Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

CEREMONY Time: 1:30 PMLocation: St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church1102 NW Weigel Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023 RECEPTION Location: FFA Enrichment Center1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023Cocktail Hour: 4 PM Dinner &amp; dancing to follow!

Ceremony + Reception Details

Located in Ankeny, 8.6 miles from Iowa Events Center, Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny has accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a business center, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a dishwasher, a stovetop, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. All rooms feature a closet. Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny offers a buffet or American breakfast. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodations with an indoor pool and terrace. Hy-Vee Hall is 8.7 miles from Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny, while Wells Fargo Arena is 8.7 miles from the property. Des Moines International Airport is 14 miles away.

Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Ankeny

Travel

Welcome to the District at Prairie Trail – Ankeny, IA This isn’t just where we’re getting married — it’s where we call home. After moving here in 2020/2021, it didn’t take long to realize this was a place we wanted to plant roots. Since we’re both big food people, we couldn’t not share a few of our favorite spots. Whether you’re grabbing a great meal, a quick bite, a drink, or something to do, everything below is located within the District where we’re getting married — walkable from the venue and both hotels we have room blocks at. Dining (our go-to picks) 30 HopModern American fare with an elevated pub feel. Great burgers, solid entrées, and a craft beer list that always delivers. Flavory BistroMediterranean-inspired cuisine with bold, fresh flavors. Thoughtful dishes, great ingredients, and one of our favorite spots when we want something a little different. District 36 Wine Bar &amp; GrillWine-forward and polished, right in the heart of the District. Ideal for small plates, dinner, or a relaxed glass of wine. WasabiOur go-to for sushi and Japanese cuisine — consistently fresh and always a solid choice. Magee's Irish Pub &amp; EateryAn awesome experience all around. Classic Irish pub vibes, comfort food done right, and a great selection of foreign beers and liquor — all in a fun atmosphere that’s hard not to love. Jethro’s BBQAn Iowa barbecue staple. Big portions, bold flavors, and a great option if you’re craving something hearty and unapologetically Midwest. Grimaldi’s PizzeriaCoal-fired, New York–style pizza done right. Crispy crust, quality ingredients, and an easy crowd-pleaser. Hidalgo’s Mexican RestaurantClassic Mexican favorites, strong margaritas, and a reliable choice when you’re in the mood for something fun, casual, and satisfying. The Breakfast ClubA must for breakfast lovers — big portions, classic favorites, and the perfect way to start the day. Bars &amp; DrinksIf you’re looking for a place to grab a drink before the ceremony, between events, or to keep the night going, these are our go-to spots — all right in the District. WineStyles Tasting StationA great stop for wine lovers. Thoughtfully curated wines, tasting flights, and a relaxed atmosphere — perfect if you’re looking for a quieter glass of wine. Whiskey RiverThis one’s personal. It’s where we ended our first date over a cold Coors Light. It definitely leans more college bar than cocktail lounge — but that’s part of the fun. Casual, lively, and a great spot for an easy pre-reception or late-night drink. Coffee Smokey Row CoffeeGreat coffee, pastries, and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for a slow morning, a quick pick-me-up, or catching up with friends. Entertainment &amp; Things to Do B&amp;B Theatres Ankeny 12 &amp; B&amp;B BowlingDinner, drinks, movies, and bowling all in one spot. A great option for an easy night out without having to leave the District. Net ParA super nice indoor golf spot using TrackMan technology. An accurate, high-end simulator setup that’s great whether you’re dialing in your swing or just enjoying a round — especially for those who take their golf seriously. The Operating RoomA lively bar-meets-arcade with games, drinks, and plenty of energy. Casual, fun, and an easy place to hang out. Fitness &amp; Wellness Legacy FitnessA full-service gym located right in the District. Clean, well-equipped, and perfect for keeping your routine while you’re in town. Pure BarreLow-impact, high-intensity classes focused on strength and flexibility. A great option if you prefer a structured workout. SpaviaA full-service spa offering massages, facials, and relaxation treatments — perfect if you’re looking to unwind and reset during the weekend. If You Have Extra TimeIf you’re looking to get outside, Big Creek State Park is about 20 minutes away and is one of our favorite spots. It’s great for fishing, walking trails, and spending time in nature — especially if you want a break from the bustle. One Last ThingEverything listed above is located within the District at Prairie Trail and is walkable from the wedding venue and both hotels we have room blocks at. The District is easy to navigate and a great place to walk around, shop, and explore. If you want to see even more — shopping, events, or what else is happening — visit the District’s website:<a href="https://thedistrictpt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thedistrictpt.com/</a> Outside of the District, Ankeny has just about anything you’d need. And Des Moines is only about 15–20 minutes away, with great restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and things to do.

Things to Do

Q + A

Mostly we have God &amp; Evan Doud to thank. In the fall of 2020, we were reintroduced to each other at a night time outing in Downtown Des Moines! We wouldn't call our story a love at first sight situation, but maybe more of a love at first fish. Our first date took place at the DMACC pond in Ankeny on September 29th 2020. Very few fish were caught, but it gave us a chance to get to know each other! This is now full circle for us because this pond is on the same piece of land as our reception venue! This first date really set the tone for our relationship. We both value spending time with family, being outside in nature, hunting, fishing, gardening, and ultimately really enjoyed doing all of those things together!

The rest is pretty much history! Over the past 6 years together we have built businesses that we both still own today, and we've put roots down in Ankeny! We can both say it's an area we plan to be for a really long time! We have always been dreamers together, &amp; its so fun to cheer each other on while we are establishing ourselves in this phase of life!

One of our all time favorite places to spend time outside of work, is Big Creek State Park! We spend a lot of time kayak fishing and morel hunting there! All of the engagement photos you see on our wedding website were taken there this past fall and it has been a staple in our relationship to pop out there for a quick recharge in nature! Speaking of nature and engagement, we got engaged on March 1st of 2025 in St.George Island National Park! That day we took a two mile walk out to the very tip of the island, and it looked like a scene from Cast Away! Definitely a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we've started a yearly tradition of visiting in February, hopefully for many years to come!

This is such an exciting time and we can't wait to start our married life! We can't stress enough how fortunate we are to have the family &amp; friends that we do, and feel blessed to be able to share this day of celebration with you!

Kyle & Caroline

Kyle & Caroline

Q + A

What time should I arrive?

Where is the ceremony and reception?

Is the ceremony indoors or outdoors?

What is the dress code?

Is there parking available?

Are the ceremony and reception venues walkable from the hotels?

Have you reserved hotel room blocks?

When is the RSVP deadline?

What should I do if I miss the RSVP deadline?

Will the wedding be unplugged?

Can I bring a plus-one?

Will transportation be provided?

Is there a bar?

What kind of food will be served?

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Is there a rehearsal dinner guests are invited to?

Are there after-party plans?

Where can I explore in the area?

Is there a registry?

Can I take photos during the ceremony?

What airport should I fly into?

Is ride share available in the area?

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?