Jester Park Amphitheater

Ceremony

Jester Park Oak Savannah Shelter

Cocktail Hour

Dinner & Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

Keeping It Simple

Instead of a traditional wedding party, we've chosen to keep things simple and focus on spending quality time with each of our cherished guests. We anticipate a day full of connection, laughter, and making memories together. Keep an eye out for more details as the day gets closer. We can't wait to celebrate our wedding day with you!

Party

Keeping it Simple

Instead of a traditional wedding party, we've chosen to keep things simple and focus on spending quality time with each of our cherished guests. We anticipate a day full of connection, laughter, and making memories together.

Mike is a dedicated cat dad and man of many hobbies - his free time is often spent golfing, fishing, grilling out, watching a good movie, or just relaxing with family and friends. He works at Crystal Clear in Des Moines, delivering water all around the metro.

Mike West

Rachel enjoys reading (or listening to) a good book, collecting houseplants, playing volleyball, trying new recipes, and sharing baked goods with family and friends.

She is an Interior Designer at ASK Studio in Des Moines, working on many different project types.

Rachel Hoffman

Making it Official

We met the modern way - on Tinder - back in February of 2017. Rachel was halfway through her first year at Iowa State, and Mike was working as a welder in Des Moines. Neither of us knew what to expect, but something about that first connection just clicked. One date turned into many, and before we knew it, we were building a life together. Over the years, our relationship has grown in the most natural, easygoing way. After a year of dating, we moved in together and later adopted our first cat, Phoebe. Rachel graduated college and entered the workforce as we weathered the pandemic. We found pleasure in life's little moments while we worked, saved, and eventually bought a house together. Once we settled in, Mike decided to make a career change, and we both set our sights on new personal and professional goals. We've learned that we are opposites in many ways, but where it counts most, we’re exactly the same. Our values have always aligned, and our dreams continue to evolve as we create our future together. We were never in a rush to get married. We’ve always known we were in it for the long haul, and that certainty felt like enough. But on Christmas morning 2024, Mike completely surprised Rachel with the most perfect proposal. We chose a long engagement for stress-free wedding planning, and couldn't be happier. In the meantime, we also decided to get Phoebe a friend - Bonnie joined us last fall. She fits right in with our cozy little family. After nine years (and counting), we’re still each other’s favorite person. Now, we’re just excited to make it official, to celebrate with our loved ones, and to keep writing the next chapters of our story.

Phoebe

Bonnie

Details

Photography by <a href="https://www.forestfilm.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Forest Film</a>

Photos

Jester Park offers cabin rentals and contains multiple campgrounds with both RV and tent sites. Campgrounds #1 and #2 are closest to our venue. Additional details and park maps can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/parks-trails/jester-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">polkcountyia.gov</a>. Most camping sites must be reserved in advance. We recommend making your reservations early!

Jester Park Campground

To take advantage of our wedding promotion, book your room using the dates and code above. All available hotel rooms are included. Rooms are first-come-first-serve. The Qube Hotel is about a 13 minute drive from Jester Park. Please plan accordingly and drink responsibly!

Qube Hotel

Things to Do

Jester Park

Bison &amp; Elk Herds • Jester Park Nature Center • Boating Fishing • Canoeing • Kayaking • Hiking Outdoor Recreation &amp; Wellness Center(<a href="https://www.jesterparknaturecenter.com/outdoor-recreation-wellness-center/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit website</a>)Bouldering WallIndoor Archery &amp; Air RiflePaddling RentalsFishing Pole Rental &amp; Bait Jester Park Golf Course(<a href="https://jesterparkgolf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit website</a>)18-hole Championship Course9-hole Par 3 Course18-hole Mini-golf Course Jester Park Equestrian Center(<a href="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/jester-park-equestrian-center/services/guided-trail-rides/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit website</a>)Guided Trail Rides

Polk City

High Trestle Trail access nearby Big Creek State Park for disc golfing Papa's Pizzeria for food Fender's Brewing for drinks The Creamery for ice cream Little Lion Eclectics for thrifting

Accomodations

Bison &amp; Elk Herds Jester Park Nature Center Outdoor Recreation &amp; Wellness Center(<a href="https://www.jesterparknaturecenter.com/outdoor-recreation-wellness-center/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit website</a>)Bouldering WallIndoor Archery &amp; Air RiflePaddling RentalsFishing Pole Rental &amp; Bait Jester Park Golf Course(<a href="https://jesterparkgolf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit website</a>)18-hole championship course9-hole par 3 course18-hole mini-golf course Jester Park Equestrian Center(<a href="https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/jester-park-equestrian-center/services/guided-trail-rides/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit website</a>)Guided Trail Rides Boating &amp; Fishing Canoeing &amp; Kayaking Hiking

High Trestle Trail access nearby Big Creek State Park for disc golfing Papa's Pizzeria for food Fender's Brewing for drinks The Creamery for ice cream Little Lion Eclectics for thrifting

Mike & Rachel

Mike & Rachel

Registry

We can't thank you enough for your generosity, and for celebrating this special milestone with us. We are so grateful!