish her well!

Hannah Brunko

Levi is Emma's older brother. He is an artist who specializes in conceptual and installation art. A chameleon in his own right, Levi has traveled all over, pulling inspiration from different cultures for his pieces. He lived in Florence for a couple years and was the perfect guide to show Emma a bit of the city while she was visiting during her semester abroad in Rennes, France. Levi currently resides in  London with his wife Miranda, and is almost done with his masters program at the Royal College of Art. 

Levi De Jong

Matt is Nolan's older brother. A talented tinkerer and father of (soon-to-be) three. He works at CAT Ziegler in Fort Dodge, and has been slowly fixing up and adding special moments to the family farm with his wife, Libby. He is an avid outdoorsman, and his collection of Native artifacts and historical knowledge is one to behold. Matt is often found working on machinery in the shed, milling trees to be transformed into furniture pieces in the wood shop, adding bricks to his monolith behind the shop, hunting for arrowheads, and so much more. 

Matt Mitchell

Tyson and Nolan became friends in High School.  They were involved in a lot of activities together throughout that time, hanging out a lot on the weekends. He graduated from NIACC in Mason City and works as a physical therapist assistant at Unity Point Outpatient Rehabilitation. He and his wife, Whitney, throw the BEST parties. Tyson has a big interest in everything on wheels, and could probably kick your butt in pool. He also has a small herd of miniature ponies and goats!

Tyson Comstock

Doug and Jamie first met while selling books door-to-door for Southwestern Publishing Co. while attending Moorhead State in Moorhead, MN. After a few losses in racquetball matches, Doug owed Jamie enough drinks to take her out on their first date. Doug says he threw the games. Jamie says she had better skills. When Doug graduated, he moved to Arkansas for work while Jamie stayed in Fargo/Moorhead to continue her last few semesters. They missed each other so much that he proposed to her over the phone. They got married on Good Friday April 9, 1993 at First Reformed Church in Doug's hometown of Orange City, IA. They used the Easter Lilies for the wedding flowers. They then lived in Little Rock, AR and Dallas, TX for a bit before moving back to Orange City after having children. Doug sells industrial paint to manufacturers across the Midwest. Jamie is a certified holistic nutritionist and coaches tennis at NWC. They love gardening, motorcycle rides, playing golf, biking, and traveling just about anywhere.

Meet the De Jongs

David and Sharon first met on March 29, 1984 at the Runway Disco in Fort Dodge through a mutual friend. They had a great time dancing and talking that night, and as David walked Sharon out to her car he asked for her phone number! A few days later, Sharon got a call from David to set up their first date. David picked her up from Bible Study at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for dinner and a movie on Thursday April 3rd. When they first got engaged, they thought they'd do a June wedding when school was out, but they thought 'why wait?' and got married over Christmas break on Saturday December 15, 1984. Surprisingly, they did not have a White Wedding (Billy Idol reference intended), but they did have some intense fog! Sharon carried the same Bible that her mother had held for her wedding. On top, she placed a lovely orchid with red rose buds hanging at the end of ribbon streamers. The Church was beautifully decorated for the Christmas holiday. When asked about what they enjoy doing together, they replied "everything!" They love spending time with their 6 adult kids and 9 grandkids, visiting friends and other relatives, traveling, and doing the farm work!

Meet the Mitchells

Wedding Party

Sunday, June 2nd 2:30pm Libby Mitchell's Home2723 255th St.Duncombe, IA 50532

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Emma is hosting a Pampered Chef Party throughout the months of May and June. Access the party link and registry below!<a href="https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/emmadejong" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/emmadejong</a>

Bridal Shower

If you're in town, join us! All guests and their children are welcome. We'll meet you on the covered patio!

5:00-5:30 | Doors open, guests arrive &amp; mingle

6:00-6:30 | Room flip &amp; riverside rendezvous for guest portraits &amp; photos with the newlyweds

6:30-7:00 | Drinks &amp; small bites

9:30 | The party continues with bar hopping in the East Village!

Events of the Day

Registry

Below are just a few of the many hotel options in the Downtown Des Moines area. The Couple of the Hour is staying at the Embassy Suites by Hilton where a Block is reserved through Siouxland travel. Call (712)-737-3777 and mention the DeJong Wedding Block; you'll receive a discount on your room at the Embassy Suites.

Enjoy a satisfying meal at The Republic on Grand serving guests of AC Hotel Des Moines East Village. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 6 AM to 10 AM for a fee.

AC Hotel Des Moines East Village

A complimentary full breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown

Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown, an IHG Hotel

Complimentary buffet style breakfast served daily.

Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

A complimentary continental breakfast is served on weekdays from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and on weekends from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Hyatt Place Des Moines / Downtown

In Des Moines (Downtown Des Moines)Make yourself at home in one of the 330 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and MP3 docking stations. Your room comes with a pillowtop bed. 50-inch flat-screen televisions with premium TV channels provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries.Located in Des M

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Downtown Des Moines has metered parking along most streets that you may pay for in the ParkDSM app or at a physical Kiosk that is typically within range of your spot - you must use the 6-digit number displayed on your parking stall market to pay. There are also a number of free parking areas. To name one area, the Walnut St Bridge and Grand Ave Bridge has 24/7 free parking, with the restriction that vehicles must move every 24 hours. Refer to the website for additional information.

Parking

Travel

Downtown Des Moines (Court Ave &amp; joining streets) shuts down from 7-12 every Saturday morning from May-October for this Market. Come ready to find a tasty breakfast (savory or sweet) plus a coffee/tea, and you'll be set to explore some of the best that Iowa has to offer! Voted the #2 Farmers' Market in America, you'll definitely find something to your liking down here before the wedding!

Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market

The riverwalk trail with miles and miles of paths along the Des Moines River is just down the road from our venue.

Walking/Biking Trails

The East Village is home to many unique shops. Some of Emma's favorites:Gong Fu Tea ShopAllSpice CulinariumPetals &amp; MossMARNeWest ElmFleet Feet

Emma + Nolan

Emma + Nolan

Bridal Shower

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