St Pius X Catholic Church

Wedding Ceremony

Reception

Iowa Events Center

Welcome! We are so excited about our upcoming wedding day and can’t wait to celebrate this special moment with our family and friends! Feel free to explore our website to learn more about the wedding details—we can’t wait to share this unforgettable day with you! Please pray for us!

Our Wedding

In October of 2023, in the small town of Breda, Iowa, Nicholas’s aunt Ione and Rachel’s grandmother Arlene were catching up over coffee when they made an exciting realization—Arlene’s granddaughter and Ione’s nephew were both single and living in Des Moines. Seeing a perfect opportunity, Ione called Nicholas to see if he’d be interested in meeting Rachel. A short time later, Nicholas picked up the phone and called Rachel. They arranged to meet at Smokey Row Coffeehouse in October 2023, and from the moment they sat down, it was clear there was something special between them. Over the next year, they shared countless adventures—exploring libraries, visiting churches, and introducing each other to family and friends. Then, on December 31st, 2024, Nicholas got down on one knee at the Charles Gabus Tree Park in Urbandale and asked Rachel to marry him. She said yes, and they can’t wait to prepare for marriage and witness their love with all of you on August 9th! Please pray for Rachel and Nicholas as they prepare for the sacrament of marriage.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Directions to the Casey Center / Iowa Event Center (approx. 10 miles, 15–20 minutes) Casey's Event Center / Iowa Event Center833 5th Ave.Des Moines, IA 50309 1.&nbsp;) Head east on 66th St toward Merle Hay Rd.2.) Turn right onto Merle Hay Rd / US‑6 and continue for about 1 mile.3.) Use the ramp to merge onto I‑80/I‑235 East toward Des Moines.4.) Continue on I‑235 East (~5 miles) toward downtown.5.) Take exit 8A for 3rd Street / Center St toward downtown.6.) Take a right and drive south on 5th Avenue.7.) Guests may use the parking lot located at the corner of Crocker and 5th Avenue. Guests may come in the North Doors of the West Lobby. The doors will be labeled as "N1."

Q + A

Hilton Des Moines Downtown

Please book your hotel by July 12th to receive the room block rate for the Nurse/Janning wedding.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown

We have reserved blocks of rooms at the hotels listed above, but there are many other great hotels in downtown Des Moines that are in close proximity to our reception at the Iowa Events Center.

Most major airlines service the Des Moines International Airport.

Des Moines International Airport

Travel

The Farmers Market runs from 7 AM to 12:00 PM noon on Saturday.

Farmers Market

Iowa State Fair

Living History Farms

This is where the couple first met! Go grab some coffee and walk in their footsteps. Send us a photo of you there if you make it!

Smokey Row Coffee

Perfect for kids and adults! We recommend booking tickets online before your arrival at the Science Center.

Rachel & Nicholas

Rachel & Nicholas

Photos